What are the three most important innovations, or inventions, in your lifetime? In your notebook make a quick sketch of each innovation/invention. Then write a one or two sentence description explaining how each innovation has affected or changed your life.

A New Industrial Age Causes Nation has wealth of natural resources Explosion of inventions and innovation business and manufacturing efficiency Growing urban population provides workers and consumers Railroads establish new markets

Edwin L. Drake Edwin L. Drake used a steam engine to drill for oil began the oil “boom” refined crude oil into kerosene, gasoline, and other petroleum-based products

Drake and Titusville, PA

Henry Bessemer • Henry Bessemer turned iron into steel by melting iron and removing carbon. • Steel was used for farming equipment, cans for food, bridges, and the new buildings called skyscrapers. US resources for steel production? In 1887 large amounts of iron was discovered in Minnesota. At the same time coal production increased from 33 million tons in 1870 to more than 250 million tons in 1900. Great timing for making steel in the US!

Inventions and Change Thomas Alva Edison established world’s first research laboratory in Menlo, Park NJ and “invents” the light bulb. Edison helps design the first power plants in the world to distribute electricity. Electricity was used to power light bulbs, motors, fans, streetcars, printing presses. What else did Edison invent?

Inventions and Change Christopher Sholes invented the typewriter in 1867. In 1876 Alexander Graham Bell and Thomas Watson invent the telephone. “Watson, come quick!” New inventions allow for faster and efficient communication and production. More and more women entered the workforce. New inventions led to a shorter work week. People had more leisure time to enjoy new products like phonographs, cameras, and bicycles.

Just a quick word on railroads… The transcontinental railroad was completed at Promontory Point, Utah in 1869. Railroads gave the US time zones and standardized ways of keeping time across the country. Helped bring goods and people from coast to coast. Led to the creation of new towns. Railroads had a monopoly on delivering farm goods to market. Farmers resented high prices charged by railroads.

A New Industrial Age Effects Big business emerges Business grows powerful with monopolies and trusts Workers endure harsh conditions Labor unions develop