Mid Term Study Guide: Industrialization and Technological Advancements (PDF)

Mid Term Study Guide Industrialization and Technological Advancements Key Innovations in the Late 1800s  The late 1800s saw significant technological advancements, particularly in the steel industry, which increased productivity and efficiency.  Innovations such as the Bessemer...

Mid Term Study Guide Industrialization and Technological Advancements Key Innovations in the Late 1800s  The late 1800s saw significant technological advancements, particularly in the steel industry, which increased productivity and efficiency.  Innovations such as the Bessemer process allowed for mass production of steel, lowering costs and increasing availability.  The introduction of machinery in various industries led to a shift in labor dynamics, with many workers displaced by automation.  Key figures like Thomas Edison contributed to technological progress with inventions such as the light bulb, which revolutionized energy consumption.  The railroad industry expanded rapidly, facilitating the movement of goods and people, and contributing to urban growth. Impact of Railroads on Society  The expansion of railroads across the United States resulted in the rapid growth of cities, as they became hubs of commerce and trade.  Railroads enabled the transportation of raw materials and finished goods, boosting the economy and creating jobs.  The increased connectivity led to a rise in suburban living as people could commute to urban centers for work.  Railroads played a crucial role in the westward expansion, influencing settlement patterns and the development of new territories.  The competition among railroad companies often led to price wars, benefiting consumers but harming smaller businesses. Business Practices and Economic Strategies Vertical vs. Horizontal Integration   Vertical integration involves controlling all aspects of production, from raw materials to final product distribution, exemplified by Andrew Carnegie's steel operations.  Horizontal integration refers to acquiring or merging with competitors to increase market share, a strategy favored by John D. Rockefeller in the oil industry.  Both strategies aimed to reduce costs and increase efficiency, but they also raised concerns about monopolistic practices.  Case studies include Carnegie Steel and Standard Oil, which dominated their respective industries through these practices.  The implications of these strategies led to regulatory responses, including antitrust laws to promote competition. Monopolies and Their Criticism  Monopolies were often criticized for raising prices and reducing the quality of goods, as they eliminated competition.  The political power held by monopolistic corporations raised concerns about their influence over government policies.  Historical examples include the Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890, which aimed to combat monopolistic practices.  Public sentiment against monopolies was fueled by labor movements advocating for workers' rights and fair wages.  The debate over monopolies continues today, reflecting ongoing concerns about corporate power in the economy. Labor Movements and Social Change Labor Rights and Union Formation  Samuel Gompers emphasized the importance of labor organization in advocating for workers' rights in his 1894 letter.  The rise of labor unions in the late 19th century was a response to poor working conditions and low wages.  Strikes, such as the Homestead and Pullman Strikes, highlighted the tensions between labor and management, often leading to government intervention.   The establishment of unions aimed to negotiate better wages, hours, and working conditions for laborers.  Key events in labor history reflect the struggle for rights and recognition in an industrializing society. Government Response to Labor Strikes  The government often sided with business owners during labor disputes, as seen in the response to the Homestead and Pullman Strikes.  Federal troops were frequently deployed to break up strikes, reflecting the government's prioritization of economic stability over labor rights.  Legislation aimed at improving working conditions was slow to develop, often due to corporate lobbying.  The public perception of labor strikes evolved over time, with increasing sympathy for workers' rights as labor movements gained traction.  Historical context shows the gradual shift towards recognizing the importance of labor rights in American society. Imperialism and Global Expansion Factors Driving Imperialism  The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw a surge in imperialism, driven by the desire for raw materials and new markets for industrial goods.  Nationalism and competition among European powers fueled the race for colonies, impacting global politics.  The Boxer Rebellion in China exemplified the backlash against foreign intervention and imperialism.  The Open Door Policy aimed to ensure equal trading rights in China, reflecting U.S. interests in maintaining access to Asian markets.  The annexation of territories like Hawaii was motivated by economic interests, particularly in sugarcane production. The Spanish-American War and Its Consequences   The explosion of the USS Maine served as a catalyst for the Spanish-American War, rallying public support against Spain.  