Industrialization transformed American life in the late 19th century
Industrialization transformed American life in the late 19th century as nothing had before. What was the overall character of this industrial change? Focusing on the careers and companies of such people as Andrew Carnegie and John D. Rockefeller, discuss how big business emerged and altered the old republic of small businesses and small farmers. To what degree was this a revolution and the creation of a new economic order in the United States? What was life like in the age of the new industrial city? How did workers and government respond to the new industrial order? To what degree were these responses successful? How did the new industry shape and reshape the lives of women and immigrants?
Sample Answer
The late 19th century witnessed a dramatic shift in the American landscape as industrialization swept across the nation. This era was characterized by:
- Rapid Technological Innovation: Inventions like the Bessemer process for steel production and the internal combustion engine fueled industrial growth.
- Rise of Big Business: Figures like Andrew Carnegie (steel) and John D. Rockefeller (oil) revolutionized industries by consolidating smaller companies and employing ruthless efficiency measures. This concentration of power led to monopolies and trusts, controlling vast sectors of the economy.