ID: Bessemer Process
When: 1850s (patented in 1856)
Who:
- Henry Bessemer: British inventor who patented the process.
- American entrepreneurs and industrialists: Quickly adopted and scaled the process in the US.
What:
A steel-making process that involved blowing air through molten pig iron to remove impurities. This made steel production much faster, cheaper, and more efficient than previous methods.
Impact: Why Significant?:
- Mass Production of Steel: The Bessemer process enabled the mass production of high-quality steel, drastically lowering its cost.
- Railroad Expansion: The availability of cheap steel fueled the rapid expansion of the railroad network across the United States. Stronger, lighter rails were crucial for this expansion.
- Industrial Growth: The process was essential for the growth of many industries, including construction (skyscrapers, bridges), manufacturing (machines, tools), and weaponry.
- Urbanization: Steel’s use in construction contributed significantly to the rapid urbanization of the Gilded Age.
- Economic Growth: The increased efficiency and affordability of steel production contributed significantly to the overall economic expansion of the Gilded Age.