America’s Industrial Age: An Intro 1865-1909

1. America’s Industrial Age: An Intro1865-1909 Population Growth Industrial Employment Urban Growth Political, Economic & Social Changes National Self-Confidence

3. Population Shifts • US was primarily rural at the onset of the Civil War • By 1900, US was an industrial country • Americans continued to move westward to set up new lives, farms and trade • By 1900, more Americans were moving to cities than the countryside • Economic and technical change encouraged rapid industrialization

5. Industrialization & Urbanization • Transcontinental railroads linked eastern and western regions of the United States • New towns grew along railroad lines • New industries (oil and steel) grew to dominate American industry • Americans moved to the cities lured by hopes of steady employment • Push and Pull factors in Europe influenced large numbers of immigrants to seek new opportunities in the U.S. • Contemporary Example (one of many): Immigrant’s Changing Iowa’s Cities • By 1900, American industry lagged only behind Great Britain in production

7. The American Spirit • American individualism was rooted in 17th century values: • The Western frontier was paved by Americans who were rugged, unafraid people, inspired by hope and willing to sacrifice comforts for new lives • Economic and political change created government assistance where it was once seen as a last bastion of individualism • Federal troops were dispatched to protect American interests against Native Americans • Government agencies were created to regulate business practices • Reformers grew increasingly more demanding for government regulation of private industries • As cities grew, so did the need for government assistance in housing, transportation, schools, hospitals, fire and police protection

9. Social & Political Change • The gap between rich and poor widened • Labor first galvanized during this time period • Unions formed to demand better conditions and fairer wages • Small farmers were squeezed by debt, foreign competition and demanded land-price regulations • Anti-immigrant groups became more prominent • Corporate and individual corruption became the normalcy • Populist party was formed as a movement against the power of Wall Street, big banks and big business

10. Racial Injustice • Indians were forcibly moved from lands • U.S. won the Indian Wars and the Native population struggled to hold on to their shattered cultures • The South remained relatively untouched by the Industrial Revolution • Majority of industry still resided up North and out West • Slaves were freed, but southern governments implemented Black Codes to limit the movement and rights of Africa-Americans • Later known as Jim Crow Laws • Segregation of public facilities remained common-place until the 1960s and 1970s

11. National Self-Confidence of a Modern Industrial State • Wealth and power created a new sense of self-confidence in the American way of life • Desire for overseas expansion increased during this age • US liberated Cuba from Spanish rule, seized control of the Philippines, increased its economic hold on Latin America • Debate about American purpose, responsibilities and strength was debated then, just as it is now