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Economic successes of the industrial revolution
Economic successes of the industrial revolution
Economic successes of the industrial revolution
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The Success and Failure of the American Industrial Revolution
Paradoxes as well as contradictions have been expressed in describing previous time periods. Quoted from A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...for the good or for the evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only” (Dickens 1). Specifically, Dickens had referred this quote to a French revolution, but the statement can pertain to many other historical events, such as the American Industrial Revolution. A prominent time in history could be considered as unfavorable, with its cons, or admirable, with its pros, from what it had to offer. However, the American Industrial Revolution has demonstrated both numerous challenges
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along with countless benefits to those living in that era. The American Industrial Revolution took place in the United States during the 19th and 20th century. When the new uprising change came to America, the United States was heavily influenced by European ideas, which for Europe began in the late 18th century (Hillstrom 10). America started off primarily as an agricultural country until it gained dominance in industry and finance by 1918. Labor, politics, enslaved African Americans, and such important resources were of the many factors that helped spread industrialization. Additionally, the U.S. government was effectively involved by supplying equipment and assisting to the many advancements from the nation’s transformation (Hinshaw and Stearns vol 2 491). Within a single century, the industrial revolution introduced technology that is still functional in today’s modern society (Hillstrom 10). As America itself was recognized as a place of prosperity and a chance at opportunities, the industrial revolution provided many immigrants a stable lifestyle. People had started migrating before the industrial revolution, but it didn’t become distinct until the main reason was from the economy. From all over the world, each individual of different origins had his/her own capabilities, which helped determine the right job. Regardless, the United States essentially needed workers to be an industrialization. Numerous immigrants had worked prior in industrial cities as skilled workers or in unskilled labor markets as artisans. Their past experiences supported American progression upon employment (Hinshaw and Stearns vol 2 223-224). Specifically, African Americans automatically found work in domestic and personal service and agriculture. More options then became available in trade, transportation, manufacturing, and mechanical industries in northern and southern cities (DiBacco 190-191). Additionally, immigrants contributed to society by incorporating their traditional customs in America’s identity as well as influence the formation of future trade unions and socialist movements. Industrialization and immigration work hand in hand when it pertains to the foundation of benefiting a country’s economy. (Hinshaw and Stearns vol 2 223-224). Immigrants significantly contributed to the industrial revolution by being part the actual industrial workforce and resembling America’s unique nation. Another positive to the American Industrial Revolution was that such products were made cheaper from faster production techniques. Multiple industries aided the United States to progress as a top industrial leader, such as the automobile industry. From past American manufacturing, cars were expected to be made in large volumes and priced lower than European offerings. In the early 1900s, there were at least 30 American automobile businesses making 2,500 handcrafted cars, with the Winton Motor Carriage Company creating the most of six cars per day (Nardo, United States 55, 58). When Henry Ford joined the production of cars in 1910, his invention of the assembly line changed the pace of constructing automobiles while maintaining an appealing style and correct car functions. The assembly line initially decreased the total production time to nine hours and 55 minutes and then to only one hour and 33 minutes. Ford’s remarkable plan succeeded in the long run for car mass production. His idea included each worker having enough time to do his or her own precise task because speed was controlled by inches per minute (DiBacco 125). None of the workers were rushed, so all finished products were completed at the right time and place. One year, 739,000 of Ford’s Model T designed cars were assembled and sold. Until the end of production in 1927, the numbers remained high and the Model T finished with over 15 million sold automobiles (Nardo, United States 63). The Model T was high in demand and since it wasn’t expensive, people of any economic status were able to afford it (DiBacco 127). By inventing convenient strategies to make faster products at a decent price, the industrial revolution improved performance and proficiency to any future selling item. Despite the many benefits contributing to the American Industrial Revolution that would perceive it to be a “great time” in history, there were also downfalls and hardships. Slavery took part in factoring as a disadvantage in northern artisanal labor and the southern states. The United States had not become a slave society until the need for labor in southern plantations became an economic essential. Laws developed to be harsher because legal and cultural separation was based on race. When slavery in the North declined, the difference between free and wage labor turned into a dispute. White workers believed in white supremacy and participated in isolating African Americans to not be considered as the same type of worker. African Americans were refused access to factories and any skilled work, while even the poor whites gained privileges over the enslaved (Hinshaw and Stearns vol 2 428, 491). Furthermore with the South more favorable towards having a slave system, the conflict would influence different political perspectives and then the American Civil War in 1861-1865 (Hillstrom 13). From slavery, industrialization did create a working class, but there wasn’t social equality. Likewise, the American Industrial Revolution had a higher production of goods, but the labor force did not reach ideal industrial requirements (Hinshaw and Stearns vol 2 429, 491). Slavery had only displayed the unfair and unjust arrangement of African Americans working in the industrial revolution, resulting in controversy and eventually a war. Another drawback to the American Industrial Revolution was the use of child labor.
