ID: Industrial Revolution ## When: Late 18th Century to Early 20th Century (c. 1760-1914)
Who:
- Innovators: Eli Whitney, Samuel Slater, Robert Fulton, Henry Ford, Andrew Carnegie, John D. Rockefeller, etc.
- Workers: Immigrants, women, and children (especially in factories)
What:
A period of rapid technological advancement, primarily in Great Britain, that transitioned societies from agrarian economies to industrial ones. Key developments included:
- Mechanization: New machines powered by water and steam, like the spinning jenny and power loom, increased production.
- Factory System: Large-scale production concentrated in factories, employing a workforce and leading to a shift from home-based production.
- Mass Production: Assembly lines and interchangeable parts led to increased efficiency and cheaper goods.
- Railroads & Transportation: Improved transportation networks fueled trade and connected markets.
Impact:
- Economic Growth: The Industrial Revolution fueled economic expansion and increased wealth for the United States.
- Urbanization: Cities grew rapidly as people migrated from rural areas seeking work in factories.
- Social Change: New social classes emerged, including factory owners, managers, and industrial workers.
- Environmental Impact: Pollution increased due to factory emissions and resource extraction.
- Labor Issues: Poor working conditions, low wages, and child labor led to labor movements and calls for reform.
- Political Shifts: Industrialization contributed to the rise of political movements advocating for workers’ rights and social welfare.
- Nationalism & Expansion: Industrialization spurred economic competition and fueled U.S. expansionism.
- Transformation of Society: The Industrial Revolution permanently changed the United States, leading to a more complex and interconnected society with both opportunities and challenges.