APUSH Unit 4; The Market Revolution

What was the Market Revolution?

A transformative period in American history during the early 19th century characterized by significant advancements in technology, transportation, and the shift from a subsistence economy to a commercial and industrial economy.

Who invented the cotton gin and when was it patented?

Eli Whitney invented the cotton gin, which was patented in 1794.

How did the cotton gin impact the cotton industry?

The cotton gin revolutionized the industry by speeding up the process of separating cotton fibers from seeds, leading to increased cotton production and reliance on slave labor.

Who is known as the 'Father of the American Industrial Revolution'?

Samuel Slater is known as the 'Father of the American Industrial Revolution'.

What was significant about Samuel Slater's mill established in 1790?

It was the first successful water-powered cotton mill in the U.S., marking the beginning of the American textile industry.

What major innovation did Samuel Morse create in 1844?

Samuel Morse invented the telegraph, allowing instant transmission of information over long distances.

What was the first commercially successful steamboat developed by Robert Fulton?

The Clermont, developed in 1807.

How did the steamboat impact transportation?

The steamboat allowed for reliable and efficient river transportation, facilitating the movement of goods and people.

What invention did John Deere create in 1837?

John Deere invented the steel plow.

How did the steel plow enhance agricultural productivity?

The steel plow was more durable and effective, making it easier to cultivate land, thus boosting productivity.

What did Cyrus McCormick invent and how did it change farming?

Cyrus McCormick invented the mechanical reaper, which mechanized harvesting and significantly increased efficiency.

What was the Erie Canal, and why was it important?

The Erie Canal, completed in 1825, connected the Great Lakes with the Atlantic Ocean, reducing transportation costs and facilitating economic growth.

What was the Cumberland Road and its significance?

The Cumberland Road was one of the first major highways in the U.S., facilitating westward expansion and commerce.

What role did railroads play in the Market Revolution?

Railroads revolutionized transportation by providing faster and more reliable means to move goods and people, contributing to industrial growth.

What political movement emerged in the 1850s characterized by hostility towards immigrants?

Nativism, represented by the Know-Nothing Party.

What was the Waltham-Lowell System?

A factory system in the textile industry that employed young women under strict supervision, marking a shift to large-scale manufacturing.

How did Irish and German immigrants influence the labor force during the Market Revolution?

They provided a significant workforce for factories, railroads, and construction, contributing to economic growth despite facing discrimination.

What did the rise of organized labor aim to achieve?

It aimed to advocate for better wages, working conditions, and hours for workers in a rapidly industrializing economy.

What changes did the Market Revolution bring to American society?

It led to increased productivity, the growth of factories, improved communication and transportation, and significant changes in agricultural practices.

How did the Market Revolution affect the American economy?

It facilitated a shift from subsistence to a more commercial and industrial economy, impacting productivity and economic dynamics.

What was the connection between the cotton gin and slavery?

The cotton gin increased cotton production, which in turn solidified the reliance on slave labor in the South.

What is the relationship between the telegraph and business during the Market Revolution?

The telegraph allowed for instant communication, enabling more coordinated economic activities and improving business operations.

Why were canals important during the Market Revolution?

Canals like the Erie Canal drastically reduced transportation costs and time, enhancing economic integration.

What were the impacts of nativism during the Market Revolution?

Nativism led to political movements aimed at restricting immigration and protecting the interests of native-born Americans.

What did organized labor face in its early struggles?

It faced opposition from employers and legal restrictions, which challenged its efforts for labor reform.

In what ways did the Market Revolution lead to social tensions?

The rapid economic changes caused anxiety among native-born Americans regarding immigration, jobs, and cultural shifts.

What legacies of the Market Revolution are evident in modern America?

The legacy includes ongoing innovation, industrialization, and a dynamic market system that continues to shape the economy.