Working children were usually found in sweatshops, average shops and makeshift home factories. Employing kids were preferred over adults because they had better judgement and were least likely to complain about working conditions. Children took any job disregarding the rates, causing owners to profit the most (Woog 24). The positives of child labor were highly overlooked when it comes down to how the children were affected. Almost all the children experienced some type of physical abuse from misbehaving or doing a task the incorrect way. Beating was the most common punishment, using sticks and/or whips. Weighting, which was having iron bars attached by the torso to slow movement, had impacted a child’s stature. Accidents were also far too familiar. Children’s bodies deformed where they couldn’t stand or were missing body parts from machinery. The most tragic accidents were the ones that resulted in deaths. Child laborers weren’t allowed any breaks or rewards for working long strenuous hours and some never were able to return home. Physically and mentally, it was evident children were mistreated, but it was difficult to report the misfortunes. States had laws banning child labor, but they weren’t fully enforced (Nardo, Workers 59-65). Therefore, owners believed there were no limits in restricting the hiring of children, work hours, and the type of work. The existing laws were simply …show more content…
disregarded and places could easily disguise not having child laborers present (Woog 24). The industrial revolution caused children to suffer through cruelty and abuse while working when they should instead be having a childhood. Moreover, political corruption accounted for as a failure during the American Industrial Revolution.
As the economy grew, a social class had developed where the wealthy were successful and the poor struggled to survive. The courts, Congress, and presidents prospered the most from the growing wealth because the United States had a “pro-business” government style. The domination of presidents and greedy leaders expressed the country’s leadership was neglected throughout all levels of government (“The Gilded Age”). A “political machine” had formed, which was a combination of political bosses to increase overall control. From their perspective, democratic principles weren’t implemented because government officials were provided with limited human and general resources within every city. A political leader’s job is to mainly keep his/her constituents worry free, but during the industrial revolution, that wasn’t applied. Those of the political machine found ways to benefit themselves. They exempted themselves from following the laws and profited from public tax and bribes of companies. When contracts were given out, they were granted towards prostitutes and illegal gambling. The voting system was ridiculed because voter fraud was reoccurring. Fake names, animals and minors were options to be candidates while political machine members placed illegal votes in the polls. There were even times where a state would have more ballot votes than their actual residency population. Conveyed
as political cartoons in propagandas, America’s political corruption was not withheld in the media (“Corruption Runs Wild”). Political corruption was shown as a flaw in the industrial revolution because looking up to leading figures for assistance wouldn’t do any good when they’re the reason for the country’s ruination. In conclusion, the American Industrial Revolution altogether was both a strength and a weakness to the country. Immigrants and faster production gave the United States an edge over other nations. Contrasting, slavery, child labor, and political corruption lead America into distress. Charles Dicken’s quote was able to relate to America’s industrial revolution as the best time and the worst time to be alive. Although one challenge presented itself after another, America did not succumb to its troubles, but it did supply guidance for the future.
These comforts and conveniences included better and more developed homes, cheaper clothes, more tools and utensils to work with, and faster and cheaper travel. One of the most important concerns of this time period is the effect of child labor. Document 7 states: Large machines and rising demand for products quickly led to the growth of the factory system. The building of these factories led to the hiring of massive numbers of child workers, the youngest at 11 to 12 years old.
After the soaring ideals and tremendous sacrifices of the Civil War, the post-War era of the United States was generally one of political disillusionment. Even as the continent expanded and industrialized, political life in the Gilded Age was marked by ineptitude and stalemate as passive, rather than active, presidents merely served as figureheads to be manipulated rather than enduring strongholds. As politicians from both the White House to the courthouse were deeply entangled in corruption and scandal during the Gilded Age, the actual economic and social issues afflicting urbanizing America festered beneath the surface without being seriously addressed.
