The Role Of The United States In The Late 19th Century

The United States was built on a rural agricultural economy up to the 19th century, which were made up of farmers, artisans and merchants. But overnight that changed from a nation of agriculture to the world’s leading nation of industrial power. Many contributions played a role in the rapid growth of the industries, technology, innovations and large corporations to name a few. But with the rapid growth and power came many problems that affected the nature of work, skilled workers and their families. Those affected came up with some solutions to fixate those problems. In the late 19th century many changes occurred catapulting the nation into the second industrial revolution creating both opportunities and problems I feel we still face today. During the years after the Civil War, technology started to play its role in the growth of the industry by bringing steam engines and
Thus making it easier on workers due to machines helping with the work load. Also freeing up the dependence of water power so factories did not have to be near the water. While transforming city life by streetlights, amusement parks and entertainment such as the movies. Many technologies were still being created “the United States was dependent on the Industrial nations of Europe for technological innovation.” (18.1.1) but not for long. The United States became a technology innovator issuing many patents during this time. One man making a name for himself was that of Thomas Edison when he revealed the light bulb. Although it was that of Elihu Thomson who was a high school chemistry teacher that produced the most efficient light bulb. He also purchased Edison’s General electric company and “established the country’s first corporate research and development division.”(18.1.1). This lead to many other American companies establishing research and development laboratories all of