The Industrial Revolution: 18th And 19th Century

The Industrial Revolution, which took place between the 18th and 19th centuries, was a shifting period from primarily agrarian society to industrial society. During this time, many changes took place. Industrialization changed various different industries including technology, transportation, and immigration. Products could now be mass produced using machines. There was no longer a need for highly skilled workers, because of the ease of working a machine. The process of industrialization is called a revolution because it distinguished a change in the way the world operated.

Manufacturing methods advanced and transformed throughout the Industrial Revolution. Mass production is a system of manufacturing where machines quickly produce large quantities of product. Interchangeable parts are pieces of products that are made identically. These identical parts were easy to replace and allowed products to last longer. Henry Ford, who was the previous owner of Ford Motor Company, used interchangeable parts in the automobiles he produced to help keep the costs down. Ford also developed the assembly line. An assembly line uses workers and machines in a succession to create

identical products. As a result of these new methods, costs dropped, production increased, and prices for consumers decreased. Manufacturing methods grew throughout the process of industrialization. Most of these new methods continue to be used today.

The use of machines to manufacture products decreased the need for skilled workers. Men, women, and children each worked in factories. Workers completed repetitive tasks for extensive periods of time under unsafe conditions. Unskilled workers accepted less pay than skilled workers, did not need as much training, and were easily replaceable. Families moved into cities to become closer to factories they worked at. Immigrants were drawn into America because of jobs created by growing industries. More than 30 million Europeans came to America, starting in the late 1800's. The increased need for unskilled workers resulted in a majority, if not every, person in the family working. Skilled workers were not as valuable as they were before, because of new manufacturing methods.

Technology made many advancements during the industrial revolution.

The first telephone was invented in 1876 by Alexander Graham Bell. Telephones have increased their capabilities since they were invented. Today’s phone are portable, digital, small, and can be used for emailing or texting. The first gasoline-powered American automobile was created in 1893. Automobiles gave people personal transportation and freedom. The incandescent light bulb, patented by Thomas Edison, is used to give homes, buildings, streets, cars, and a number of other things, light. Light bulbs were revolutionary because people could use them in the dark without having to light candles or an oil lamp. Technology has evolved since industrialization, but it has been providing freedom and convenience to people for many

centuries.

Industrialization changed society and people in numerous ways. Manufacturing method advancements decreased the need for skilled workers and increased the quantity of products that could be made in a short period of time. Unskilled workers, including children, accepted lower wages, but completed repetitive tasks in unsafe work spaces. Telephones, automobiles, and light bulbs are just a few of the technology inventions during the Industrial Revolution. New technologies provided people with freedom and convenience. The Industrial Revolution was a time of change for the United States and other countries. Various industries evolved and advanced during this time. Industrialization is called a revolution because it completely changed society.