Industrial Revolution

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During the American Industrial Revolution, many would have the attitude of Darwinism, but put in a social form. Social Darwinism meant that anyone who found themselves in a poor position had created it for themselves. Reverend Conwell reflected this best by saying, “There is not a poor person in the United States who was not made poor by his own shortcomings.” (Krumm) America would prosper economically, but many were exploited during this time and left on their own if any had faced hardships. Capitalism grew, but it was very ruthless time for workers and many suffered or were left behind during this time of growth. America would grow rapidly and expand out west and an economic boom led to most of America settled or under cultivation by the late 1800s. The cattle trails grew during this time as well as a need for commercial farming. With more individuals moving to the city for work during the industrial revolution, many farms were left behind and farming became more commercial. Unfortunately, this growth also came with a major cost. The Native Americans were driven out of their land and their homes from force or even lack of food because of the slaughtering of their main food source, the American Bison. The Native American culture was also impacted because the Native American people were not only slaughtered, but those that lived were forced to leave their culture behind and become more European. The American Industrial Revolution did give America a lot of things, but America also lost the cultures of the immigrants and Native Americans.

America suffered from great corruption in its government and by corporations and big business. It was not until Theodore Roosevelt became president that major reform was made. He was a major advocate for protecting our natural resources and stopped corporations from taking over. With the creation of our national parks, it gave America an appreciation for the land and the gift they had with the land. He also protected consumers and took more control over corporations. He was the voice of progressives and allowed the progressive movement to have a stronger hold on the United States. The cry for social reform allowed for things like the 17th and 19th amendment which would create direct election of senators by the people instead of by appointment and gave the right to vote to women. Without the American Industrial Revolution and the rise of progressives calling for social, political, and economic reform, our nation would not have these great benefits that still affect America today.

The American Industrial Revolution was a time of rapid growth, but it all came with a cost. The nation would find itself as a world economic power and many innovations would be made throughout the years of the revolution. There were many who got to reap the benefits from the growth and innovation, but there were also many who were left impoverished and left behind, including the poor, the immigrants, and the Native Americans. The United States would also have to be a divided nation and the government would almost be stagnant for many years because of partisan politics and corruption. However, despite the struggles that were faced during the revolution, America called for reform after this time and many of the pillars that we see in America today were shaped from this growth. The American Industrial Revolution did cause some growing pains for America, but it also created a stronger and greater nation who learned from their mistakes and helped shape Modern America.

Bibliography

Krumm, Lisa. "Industrialization of America." Tyler, Texas, 27 January 2017. 21 February 2017.

McGraw-Hill Education. Industrial America. n.d. 21 February 2017. .

Moore, Tony. Boss Tweed Biography. 6 July 2016. 21 February 2017. .

Riis, James. How the Other Half Lives. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1890. Website. 21 February 2017. .

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