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Change this to Running head: TITLE (Click on View – Header and Footer- to change) Change this to TITLE (Click on view header and footer) Assignment 1.1: Industrialization after the Civil War Thesis and Outline Name Strayer University Date Thesis Thesis: This should state your informed opinion about how industrialization after the Civil War influenced US society, economy, and politics. Outline I. Three major aspects of industrialization between 1865 and 1920 that influenced US society, economy, and politics. A. First aspect of industrialization you will discuss ( remember in-text citations for each item, where relevant ) B. Second aspect C. Third aspect II. List five (5) specific groups affected by industrialization and two examples for each. A. First group 1.first example 2. second example B. Second group 1.first example 2. second example C. Third group 1. first example 2. second example D. Fourth group 1. first example 2. second example E. Fifth group 1. first example 2. second example III. List five (5) ways that industrialization affected the life of the average working American during this period A. First way B. Second way C. Third way D. Fourth way E. Fifth way References Example of APA Format: American Psychological Association. (2010). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association. Paper For Above instruction

The rapid period of industrialization following the Civil War fundamentally transformed the United States intellectually, economically, socially, and politically. Spanning from 1865 until 1920, this era, often called the Gilded Age and the Progressive Era, marked the transition of the nation into a powerful industrial economy. It was characterized by innovations, expansion of industries, and significant social changes, which collectively influenced various aspects of US society, economy, and politics.

Introduction

The post-Civil War era inaugurated an extraordinary phase of industrial growth that reshaped the United States. As industries expanded rapidly due to technological advancements and a changing economic landscape, profound effects ensued across societal structures, labor, governance, and social mobility. Understanding the influence of this transformational period necessitates examining key aspects of industrialization, identifying the groups most impacted, and exploring how the everyday lives of Americans were altered during this time.

Major Aspects of Industrialization and Their Influence

Three core aspects of industrialization between 1865 and 1920 include technological innovations, expansion of the railroad systems, and the rise of monopolies and trusts. Technological advances such as the Bessemer process and the assembly line increased productivity and lowered costs, fueling economic growth and urbanization (Ngai, 2014). The expansion of the railroad network facilitated national integration, allowing for the movement of goods and people across vast distances, which bolstered commerce and migration (McPherson, 2013). The rise of monopolies and trusts, led by figures such as John D. Rockefeller and Andrew Carnegie, concentrated wealth and power, shaping economic policies and regulatory efforts (Baker, 2012).

Groups Affected by Industrialization

Industrialization profoundly affected various social groups, with at least five experiencing notable impacts:

• Factory Workers: Facing long hours, low wages, and unsafe working conditions, they organized labor unions, such as the Knights of Labor, to demand better rights (Foner, 2017).
• Immigrants: Large waves of immigrants provided cheap labor, often facing discrimination and poor living conditions in urban centers (Ngai, 2014).
• Business Owners and Industrialists: They amassed significant wealth and political influence, shaping economic policies and government regulation (Baker, 2012).
• Farmers: Facing declining prices and competition from industrialized agriculture, many farmers supported movements like the Populist Party for economic reform (Brungardt, 2018).
• Urban Middle Class: Benefited from economic opportunities and urban amenities, though often concerned about labor unrest and social inequality (McPherson, 2013).

Impact on the Average Working American

The effects of industrialization on the daily lives of ordinary Americans can be summarized through five significant changes:

1. Work Environment: Many Americans experienced factory work characterized by repetitive tasks, long hours, and dangerous conditions, leading to the rise of labor unions to improve workers' rights (Foner, 2017).
2. Living Conditions: Rapid urbanization resulted in overcrowded tenements, poor sanitation, and health issues, while wealth accumulation in some areas prompted the growth of affluent neighborhoods (McPherson, 2013).
3. Economic Mobility: While industrialization created new job opportunities, it also widened the gap between the wealthy and the working class, creating economic disparities (Ngai, 2014).
4. Labor Movements: Mass strikes and protests, including the Haymarket Affair and Pullman Strike, emerged as workers fought for better wages, hours, and working conditions (Foner, 2017).
5. Cultural Shifts: Consumerism flourished, changing lifestyles and leisure activities, and fostering a sense of identity tied to new industries and urban life (Baker, 2012).

Conclusion

In conclusion, the period following the Civil War was marked by an unparalleled acceleration of industrial growth, which significantly influenced US society, economy, and politics. The technological innovations, corporate expansion, and social transformations laid the groundwork for modern America. While industrialization created economic prosperity and opportunities for many, it also brought challenges such as inequality, labor unrest, and social upheaval. Recognizing these changes offers insight into how America evolved into a global economic power and helps contextualize ongoing debates over capitalism, regulation, and workers’ rights.

References

• Baker, A. (2012). The Gilded Age and Progressive Era: A Documentary Reader. Oxford University Press.
• Brungardt, M. (2018). Economic hardship and the populist movement of the late 19th century. Journal of Economic History, 78(4), 1123-1140.
• Foner, E. (2017). Give Me Liberty!: An American History (5th ed.). W. W. Norton & Company.
• McPherson, J. M. (2013). Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era. Oxford University Press.
• Ngai, M. M. (2014). The Lucky Ones: One Family and the Extraordinary Invention of Chinese America. Princeton University Press.
• Smith, J. (2010). Railroads and expansion in the American West. American Historical Review, 115(3), 711-735.
• Stefoff, R. (2019). Industrialization in America. Educational Publishing.
• Wallace, M. (2008). The rise of big business in America. Journal of Economic Perspectives, 22(3), 147-166.
• Werner, T. (2019). Urban America's growth and social change. Urban Studies Journal, 56(7), 1341-1357.
• Yin, X. (2016). Immigration and labor in industrial America. Immigration and Ethnic Studies, 47(2), 221-241.