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The impact of the industrial revolution
What are the impacts of the industrial revolution
What are the impacts of the industrial revolution
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The Industrial Revolution in the U.S would forever change American life. Not only did the Industrial Revolution create jobs in cities (that would motivate many foreigners to immigrate to America), but it also brought about many new technologies and new transportation methods that made American life much simpler and easier than it had been before. Although industrialization and urbanization seemed to have a positive effect on the U.S, it actually caused many problems that would last for decades. Beginning in 1890, the Progressive Era began as a way to solve these problems. The era brought out many different reform groups that would challenge monopolies, corruption in government and social injustices brought on by the Industrial Revolution. Not …show more content…
only did progressives bring down “bad” trusts and increase consumer protection Although not all reform groups would find success on the national level, they did take the most notable strides toward change in 1900-1920. The progressive era was equally successful and unsuccessful on the national level. With the growth of cities and factories, citizens began to see unsafe and filthy conditions that progressives tackled to change. Muckrakers, journalists who exposed both government and corporations for their corruption, caused the most waves in change regarding consumer protection. Although at times the pieces by muckrakers were exaggerated, they were able to generate public awareness on issues that would have otherwise been swept under the carpet. One of the most notable pieces was “The Jungle, “by Upton Sinclair. Although he had originally wanted to expose the harsh conditions faced by immigrants throughout industrialized parts of America, he inadvertently exposed the meat industry for their unsanitary practices. Upton Sinclair made the public very aware of what is actually in their meat. Quotes such as, “[T]he meat would be shoveled into carts, and the man who did the shoveling would not trouble to lift out a rat even when he saw one,” would cause public enragement and a call for government action. The claims found in “The Jungle,” were confirmed in The Neill-Reynolds Report [Doc B] which had been commissioned by then-president Theodore Roosevelt. Following the release of the report, Theodore Roosevelt, a known progressive, would sign the Meat Inspection Act of 1906. The Meat Inspection Act of 1906 would lead to stronger regulation for cleanliness in the meatpacking industry but didn’t take into account the proper labeling of food products. The Pure Food and Drug Act, passed in the same year, would, “prohibit interstate commerce in adulterated and misbranded food and drugs (fda.org).” With both acts passed, consumer protection was ensured throughout the nation and was seen as a victory for reformers. However, the main issue that was meant to be addressed in “The Jungle,” was that of harsh working condition which reformers were not able to successfully stand up against especially in regards to child labor. Immigrants who came to America during (and after) the Industrial Revolution, faced harsh living and working conditions not only for adults but most notably for children. Child labor ran rampant in the 19th century and would only increase in number in the 20th century (“In 1900, 18% of all American workers were under the age of 16 (history.com)).” Due to the fact that state laws allowed children to begin working at a young age, many immigrant families would send their children to work as soon as legally possible in order to make ends meet. As a result of this, many children were never able to get an education and were forced to work in dangerous conditions. For these reasons, educational reformers of the era such as Jane Addams felt that it should be a priority for progressives to take a stand against child labor. In “The Spirit of Youth and the City Streets,” Jane Addams attempts to call progressives to action with lines like, “Are the educators, like the rest of us, so caught in admiration of the astonishing achievement of modern industry that they forget the children themselves [Doc C]?” In 1916, it seemed as if the reformers hard work had paid off when President Woodrow Wilson signed the Keating-Owen Act. The act promised to end child labor (only in the industries that sold interstate) and end the selling of products made by children under 14. However, the success of the act was short-lived as a result of the act being declared unconstitutional in the ruling of Hammer v. Dagenhart. The Supreme Court ruled that the Keating Owen-Act exceeded the power of the federal government (“transcends the authority delegated to Congress over commerce…”) and that child labor was purely a state matter (“the necessary effect of this act is purely a state authority…”; “exerts a power as to a purely a local matter”) [Doc G]. Although progressives were not able to triumph against the ruling until 1941, they were able to motivate changes in state laws. Consequently, the dismissal of the Keating Owen-Act would portray to the public that laws being passed during Woodrow Wilson’s presidency found very little success [Doc F]. Although in this case president support seemed to make no difference in the outcome, Theodore Roosevelt's support in trust busting was what made the reforms extremely successful. Trust busting was one of the many great success of the progressive era mainly due to the work of many reformers but most notably, President Theodore Roosevelt.
