Key Figures in U.S. Industrialization

Study Notes

Bessemer Process
- Revolutionized steel production in the 19th century.
- Patented in 1855, enabled large-scale, cost-effective steel manufacturing.
Andrew Carnegie
- Scottish-born American industrialist known for his success in the steel industry.
- Implemented vertical integration to reduce costs and maximize profits.
John D. Rockefeller
- Industrial magnate who founded the Standard Oil Company.
- Accumulated immense wealth and advocated for the strategy of vertical integration.
American Federation of Labor (AFL)
- Among the first labor unions in the U.S.
- Eventually merged with the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) to strengthen labor advocacy.
George Pullman
- Notable 19th-century industrialist associated with railroad travel.
- Famous for the "sleeping car" and was involved in the significant labor strike of 1894.
Robert Fulton
- Pioneer of steam-powered navigation in the United States.
- Launched the first successful steamship, The Clermont, in 1807.
J.P. Morgan
- Influential banker and financier in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- Played a key role in corporate finance and orchestrated major industrial mergers.
Samuel Slater
- Regarded as the "Father of the American Industrial Revolution."
- Instrumental in bringing British textile manufacturing techniques to the U.S., facilitating industrial growth.