Assignment 11: Industrialization After The Civil War 462456

Assignment 11 Industrialization After The Civil War Thesis And Outli

After the Civil War, the United States became a much more industrialized society. Between 1865 and 1920, industrialization improved American life in many ways. However, industrialization also created problems for American society. Consider events that took place after the Civil War and discuss ways that industrialization affected the U.S. between 1865 and 1920. For the first part of this assignment you will create a thesis statement.

A thesis statement is usually a single sentence somewhere in your first paragraph that presents your main idea to the reader. The body of the essay organizes the material you gather and present in support of your main idea. Keep in mind that a thesis is an interpretation of a question or subject, not the subject itself. (Note: Please consult the Purdue OWL Website with tips on how to construct a proper thesis; the website can be found at:)

For the next part of this assignment you will create an outline of the main points you want to address in this paper. This outline will serve as the basis for your Assignment 1.2 Final Draft. (Note: Please use the Purdue Owl Website to assist you with this assignment; this website can be accessed at:)

Part 1

1. Write a thesis statement that is one to two (1-2) sentences long in which you: State your thesis on how industrialization after the Civil War influenced U.S. society, economy, and politics. Justify your response.

Part 2

2. Write a one to two (1-2) page outline in which you:
   • Determine three (3) major aspects of industrialization between 1865 and 1920 that influenced U.S. society, economy, and politics. (Consider issues such as geography, entrepreneurship, legislative representation, etc.)
   • List five (5) specific groups that were affected by industrialization. Provide two (2) examples for each group describing how the group was affected. (Consider issues such as race, ethnicity, gender, child labor, etc.)
   • List five (5) ways that industrialization affected the life of the average working American during this period.

Use at least three (3) academic references besides or in addition to the textbook. Note: Wikipedia and other Websites do not qualify as academic resources. Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements: Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; citations and references must follow APA or school-specific format. Check with your professor for any additional instructions. Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the date.

The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required assignment page length. The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are: Identify and discuss the different ways that the Civil War, Reconstruction, and Industrialization after the Civil War have shaped America’s history. Summarize and discuss the ways that formal policies of government have influenced the direction of historical and social development in the United States. Recognize the major turning points in American history since the Civil War. Use technology and information resources to research issues in contemporary U.S. history. Write clearly and concisely about contemporary U.S. history using proper writing mechanics.

Paper For Above instruction

The rapid industrialization of the United States following the Civil War, spanning from 1865 to 1920, fundamentally transformed American society, economy, and politics. This period, often known as the Second Industrial Revolution, brought about unprecedented economic growth and technological innovation but also presented significant social and political challenges. The core thesis of this paper posits that industrialization during this era catalyzed significant societal shifts impacting various groups and institutions, shaping the modern American landscape.

Firstly, three major aspects of industrialization greatly influenced the socio-economic and political fabric of the United States. These include technological innovation and infrastructure development, the rise of corporate capitalism and entrepreneurs, and legislative changes that shaped labor laws and economic regulation. Technological advancements such as the expansion of the railroad network enabled national integration and facilitated the movement of goods and people, which was essential in creating a unified economic market (Brinkley, 2012). The emergence of large corporations and entrepreneurs, like Andrew Carnegie and John D. Rockefeller, transformed economic structures, leading to the growth of monopolies and trusts that wielded substantial political influence (Cherny, 2017). Concurrently, progressive legislation, including labor laws, antitrust acts, and immigration policies, redefined government intervention in economic and social issues, shaping the political landscape (McGerr, 2003).

Secondly, five specific groups were profoundly affected by industrialization. Immigrants from Southern and Eastern Europe sought job opportunities in burgeoning industrial centers, often facing exploitative working conditions. African Americans migrated during the Great Migration to northern cities, seeking factory jobs but encountering racial discrimination and segregation. Women entered the industrial workforce in significant numbers, challenging traditional gender roles and advocating for workers’ rights. Child laborers, many of whom worked in factories and mines, experienced hazardous working conditions, with minimal protections or wages. Additionally, industrialists and business elites gained tremendous wealth and political power, influencing policy in their favor.

Each of these groups experienced specific impacts: immigrants faced long hours and unsafe workplaces; African Americans encountered both economic opportunities and racial barriers; women challenged gender norms and fought for labor rights; child laborers endured dangerous conditions and exploitation; and industrialists accumulated vast fortunes, which reinforced economic disparities and political influence (Foner, 2019).

Third, the effects of industrialization on the average working American’s life were multifaceted. These included an increase in job opportunities in urban factories, which led to urbanization and changes in living conditions. The rise of labor unions and strikes signaled efforts to improve working conditions and wages. Technological innovations reduced the amount of time needed for certain tasks, although many workers still faced long hours and unsafe environments. The expansion of consumer goods made products more affordable and accessible, improving daily life for many Americans. However, economic disparities widened, and the lack of social safety nets often resulted in impoverished living conditions for the working class (Lichtenstein, 2002). The period also saw the rise of political movements advocating for workers’ rights and reforms, indicating a growing awareness among workers of their economic and social positions.

References

• Brinkley, D. (2012). American history: A survey (14th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
• Cherny, M. (2017). The long Gilded Age: Politics, economics, and society in American history. Cambridge University Press.
• Foner, E. (2019). Give me liberty!: An American history (seventh ed.). W. W. Norton & Company.
• Lichtenstein, N. (2002). The retail revolution: How Wal-Mart created a brave new world. Metropolitan Books.
• McGerr, M. (2003). A perfect parity: The politics of race and reform in the Gilded Age. University of Illinois Press.