The Industrial Revolution of the 19th century had opened the door for business leaders to form monopolies under the notion of laissez-faire. By the end of the 19th century, large corporations led trusts in order to hid the fact that their company was actually a monopoly. As a result of the growing number of trusts in the U.S, the general public began to call for some kind of change, specifically government regulation of these trusts. Thus, Congress took action by passing the Sherman Anti-Trust Act in 1890. The Sherman Anti-Trust Act was meant to outlaw trusts (“Every contract, combination in the form of trust or otherwise, or conspiracy, in restraint of trade or commerce among the several States, or with foreign nations, is hereby declared to be illegal (ourdocuments.gov).”) and make monopolization a crime punishable by law (“ Every person who shall monopolize, or attempt to monopolize, or combine or conspire with any other person or persons, to monopolize any part of the trade or commerce among the several States, or with foreign nations, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor…(ourdocuments.gov)”). Although this act had been passed for years, it was not regulated by any president until Theodore Roosevelt entered office in 1901. Theodore Roosevelt was a key figure that brought down corrupt corporate powers that had previously been unregulated under the idea of laissez-faire. An example of actions taken by Theodore Roosevelt's during the progressive era, can be seen in the 1907 cartoon drawn by Clifford K. Berryman [Doc A]. In this cartoon, Roosevelt is seen to have defeated “bad” trusts while still keeping “good” trusts on a leash (meaning that they would be regulated by him and his administration). During his presidency, Theodore Roosevelt would take up more than 40 cases in order to break up these
“bad” trusts. One of the most notable trusts that Theodore Roosevelt brought down was the Northern Securities Railroad Company. Due to the result of his success as trust-buster, Theodore Roosevelt would unintentionally set a standard for future presidents, most notably, Woodrow Wilson. During his presidency, Woodrow Wilson revised the Sherman Anti-Trust Act by pushing for the passing of the Clayton Anti-Trust Act. The law was passed in 1914 and would not only strengthen the Sherman Anti-Trust Act (ex. would forbid price discrimination) but would also exempt labor unions from being considered trusts [Doc E], which was one of the only victories workers had during the Progressive Era. Although the Progressive Era had mainly started due to the problems workers faced during and following the Industrial Revolution, reformers had very little success in improving conditions. Prior to the Clayton Anti-Trust Act being passed, the Supreme Court had actively permitted labor strikes to be brought down in court mainly by use of antitrust laws. Progressives who had opposed this, rejoiced when the Clayton Anti-Trust Act was passed but still saw that little progress had been made in regards to their other concerns. The most neglected workers were those that were women or black. Both groups couldn't easily join many unions and thus couldn't sucessfully petition for most issues they cared about (as seen in Jane Addams attempt to make primary education required throughout the United States). Workers in cities represented the limitations of the Progressive Era because although changes did occur that would benefit all of America (consumer protection and trust busting), changes that were meant to help a certain group (ending child labor/ implementing a standard of education would help children, worker rights in regards to women, blacks and children), didn't find success. The Progressive Era sought to end the hardships faces by the poorer public but ultimately, was not able to on the national level. Although some reforms did change state laws, many were unable to make national waves.
...he government to the ordinary people as explained in July 5, 1892 by the Omaha Morning World –Herald (Doc F). Lastly, the laws for the regulation of businesses was enforces until President Theodore Roosevelt had also contributed by suing companies that violated the Sherman Anti-Trust Act.
The term Progressivism implies a philosophy that promotes change/reform in the current political, economic, and social aspects of society while conservatism stresses gradual change in society but promotes tradition rather than change. The Progressive movement from 1901 to 1917 worked to improve aspects of society that grew out of problems which occurred during the Industrial Age. The goals of the "Progressives" were to stop monopolies, corruption, inefficiency and social injustices. Both progressive acts and amendments were being passed to deal with social ills, corruption in politics and corporate America. The period from 1901-1917 was more a victory for liberalism, mainly "modern liberalism", than a triumph of conservatism due to the fact that multiple reform movements were occurring in this era changing political, economic, and social aspects in society to protect the rights of the common man.
During the Progressive Era, pressure from labor, suffrage, and conservation movements profoundly changed the course of American history. Many of the reformers' ideas clashed with the male-dominated, capitalist economic structure present at the turn of the century. Some of the intended reforms opposed the current system, but the level of social unrest necessitated change. Businessmen and activists alike initiated the reforms during the Progressive Era. Government, due to the intention of calming the common man and quieting the seemingly more and more vocal middle class, supported them. In the final analysis, from the year 1900 to 1920, Progressive Era reformers were successful in bringing about reform to the United States.
At the turn of the century America entered a new age that many historians call the Progressive Era. During this time period, the American Political system changed its view on how America should be brought about. It provided a purification of the American government through direct democracy. This era included many social and political reforms, which were brought about due to monopolies, and trust corporations.
In the beginning of the twentieth century, the economy was booming, new technology flourished. The rapid industrialization brought achievement to the United States, however, it also caused several social problems. Wealth and power were concentrated in the hands of a few, and poverty and political corruption were widespread. As people became aware of these problems, a new reform group was created. Unlike populism, which had been a group of farmers grown desperate as the economy submerged into depression, the new reform movement arose from the educated middle class. These people were known as the progressives. The Progressive Movement was a movement that aimed at solving political, economic, and social problems. The Progressives were people from the middle class who had confidence that they could achieve social progress through political reform. The Progressives sought after changes and improvements in the society through laws and other federal actions.
