Discussion Board: Students Will Select The Most Influential ✓ Solved

Discussion Board 1students Will Select The Most Influential Historica

Students will select the most influential historical process featured in the relevant lesson videos from this historical era (covering the Gilded Age from the rise of Industrialization through the Spanish-American War), prioritizing its explanatory importance and supporting their ranking with evidence.

This discussion post will assess SLOs #1, #2, and #3 as well as the Core Objectives of Critical Thinking and Communication.

Video 1. Gilded Age · After establishing the course themes of American identity, freedom, and equality at the end of Reconstruction, we examine the reasons behind the large-scale industrialization in the late nineteenth century. In addition, we analyze how the culture of the era reflected the emerging dominance of business in America.

Lesson 2: The American West · An integral part of the changing American landscape in the late 19th century was the transformation of the West. The causes of the changes occurring in the West are explored, and the consequences for people living and moving there, including American Indians, Mexican Americans, and those newly arriving are assessed.

Lesson 3: Moving to the City · Millions of immigrants, as well as thousands already in America, moved to the city in the decades following Reconstruction. Using the cities of New York, Chicago, and San Francisco, we examine the living and social conditions of the huddled masses during this era.

Lesson 4: A Dream Deferred · While millions pursued the American Dream in the late 19th century, African Americans and women of all ethnicities encountered special obstacles in their paths. Why did this happen? How did they respond? What did it mean?

Lesson 5: Labor's Struggle · The process of industrialization changed the nature of work, working conditions, and the composition of America's workforce. We analyze labor's struggle to organize, management's fierce resistance to their efforts, and the status of the American worker by the end of the nineteenth century.

Lesson 6: The Populist Challenge · As farmers became more productive, they became more marginalized in American economic and political life. They responded by organizing a significant challenge to the established political powers of the era. We assess the meaning and the legacy of the Populists.

Lesson 7: The Question of Empire · By the end of the nineteenth century, the internal transformations of the United States propelled the nation to look outward. We analyze the causes and consequences of the Spanish American War, the decision for empire, the resulting war in the Philippines, and the use of the "big stick" in Latin America.

Paper For Above Instructions

The Gilded Age, a term coined by Mark Twain and Charles Dudley Warner, encapsulates a complex historical era that lasted from the 1870s to the early 1900s in the United States. The rapid economic growth during this period, particularly due to industrialization, constitutes one of the most influential historical processes of this era. Industrialization not only transformed the American economy but also had profound effects on society, culture, and politics. The purpose of this essay is to rank industrialization as the most influential process in the Gilded Age and provide evidence supporting this assessment.

Transformation of Economy

Industrialization in the late 19th century marked a significant transition from agrarian economies to industrial economies. The establishment of factories and the introduction of technologies such as the steam engine revolutionized production capabilities and spurred economic growth. By implementing assembly lines and mechanized production methods, industries could produce goods at an unprecedented scale (Chandler, 1977). This transformation facilitated a shift in economic power from rural agrarian sectors to urban industrial centers, leading to the rise of major cities and changing the demographic makeup of the United States.

Social Changes and Urbanization

As a direct consequence of industrialization, urbanization surged, with millions of people migrating to cities for work. The cities of New York, Chicago, and San Francisco functioned as primary destinations for immigrants and rural workers seeking better opportunities (Hurst, 1980). This mass migration led to overpopulation in urban areas, resulting in substandard living conditions, particularly for immigrant communities. The social dynamics in these cities shifted as diverse populations converged, giving rise to new cultural blends but also increasing tensions and competition for resources (Zilversmit, 1986).

Labor Movements and Worker Rights

The harsh realities of industrial labor led to the emergence of organized labor movements, which played a crucial role in advocating for workers' rights. With the exploitative practices prevalent in factories, labor unions began forming to combat poor working conditions, long hours, and insufficient wages. The American Federation of Labor (AFL), established in 1886, was instrumental in advocating for skilled workers and influencing labor legislation (Dubofsky, 1994). Strikes, such as the Haymarket Affair in 1886 and the Pullman Strike in 1894, highlighted the struggles of workers and the growing conflict between labor and management, marking industrialization as a pivotal factor in shaping labor relations (Kessler-Harris, 2001).

Political Implications

The ramifications of industrialization extended to the political realm as well. The rise of big businesses and monopolies led to calls for reform and regulations. Politicians and civic leaders grappled with the questions of how to manage the new industrial economy and address the challenges it posed to democracy and society (Burnham, 1993). The Populist movement, for instance, emerged from the frustrations of agrarian workers who felt marginalized by industrial growth. The desire for political reforms that would curb the power of large corporations underscored the ripple effects of industrialization on American political discourse (Link, 1983).

Conclusion: Industrialization's Legacy

In summary, industrialization stands as the most influential historical process of the Gilded Age due to its multifaceted impact: it transformed the economy, instigated significant social changes, galvanized labor movements, and reshaped the political landscape. The consequences of this era continue to resonate in contemporary society, illustrating the far-reaching implications of industrialization. Understanding this process is crucial for comprehending the trajectory of American history and the foundations of its modern industrial society.

References

• Burnham, J. (1993). The Rise of the American System. New York: Alfred A. Knopf.
• Chandler, A. D. (1977). The Visible Hand: The Managerial Revolution in American Business. Harvard University Press.
• Dubofsky, M. (1994). Father of the Unions: The History of the American Federation of Labor. New York: Greenwood Press.
• Hurst, J. W. (1980). Law and the Conditions of Freedom in the Nineteenth-Century United States. Indiana University Press.
• Kessler-Harris, A. (2001). In Pursuit of Equity: Women, Men, and the Quest for Economic Citizenship in 20th-Century America. Oxford University Press.
• Link, A. S. (1983). American History: A Survey. Vol. II. New York: McGraw-Hill.
• Zilversmit, A. (1986). The First Emancipation: The Abolition of Slavery in the North. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.