Industrialization after the Civil War
Introduction and thesis statement
Industrialization in the United States society, politics, and the economy was influenced immensely after the Civil War. The way of living of the citizens of the United States changed to a more convenient place to live but during this time, the government dealings were very corrupt.
Railroads and steel were some of the major aspects of industrialization. The railroads were used to transport the steel, and this acted as a catalyst for the different cities to develop and prosper. Additionally, the railroads acted as a cheaper alternative to the means of transport that were previously used. According to Delfino and Gillespie (2008), the steel and the railroads provided a form of income to the citizens thereby improving their livelihoods. Political corruption increased as merchants of steel would exchange cash and stock options to politicians in exchange for favors.
Specific groups that were affected by industrialization
The groups of individuals who were affected by the industrialization included the immigrants, the Native Americans, average workers, African-Americans, and women. Williamson (2008) notes that the immigrants were paid very low wages, so immigration was encouraged by businesses. The Native Americans were forced to relocate and stripped of their land.
Ways that industrialization affected the life of the average working American
Individuals who used to work from home as their own boss started working for other
Additional restrictions with work as someone else was in charge.
Work long hours and industrialization changed the location of work.
Americans had to deal with harsh working environments and poor pay
Consumer goods became more reasonable which endorsed households to have more material goods
Conclusion
The major aspects of industrialization were profoundly the railroads and steel sectors. Majority of the people affected by industrialization were women, immigrants and the African-Americans.
References
Delfino, S., & Gillespie, M. (2008). Technology, innovation, and Southern industrialization: From the antebellum era to the computer age. Columbia: University of Missouri Press.
Williamson, J. G. (2008). Late nineteenth-century American development: A general equilibrium history. Cambridge [U.K.: Cambridge University Press.
Jansson, B. S. (2009). The reluctant welfare state: Engaging history to advance social work practice in contemporary society. Australia: Brooks/Cole.
