Summary: The Second Industrial Revolution

The second industrial revolution, which occurred during the early 1900s came mostly as a result of the Republican Party’s interest in expanding America’s economy. At this time corporations became ubiquitous, subsequently amplifying the societal impact of industry. As a result Industrialization grew exponentially in the Western and northern parts of the United States, and became one of the main drivers of the economy. For example, shortly during the industrial revolution, Chicago became the largest meat distributor in the United States, producing eighty percent of all American-bought meat, which not only boosted the economy and increased work force, but increased the city’s population tenfold within a decade.
Also one of the most important drivers of American economic expansion was the dominating presence of Robber barons. Such men as Andrew Carnegie, John D. Rockefeller and J. P. Morgan were able to monopolize large industries which consisted of a relatively small amount of members, which resulted in the unequal distribution of wealth between those of lower and higher economic classes. Americans generally had differing opinions on this current method. While some viewed it as unethical, others, namely those of the
Among those mistreated were those of Irish, Eastern European, and East Asian descent. Those who entered the U.S. before the 1880s were considered old immigrants and those who entered after this time were considered new immigrants. Both groups, however, faced discrimination. These people, most of whom were of the lower class lived in relatively poor conditions. These conditions catalyzed the prevalence of entertainment venues such as comedy clubs and taverns around low-income neighborhoods, as many sought relief and escape from their oppressive, daily existence. Additionally, many new immigrants could not afford proper education, which resulted in a national literacy