The Industrial Revolution 1760 - 1840 A good thing or a bad thing?

Industry & Transportation The first major advancement in transportation was the development of the steamboat. (Robert Fulton) The second transportation advancement was the construction of canals. (Erie Canal) The Erie Canal helped to make New York City the nation’s greatest commercial center. The most dramatic advancement was the arrival of railroads in the 1820’s.

The Industrial Revolution Began in Great Britain and focused on machines being powered by steam or water rather than by hand. Samuel Slater built the nation’s first water-powered textile mill in RI. Became known as the father of the American Industrial Revolution Lowell Mills – First factories to employ young single women, they were called “Lowell Girls” The invention of the cotton gin by Eli Whitney with interchangeable parts led to the factory system.

Samuel Slater’s Mill Today

The Erie Canal in 1825 Construction began in 1817 A 363 mile man-made waterway from the Hudson to Lake Ontario and Lake Erie

The Erie Canal Today

Industrial Rev. Cont. As the factory system spread, manufacturers required more power. Thus, their was a move to steam power. In 1837, Samuel F.B. Morse invented the electric telegraph. (Morse Code) The steel plow helped the American farming industry remain the largest in the country.

Telegraph

Morse Code

Good or bad? Increased wealth for nations The Good The Bad Increased wealth for nations Products became more affordable Transportation improved More jobs Long working hours Urbanization Automation = Unemployment Poor working conditions

The Industrial Revolution Video (11.04)