American Pageant Chapter 14 Review APUSH (Period 4)

Summary

The Market Revolution (1790-1860) transformed the U.S. into a national economy through regional specialization and technological advancements. The North industrialized with factories, the West became an agricultural hub, and the South thrived on cotton production. Immigration surged, particularly from Ireland and Germany, leading to urban growth and rising nativist sentiments. Innovations like the telegraph and railroads revolutionized communication and transportation, while economic ties between regions deepened. This period also redefined family dynamics as labor shifted from home to factories, setting the stage for significant social and political changes leading to the Civil War.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Market Revolution (1790-1860) marked a significant shift in the American economy with the rise of regional specializations.
• 🏭 The North underwent an Industrial Revolution, leading to the growth of factories and mills, transforming its economy.
• 🌾 The West became the agricultural backbone of the nation, focusing on crops like wheat and livestock.
• 🌱 The South developed a cash crop economy, primarily centered on cotton production, which significantly impacted slavery.
• 🚂 Technological advancements like the telegraph and the cotton gin revolutionized communication and agricultural efficiency.
• 🚢 The transportation revolution, including steamboats, canals, and railroads, facilitated the movement of goods and people across the country.
• 👥 Immigration surged during this period, with a notable increase in Irish and German immigrants, shaping urban labor markets.
• ⚖️ Nativism grew in response to immigration, leading to the rise of groups like the 'Know-Nothing Party' that advocated for restrictions.
• 👩‍👧 The labor movement began to emerge, reflecting the struggles of factory workers amid harsh working conditions.
• 🔗 The economies of the North and South became interconnected, especially through the cotton trade, foreshadowing regional tensions.

Q & A

What was the Market Revolution?

The Market Revolution refers to the period from 1790 to 1860 when the United States experienced significant economic changes, characterized by the rise of a national economy, regional specialization, and advancements in technology and transportation.

How did regional specialization manifest in the United States during this period?

The North developed an industrial economy with factories, the West became known as the nation's agricultural breadbasket, particularly for wheat and livestock, and the South focused on a cash crop economy centered around cotton.

What role did immigration play in the population growth of the United States during the Market Revolution?

Immigration, particularly from Ireland and Germany, contributed significantly to the population increase, as many immigrants sought better opportunities and were drawn by the promise of cheap land and jobs in factories.

What were the primary reasons for Irish immigration during the 1840s?

The Irish immigrated in large numbers during the mid-1840s primarily due to the Irish Potato Famine, which led to widespread hunger and poverty in Ireland.

How did nativism manifest during this time, and what groups were involved?

Nativism emerged as a response to the increasing immigrant population, leading to anti-immigrant sentiments among native-born Americans. Political groups like the Know-Nothing Party formed to advocate for restrictions on immigration, driven by fears of job competition and cultural influence.

What technological innovations were significant during the Market Revolution?

Key innovations included the cotton gin by Eli Whitney, which increased cotton production efficiency; the telegraph by Samuel Morse, which revolutionized communication; and various agricultural tools like the steel plow by John Deere and the McCormick Reaper, which improved farming efficiency.

What impact did the transportation revolution have on the economy?

The transportation revolution improved the efficiency of moving goods and people, linking different regions of the country. Innovations like steamboats, canals (such as the Erie Canal), and railroads facilitated the development of a continental economy.

What were the labor conditions like in factories during this period?

Factory work was often characterized by long hours, low wages, and dangerous conditions. Workers faced unregulated environments, which led to critiques of labor practices and the concept of 'wage slaves' emerged to describe their situation.

How did the Market Revolution affect family dynamics?

The Market Revolution led to changes in family dynamics as women and children began leaving home to work in factories, while the traditional idea of women's roles as homemakers persisted through concepts like Republican Motherhood.

In what ways were the Northern and Southern economies connected during the Market Revolution?

The economies of the North and South became interconnected, with Southern cotton being a critical raw material for Northern factories, which fueled manufacturing. This economic dependency was significant even as tensions over slavery grew.