Sarah Humphrey
American Studies
Mrs. Giessler/Mr. Toy
9 Dec. 2015
Industrial Revolution and American Society The Industrial Revolution is often times referred to as one of the most pivotal turning points in American History. Occurring from 1850-1920, the Industrial Revolution is an era that utilized America’s vast supplies of resources, labor, and land to its fullest extent. During this time the US evolved from an agriculturally centered economy with goods and services being produced by hand to an Industrialized economy where factories and machines produced much of the commodities for the country and even the world. In this mechanized era, goods were able to be produced more quickly and at cheaper prices than they were in the previous agriculturally …show more content…
Citizens now labored for wages and these factors led to what is referred to as conspicuous consumerism. This term meant that with new products provided on the market, consumers wanted and purchased more (Lapsansky-Werner 347-352). For example, Manufacturing plants and farms during the Industrial Revolution afforded a plethora goods such as processed foods and clothing at cheaper prices. Because products were inexpensive, there was a rise in consumer demand, purchasing, and overall culture that was unprecedented in the US ("American Industrial Revolution."). There were new ways of shopping in America where consumers could buy various assortments of items in just one location called a department store, which is still used today. Technology and innovations such as electricity, the telephone, the steam engine, and free enterprise contributed to America’s higher standard of living and augmented the middle class. WIth the innovation the printing press that could print an immensive amount of newspaper in just a day, the Newspaper industry flourished and mass culture was born. Newspapers connected the country and delivered news that created controversy, …show more content…
Music publishing companies were born and new types of music that was more lively than before called Ragtime was sweeping throughout American society. The amount of public schools increased and a higher percentage of Americans could read. With the increase of the middle class, amusement parks, entertainment such as vaudeville, outdoor events, and sports were created for fun when previously these types of activities were uncommon (Lapsansky-Werner 347-352). The American economy prospered, especially with all the wealthy businessmen, but the Industrial Revolution was just a facade of prosperity known as the “Gilded Age.” On the surface America and its economic wealth appeared shiny, new, and alluring, but underneath its mask was poverty and corruption that ran through the very heart of the country (Mintz). The term “Gilded Age” was and is synonymous with the Industrial Revolution and in 1890, 11 million of the 12 million families in America made an average income of $380, placing them below the poverty line. Georges Clemenceau, a French prime minister, upon his arrival in America stated, “The
American Studies
Mrs. Giessler/Mr. Toy
9 Dec. 2015
Industrial Revolution and American Society The Industrial Revolution is often times referred to as one of the most pivotal turning points in American History. Occurring from 1850-1920, the Industrial Revolution is an era that utilized America’s vast supplies of resources, labor, and land to its fullest extent. During this time the US evolved from an agriculturally centered economy with goods and services being produced by hand to an Industrialized economy where factories and machines produced much of the commodities for the country and even the world. In this mechanized era, goods were able to be produced more quickly and at cheaper prices than they were in the previous agriculturally …show more content…
Citizens now labored for wages and these factors led to what is referred to as conspicuous consumerism. This term meant that with new products provided on the market, consumers wanted and purchased more (Lapsansky-Werner 347-352). For example, Manufacturing plants and farms during the Industrial Revolution afforded a plethora goods such as processed foods and clothing at cheaper prices. Because products were inexpensive, there was a rise in consumer demand, purchasing, and overall culture that was unprecedented in the US ("American Industrial Revolution."). There were new ways of shopping in America where consumers could buy various assortments of items in just one location called a department store, which is still used today. Technology and innovations such as electricity, the telephone, the steam engine, and free enterprise contributed to America’s higher standard of living and augmented the middle class. WIth the innovation the printing press that could print an immensive amount of newspaper in just a day, the Newspaper industry flourished and mass culture was born. Newspapers connected the country and delivered news that created controversy, …show more content…
Music publishing companies were born and new types of music that was more lively than before called Ragtime was sweeping throughout American society. The amount of public schools increased and a higher percentage of Americans could read. With the increase of the middle class, amusement parks, entertainment such as vaudeville, outdoor events, and sports were created for fun when previously these types of activities were uncommon (Lapsansky-Werner 347-352). The American economy prospered, especially with all the wealthy businessmen, but the Industrial Revolution was just a facade of prosperity known as the “Gilded Age.” On the surface America and its economic wealth appeared shiny, new, and alluring, but underneath its mask was poverty and corruption that ran through the very heart of the country (Mintz). The term “Gilded Age” was and is synonymous with the Industrial Revolution and in 1890, 11 million of the 12 million families in America made an average income of $380, placing them below the poverty line. Georges Clemenceau, a French prime minister, upon his arrival in America stated, “The