1. Topic 2a – America Transforms
Objectives:
Compare the American lifestyle before and after the Industrial Revolution.
Explain how one piece of technology can transform an entire society.
Relevance
New inventions ultimately change a society. They’ve even changed yours so far.

2. Then and now Prior to industry Most Americans farm for a living
Feeds them
Allows them to sell and make some money
Large population of small farmers
Small population of large plantations
Cottage Industry: Manufacturing is done in the home
Building goods took a long time
Family taught you everything
Expensive, hand-made, expert- made items
Work done by skilled workers

3. Then and now America industrializes Lowell, Massachusetts
Uses water power to fuel machines like the Power Loom
Breaks down production into smaller steps
Multiple people create one part of the good, not the whole thing
Triples production capability and greatly reduces the price of goods
Lowell paid his all female staff a wage
Most Lowell workers are considered unskilled
Industrial Revolution: the transition from manufacturing and work being done at home, to factories
What inventions made America produce things differently? (share with your neighbor and write an answer down)

4. Then and Now Agriculture benefits from industry
McCormick tractors greatly increase agricultural production
American economy strengthens as it is capable of producing cheap agriculture and manufactured goods.
Despite this change, American cities begin to outpace farms in terms of growth.
1. Using the third point above as a start, how did the American economy change in the 1800s? Diagram it step by step (work with your partner to solve)

5. Then and Now Water power leads to Steam Power Creates railroads
Makes transportation faster, easier, cheaper
Lowers the price of goods even further
Allows for the fast settlement of American cities
Migration to the West and immigration increases dramatically
Transcontinental Railroad connects the East and West Coast
Reduces travel time from 26 weeks to 1 week
1. How did the change in energy transform transportation in America? What major effect did it have on the population and growth? (work with your partner)

6. Transformation of America

7. Transformation of America

8. Transformation of America
Use the space below to create a T-Chart that shows America before and after the Industrial Revolution. Use the cutouts to place them on the right side with the person next to you.
Before
After