U.S. involvement in the war marked a significant shift towards imperialism, as the nation acquired territories like Puerto Rico and Guam.  Theodore Roosevelt's leadership and the Rough Riders became iconic symbols of American military valor during the conflict.  The war highlighted the challenges faced by U.S. soldiers, including disease and inadequate supplies.  The construction of the Panama Canal was a strategic move to enhance U.S. naval power and trade routes, following the war. Key People  Thomas Edison: Inventor known for creating the light bulb and other significant technologies that transformed industries.  Alexander Graham Bell: Inventor of the telephone, which revolutionized communication.  Andrew Carnegie: Industrialist who led the expansion of the American steel industry and was a major proponent of vertical integration. Key Events  Homestead Strike (1892): A major labor strike at Carnegie Steel that resulted in violent clashes between strikers and private security.  Spanish-American War (1898): A conflict between the United States and Spain that resulted in U.S. territorial gains in the Caribbean and Pacific.  Boxer Rebellion (1899-1901): An anti-foreign uprising in China aimed at ending foreign influence and control. Key Dates  1894: Samuel Gompers writes about labor rights and the impact of machinery on jobs.  1898: The USS Maine explodes, leading to increased tensions and the start of the Spanish-American War.  1904-1914: Construction of the Panama Canal, a significant engineering feat that facilitated maritime trade. Key Legislation/Policies  Open Door Policy (1899): A U.S. policy that aimed to ensure equal trading rights for all nations in China and to prevent any one nation from monopolizing trade.  Sherman Antitrust Act (1890): A landmark federal statute in the U.S. that outlawed monopolistic business practices. Facts to Memorize  The Open Door Policy allowed all nations equal access to trade with China.  The USS Maine exploded in 1898, leading to increased tensions with Spain.   Theodore Roosevelt was known for his aggressive foreign policy and leadership during the Spanish-American War. Cause and Effect Cause Effect Expansion of railroads across the U.S. Rapid growth of cities Invention of the light bulb by Thomas Edison Increased productivity and safety in workplaces The explosion of the USS Maine Rallying of American public against Spain The rise of monopolies like Rockefeller's Criticism for raising prices and reducing quality The Boxer Rebellion Increased foreign intervention in China Concept Comparisons Vertical Integration Horizontal Integration Involves owning multiple businesses in the Involves owning all steps of production same field Example: A steel company owning mines, mills, Example: A movie studio owning multiple and distribution theaters Aims to increase market share and reduce Aims to reduce costs and control supply chain competition Key Terms/Concepts  Vertical Integration: A business strategy where a company controls multiple stages of production, from raw materials to final product.  Horizontal Integration: A strategy where a company acquires or merges with competitors to increase market share.  Imperialism: A policy of extending a country's power and influence through colonization, military force, or other means. Key Terms and Concepts Related to World War I Major Figures and Events  Archduke Franz Ferdinand: His assassination on June 28, 1914, in Sarajevo by Gavrilo Princip was the immediate catalyst for World War I, leading to a series of diplomatic crises and alliances being activated.  Woodrow Wilson: The 28th President of the United States, who initially advocated for neutrality but later led the U.S. into WWI in 1917, emphasizing the need for a moral approach to foreign policy.  Count Alfred von Schlieffen: A German general known for devising the Schlieffen Plan, which aimed for a quick victory over France before turning to Russia, ultimately failing and leading to trench warfare. Causes of World War I  Militarism: The arms race and the glorification of military power created a tense environment in Europe, where nations built up their armies and navies, believing that military solutions were preferable to diplomatic ones.  Nationalism: Extreme pride in one’s nation often led to conflicts, as countries sought to assert their dominance and independence, particularly in the Balkans.  Imperialism: Competition for colonies and resources heightened tensions among European powers, as nations vied for control over territories, leading to conflicts and rivalries. Alliances and Warfare  Allies: The alliance of France, Great Britain, and Russia, which opposed the Central Powers during the war, formed a crucial part of the conflict's dynamics.  Central Powers: Comprised Germany, Austria-Hungary, and the Ottoman Empire, this alliance fought against the Allies and was characterized by aggressive military strategies.  Trench Warfare: A brutal form of combat that defined WWI, where soldiers fought from deep trenches, leading to horrific living conditions and high casualty rates. Key Events and Legislation During World War I Significant Incidents  Lusitania: The British ocean liner sunk by a German U-boat in 1915, killing 1,198 passengers, including 128 Americans, which stirred public outrage in the U.S. and shifted opinions towards joining the war.  