How Did The Second Industrial Revolution Affect The Economy

The Second Industrial Revolution was a period of the United States’s rapid urbanization and territorial expansion (Engelman). It is generally recognized as occurring between 1870 and 1914 (Engelman). The political, social, and economic development of the United States was positively impacted because the Second Industrial Revolution transformed technology, expanded industries, and enhanced wealth. Major technological advancements were introduced in the United States. This included advancements in transportation, communication, and workplaces. Railroads, trains, automobiles, and bicycles made travel much easier and allowed traveling to longer distances (Engelman). The political cartoon Columbia’s Easter Bonnet illustrates Columbia, representing the United
New power sources of electricity in addition to newly developed resources like steel and petroleum, increased production to unbelievable levels in factories (Longley). These inventions developed the United States by making life easier for Americans. Industries flourished and expanded across the country. “The expansion of the steel industry led to a boom of construction, like railways and building structures” (Richmond Vale Academy). “The expansion of the oil industry led to the development of new processes for extracting and refining oil, which in turn made it possible to produce a wide range of new products such as gasoline, kerosene, and asphalt” (Richmond Vale Academy). Treatments, such as vaccines, helped reduce the frequency of deadly diseases, and allowed people to live longer and healthier lives (Richmond Vale Academy). The introduction of new fertilizers and pesticides also helped to boost crop yields, making the life of farmers easier (Richmond Vale Academy). The development of these industries provided new opportunities for the United States. Industrialization increased wealth for many