Industrialization after the Civil War (Term Paper Sample)

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Industrialization After the Civil War
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Industrialization After the Civil War
Several characteristics of industrialization emerged in the United States between 1865 and 1920 that contributed to the shaping of America and the world at large. It was during these times that lasted to almost a century that led to critical changes in various sectors such as agriculture, mining, technology, manufacturing, and transportation thus causing an effect on cultural and socioeconomic circumstances of the times. Industrialization led Americans to the good life in a different aspect of life, and it also came with many problems to the people of the land.
According to Civil War and Terrorism after the Cold War, (2013, p. 09), there is a clear indication that the problems faced by the Americans affected the society that contributed to the advancement of political machines and upswing in the economy. Other significant aspects of the industrialization pushed America from a position of a relative economy backwater to one of the most influential economies in the world. Through 1865 and 1920, significant aspects of industrialization were mechanization, labor division, and specialization. Since politics played the significant part, leaders also messed up. Since most of the rich people were in politics and business, they played a significant role in swaying decisions their way. Most of the Native Americans were denied access to their lands and forced to move from their native homes. Downs & Masur (2015, p. 6) states that during the industrialization era, many industries developed as the use of machinery increased. The research further indicates that many businesses merged thus leading to monopolization. Due to no or low competition, businesses controlled product prices in the market and hiked the prices of goods.
The industrialization also led to a laissez-fair policy by the government in regards to the economy. Since business owners were left to make their own decisions, the government had few rules and regulations. The enterprise system was free since thus not determine the force between demand and supply of quality of products and their prices. However, the American industries were protected by the government through protective tariffs. Lorey (2014, p. 5) states that the government policies provided a room for growth for the industries and businesses as well.
During the industrialization period, another characteristic marked was the presence and ready availability of workers. Since many immigrants were arriving in the country, they were prepared and willing to work in various sectors. The natives also who were also moving to the urban areas were the source of affordable labor. Due to the availability of workers, most factories maintained low wage bill thus leading to good profit. The progress of industrialization significantly changed the lives of the American people between 1865 – 1920.
Through industrialization, United States underwent industrialization that affected politics, economy, and society. Downs & Masur, (2015, p. 11) asserts that due to rural-urban migration, large chunks of rural lands were turned into plantations to provide raw materials to the growing industries that were the pillars of the American economy. On the other hand, Lorey, (2014, p. 8) indicates that after the American civil war, there was an intensified competition within the industries located in America. Due to monopolization in some of the sectors led to price deflation, price-cutting, and overproduction thus enabling the society to enjoy the purchasing power.
According to research by Simms, (2013, p. 14), the industrialization influenced entrepreneurship that led to rapid economic growth more so after the civil war making the gross domestic product multiplying to almost eight times. On the other hand, the per capita grew double. Technology gained popularity since it had been tied to the production of weapons that led to the integral aspect of industrialization. According to Downs & Masur, (2015, p. 18) the technique was used in both industrial production and agricultural advancement to increase productivity. Technology led to widespread progress in warfare and revolutionary industry just because, through technology, weapons of mass destruction became more sophisticated, powerful and more accurate. Technology also helped in the sector of construction, more so in transport and communication industries.
These later led to an efficient and reliable transportation wing. Despite Americans enjoying an industrialized society, not everyone appreciated an improved life brought by industrialization (Civil War and Terrorism after the Cold War, 2013, p. 16). Some of the groups that never enjoyed fruits of the industrialization are immigrants like the Irish, Germans, Italians, Chinese, and the blacks among others. Those from Africa were considered to be inferior while Italian immigrants were only found as unskilled laborers same to blacks. They were not allowed to join trade unions despite harsh working conditions just because they are foreigners. During industrialization, most immigrants were discriminated against, and they worked under poor conditions, and they were paid poorly. Most of the immigrants were victims of physical harassment. The hatred that existed between the immigrants and Non-immigrants is what led the Germans to be part of the unskilled workers (Downs & Masur, 2015, p. 19).
During th...