Industrial Development In Chicago During The Late 19th Century

The growth and development of industries in major parts of the world was described by increased division of labor and mechanization. In spite of the immense advances which were realized as a result of industrial development in major parts of the world, the arrival of the use of machines in industries has been described to have triggered the emergence of various challenges which were witnessed during this period (Chicago as It Was). In Chicago, the industrial development which resulted in economic growth in the state during the late 19th century and early 20th century came with various challenges which had both direct and indirect impact on a majority of the population which lived in this state then (The Tiger and His Haunts). During this period,
Due to industrial development in Chicago between the late 19h and 20th centuries, there was an increased migration of laborers into the major cities; immigrants from Africa and other parts of the world also flooded many towns in Chicago in search of employment (Remembering Chicago). These immigrants brought with them their native cultures, some of which were inconsistent with the values of the natives resulting in cultural clashes, which sometimes turned bloody and resulted in arrests, destruction of property, and even at times, loss of lives. Chicago provided shelter to all kinds of immigrants with different perspectives regarding various societal values. The unregulated immigration into Chicago which was largely facilitated by the access to naval means of transport resulted in the emergence of the “break in bulk” culture in which laborers were transported through the sea like transit goods from across Europe, Africa, and other parts of the world in search for employment in the industries which were in great demand for unskilled labor (The Tiger and His
State and federal laws provided limited protection; numerous laws were used to prevent the organization of workers into unions which would voice their concerns to the authorities. Instead, the local, State and Federal authorities focused on protecting the interests of corporate industrialists at the expense of the workers (The Tiger and His Haunts). Unhealthy living and working conditions, increased population, and the lack of state support in times of major health and natural crises resulted in increased disease and mortality rates in major industrial towns in Chicago. In spite of the significant contributions, industrial development had on the transformation of Chicago, the challenges which resulted from various aspects of industrialization in Chicago resulted in different response approaches, by various groups, to the challenges which faced