SS.912.A.3.2 Causes of the Second Industrial Revolution

Summary

The video discusses the causes of the Second Industrial Revolution, highlighting its expansion from the first revolution. Key drivers included abundant natural resources like iron, technological advancements such as the Bessemer process and assembly line, and improved communication and energy methods. The influx of immigrants provided labor for factories and railroads, and the growth of railroads furthered industrialization. Finally, new business practices like public stock offerings and strategies by industrial leaders like Rockefeller and Carnegie helped fuel the economic rise of the U.S. by the early 1900s.

Takeaways

• 🔧 The Second Industrial Revolution occurred from the late 1800s to the early 1900s, following the first industrial revolution, which began in the late 1700s.
• ⚙️ It expanded on the first industrial revolution by introducing new technologies in transportation, engineering, and communication, connecting the country more efficiently.
• 🌍 The abundance of natural resources, such as iron ore in areas like Western Pennsylvania, was crucial for the development of steel production in the U.S.
• 🔥 Henry Bessemer's development of the Bessemer process revolutionized the production of steel, making it faster and more efficient.
• 🚗 The assembly line, perfected by Henry Ford, enabled the mass production of industrial goods like automobiles.
• 📞 Advancements in communication, such as the telegraph, and the use of electricity by Thomas Edison, increased productivity.
• 👷 A large influx of immigrants from Europe and Asia during the late 1800s contributed to the U.S. labor force and helped build factories and railroads.
• 🚂 Railroads were vital to the industrial revolution, connecting resources to factories and facilitating the movement of goods and people.
• 📈 New business strategies like selling stock to the public helped corporations raise funds quickly, allowing businesses to expand.
• 💼 Business leaders like John D. Rockefeller, Cornelius Vanderbilt, and Andrew Carnegie used tactics like vertical and horizontal integration to dominate industries like oil, railroads, and steel.

Q & A

What was the first industrial revolution and when did it occur?

The first industrial revolution occurred during the late 1700s and early 1800s, marking a major shift in production methods, where machinery in factories replaced handmade products, and new forms of energy like coal and steam were used.

When did the second industrial revolution take place?

The second industrial revolution took place shortly after the Civil War, lasting from the late 1800s to the early 1900s.

What was the primary difference between the first and second industrial revolutions?

The second industrial revolution was an expansion of the first, with new technologies for transportation, engineering, and communication connecting the country like never before.

What were the five main causes of the second industrial revolution?

The five main causes were the availability of natural resources, immigration, new technology, the expansion of railroads, and new business practices.

Why was the availability of natural resources a key cause of the second industrial revolution?

The United States had large deposits of iron, which was essential for steel production. Steel was crucial for building railroads, machines, and cities, fueling industrial growth.

What was the Bessemer process and why was it important?

The Bessemer process, developed by Henry Bessemer, was a new, faster way to process iron into steel. This innovation allowed for large-scale steel production, supporting industrialization.

How did immigration contribute to the second industrial revolution?

A large number of immigrants from Eastern and Southern Europe, as well as Asia, filled jobs in factories, built railroads, and contributed significantly to the growth of the U.S. economy.

What role did railroads play in the second industrial revolution?

Railroads were vital as they connected resources to factories, transported goods, and allowed for mass movement of people and products. The rail system grew dramatically during this period, helping industrialization.

How did new business practices, like selling stock, influence the second industrial revolution?

Businesses began selling shares of their companies as stock, enabling them to raise money quickly for financing new projects. Publicly owned corporations grew as more people invested, leading to business expansion.

Who were some of the prominent business leaders during the second industrial revolution and what industries did they dominate?

Prominent business leaders included John D. Rockefeller, who dominated the oil industry; Cornelius Vanderbilt, who controlled railroads; and Andrew Carnegie, who led the steel industry. They used strategies like vertical and horizontal integration to grow their power and wealth.