Zimmermann Note: A secret diplomatic communication from Germany to Mexico proposing a military alliance against the U.S., which was intercepted and contributed to American entry into the war.  Selective Service Act: Enacted in 1917, this law required men to register for the draft, significantly increasing the size of the U.S. military. Impact on Society and Governance   Espionage and Sedition Acts: These laws limited free speech by allowing the government to suppress dissent and criticism of the war effort, reflecting the tension between national security and civil liberties.  Role of Women: As men went to war, women took on roles in factories and other jobs, leading to a shift in gender roles and eventually contributing to the women's suffrage movement.  Public Sentiment: The war effort was heavily promoted through propaganda, contrasting the glorified image of war with the grim realities faced by soldiers on the front lines. Personal Accounts and Experiences of Soldiers Soldier Journal Entries  Hardships Faced: Soldiers experienced extreme conditions including shelling, lack of food, disease (like dysentery), and psychological trauma from constant bombardment and the threat of death.  Living Conditions: Descriptions of living in trenches highlight the unsanitary and dangerous environment, with issues like lice infestations and exposure to gas attacks.  Mental Strain: The psychological toll of warfare is evident, with soldiers reporting feelings of weakness, fear, and the impact of shell shock on their mental health. Contrasting Perspectives on War  War Posters vs. Reality: Posters often depicted a glorified and heroic image of war, encouraging enlistment and support, while soldiers' experiences revealed the brutal and dehumanizing aspects of combat.  Public Perception: The disparity between the romanticized view of war and the harsh realities faced by soldiers contributed to changing attitudes towards military conflict as the war progressed.  Cultural Impact: The war influenced literature, art, and public discourse, leading to a more critical view of nationalism and militarism in the post-war period. Key People  Woodrow Wilson: The 28th President of the United States who led the country during World War I and advocated for neutrality before entering the war.  Archduke Franz Ferdinand: His assassination in 1914 sparked the beginning of World War I. Key Events  Sinking of the Lusitania (1915): A British liner sunk by a German U-boat, which turned American public opinion against Germany.  Zimmermann Note (1917): A secret communication from Germany to Mexico proposing a military alliance, which angered the American public and contributed to the U.S. entering the war. Key Dates  June 28, 1914: Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, which triggered the outbreak of World War I.  April 6, 1917: The United States officially entered World War I. Key Regulations/Legislation  Selective Service Act (1917): Required men to register for the draft, leading to the conscription of soldiers for World War I.  Espionage and Sedition Acts (1917-1918): Laws that limited free speech and allowed the government to silence dissent against the war. Facts to Memorize  Archduke Franz Ferdinand's assassination in 1914 sparked World War I.  The Lusitania was a British liner sunk by a German U-boat in 1915.  The Zimmermann note proposed an alliance between Germany and Mexico.  The Selective Service Act required men to register for the draft during WWI.  The Espionage and Sedition Acts limited freedom of speech during wartime. Reference Information  Central Powers included Germany, Austria-Hungary, and the Ottoman Empire.  Allies included France, Great Britain, and Russia.  Trench warfare characterized the fighting on the Western Front.  'No man's land' refers to the area between opposing trenches. Cause and Effect Cause Effect Assassination of Archduke Sparked the outbreak of World War I in 1914. Franz Ferdinand Increased anti-German sentiment in the United States and Sinking of the Lusitania contributed to U.S. entry into WWI. Angered the American public and contributed to the U.S. The Zimmermann note decision to enter the war. Heightened tensions among European nations, leading to Militarism and imperialism alliances and eventual conflict. Led to the drafting of American men into military service The Selective Service Act during WWI. Important Quotes "The people of the United States are drawn from many nations, and chiefly from the nations now at war. It is natural and inevitable that some will wish one nation, others another, to succeed in the momentous struggle. Such divisions among us would be fatal to our peace of mind and might seriously stand in the way of our duty as the one great nation at peace, the one nation ready to play a part of mediator and counselor of peace." Explanation: This quote from President Wilson emphasizes the importance of national unity and the role of the United States as a mediator during the war, reflecting the complexities of American identity during a time of global conflict.