Industrialization ESSENTIAL QUESTION: What factors encouraged economic growth in the decades after the Civil War?
TEKS and Objectives We will… (3B) analyze economic issues such as industrialization, the growth of railroads, the growth of labor unions, and free enterprise. (27A) explain the effects of scientific discoveries and technological innovations such as electric power, telephone, and steel production on the economic development of the U.S. I will… Evaluate the importance of new technology of the Gilded Age
Gilded Age ( ) Time between Civil War and WWI Rapid industrialization Increase in population Political corruption No regulation of business/economy Wealthy people lived fancy lives Time between Civil War and WWI Rapid industrialization Increase in population Political corruption No regulation of business/economy Wealthy people lived fancy lives
Industrialization The transition of an economy from agriculture to manufacturing Second Industrial Revolution ( ) Begun with the development of the Bessemer Process
Bessemer Process Steel-making process Quick and cheap method of steel-production Used in buildings and machinery Steel-making process Quick and cheap method of steel-production Used in buildings and machinery
Steel Production
Other Innovations Sewing Machine (1846) Elias Howe Improved clothing Passenger Elevator (1852) Elisha Otis Faster proficiency to more levels Typewriter (1867) Christopher Sholes Improved writing letters
Other Innovations Telephone (1876) Alexander Graham Bell Improved communication Light Bulb Thomas Edison Gave light to homes and factories Airplane Orville and Wilbur Wright Improved transportation Telephone (1876) Alexander Graham Bell Improved communication Light Bulb Thomas Edison Gave light to homes and factories Airplane Orville and Wilbur Wright Improved transportation
Journal Question Which invention do you think was most important? Which do you think was the least important? Explain your answers.
Factors Promoting Industrialization Free-Enterprise System: Economic system in which businesses operate free of government interference Laissez-Faire Government does not intervene in business Hands-off policy
Factors Promoting Industrialization Transcontinental Railroad Connected East to West National Market Shipping goods less expensive Department stores, chain stores, mail-order (Macy’s, Sears Catalog) Transcontinental Railroad Connected East to West National Market Shipping goods less expensive Department stores, chain stores, mail-order (Macy’s, Sears Catalog)