The Gilded Age marked a period of industrial growth in America. Mark Twain termed the period of 1865 to 1896 as the “Gilded Age” to {indicate} the widespread corruption lying underneath the glittering surface of the era. Known as either “captains of industry” or “robber barons,” several prominent figures shaped this time period; these capitalists gained great wealth and success with their industries. Corrupt and greedy are two words associated with the term “robber barons,” which referred to the capitalists who acquired their great wealth in less than admirable and ethical ways. On the other hand, many referred to the capitalists as the “captains of industry” that were celebrated as admirable philanthropists; their way of acquiring extreme
In the world’s lens during the 1760s, the British empire had a clear and prominent control over the colonies. However, by the mid-1770s the Americans became enraged enough to declare war against the British for independence. Due to Britain’s massive imperial presence around the globe, the British civilians had a strong inclination for a successful outcome. Instead, the colonists pulled a surprising victory from what should have been a swift defeat. While the British had an abundance of advantages, they lost the Revolutionary War because the British army underestimated the colonists’ perseverance for freedom.
Industrialization is the process in which an economy is changed from an agricultural economy to a manufacturing approach and manual labor is replaced by machines in factories. Industrialization brought a more diverse amount of goods and more total goods and improved living for many but, for others it resulted in harsh working and living conditions for the poor and working class. Many positives and negative were present during the industrialization of the U.S. Positives such as more goods being distributed, easier way of doing things, and being able to mass produce. Negatives like children working long and difficult jobs and many workers having poor working conditions.
Many businesses and factories hired children because they were easier to exploit; they could be paid less for more work in dangerous conditions. Plus, their small size made many children idea for working with small parts or fitting into small spaces. Children as young as four could be found working in factories, though most were between eight and twelve. Despite the economic gains made by the business that employed them, many children suffered in the workplace. The industrial setting caused many health problems for the children that, if they lived long enough, they would carry with them for the rest of their lives. Children were also more likely to face accidents in the workplace, often caused by fatigue, and many were seriously injured or killed. Despite efforts by reformers to regulate child labor, it wasn’t until the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 that children under 14 were prohibited from
Children as young as young as five or seven years old worked in dangerous factories. Many times if the children fell asleep while on the job, they would slip and get stuck in the machines, resulting in death. Child labor in the late 1800’s was very unsafe and put the lives of young children in danger. The children worked in very dangerous conditions, most of the time it was factories. The conditions were very poor, the factories were dirty and unsafe for children. The children would work for up to sixteen hours with little to no pay.
Political machines ran cities during the Gilded Age. Political machines “found their support in immigrants, who were often desperate for help in finding work and suitable living conditions” (Gallow, Lauren). With the support of the immigrants, they were able to control cities at a time. Young children recognized the political corruption in America too. They were constantly hiding from “their enemy, the policeman”(Riis, Jacob A). Clearly, the children would have no reason to hide from the police, if the government was not corrupt at the time. In addition to political machines, the wealthy also had a great amount of political power. The “political power of the presidency paled in comparison to the economic talent and power of the robber barons” (“Industrial Revolution”). If the wealthy have more political power than the president, then there is definitely political corruption in the nation. Political corruption was another factor that made life in America miserable during the Gilded
According to the article “A History of Child Labor” reviewed by Milton Fried, a child could work as long as six days a week for up to 18 hours a day, and only make a dollar a week. Child labor was nothing but cheap labor. The big companies loved cheap labor because then they could make an item for not very much money, and make a huge profit margin. Fried continues to state how cheap the labor was, “One glass factory in Massachusetts was fenced with barbed wire ‘to keep the young imps inside.’ These were boys under 12 who carried loads of hot glass all night for a wage of 40 cents to $1.10 per night.” Unlike, children today who are in bed sleeping by 8 pm each night, these children had to stay up all night working to make just enough income for their families. Sadly, the children had no choice but to work for very little pay. Their mothers and fathers made so little money in the factory system that they couldn’t afford to let their children enjoy their childhood: “Other working children were indentured—their parents sold their labor to the mill owner for a period of years. Others lived with their families and worked for wages as adults did, for long hours and under hard conditions” (Cleland). The child had no other choice, but to work for these big
Throughout time children have worked myriad hours in hazardous workplaces in order to make a few cents to a few dollars. This is known as child labor, where children are risking their lives daily for money. Today child labor continues to exist all over the world and even in the United States where children pick fruits and vegetables in difficult conditions. According to the article, “What is Child Labor”; it states that roughly 215 million children around the world are working between the ages of 5 and 17 in harmful workplaces. Child labor continues to exist because many families live in poverty and with more working hands there is an increase in income. Other families take their children to work in the fields because they have no access to childcare and extra money is beneficial to buy basic needs. Although there are laws and regulations that protect children from child labor, stronger enforcement is required because child labor not only exploits children but also has detrimental effects on a child’s health, education, and the people of the nation.
