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Industrialization. Chapter 6, Sections 1 and 2. New Finds and Inventions. In the 1860s, we began drilling for oil, mostly to create kerosene for lamps First found in Pennsylvania & Ohio Oil refining was a major industry in Cleveland. New Finds and Inventions.
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Industrialization Chapter 6, Sections 1 and 2
New Finds and Inventions • In the 1860s, we began drilling for oil, mostly to create kerosene for lamps • First found in Pennsylvania & Ohio • Oil refining was a major industry in Cleveland
New Finds and Inventions • Around 1850, two different scientists invented the Bessemer process, which made it much easier to create steel • Steel became big business for Cleveland and Pittsburg • Largest use for steel was the RRs, but also tools, bridges and later skyscrapers
New Finds and Inventions • Edison invented the light bulb in 1880 • By 1890, many offices and factories used electricity because you could move the power to wherever you wanted by wire • Before this, had to set up near sources of power, like rivers
New Finds and Inventions • The typewriter (1867) and telephone (1876) paved the way for women in office jobs • Electrically-powered factories were filled with women sewing clothes, etc.
The Age of Railroads • Even though RRs spread all over the U.S., the Northeast and Midwest had the most tracks • In 1883 the system of time zones was adopted to help make it easier to schedule trains traveling across the country.
The Age of Railroads • George Pullman’s sleeper car factory was built next to a company town • Living conditions were slightly above average, but he owned the apartments and stores • When he cut his employee’s pay (but didn’t lower their rent) it led to a large strike in 1894.
The Age of Railroads • Many RR owners turned to corruption to make even bigger profits • In the Credit Mobilierscandal, A RR company charged the govt. too much to build a RR & bribed some members of Congress to keep their mouths shut.
The Grange v. Railroads • Review: The Grange was a organization of farmers • The Grange was successful in getting farmer-friendly politicians elected in many states • They passed a series of “Granger Laws” which restricted RRs from taking advantage of farmers
The Grange v. Railroads • 1877 Munn v. IllinoisSupreme Court decision said states have the right to regulate RR companies in order to help farmers • Congress created the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) in 1886 to regulate companies that crossed state boarders • The ICC remained fairly weak, RRs continued to abuse farmers and passengers