What were the most revolutionary social and economic developments of the last quarter of the nineteenth century?
The railroads were the most significant element in the economic development of America in the last quarter of the nineteenth century. Railroads have charged what the market would bear, manufactured goods, and products as wood and coal. It stimulated the economy especially in the undeveloped resources rural areas were technological advances in railroading such as air brake, steel track, and sleeping cars accelerated the economic development. The settlement of new regions has moved swiftly, the land-grant railroads sold lands cheaply with easy terms and offered reduced rates to many travelers who were interested in buying farms.
Another social and economic development was the giant steel industry; it has emerged perfectly and produced in different locations. Petroleum productions have pioneered, and provided lubricants and kerosene before gasoline was necessary to power the internal engine combustion. Then the telephone and electric light were the other technical advances that served high-speed urban civilization that placed great development on communication.
How did different groups of Americans respond to those changes and how effective were their responses?
The economies of large-scale operations started the cost of new technology such as machines have increased widely. It created intense competition in the railroad industry, steel industry, and oil industry. The competition has advanced to the public interests and obtained good profits to businesspersons. The competition in iron and steel industry has increased intensely. The fast developing technology has placed premium efficiencies to avoid any obsolescence, and the transportation improved widely. The standard oil company emerged in the market as giants. Technical advances improved along with network of pipelines and petroleum reserves, respectively.
What role did government play in these developments?
The political actions related to the growth of huge business came at the state level of the government. The legislatures enacted some legislation to outlaw freight rate discrimination; however, railroads claimed that there was deprivation in the property without any due process. The Supreme Court ruled that every business that has served the interest of the public such as the railroads, steel industry, and other development is under the regulation of the government.
Reference
Hawksworth, R. (Producer). (2001). The American industrial revolution [Video]. United States:
Media Rich LLC. Retrieved from http://digital.films.com/OnDemandEmbed.aspx?Token=47596&aid=18596&Plt=FOD&loid=0&w=640&h=480&ref=
