The SECOND Industrial Revolution & Its EFFECTS [AP Euro Review, Unit 6 Topic 3]

Summary

The second wave of industrialization in Europe (1870-1914) saw major technological advancements and economic transformations, building upon the first industrial revolution. Key developments included the dominance of factory systems, innovations in electricity, chemical engineering, railroads, and the internal combustion engine. Cities like Manchester epitomized industrial growth, while new industries, like automobiles and consumer goods, emerged. Advertising and department stores flourished, and economic crises, like the Long Depression, led to monopolies and protective tariffs. Germany's rapid industrialization under Prussia set the stage for political unification. This era profoundly reshaped European economies and societies, with lasting global impact.

Takeaways

• 😀 The second wave of industrialization (1870–1914) in Europe was more intense than the first, marking a key period of technological, economic, and social transformation.
• 😀 The factory system, which mass-produced goods on an unprecedented scale, became the dominant mode of production in Europe by 1914, replacing handcraft-based production.
• 😀 The Krupp family in Essen, Germany, exemplified industrial success, dominating the steel industry and weapon manufacturing through innovations in steel production by 1870.
• 😀 Manchester, England, became the world's first industrial city, creating the first Industrial Park and fostering significant economic growth through mass production.
• 😀 Key technological breakthroughs during this era included the telegraph (Samuel Morse, 1840s), which revolutionized long-distance communication, and chemical engineering innovations like vulcanized rubber.
• 😀 Railroads grew significantly in the second industrial revolution, facilitating faster transportation of goods and promoting urbanization by enabling more people to move into cities.
• 😀 The internal combustion engine, which powered automobiles and farming equipment, largely replaced steam engines and spurred the development of new industries like the automobile sector.
• 😀 With mass production came the rise of consumer goods and department stores, transforming shopping into a leisure activity, particularly among middle-class women, and boosting demand for advertising.
• 😀 The Long Depression (late 19th century) was caused by monetary scarcity due to the gold standard, leading to deflation, unemployment, and a global economic crisis.
• 😀 Corporations responded to the economic challenges by creating monopolies, buying out competitors, and controlling market prices, which often hurt consumers.
• 😀 Governments addressed the crisis by implementing protective tariffs to shield domestic industries from foreign competition, leading to trade wars, but also creating free trade agreements to ease tensions between nations.

Q & A

What were the key differences between the first and second waves of industrialization in Europe?

The second wave of industrialization, from 1870 to 1914, was characterized by more advanced technologies and a wider spread of industrial processes compared to the first wave. While the first wave focused primarily on mechanizing textiles and steam power, the second wave saw the rise of electricity, chemical engineering, internal combustion engines, and mass production in factories.

How did the Krupp family influence the industrialization of Europe?

The Krupp family, based in Essen, Germany, became a dominant force in the steel industry. Starting in the 16th century, they specialized in manufacturing weapons, and by the Second Industrial Revolution, they had perfected the steel-making process, leading them to dominate the European steel market and supply weapons to various nations.

What was significant about the city of Manchester during the second wave of industrialization?

Manchester, England, was one of the first cities to fully embrace industrialization. It became the site of the first industrial park, designed specifically for manufacturing, and saw rapid urbanization. The city’s economy was fueled by the factory system, and its residents benefited from the rising wealth and standards of living brought by industrial growth.

How did the invention of the telegraph and other communication technologies impact industrialization?

The invention of the telegraph by Samuel Morse revolutionized communication, allowing messages to be sent over long distances using Morse code. By the 1870s, telegraph wires were laid across the Atlantic, linking Europe and the United States, which helped integrate economies and facilitated faster business transactions and international trade.

What role did railroads play in the second wave of industrialization?

Railroads were crucial to the second wave of industrialization, as they facilitated the transport of raw materials to factories and the distribution of finished goods. Railroads helped to unify national economies by connecting distant regions and promoted urbanization by enabling people to move to cities for work.

What technological innovation helped the rise of the automobile industry?

The internal combustion engine, powered by gasoline, was the key technological advancement that led to the rise of the automobile industry. It allowed for the mass production of automobiles, with pioneers like Henry Ford leading the way in making cars affordable and accessible to the broader population.

How did the growth of consumer goods industries lead to the development of advertising?

As industrialization led to the mass production of consumer goods, companies needed a way to distinguish their products in a crowded market. This led to the birth of the advertising industry, which became essential in driving consumer demand and promoting products to the public. Advertising played a key role in sustaining the cycle of mass production and consumption.

What was the 'long depression,' and how did it affect the economy during this period?

The 'long depression' refers to an extended period of economic stagnation that began in the 1870s. One of the main causes was the scarcity of money, as the money supply was tied to gold reserves, which were limited. This led to banks refusing loans and rising unemployment, exacerbating the global economic crisis.

What was the purpose of protective tariffs, and how did they impact international trade?

Protective tariffs were taxes imposed on imported goods to encourage consumers to buy domestically-produced items. While they helped protect local industries, they often led to trade wars when other countries retaliated with their own tariffs. These trade disputes ultimately harmed international trade and made goods more expensive for consumers.

How did Germany’s industrial policies, like the Zolverein and the National System, contribute to its economic unification?

Germany's industrial policies, such as the Zolverein (an economic union that lowered trade barriers between German states) and the National System (a protectionist strategy to shield German industries from foreign competition), helped foster economic unity and laid the groundwork for the eventual political unification of Germany. These policies enabled Germany to become an industrial powerhouse by the early 20th century.