Many of the modern necessities we use on a daily basis have their roots in American industrialization. It played a significant role in how the nation was able to advance and advance. Additionally, it established social barriers that accentuated differences between the wealthy and the poor. A spotlight was shone on economic development, racial disparities, and how government control required the difficulties of the industrial era as a result of the development of railroads and steel. I'll talk about the difficulties and how they contributed to unequal working conditions and restricted cultural advancement. Aspects of Industrialization in United States
Society
Three major aspects of industrialization from 1965 to 1920 influenced politics, economy and the society being the major aspect of industrial revolution. The process contributed to positive effects, however there were also negative effects. Due to creation of power engines, factories provided new employment opportunities. Urbanization took place as people wanted to move and live close to the factories where new jobs. Many people were therefore forced to abandon farming as they were assured f employment in factories thus shift from agricultural to industrial activities (Martin, 2017).
During the period of industrialization, growth was slow and citizens relied on traditional means of survival. The society did farming of crops and livestock for income purposes. As a result of agricultural practices, there was population growth and explosion as a result surplus food production, declined death rate and elimination of plague. Population increase created more workers who were less needed in agriculture due to technological development. Since there was no job for the big population in rural areas, there was migration to the urban centers.
The most important effect of industrialization in economic aspect was urbanization. This is the process of migration from rural to urban areas (Charles, 2000). Before urbanization due to industrialization, people did agriculture and farming was their occupation. However, after industrialization, people moved to cities to work in factories. Technological advancement substituted human labour in farms.
Economic Impact
The economic aspect of industrialization was impacted by several factors. Before then, agriculture was the economic activity. This means that people worked in the farms to get money. After industrialization, all these changed (Martin, 2017). Production processes were automated with use of machines and less human labour was required. The use of machines in agricultural field started as a result of inventions. For example, invention of spinning jenny produced more cotton. Productivity was increased by manufacturing and production of the steam engine. The inventions were the most important technologies as a result of industrialization. The technological inventions that produced power allowed work to be done faster (Martin, 2017). Despite the fact that all the processes were automated, human labour was still required in factories.
Industrialization therefore announced start and predominance of capitalism as an economic principle focusing in wealth of nations. The factories that grew up in the era indicated capitalist principle in terms of wage. Workers disavowed hourly wage. Capitalism thus concentrated wealth in the hands of factory owners whose fortunes was dependent on fluctuations of the labor market. Capitalist America was leading in ownership of consumer market.
Impact on politics
The political implication of industrialization in the United States led to it rising to its rise as global economic power. The other impacts were escalated conflict between the traditional culture and the modern progress and authorization of labor legislations (Martin, 2017). The growth of US economy attracted international repercussions that included starting of relationships with Japan that encouraged rapid territorial growth. The migration to urban centers encouraged the growth of apolitical class that played a vital role in passing the legislations.
3 specific groups affected by industrialization
The industrialization had major effects on the American people. The jobs in the industries drew people from the rural to urban areas that had contrasting lives. The specific groups of people that I will discuss are;
The underprivileged
These are labourers who worked hard in the mills, factories and in mines but did not enjoy the benefits of the associated economic growth. These people worked for 60 hours per week and each hour paid 20 cents. These workers were denied fringe benefits. The poor were forced to live in crowded places due to dismal payment. The people working in factories thus lived in slums and the overcrowding led to increase in crime (Neale, 1956). Inadequate diet, poor sanitation and overworking made slum residents vulnerable to other health conditions.
The farmers
Farmers also suffered difficulties after the Civil War. Peasants had increased their production due to the advancements in agricultural techniques and equipment. The farmers faced the challenge of middlemen such as railway and mill owners earning more than them from the agricultural products.
The middle class
These are people who lived the life of comfort and little wealth. They included office managers and owners of small businesses and factory workers. Middle class people were considered prosperous.
References
Charles More. (2000). Understanding the Industrial Revolution. Retrieved on August 4, 2017
from https://www.questia.com/read/102816/understanding-the-industrial-revolution
Martin Kelly. (2017). Three Key Elements of the Industrial Revolution in the U.S. Retrieved
on August 4, 2017 from https:www.thoutco.com/overview-of-industrial-revolution-104721
Neale W.C. (1956). Social Effects of Industrialization. pdf
