The Rise of Industry in the United States: Post-Emancipation and Reconstruction Era PDF

The Rise of Industry in the United States: Post-Emancipation and the Reconstruction Era Important Dates ​ 1865: End of the Civil War and the beginning of Reconstruction. ​ 1869: Completion of the First Transcontinental Railroad, connecting the East and West coasts. ​ 1870-1900: Gilded Ag...

The Rise of Industry in the United States: Post-Emancipation and the Reconstruction Era Important Dates ​ 1865: End of the Civil War and the beginning of Reconstruction. ​ 1869: Completion of the First Transcontinental Railroad, connecting the East and West coasts. ​ 1870-1900: Gilded Age, was a period of significant economic growth and industrialization. ​ 1898: Spanish-American War; the U.S. emerges as a world power. ​ 1901: Theodore Roosevelt becomes President following McKinley’s assassination. ​ 1914-1918: World War I; the U.S. joined in 1917. Key People Industrialization and Innovation ​ Andrew Carnegie: A leading figure in the expansion of the American steel industry. ​ John D. Rockefeller: Founder of Standard Oil, his business practices led to the antitrust movement. ​ Thomas Edison: Inventor of the electric light bulb and phonograph, greatly impacting daily life. ​ Nikola Tesla: Pioneer in electricity and electromagnetic fields, known for his work on alternating current (AC). Social and Political Leaders ​ Susan B. Anthony: Key leader in the women's suffrage movement. ​ Booker T. Washington: Influential African American leader advocating for vocational education. ​ W.E.B. Du Bois: Co-founder of the NAACP, championed civil rights and higher education for African Americans. ​ Theodore Roosevelt: 26th President known for progressive reforms and the conservation movement.  ​ Background​ ○​ After the Civil War, the United States underwent significant changes. ○​ The Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 freed enslaved people, leading to new opportunities and challenges. ○​ The Reconstruction Era (1865-1877) aimed to rebuild the South and integrate formerly enslaved people into society. ​ Economic Growth​ ○​ The U.S. economy shifted from agriculture to industry. ○​ New technologies and inventions changed how goods were produced and distributed. ○​ Railroads expanded, connecting cities and facilitating trade. Progressive Movement: A reform movement that aimed to address the problems caused by industrialization, such as poor working conditions and political corruption. ​ Corporations and Entrepreneurs ○​ Corporations emerged as business structures that allowed for large-scale production. ○​ Entrepreneurs, like Andrew Carnegie and John D. Rockefeller, played key roles in industrial growth. ​ Andrew Carnegie: A leading figure in the expansion of the American steel industry. ​ John D. Rockefeller: Founder of Standard Oil, his business practices led to the antitrust movement. ○​ These individuals invested in industries such as steel and oil, leading to massive production increases. ​ Labor and Working Conditions​ ○​ With the rise of factories, many people moved to cities for work, a process known as urbanization. ○​ Workers faced long hours, low pay, and unsafe conditions. ○​ Labor unions formed to fight for better wages and working conditions, advocating for workers' rights. ​ Laissez-Faire Economic Policy​ ○​ This allowed corporations to grow rapidly but also led to the exploitation of workers and resources. ​ Mass Production​ ○​ Innovations like the assembly line transformed how products were made. ○​ Mass production made goods cheaper and more accessible to the public. ​ This change also increased demand for consumer products. ​ Monopolies and Trusts​ ○​ As industries grew, some companies gained control over entire markets, creating monopolies. ○​ Trusts were formed when several companies agreed to limit competition, which allowed them to set prices. ○​ These practices led to concerns about unfair business practices and the need for regulation. ​ Impact of Tariffs​ ○​ Tariffs were used to protect American industries from foreign competition. ○​ Higher tariffs encouraged people to buy American-made products, boosting the domestic economy. ○​ However, tariffs also sparked trade tensions with other countries. ​ Social Changes​ ○​ The rise of industry brought significant social changes, including immigrants, and moves to urban areas for job opportunities. ○​ This influx led to overcrowded cities and the need for improved infrastructure. ​ Conclusion​ ○​ The period after Emancipation and during Reconstruction was pivotal for the United States’ industrial growth. ○​ While it opened doors for many, it also presented challenges such as labor exploitation and economic inequality. ○​ Understanding this era helps us recognize the foundations of modern America and the ongoing struggles for workers' rights and fair business practices.