The Impact of the American Industrial Revolution
The Impact of the American Industrial Revolution
Graeme H. Nelson 3/12/13 Pd. 7- Axe CHS Amer. Hist. II
The Industrial Revolution, although not perceived as a single event, but rather a string of events, inventions, progressions, and improvements to society, ushered in an era of unprecedented growth. The turn of the century brought with it rapid progress never before seen in American history. The Industrial Revolution itself caused the turning of a new page for Americans, after the horrors of the Civil War and Reconstruction ravaged much of the country. The effects of the Ind. Revolution reverberated into every aspect of American life, and had profound effects on the growing politics of the maturing nation, the economic infrastructure, and the social events of the time. The rapid industrialization and growth of cities and labor forces in United States due to the Industrial Revolution caused a great transformation in the politics of the time. Cities were growing at such fast rates that governments did not have the capacity to solve all the problems required of them at the time. Homes were simple shanty-houses, with poor insulation and structure; waste was not pumped to sewage, but rather thrown in the street; children were allowed to play outside in the streets, next to dead horse carcasses.[1] Politics of cities and urban areas were often run by corrupt politicians, or political machines, which were influenced by large businesses, corporations, or single parties. Social groups were also in turmoil, causing outbreaks of violence and destruction. The dissatisfaction with the economic conditions in factories also caused a number of riots and strikes, which needed to be dealt with. Thus, problems were amassing, and the government needed ways in which to deal with them.[2] As an answer to this plea for help, a new political ideology known as “progressivism” was born, and grew
Graeme H. Nelson 3/12/13 Pd. 7- Axe CHS Amer. Hist. II
The Industrial Revolution, although not perceived as a single event, but rather a string of events, inventions, progressions, and improvements to society, ushered in an era of unprecedented growth. The turn of the century brought with it rapid progress never before seen in American history. The Industrial Revolution itself caused the turning of a new page for Americans, after the horrors of the Civil War and Reconstruction ravaged much of the country. The effects of the Ind. Revolution reverberated into every aspect of American life, and had profound effects on the growing politics of the maturing nation, the economic infrastructure, and the social events of the time. The rapid industrialization and growth of cities and labor forces in United States due to the Industrial Revolution caused a great transformation in the politics of the time. Cities were growing at such fast rates that governments did not have the capacity to solve all the problems required of them at the time. Homes were simple shanty-houses, with poor insulation and structure; waste was not pumped to sewage, but rather thrown in the street; children were allowed to play outside in the streets, next to dead horse carcasses.[1] Politics of cities and urban areas were often run by corrupt politicians, or political machines, which were influenced by large businesses, corporations, or single parties. Social groups were also in turmoil, causing outbreaks of violence and destruction. The dissatisfaction with the economic conditions in factories also caused a number of riots and strikes, which needed to be dealt with. Thus, problems were amassing, and the government needed ways in which to deal with them.[2] As an answer to this plea for help, a new political ideology known as “progressivism” was born, and grew
Bibliography: Bellis, Mary. "Henry Ford." About.com. Accessed March 12, 2013. http://inventors.about.com/od/fstartinventors/a/HenryFord.htm. [1] Archibald R. Watson, ed., The City of New York Law Department Report(New York City, NY: Lecouver Printing Company, 1910)], accessed March 12, 2013. [2] Alan Brinkley, The Unfinished Nation: A Concise History of the American People, 6th ed. (New York: McGraw-Hill, 2010) 2 Alan Brinkley, The Unfinished Nation: A Concise History of the American People, 6th ed [3] Mary Bellis, "Henry Ford," About.com, accessed March 12, 2013, http://inventors.about.com/od/fstartinventors/a/HenryFord.htm. [5]Pamela E. Mack, "Social Impacts of the Industrial Revolution," Clemson.edu, last modified September 3, 2012, accessed March 12, 2013, http://www.clemson.edu/caah/history/FacultyPages/PamMack/lec122sts/hobsbawm4.html