The Rise of Industry

The Industrialization of America

Industry before the Civil War

By 1900…

Industrial Growth• Between 1865 and 1900, the u.s. experienced

unprecedented economic growth–1860 manufacturers had about $2 billion in value

by 1900 they had over $11 billion– Iron ore production nearly quadrupled from 7

million long-tons to 27 million long-tons– Steel output rose from less than 1 million tons to

over 11 million tons–Gross National Product tripled during that time–Railroad mileage increased from 30,000 to

250,000 miles

After the Civil War• The industrial revolution was in full force in the

northern US• Before the Civil War 90% of population were farmers• By 1900 the United States was the world’s leading

industrial nation.• This growth in factories became known as

“Industrialization”. • The US had the two most important things to help

the process of industrialization along:– Natural Resources– A large workforce

Natural Resources• The United States had a vast amount of natural

resources such as:1. Coal2. Timber3. Iron4. Copper

• Where do you think these items were coming from?The WEST!

• No importing from other countries meant cheaper production in the US.

The Newest Natural Resource

Edwin Drake

A Large Workforce• Between 1860 and 1910 the population of the

United States tripled.• This was largely due to immigration.• These “new Americans” provided for a growing

work force in factories.• It also created a demand for products.• Many people chose to come to America to seek a

better life.

New Inventions• Resources and workforce are important, but the

nation also need one more thing—Technology and Inventions

Bell and The Telephone• Alexander Graham Bell immigrated from Scotland• Mother and wife were both deaf• In 1876 Alexander Graham Bell and his assistant

Thomas Watson invented the telephone. • The first message ever sent was by Bell to Watson.• Bell’s company became the American Telephone

and Telegraph Company. (AT&T)• Telephones forever changed they way life was lived

Have you ever heard of Elisha Gray?

Thomas Edison• Thomas Alva Edison invented many things in his

laboratory at Menlo Park, NJ.• Menlo Park was nicknamed the invention factory• 5 years, one invention per month at Menlo• 1,093 patents in his name• Edison invented the phonograph, light bulb,

generator, battery, and motion picture.• Edison would start the Edison General Electric

Company which today is called GE.• By 1889, his company was changing the world by

supply electric power to New York City

Edison’s Story• Dad fled from Canada after a rebellion against the

government…moved to New Jersey• Went to school for 3 months before mom decided

to home school him• Developed serious hearing issues after scarlet fever• Debated deaf stories• Night shift telegrapher…fired• Sold telegraph idea to Western Union for $10,000

and opened Menlo Park• Direct current war with Westinghouse

"If I find 10,000 ways something won't work, I haven't failed. I am not discouraged, because every wrong attempt discarded is another step forward".

—Thomas Edison

Thomas Edison

E.I. Dupont• Developed a new way of

making gunpowder• Was also a chemist and

worked on making new substances like nylon

• The Dupont family has been one of the richest in the US over the past 200 years

Gorge Westinghouse• Invented the airbrake

for trains & allowed for trains to travel safely at much high speeds

Gustavus Swift• Developed the first refrigerated rail car which

helped to keep meat fresher for longer periods of time.

More Inventions• Thaddeus Lowe invented the ice machine.• Northrop Automatic Loom allowed cloth to be

made much faster.

More InventionsCyrus Field laid the first telegraph line across the Atlantic connecting Europe to the United States.

US PatentsGranted

Changes to Daily Life•Electricity

•Indoor Plumbing•Communication •Transportation

Government Help in Industrialization• America was setup as a country with very few

governmental regulations…business too• Laissez-faire – French word means “let be”, and was

a policy that meant government should not interfere with the economy.

• Instead prices were set by supply and demand• The lack of rules attracted many smart people to

become Entrepreneurs- People who run a business

Tariffs• Tariff – a tax on an imported good• A protective action…• WHY WOULD A COUNTRY TAX IMPORTED GOODS?

Morrill Tariff• Morrill Tariff – placed huge taxes on all imported

goods and sold open range land in the Mid-West to railroad companies for less than half of the market value

• Why would the government sell the land to railroad companies?