After the United States proclaimed its independence with the Thomas’ Jefferson Declaration of Independence (1776), the country was at the crossroad of the future development. Eventually, States were mostly agricultural country until the late 18th century and since Europe had already entered the era of industrialization, Americans decided to follow its example.
First of all, the American industrial revolution followed the significant and rapid increase in the population. In 1790 there were only a bit more than 3 million people recorded. Very open immigration policy allowed to reach an unbelievable number of 31 million citizens of the United States by the middle of the 19th century (LeMay, 2013). This was highly beneficial in terms of country’s economy as it accumulated a huge number of mostly cheap workforce. This population mostly moved to the West to explore vast land of America. Golden Rush in the middle of 19th only supported this movement of the nation.
However, the expansion of Western land would never happen unless the federal government provided the policy of colonization and nationalism. After several internal and short-term wars with Indian tribes, the US government strengthened the initial borders and even expanded them (for instance, Jefferson’s Louisiana purchase, 1803) (LeMay, 2013). This action did affect the American economy as well and it truly started to develop expeditiously. With the implementation of the first Tariff in 1816, the US government finally secured its own manufactures from foreign competitors (LeMay, 2013). All of this supported the First Industrial Revolution in America and identified it as a quite powerful international market player. It also prevented the country from the possibility of the future European colonization as British and French leaders were definitely not satisfied with the idea of American independency.
Nevertheless, the US federal government continued the relations break down with the Embargo Act of 1807 that disabled the import of goods from Europe. It had a tremendous effect on the internal industries and with the help of innovations, States could successfully continue the development of new manufactures and factories (LeMay, 2013). It would necessary to mention James Watt’s invention of the steam engine that actually made it possible to build those factories and huge farms, as it led to further industrial revolution. What is more, the Congress was supporting the industrialization in every possible way. Hence, in 1845 the Union did manage to annex Texas and, after the war with Mexico, California (LeMay, 2013). It opened a new markets and new consumers for the US manufactures resulting in much more tremendous economic rise. This led to the success and enrichment of farmers, artisans, and other professionals and they together started to invest in the American economy. People inclined to open their own businesses and it resulted in the creation of middle-class workers and a new segment in the society. Indeed, they successfully received the funds to maintain the business before it starts to bring profit.
Reference
LeMay, M. (2013). Transforming America (pp. 16-20). Santa Barbara, Calif.: Praeger.
