The Impact of Industrialization on American Society
Term: Industrialization
Industrialization in the United States during the 19th century is a critical period in understanding America and its society, as this period transformed the country economically, politically, and socially. Industrialization was marked by the development of railroads, new methods of production using technology, and the growth of factories, which propelled economic growth and the rise of cities. Subsequently, this created a middle class and led to urbanization, where many Americans moved into the cities while immigrants came into the country looking for work in industries. Still, the new production methods transformed the labor system, where individuals had to work longer hours as industrialists chased profits. Accordingly, this led to the rise of strong labor unions that fought for the rights of laborers, including immigrants. Change in the political system was also inevitable; for instance, politics needed to embrace the immigrant population and address their needs (Locke & Wright, 2019, Chapter 18, Section II, p. 63).
Moreover, urbanization shifted cultural and social values and challenged traditionally held gender and sexual norms, thus presenting women in urban areas with new roles (Locke & Wright, 2019, Chapter 18, Section II, p. 72). Women become activists working to uplift others and demanding equality and the rights of the deprived. The physical restrictions in women’s fashion became loose, and “corsets relaxed and hemlines rose” (Locke & Wright, 2019, Chapter 18, Section II, p. 73), a new freedom that mirrored the start of other freedoms. Overall, industrialization was characterized by transforming events like railway construction, economic growth, and urbanization that help understand the economic, political, and social dynamics of American society during the 19th century.
References
Locke, J. L., & Wright, B. (Eds.). (2019). The American Yawp: A massively collaborative open U.S. history textbook, Vol. 2: Since 1877 (Vol. 2). Stanford University Press.
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Question
Discussion 2-U.S History
*Please note: 2 paragraphs long.
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Choose a term, issue, event, leader, or policy from chapters 16 to 19 of the American Yawp that you consider important to talk about.
- Check chapters 16-19 to look for information that will help you explain the term or issue you selected.
- Write a 1-2 paragraph-long response in which you explain how the term or issue you choose helps us to better understand the United States, its society at the time in which it took place.
- You must support your response with information from either one of these books and must also include page number when citing the American Yawp include chapter and section number.
The Impact of Industrialization on American Society
Rubric
- Excellent (1.8-2 points)
- Demonstrates understanding of the issue or term chosen (.5)
- Includes information from the American Yawp to explain the importance of issue or term (1)
- Includes citation-page numbers for example, phrase or quote (.5)