Industrialization after the civil war

Assignment 1:1

Part 1:

Industrialization after the civil war influenced U.S. society, economy, and politics in a positive way. U. S experienced progressive development and growth in its economy with the introduction of machine while the momentum for equality and freedom increased.

Part 2:

The three major aspects of industrialization during 1865 and 1920 that influenced U.S. society, economy, and politics were entrepreneurship, legislative and representation. There was growth and expansion of new industries and business ventures that capitalized on the increased consumption power (Stern & Kander, 2012). New legislations were also formulated during this era to govern the laborers. There were also concerns of representation as the slaves and the minorities agitated for representation and equality in their treatment.

Industrialization affected various groups including, the immigrants, middle and low class workers, the company owners/employers, the farmers and children. The Native Americans including Indians and Americans were affected by the migration incentives that made them to dislocate from their original land for modernization (Mowery, 2009). Middle and lower class group of workers were also affected. Middle class workers got professional jobs while lower class workers were mistreated and viewed as production costs. Farmers were also affected as competition increased leading them to sell their produce at lower prices. Immigrants also increased leading to racism and ethnicity that contributed to formulation of various laws (The USAonline.com. 2014). Children were also affected as they worked as laborers in the white plantation and industries for cheap labor. Company owners used the opportunity to exploit the laborers.

Industrialization affected the life of the average working American during this period in many ways. These Americans were able to lead a comfortable life because they earned average salaries. They also get an opportunity to work as supervisors in the various industries (The USAonline.com. 2014). They also got an opportunity to advance in their training in various areas to expand their scope of knowledge.

References

Mowery, D. (2009). Plus ca change: Industrial R&D in the “third industrial revolution”, Industrial & Corporate Change, 18(1):1-50.

Stern, D., & Kander, A. (2012). The Role of Energy in the Industrial Revolution and Modern Economic Growth, Energy Journal, 33(3): 125-152.

The USAonline.com. (2014). History of the United States Industrialization and reform (1870- 1916). Retrieved from: http://www.theusaonline.com/history/industrialization.htm