First student
The Industrial revolution brought massive industrial and social change. “As production became mechanized and relocated to factories, the experience of workers underwent significant changes.”(Corbett). As more and more work moved to factories many American people relocated to reap the benefits of employment and this new way of American life, many people relocating from rural areas closer to cities. The construction of transportation routes were underway such as railroads, canals and roads. Factories were producing steel and Iron to accommodate the rapid growth in infrastructure. Steam and electricity were also among some of the technological advances and inventors contributed in a huge way to the rise of big business “Inventions often provided the answers, even as the inventors themselves remained largely unaware of the life-changing nature of their ideas.”(Corbett). As a result of the new faster way to travel and export, goods became more attainable for everyone and the overall way of life became more comfortable. During this time the rich became richer off the backs of labor workers that were paid a very low wage and worked long hours. There was division among people based on their social status. Labor workers were aware of the disparity between the classes “as economic conditions changed, people became more aware of the inequities facing factory wage workers.”(Corbett). This lead to protests, strikes and unionization. The wealthy elite lived and socialized amongst themselves, the middle class formed communities and worked towards achieving more and the working class also formed their own communities, although the living conditions for the working class were horrible. The opportunity for how much financial, educational and career advancement was vastly different for the working class and more attainable and accessible for the middle class.
second student
The United States grew during the Industrial Revolution as a consequence of several key factors, including import taxes, the Patent system, which protected and encouraged inventions, and land grants to railroads, to name a few. Its Industrial Revolution provided growth incentives as well as money for land and resources. Machines had one of the most significant effects. After the Civil War, the use of machines in production spread throughout American industry. Workers could produce items at a far faster rate with machines than they could by hand. The plentiful water supply in the country aided in the functioning of the industrial machines. The most significant social development was an increase in the living standards. As wages grows, industrialization led in more jobs and prosperity. A greater standard of living were ensured by the addition of more facilities. The production process became more efficient as communications improved.
