The end of the civil war marked the onset of massive industrial revolution in the United States between 1865 and 1920. This industrial revolution triggered numerous changes in the American lives from how they earned their living, thought or dressed and thus causing significant impacts on the social, economic and political aspects of their lives. Industrialization had many advantages to the different groups in America but also posed some disadvantages which also affected some the people.
The three top aspects of industrialization during the 1865 and 1920 era included urbanization, immigration, and technological innovations. First and foremost, urbanization became a major outcome of the industrial revolution in America. Development of more industries led to the establishment of more urban areas and cities and a subsequent increase in populations (MacDonald & Clow, 2010). Construction of skyscrapers and introduction of new technology such as telecommunications enabled managers of the industries to communicate with companies outside the region. Urbanization also resulted to the massive immigration of immigrants from different countries consequently leading to increased urban populations within the American cities. By 1840, research showed that America had only 131 cities but with urbanization, the numbers increased significantly by 1920. The massive immigration of unskilled immigrants into the United States transformed America from an agrarian to an urban nation with a dramatic shift in the demographic composition (Simpson & Richardson, 2009). Urbanization also changed the livelihood of the people and how they spent their time although some Americans were still attached old values into the new theories. Some still believed that free labor and individualism were essential in the active growth of the industries.
Immigration was another aspect of industrialization in the United States. The massive flocking of immigrants and their children formed the bulk of the industrial workforce in the US. These immigrants became mostly concentrated in the growing cities during the industrialization. Immigrants emerged as the primary source of labor in mobilizing the American industrial revolution, and this prominence became evident in 1920 when they recorded the majority manpower in most of the manufacturing sectors. Provision of labor by the immigrants led to the growth of the economic sector of American cities and hence more economical production. Immigrants also provided major labor force than the native population with a greater percentage of up to 70% of working ages that is, 18 to 40 years. This percentage meant that the industries could get adequate workforce required for both the textiles and food manufacturing industries.
Savings recorded by the immigrants were far much higher than those of the natives, and this played a crucial role in promoting the economic status of the country during the industrial revolution. The increase in the number of wage earners outnumbered the self-employed individuals and as a result increased the per capita income which eventually improved the people’s living standards. Even though some researchers think that the wages paid to these immigrants were little due to their unskilled nature and did not contribute to the economic growth of the of the urban centers, most of the economic advancements realized in America were due to the intense labor provided. Work is central to industrialization for productive goals to prevail and thus was useful for the success of the industries established in the urban areas in America. However, the social impact of immigration on the American citizen's lives was that it promoted racial discrimination against the immigrants as they were thought to be unskilled and uneducated (MacDonald & Clow, 2010).
Technological innovations were also central to the industrial revolution that took place after the civil war. Industrialization marked technological advances such as the use of telephones, establishment of railway lines as a means of improving transportation, electricity as a source of energy and other sources of telecommunication. Industrial mass production began in 1908 with the development of automobiles with an increase in growth and production. The three top technologies exhibited in the United States during the industrialization period included the artisan shop, factory assembly and the factory continuous of 1920 (Kramer, 2013). The emergence of electric motors and mechanization replaced the unskilled manpower as technology only required the skilled personnel. Technology eased the production process and increased the effectiveness of the industries by minimizing the time and labor needed thus enabling the success of the industrialization process.
Industrialization was a good thing however it did not favor all the American residents. Some of the groups who were significantly affected by the manufacturing process included the immigrants, women, and African Americans. Immigrants formed the majority of the labor force employed in most of the industries, and this included their descendants. Child labor was a consequence of industrialization as children were allowed to work in farms to mobilize in the production of agricultural products manufactured in the industries. In return, they received little wages as the returns for their labor (MacDonald & Clow, 2010). Due to poverty, immigrants were forced to involve their children in making income for the survival of their families. African Americans were also affected by this industrialization as they worked as slaves in the white's farms. Blacks were despised by the white scholars and used them as a means of providing free and cheap labor in their farms. This degradation brought about racial discrimination in America where people with a darker skin color were treated with less respect and with reduced living standards. Gender-based issues mainly affected women as they were seen not fit for certain types of jobs as men. Women were particularly oppressed and even harassed sexually and could only perform small Farms jobs and not work in the industries (Kramer, 2013). It was not until 1912 when black women experienced equal treatment and were allowed to vote after the nineteenth amendment became a constitutional law in 1920.
Industrialization changed the lifestyle of the average working Americans both socially, politically and economically. Industrialization improved the living standards of the average Americans and thus could enjoy some of the improved basic needs such as homes with central heating, TV, computers, cars with conditioners and much more. Even the sick individuals were able to afford a plate of meat frequently within the week (Kramer, 2013). The health status of the country improved as even the average working Americans could provide healthcare services and as results, there were reported a decrease in infant mortality rate. Additionally, it enabled ordinary workers to educate their children just like the wealthy families.
The industrial revolution in the United States was a golden opportunity that not only brought about urbanization but also placed the country at the forefront as one of the most developed states in the work. Industrialization brought about many advantages as well as disadvantages, but the numerous benefits made it a critical component to the development of a nation.
References
Simpson, B. & Richardson, H. (2009). West from Appomattox: The Reconstruction of America after the Civil War. The Journal Of American History, 96(1), 233.
MacDonald, P. & Clow, M. (2010). “Things Was Different in the South”: The industrialization of pulpwood harvesting systems in the Southeastern United States 1945– 1995. Technology in Society, 32(2), 145-160.
Kramer, C. (2013). America Aflame: How the Civil War Created a Nation by David Goldfield. Civil War History, 59(3), 378-382.
