Industrialization And The Civil War
Industrialization And Civil War
Industrialization and its Effects to Americans after the Civil War
Thesis and Outline
Gradually after the Civil War, the United States experienced significant progress in industrialization, which improved the lifestyle of its citizens in various ways. However, this industrial growth also introduced numerous societal problems.
Outline
I. Major aspects of industrialization between 1865 and 1920 that influenced U.S. society, economy, and politics
a. The economy saw an increase in large corporations, with industries now capable of producing highly valuable goods—more than ten times previous output—due to advances in production, mechanization, innovation, and optimal utilization of natural resources. Enhanced communication and transportation infrastructure enabled smooth transactions and further expansion. Financial institutions such as banks grew concurrently (A.U.C., 2015).
b. There was a distinct divide between the South and the West. The South lagged in economic development as it focused on rebuilding after the Civil War and was left predominantly agricultural, while the West developed industrially. The Homestead Act facilitated the resettlement of immigrants and development of Western territories (Metmuseum.org, 2015).
c. An industrial boom prompted mass migration from rural areas to urban centers, transforming city life and creating stark class distinctions—wealthy, middle class, and underprivileged (Ushistory.org, 2015).
II. Five groups affected by industrialization, with two examples for each:
a. Farmers
- Mechanization increased crop yields.
- Higher productivity led to improved incomes and lifestyles.
b. The Aged
- Many older adults remained in rural areas as young workers migrated to cities.
- The living conditions for the elderly deteriorated as rural areas lagged economically.
c. Middlemen (e.g., railroad owners, mill operators)
- Owned key transportation and processing infrastructure, accruing substantial wealth.
- Set prices charged to farmers, influencing their income streams.
d. Immigrants
- The Homestead Act enabled land acquisition and family settlement, facilitating entrepreneurship.
- Utilized land for farming and accessed banking services for financial support.
e. The Poor
- Legislative reforms aimed at improving living standards in impoverished neighborhoods.
- Expanded public education and workplace protections to improve workers’ conditions.
III. Five ways industrialization impacted the average American worker:
- Mechanization reduced manual labor and simplified production.
- The influx of immigrant labor increased job competition and industrial workforce size.
- Child labor became prevalent, with children working in dangerous factory and mine environments.
- Worker depersonalization occurred as industries prioritized efficiency over individual workers.
- Worker strikes and the formation of labor unions emerged as responses to poor working conditions and wage disputes.
References