Industrialization Overview Quiz

Questions and Answers

What is the definition of industrialization?

The process in which a society or country transforms itself from a primarily agricultural society into one based on the manufacturing of goods and services.

What are 'light' industries?

Industries that produce small and lightweight items such as textiles, clothing, and leather goods, as well as natural resources like grain and lumber.

What technological advancements occurred after the Civil War?

New materials like steel and electrical systems were developed, which contributed to economic growth.

What does industrial growth mean?

A sector of the economy experiencing a higher-than-average growth rate. Signup and view all the answers

How does the industrial sector grow?

It requires individuals who finance and organize businesses and factories, often forming corporations to raise money and reduce risks. Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of stock and stockholders?

Stock refers to the goods or merchandise available for sale, while stockholders are individuals who own shares in a corporation. Signup and view all the answers

What were working conditions like in the factories by 1900?

Factories were dangerous, and workers typically worked 12 hours a day, six days a week for low wages, with no benefits. Signup and view all the answers

What are sweatshops?

Factories where workers are employed at low wages for long hours and under poor conditions, often producing clothing. Signup and view all the answers

Why did individuals accept poor working conditions?

Because they feared losing their jobs, leading to the formation of labor unions. Signup and view all the answers

What are labor unions?

Organized associations of workers formed to protect and promote their rights and interests. Signup and view all the answers

What is collective bargaining?

The negotiation of wages and other conditions of employment by an organized body of employees. Signup and view all the answers

Who led the Knights of Labor?

Terence Powderly. Signup and view all the answers

What are strikes?

Refusals to work organized by employees to protest and demand concessions from their employer. Signup and view all the answers

Who organized the American Federation of Labor?

Samuel Gompers. Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of monopolies?

The exclusive possession or control of the supply or trade in a commodity or service. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Industrialization Overview

Transformation from an agricultural to a manufacturing-based society.
Mechanized mass production replaced individual manual labor.
Assembly lines emerged, affecting craftspeople and production methods.

Light Industries

Produces lightweight goods such as textiles, clothing, and leather.
Involves the use of natural resources like grain and lumber.

Post-Civil War Technological Advancements

Advances in technology led to the production of stronger materials like steel.
Development of electrical systems spurred economic growth.
Innovations such as trolley cars and telegraphs contributed to urban expansion.
Electric lighting and improved transportation extended working hours.

Definition of Industrial Growth

Refers to sectors of the economy that experience higher-than-average growth rates.

Growth of Industry

Required financial investment and organizational structure for businesses and factories.
Corporations formed, allowing collective fundraising to minimize financial risks.
Stocks were sold to raise money and support expansive operations utilizing natural resources.

Understanding Stock and Stockholders

Stock represents goods or inventory available for sale or distribution.
Stockholders, or shareholders, own shares in a corporation.

Factory Working Conditions

By 1900, 5.3 million individuals worked in factories under hazardous conditions.
Workers typically worked 12-hour days, 6 days a week, earning $3 to $12 weekly.
No compensation for job-related injuries; lacked benefits like vacations and sick days.

Sweatshops

Factories employing individuals at low wages, long hours, and poor conditions, especially in clothing.
Workers provided their own equipment and were paid by the piece produced.
Often operated in substandard living conditions.

Workers’ Acceptance of Job Conditions

Workers faced pressure to accept harsh conditions to avoid job loss, leading to collective action.
Formation of labor unions emerged as a response to exploitative practices.

Labor Unions

Organized groups of workers advocating for rights related to working conditions, wages, and benefits.
Collective bargaining provided strength in negotiations against employers.
Strikes were a common tactic used to compel employers to meet demands.

Collective Bargaining

Refers to organized negotiations between employees and employers regarding wages and employment conditions.

Knights of Labor

Led by Terence Powderly, united skilled and unskilled workers across various industries.
Membership grew from 10,000 to 700,000 between 1880 and 1886.
Advocated for higher wages, an eight-hour workday, and the abolition of child labor.
Struggled with unsuccessful strikes and a major bombing incident in 1886, which diminished its influence.

Strikes

Organized work stoppages aimed at obtaining concessions from employers.

American Federation of Labor (AFL)

Founded by Samuel Gompers in 1886, focusing on uniting skilled workers.
Achievements included shorter working hours and improved wages for its members.

Monopolies

Refers to exclusive control over a market, impacting competition and pricing.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the transition from agriculture to industrialization, focusing on technological advancements and the growth of light industries. This quiz covers key aspects of industrial growth post-Civil War and the impact on society and economy.