America wasn’t always known as the World’s Leading Superpower. It wasn’t until the Cold War that America was coined this name for its’ powerful military and flourishing economy. However, this title wouldn’t be possible if it weren’t for the Industrial Revolution. As a result of the modernization during the years 1865 to 1900, America advanced into a dynamic and urbanized nation of faster transportation, new machinery and technology, and an increased population. Throughout the many changes, both farmers and factory workers felt the economic and emotional strain that surfaced, and they organized groups and unions in order to voice their concerns and disapproval. Although the farmers and factory workers attempted to adapt to the changes that were
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The basic essentials such as electricity, lightbulbs, and telephones were created at this time, and they rose to popularity. However, the factory workers did not adjust well to the changes that went on in their factories. Manufacturers realized that mass production was inexpensive and efficient. For example, in “Testimony of a Machinist,” John Manson said the advancement of new machinery allowed for faster and easier production of goods (1). Although this seems like it benefitted the workers, it actually made the workers easily replaceable. Each worker only focused on a specific piece of work, and they became an expert in that portion and never learned how to operate the other parts. For instance, Manson said that their work merely became labors’ work: “You find that the trade is so subdivided that a man is not considered a machinist at all” (1). The workers no longer had special skills that entitled them to their jobs. To many, factory workers were considered …show more content…
The alliance was a movement among farmers who didn't approve of the economy’s current condition. They sought to protect farmers from monopolies and trusts. They were more successful than “The Grange” movement, which was a social get-together place of local organizations who worked to increase the power of farmers economically. The alliance began in the South and spread west. They supported a graduated income tax. The reason for this was so it would restrict speculative profits. This went into effect in 1913, and it is still being used in the U.S. They also heavily supported the governmental regulation of railroads. In addition, the farmers were faced with two major economic issues: low crop prices and free silver. During this period, the value of U.S. Dollar increased, resulting in deflation. Their solution was “free silver.” Instead of the U.S. Dollar being backed by just gold, the farmers wanted it to be backed by gold and silver. This would've increased the money supply, and in return, cause inflation. That would solve both of their problems. It means that their crops will now be worth more, and the money they would pay back to the banks would be worth less. This solution never went into effect because it did not benefit the banks. The Farmer’s Alliance moved into politics in the 1890’s, and they became the Populists, also known as the People’s
The basic essentials such as electricity, lightbulbs, and telephones were created at this time, and they rose to popularity. However, the factory workers did not adjust well to the changes that went on in their factories. Manufacturers realized that mass production was inexpensive and efficient. For example, in “Testimony of a Machinist,” John Manson said the advancement of new machinery allowed for faster and easier production of goods (1). Although this seems like it benefitted the workers, it actually made the workers easily replaceable. Each worker only focused on a specific piece of work, and they became an expert in that portion and never learned how to operate the other parts. For instance, Manson said that their work merely became labors’ work: “You find that the trade is so subdivided that a man is not considered a machinist at all” (1). The workers no longer had special skills that entitled them to their jobs. To many, factory workers were considered …show more content…
The alliance was a movement among farmers who didn't approve of the economy’s current condition. They sought to protect farmers from monopolies and trusts. They were more successful than “The Grange” movement, which was a social get-together place of local organizations who worked to increase the power of farmers economically. The alliance began in the South and spread west. They supported a graduated income tax. The reason for this was so it would restrict speculative profits. This went into effect in 1913, and it is still being used in the U.S. They also heavily supported the governmental regulation of railroads. In addition, the farmers were faced with two major economic issues: low crop prices and free silver. During this period, the value of U.S. Dollar increased, resulting in deflation. Their solution was “free silver.” Instead of the U.S. Dollar being backed by just gold, the farmers wanted it to be backed by gold and silver. This would've increased the money supply, and in return, cause inflation. That would solve both of their problems. It means that their crops will now be worth more, and the money they would pay back to the banks would be worth less. This solution never went into effect because it did not benefit the banks. The Farmer’s Alliance moved into politics in the 1890’s, and they became the Populists, also known as the People’s