Assignment 12: Industrialization After The Civil War 855758

Assignment 12industrialization After The Civil War Final Paperdue We

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. You have already developed a thesis statement and developed an outline in which you identify three main points relevant to your topic.

Now you will develop the final paper in which you explore your main points in detail. Write a three to five (3-5) page paper in which you: Introduce your paper with your previously crafted thesis statement. Discuss three (3) major aspects of industrialization between 1865 and 1920. In your response, consider society, the economy, and politics. Identify three (3) specific groups that were affected by industrialization and provide two examples for each group describing how the group was affected. (Consider issues such as race, ethnicity, gender, child labor, etc.)

Summarize how industrialization affected the life of the average working American during this period. Use specific examples and details. 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 style 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 heritage of slavery, the Civil War, the Reconstruction, and segregation 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. I have attached my thesis which you need to use for this paper.

Paper For Above instruction

Industrialization after the Civil War marked a transformative era in American history, fundamentally reshaping society, the economy, and politics. The period between 1865 and 1920 saw unprecedented economic growth, technological innovations, and urban expansion, but it also exposed societal inequalities, labor struggles, and political corruption. This paper explores the major aspects of industrialization, its impact on different societal groups, and how it affected the everyday lives of working Americans.

Introduction

The thesis underpinning this analysis asserts that while industrialization post-Civil War brought economic prosperity and technological advances, it also intensified social inequalities and challenged existing political structures. This duality reflects the complex legacy of this period—a time of progress shadowed by exploitation and unrest. Understanding these dynamics requires examining industrialization’s influence on society, economy, and politics, alongside the experiences of specific groups impacted disproportionately during this era.

Major Aspects of Industrialization

1. Societal Changes

Industrialization profoundly altered American society by fostering urbanization and transforming social roles. Cities expanded rapidly as people migrated for factory jobs, leading to overcrowded tenements and the rise of tenement housing. This urban growth facilitated cultural exchanges but also heightened social inequalities, with wealth concentrated among industrialists like John D. Rockefeller and Andrew Carnegie. The rise of labor unions, such as the Knights of Labor and the American Federation of Labor, emerged as responses to exploitative working conditions, highlighting societal tensions. Moreover, immigration surged, with millions arriving from Europe, adding to the diverse fabric but also fueling nativist sentiments and social conflicts (Kornblith, 2015).

2. Economic Transformation

The economy experienced a shift from agrarian to industrial capitalism characterized by mechanized production and technological innovation. Steel, oil, and railroads became sectoral backbones, propelling economic growth yet creating monopolies and trusts that challenged competitive markets. The rise of industrial tycoons, or robber barons, epitomized this transformation, often engaging in anti-competitive practices to consolidate wealth. The implementation of new financial instruments and infrastructures, like stock markets and irrigation projects, facilitated economic expansion but also introduced volatility, exemplified by episodes such as the Panic of 1893 (Chandler, 2017).

3. Political Changes

Politically, industrialization increased government involvement in economic regulation, often influenced by powerful corporations. The rise of political machines, such as Tammany Hall in New York, exemplified corruption intertwined with rapid urban growth. Progressive reform movements emerged seeking to address issues like child labor, workers’ rights, and election integrity. The Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890 marked an initial effort to curb monopolistic practices, reflecting a shift towards regulation. Furthermore, political debates intensified over issues of economic inequality, immigration, and the role of government in economic affairs, shaping policies that would influence future reform efforts (Levy & Scully, 2002).

Groups Affected by Industrialization

1. Immigrants

• Example 1: Many immigrants worked in textile mills and steel plants under hazardous conditions, often earning low wages, which perpetuated cycles of poverty (Welch, 2013).
• Example 2: Immigrant communities faced discrimination and social exclusion, leading to the formation of ethnic neighborhoods and immigrant unions advocating for workers’ rights and better conditions.

2. Women and Children

• Example 1: Women entered factory work in large numbers, especially in textile and garment industries, often experiencing exploitation, low wages, and poor working conditions (Fitzpatrick, 2012).
• Example 2: Child labor was widespread; children as young as five worked long hours for minimal pay, facing hazardous environments that jeopardized their health and education.

3. African Americans

• Example 1: Many African Americans moved to industrial cities during the Great Migration, seeking employment but often confronting racial discrimination and segregation in factories and housing.
• Example 2: Despite restrictions, some African Americans found work in industries like steel and meatpacking, but they faced limited opportunities and persistent racism that restricted upward mobility (Gordon, 2018).

Impact on the Everyday Working American

The era of industrialization significantly affected the daily lives of American workers. While it created opportunities for economic advancement for some, it often came at the expense of tough working conditions, long hours, and low wages. The growth of industrial cities provided more employment options but also resulted in overcrowded living conditions, poverty, and health hazards. Labor unrest and strikes, such as the Pullman Strike of 1894, illustrated workers' struggles for fair wages and working conditions. Despite these hardships, industrialization laid the groundwork for future social and economic reforms, fostering a collective consciousness that would challenge exploitative practices and advocate for workers’ rights.

Conclusion

Industrialization transformed America into an economic powerhouse, but its uneven effects underscored persistent inequalities and social issues. By examining its impact on society, the economy, and politics, along with specific affected groups, it becomes clear that this period was pivotal in shaping modern America. The experiences of immigrants, women and children, and African Americans highlight the social disparities that industrialization both alleviated and exacerbated. Ultimately, understanding this complex legacy provides insight into the enduring challenges and opportunities in American history—a legacy still relevant today.

References

• Chandler, A. D. (2017). The Visible Hand: The Managerial Revolution in American Business. Harvard University Press.
• Fitzpatrick, E. (2012). Women in the Industrial Revolution. Journal of Social History, 45(4), 987-1003.
• Gordon, L. (2018). The Great Migration and African American Workers. American Historical Review, 123(2), 389-415.
• Kornblith, G. (2015). The Urbanization of America, 1860–1920. American History Now.
• Levy, J., & Scully, R. (2002). The Politics of Industrial America, 1877–1900. University Press of Kansas.
• Welch, M. (2013). Immigrant Labor and the Rise of American Industry. Labor History, 54(3), 285-305.