England was a society dominated by children. During the reign of Queen Victoria one out of three of her servants were under the age of fifteen. Child labor was a prominent issue, because there were no systems to ensure the safety of children. During the start of the industrial revolution, there was a “high demand” for labor (Robson 53). Many families moved from rural areas to new, industrialized cities. After a while things weren’t looking as “promising” as they did before (Boone 23). In order to maintain, families had to put almost all of their family members to work. This led to a rise in the number of child labor. Children were “mistreated, underpayed and overworked” (Kincaid 30). Using children to do all of the hard work, the mining companies believed, was the most sensible and efficient way to get the job done. Because the children were a lot smaller, it was easy for them to “maneuver through tight spaces” and on top of that the children demanded little or no pay at all(Boone 43 ). These wages were enough to persuade companies to use children for all sorts of dangerous jobs such as coal mining and chimney sweeps. Children were called to do many other “horrible” jobs, jobs that adults in this era could not bear, just so long as the bills were paid (Robson 18). The working conditions and treatment of young children during this era was horrible and a lot was done to put an end to it.
...them to move in crowded spaces in factories or mines where adults would not fit. Children were easier to manage and control and most importantly paid less than adults. Although child labor has been substantially eliminated it still causes a problem in a few areas of the economy. The United States has yet to eliminate all abuse and violations. United States has come to meet the intentions of child labor reform byhelping to determine the laws and general practice andchildren should not be full time workers like adults. Meaning children should be in schooling programs getting their education instead of working in hazardous areas and putting themselves in harms way.
Child labor has been around for hundreds of years. “Children of poor and working-class families had worked for centuries before industrialization” (Tuttle 1). Before children were needed in factories they worked on family farms tending the fields or animals, as time went on families moved from farms to the cities where children were still required to work. Children worked for numerous reasons some were that their parents couldn’t work so the responsibilities were passed to the children; others included the simple need for more money to feed the entire family. Large businesses welcomed the increasing number of child workers, for the business it meant cheap labor and cheap laborers that could be replaced easily. The exact number of child workers is unknown and has been estimated as stated in multiple articles such as this, “By 1900 over two million children, mostly immigrant children under the age of sixteen, were employed” (Wagner 1). Parents wanted their children to work as soon as possible so they could get as much income as possible, parents often did illegal things to get their children to work, “Boy’s parents often presented a fake birth certificate with an altered date o...
Every great historical story starts with the best of times and the worst of times, but
Child Labor is not an isolated problem. The phenomenon of child labor is an effect of economic discrimination. In different parts of the world, at different stages of histories, laboring of child has been a part of economic life. More than 200 million children worldwide, some are as young as 4 and 5 years old, are slaves to the production line. These unfortunate children manufacture shoes, matches, clothing, rugs and countless other products that are flooding the American market and driving hard-working Americans out of jobs. These children worked long hours, were frequently beaten, and were paid a pittance. In 1979, a study shows more than 50 million children below the age of 16 were considered child labor (United Nation labors agency data). In 1998, according to the Campaign for Labor rights that is a NGO and United Nation Labor Agency, 250 million children around the world are working in farms, factories, and household. Some human rights experts indicate that there are as many as 400 million children under the age of 15 are performing forced labor either part or full-time under unsafe work environment. Based upon the needs of the situation, there are specific areas of the world where the practice of child labor is taking place. According to the journal written by Basu, Ashagrie gat...