Eric Foner: The Industrial Revolution

The Industrial Revolution was a time of profound change in the United States. This time would be one of the most exciting ones for the United States. Eric Foner says, “The country enjoys abundant natural resources, a growing supply of labor, an expanding market for manufactured goods, and the availability of capital for investment,” (2016). The United States was becoming a force to be reckoned with; however, the Industrial Revolution only sped up this process. As Foner explained, the United States was profiting in many ways. Careers centered on farming and agriculture were in decline as people fled to larger cities and worked in factories. Individuals are ready for change both monetarily and for their families’ sake. Foner later went on to explain that “The rapid expansion of factory production, mining, and railroad construction in all parts of the country except the South signaled the transition from Lincoln’s America—a world centered on the small farm and artisan workshop—to a mature industrial society,” (2016). New inventions began to develop during the Industrial Revolution. Inventors such as Thomas
Topics regarding class were debated during this time. Foner says that “Talk of ‘better classes,’ ‘respectable classes,’ and ‘dangerous classes’ dominated public discussion, and bitter labor strife seemed to have become the rule,” (2016). As highs come with their lows, so does the subject of class in the United States. A term known as “Social Darwinism” became popular at this time in America. According to the notion of Social Darwinism, “Evolution is as natural a process in human society as in nature, and government must not interfere,” (2016). Evolutionists believe in the term “survival of the fittest.” Therefore, classes should not be messed with, as the “fittest” class deserves to survive. It was thought that people’s classes were predetermined and should not be messed