Industrialization in the US

Summary

In this video, Dr. Kara Stillen explores the industrialization of the United States in the late 1800s and early 1900s, following the Civil War and Reconstruction. She highlights the key factors, including natural resources and labor, that contributed to rapid industrial growth. The video also discusses the roles of immigrants, living conditions, and labor strikes, as well as how technological advancements like railroads shaped the economy. The video touches on social changes, especially for women, and the impact of industrialization on workers' rights and conditions.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Industrialization in the U.S. boomed after the Civil War, driven by abundant natural resources like coal, iron, and water power.
• 👷 Immigration played a key role in providing labor for industrialization, with over 24 million immigrants arriving between 1870 and 1914.
• 🇮🇹 Immigrants from different regions had distinct roles, with Germans as bakers and tailors, Irish in mining, and Italians, Poles, and Russians working in factories and construction.
• 🏙️ The rise of inner cities created unsanitary living conditions, with poor residents living close to their jobs, while the wealthy moved to suburbs.
• 👩‍🎓 By the early 1900s, more women pursued higher education and entered the workforce in roles like teachers, nurses, and social workers.
• ⚖️ Economic inequalities grew, with white, native-born men having access to higher-paying jobs, while immigrants, women, and children faced lower wages and hazardous working conditions.
• 🚂 Railroads revolutionized transportation and business, facilitating the movement of goods across the country and spurring economic growth.
• 🏭 Monopolies like Carnegie's steel and Rockefeller's Standard Oil used strategies like vertical and horizontal integration to dominate industries.
• ⚡ Strikes and labor unions emerged in response to poor working conditions, with notable actions like the Railroad Strike of 1877 and the rise of organizations like the AFL.
• 📜 Discrimination against immigrants, particularly Chinese Americans, led to the passing of the Chinese Exclusion Act in 1882, barring further immigration.

Q & A

What were the primary natural resources that contributed to industrialization in the United States during the late 1800s?

The primary natural resources included flowing rivers (for water power), vast forests (for timber), coal (for energy), and iron (for building and machinery).

What role did immigration play in the industrialization of the U.S. during the late 19th and early 20th centuries?

Immigration provided a significant labor force, with millions of immigrants arriving in the U.S. in search of work. From 1870 to 1914, 24 million immigrants entered the U.S., helping to meet the labor demands of industrialization.

How did the ethnic background of immigrants affect their job prospects during this period?

Ethnicity often dictated the types of jobs immigrants could obtain. Germans became bakers, tailors, and shoemakers, Irish worked in mining, Jews worked in the garment industry, while Italians, Russians, and Poles took on dirty factory and construction jobs. Black Americans were mostly limited to low-paying jobs such as servants and janitors.

What were the living conditions like in urban areas compared to the suburbs during the industrialization period?

The inner cities were crowded and unsanitary, with high death rates and poor living conditions, such as open sewage in alleyways. In contrast, suburbs were cleaner, with more privacy, indoor plumbing, and better access to consumer goods, catering to the middle and upper classes.

How did the rights and roles of women in the workforce and society change at the turn of the 20th century?

Women gained more access to education, with increasing numbers becoming college graduates. They began entering the workforce in roles such as social workers, teachers, and office workers. Educated women tended to have fewer children, and the divorce rate rose as women began refusing to stay in bad marriages.

What changes occurred in men's employment and education during this period?

Men gained access to new white-collar jobs, such as salesmen, accountants, and shop owners, which required education. The rise of public schools and colleges, along with professional associations like the American Bar Association and American Medical Association, formalized qualifications for certain professions.

What impact did the railroads have on industrialization in the United States?

The railroad system allowed for the rapid transport of goods and people, connecting different parts of the country and enabling mass production and consumption. It also created thousands of jobs and supported the growth of industries like meatpacking and grain production in cities such as Chicago and Minneapolis.

How did business models like vertical and horizontal integration contribute to industrial growth?

Andrew Carnegie used vertical integration by controlling all aspects of production, from raw materials to transportation, reducing dependence on other companies. John D. Rockefeller used horizontal integration to dominate the oil industry by driving competitors out of business, buying them out, and then raising prices.

What were the working conditions like in factories and railroads during the late 19th century?

Working conditions were hazardous, with long hours (12-14 hours a day, six days a week), dangerous environments, and little concern for worker safety. Over 30,000 workers died in factories each year, and approximately 6,000 railroad workers died annually due to accidents.

What led to the rise of labor unions and strikes during this period?

Poor working conditions, low wages, and long hours led to the formation of labor unions like the National Labor Union and the Knights of Labor. Workers began organizing strikes, with over 30,000 strikes occurring between 1880 and 1910, including violent protests such as the railroad strikes of 1877 and the Haymarket Riot.