He was also known as Theodore Roosevelts handpicked successor. Taft supported Theodore Roosevelts “Square Deal” policy which attempted to strike a balance between employers and employees as well as Conservatives and Progressives. It soon proved impossible to please everyone as Taft did not have Roosevelt’s charisma. Eventually he wound up satisfying Conservatives more than Progressives. Taft’s administration however, had pursued more antitrust suits than Roosevelt had. During his speech at Elkton, Maryland in 1912, President Taft stated that what he attempted to do during his presidency was to carry out Roosevelt’s policies. Taft also states that one of those policies was thought to be the prosecution of the trusts under the anti-trust law. Taft includes that because of this he gave orders to his attorney general to prosecute any and every trust that violated that law. During his speech Taft states “the only difference between me and Mr. Roosevelt is that I prosecuted the Steel Trust and the Harvester Trust, and he did not”. Unlike Roosevelt who was known for his fiery personality, President Taft was calm and quiet. He preferred to work behind closed doors in private. President Taft, being a former judge, would refuse to make hasty decisions while depending on facts to make decisions and not emotions. President Taft, unlike Roosevelt, believed that the presidency was a job and an administrative post as opposed to a “bully pulpit”. Taft however, finished the job that Roosevelt had started in dealing with big businesses and prosecuted twice as many as Roosevelt had. Despite Roosevelt’s reputation as being a reformer and trust buster, Taft had actually reformed more business practices in the United States by initiating more lawsuits to bring the trusts down than Roosevelt. Taft believed in many of the same things as Roosevelt but he wanted those same goals through legal means.
Thesis The Progressive Era and the New Deal Era had a significant amount of similarities with policies and programs to reform the American society and improve lives and fight poverty in America. Although the Progressive and New Deal Era had many similarities there were still differences between them.
Within the period of 1900-1920, many national reforms were rising to the top as Progressive Era reformers and the federal government heard the voices of the people. The effectiveness of Progressivism is a controversial subject for some, but the future was changed through the events of any actions a president made, the rights of people, and unfair treatment and conditions. This era brings changes to our society that also changes the future of it. These two decades brought forth successful times in bettering America.
Cities grew in the late 1800s and early 1900s. As specialized industries like steel and meat packing improved, jobs also increased in the cities. These factories work lured former farmers, immigrants, and American workers moved into the cities. These people lived in tenements and ghettos and were unable to earn an authentic living due to unreasonable wage cut. Progressivism is an umbrella label for a wide range of economic, political, social, and moral reforms. The early twentieth century acted as the Progressive Era, when Americans find solutions to resolve problems that were engendered by industrialization. Predicated on the documents, Progressive Era were effective because of child labor, working conditions, and women's suffrage.
Where did some of modern America's issues originate from? The answer to that is the Progressive Era. The Legislation of that era laid all of the groundwork for today, and much of it is still in public debate today. Roosevelt, Taft, and Wilson, three of the presidents from that era, all played roles in the groundwork. These presidents passed acts, tariffs, and amendments that are still with us, and debated today.
Reformers known as Progressives attempted to undo the problems caused by industrialization. The Progressive movement sought to end the influence of large corporations, provide more rights and benefits to workers, and end the control possessed by party leaders. At the national level, Progressivism centered on defeating the power of large businesses. The Progressive Era was a period in American history in which improving working conditions, exposing corruption, improving the way of life, expanding democracy, and making reforms were the objectives at hand. With the emergence of the Progressive Era, two important figures gradually emerged as well.
During the Progressive Era, occurring from 1890 until 1920, progressives attempted to make many changes at a national level and were characterized by support for economic, social, and political reforms. By realizing the rapid industrial growth, poor class, and immigration, progressive’s goals were to relieve these issues and create laws that gave the common people more power. Progressive reformers gave significance to issues of black rights and also to women suffrage, however these issues had proved to be forgotten by Woodrow Wilson, whom of which was the president during this time. Although the reformers were not successful with these two issues, they seemed to be successful in improving much of the other negativity that had occurred during this era including the working conditions of the meat industry, child labor laws, and by changing the competition from large companies. In the end, all of these proved that the reformers turned out to be very successful in bringing reform to a national level. Along with these issues that the progressives tried to stop competition, they also fought many groups that tried to eliminate social classes along the way. Progressives were able to be successful in restoring economic competition, making the government more efficient, and stemming the tide of socialism.
The turn of the century was marked by a movement known as the Progressive Era, during which many groups sought to reshape the nation's government and society in response to the pressure of urbanization and industrialization. Progressives were mainly members of the Post-Civil War generation that made an attempt to master a world much different then that of their parents.
The Progressive Reform Movement played an instrumental role in uplifting American society to new heights. The movement was fairly successful in curing the ills brought on by the massive industrial growth of the late 19th century. Rich executives who had created monopolies and trusts were deemed to have become too powerful, and political imbalances were ruled to be unacceptable. Progressive reform was a cornerstone of the early 1900s and was the issue that defined several presidencies.
America was a time of rapid growth for people all across the country. The Industrial Revolution began a few years after the Civil War with the invention of steam powered machines. From there, America faced a time of massive expansion and modern industrialized cities popped up across the United States. While there was much success across the nation, such as manual labor becoming easier and a huge population growth, the negative effects of industrialization outweigh the positives. A few of the issues that made industrialization an atrocious time for many was the racism and segregation towards immigrants and unsafe and unfair working conditions/the deprivation of a regular childhood for kids across the nation.