1 a) Write a thesis statement that is one to two (1-2) sentences long in which you: State you opinion on how industrialization after the Civil War influenced U.S. society, economy, and politics. Justify your response.
Though, industrialization after the civil war had various positive effects, it had negative effects, as well. Industrialization dramatically changed the American industry and improved the lives of Americans in a number of ways after the Civil War; however, it also created a number of problems for the society of the United States.
Industrialization had a great impact on the politics, economy and society of the United States. It resulted in various political changes. For instance; it led to the expansion of the right of both men and women to vote. It expanded the capitalism in the U.S., making it an imperial nation and giving it an opportunity to extend its rule over other territories and nations. Industrialization also led to various economic changes. Most industries started using machines in the production sector and replaced most Americans with the machines. Factories became centers of production, thus replacing homes. As the industries produced more goods, the living standards of the Americans improved. Trade between the United States and other countries increased due to increased goods production. Finally, industrialization resulted in various social changes in the U.S. Both women and children were forced to enter the workforce to provide labor for the industries. Cities grew, and problems increased. Overcrowding of cities, diseases, poor sanitary conditions as well as poor housing conditions became major social problems .
2 a) Determine three major aspects of industrialization, during 1865 and 1920 that influenced the United States
There were a number of industrialization aspects that influenced the politics, economics and society of the United States between 1865 and 1920. These aspects include; legislative representation, geography and entrepreneurship. The geography of the United States made it possible for factories, railway lines and roads to be constructed during industrialization. Transport was very essential; since raw materials needed to be transported to the factories. Besides, the products had to be transported to the consumers in time. Availability of natural resources ensured continued supply of raw materials to the factories. The entrepreneurial culture of the Americans led to more investments, and more factories were constructed. As more people were employed in various factories, there was the need for legislative representation of these people for instance trade unions. Formation of trade unions ensured the protection of the rights of the workers.
b) List five specific groups that were affected by industrialization.
Industrialization had various impacts on various groups. These groups include; women, children, immigrants, the blacks and men. Industrialization led to changes in gender roles. Before the industrialization, it was believed that the main role of the women was raising children. Conversely, the men were expected to be the sole breadwinners of the household. However, industrialization resulted in changes, in gender roles. As more factories emerged, men were pulled into the jobs at the factories and worked far away from their homes. The women looked for employment opportunities in the factories, as well. They worked in order to take care of the household too. As more factories mushroomed, the demand for human labor increased, resulting in child labor as children were taken to the factories to work. They worked for long hours under harsh conditions and were paid less. Industrialization also promoted racism as the whites were given better jobs at the factories and the blacks did low paying manual jobs. Indeed, discrimination along ethnic lines also intensified as a result of industrialization. More immigrants moved into the U.S. to look for jobs and stuck to their ethnic beliefs and values. They were seen as aliens and faced ethnical discrimination .
c) List five ways that industrialization affected the life of the average working American during this period.
The industrialization had a number of impacts on the life of ordinary working Americans. Industrialization brought the ordinary Americans to the cities to look for employment opportunities. Moreover, earning income enabled them to buy commodities rather than produce them at home, thus making life more efficient and easier. It enabled them to engage in leisure activities as well as politically-inspired activities in the cities that grew as a result of industrialization. Industrialization led to the construction of better roads and railway lines, thereby improving transport for the ordinary working Americans . Improved transport system led to more interactions.
References
Countriesquest. (2013, March 4). Industrialization and Urbanization, Immigration. Retrieved March 4, 2013, from countriesquest: http://www.countriesquest.com/north_america/usa/history/industrialization_and_urbanization/immigration.htm
Erin, M. R. (2011, June 1). The Impact of Industrialization on Ordinary Americans in the Nineteenth Century. Retrieved June 1, 2011, from Humanities: http://www.humanities360.com/index.php/the-impact-of-industrialization-on-ordinary-americans-in-the-nineteenth-century-13051/
ModernWorldHistoryTextbook. (2012, June 3). Effects of the Industrial Revolution. Retrieved June 3, 2012, from ModernWorldHistoryTextbook/: http://webs.bcp.org/sites/vcleary/ModernWorldHistoryTextbook/IndustrialRevolution/IREffects.html
