Describe Industrialization After The Civil War In The US (Term Paper Sample)

Effects of Industrialization after the Civil War in the United States
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Introduction
After the Civil War, the United States became a much more industrialized society. Even though industrialization has created problems for the American society, several improvements in the U.S economy, politics and society have been influenced by industrialization between 1865 and 1920. This paper examines the effects of industrialization on society, economy, and politics. A discussion of three groups affected by industrialization is provided. Also, the paper talks about the influence of industrialization on average working American.
Aspects of Industrialization
The three aspects that characterized the industrialization in U.S during 1865 and 1920 revolve around economy, politics, and society. To start with, the American economy experienced changes attributed to the industrial revolution in the United States. During this period there was increased productivity arising from the growth of businesses and increased development of factories. Also, there was increased utilization of machines that increased productivity contributing to the rampant growth of factories and business operations which gradually improved the economy ("Economic Growth and the Early Industrial Revolution [ushistory.org]," n.d.). Additionally, the high number of immigrants who were a source of labor stipulated the growth in business and factories. Besides, Boyer et al., (2013) articulate that there was the development of mergers and monopolies which controlled competition and increased prices of products and services. To sum it up, the increased productivity, growth of business and development of industries were significant factors contributing to economic changes during the industrialization period of U.S between 1865 and 1920.
Politics was another aspect that faced changes during the industrialization period. One of the political changes. First, economic growth drove the United States in becoming as strong political power. Legislation such as tariffs and taxes were introduced to control business operations. Notably, during this period laissez-faire policy of the government was established. The government allowed business owners to make decisions on prices, demand, and supply. Also, the government officials have superior control over most of the large companies, and thus political corruption was evident ("Economic Growth and the Early Industrial Revolution [ushistory.org]," n.d.). Embezzlement of government resources was present, and the government officials supported the rich to get business contracts through bribes. Consequently, the gap between the poor and the rich widened.
Finally, the society experienced changes relating to urbanization and population growth. There was a revolution of the American society from an agrarian society to a more industrialized society. This led to people migrating to urban areas in pursuit of job opportunities at the factories. Consequently, there was high population growth in cities and eventually social issues arising from overpopulation were present (Conlin, 2013). These issues include inadequate housing, poor working conditions, crime, and unhealthy living environment exposing the society to health risks.
Groups Affected by Industrialization
Several groups were affected by industrialization. This section discusses the following groups; women and children, immigrants, and Native American. After the Civil War, women evolved from being housewives to working at factories. One of the significant changes that women faced is the empowerment of their rights and freedom advocated by women reform groups and unions. Women were allowed to vote during the industrialization period and allowed to work contradicting their situation before the civil war. However, the women were exploited since they were working for long hours and would get a lower pay compared to men. Furthermore, the children were allowed to work in the factories which were viewed as exploitation of child labor due to their low wages (Conlin, 2013). Essentially, both women and children were exposed to poor working conditions at a lower pay.
Secondly, immigrants were affected during the industrialization period. According to Conlin (2013), during this industrialization period, there was a high growth of immigrants from central, southern, and east Europe among other locations into the United States. They fled to the United States in pursuit of jobs and worked at the factories and the railroad's constructions. Immigrants provided the great source of labor which contributed to the growth of factories and business in the U.S. Immigrants faced discrimination and exploitation through lower wages. The Chinese were taxed for working in gold mines during the Gold Rush. Besides, the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 was enacted to prevent further Chinese immigrants into the U.S for ten years (Boyer et al., 2013). Also, due to the high population growth of immigrants into urban areas, social issues uprising from overcrowding were felt such as inadequate housing.
Lastly, the Native Americans were affected by the changes arising from industrialization. Industrialization contributed to the growth of urban centers and construction of railroads. For this reason, the land was inadequate forcing the eviction of Native Americans from their native land to other parts of the country. The growth of factories, coal mines, and other business activities created the demand for land for expansion of these sectors (Conlin, 2013).
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