Forging a National Economy

Self-Reliance

A seminal essay by Ralph Waldo Emerson published in 1841 that emphasizes the importance of individualism and the necessity for personal independence in the pursuit of truth.

Rendezvous

An annual gathering during the American Northwest fur trade era where trappers and fur traders convened to exchange pelts for goods, fostering social and economic ties.

Ecological imperialism

The systematic and aggressive exploitation of natural resources by European settlers in the American West, often leading to environmental degradation.

Ancient Order of Hibernians

A historically significant Irish fraternal organization that provided support to Irish immigrants in the U.S. during the mid-19th century, emphasizing community and cultural identity.

Molly Maguires

A secretive organization comprised of Irish coal miners in Pennsylvania, advocating for labor rights and improved working conditions through direct action.

Tammany Hall

A powerful and influential political organization in New York, especially during the mid-1800s, that served as a political base for many Irish immigrants seeking representation.

Know Nothing Party

A nativist political party active in the mid-1800s that vehemently opposed immigration, particularly targeting Irish Catholics, reflecting the era's ethnic tensions.

Industrial Revolution

A transformative period commencing in the early to mid-1800s characterized by a shift to mechanized manufacturing, radically altering American industry and labor.

Cotton gin

A revolutionary machine invented by Eli Whitney in 1793 designed to efficiently separate cotton fibers from seeds, significantly boosting cotton production.

Commonwealth vs. Hunt

A landmark 1842 Supreme Court case in Massachusetts establishing the legality of labor unions and their right to organize and engage in collective bargaining.

Factory girls

Young women, primarily from rural backgrounds, who worked extensive hours in textile mills during the early Industrial Revolution, often facing harsh working conditions.

Cult of domesticity

A prevailing social doctrine in the 19th century that posited women's primary responsibilities were to manage the household and nurture children, reinforcing traditional gender roles.

McCormick reaper

An innovative mechanical reaping machine developed by Cyrus McCormick that dramatically enhanced efficiency in grain harvesting, reshaping agricultural practices.

Erie Canal completed

Completed in 1825, this canal connected the Great Lakes to the Hudson River, substantially lowering transportation costs and boosting trade.

Pony Express

A brief yet historic mail service operational from 1860 to 1861 that utilized horseback riders for rapid message delivery across vast distances.

Transportation Revolution

A dynamic period of significant advancements in transportation during the mid-1800s, facilitating westward expansion and economic growth in the United States.

Samuel Slater

Regarded as the 'Father of the American Industrial Revolution,' he introduced British textile manufacturing techniques to the United States, catalyzing industrial growth.

Eli Whitney

A pioneering inventor known for creating the cotton gin and advancing interchangeable parts manufacturing, effectively revolutionizing American industry.

Elias Howe

The inventor of the first practical sewing machine in 1846, which fundamentally transformed the textile industry and garment production processes.

Isaac Singer

An inventor and businessman who improved sewing machine designs and popularized them, making sewing machines accessible to a broader market.

Samuel Morse

The inventor of the telegraph and Morse code, which revolutionized long-distance communication and facilitated the rapid exchange of information.

John Deere

An innovator who created the steel plow in 1837, significantly enhancing farming efficiency in regions with challenging soil conditions.

Robert Fulton

The visionary developer of the first commercially successful steamboat in 1807, which revolutionized transportation on rivers.

Laissez Faire

An economic philosophy advocating for minimal government intervention in market dynamics, allowing free-market forces to dictate economic outcomes.

Lowell, Mass

Recognized as one of the pioneering towns in the 1800s featuring major industrial factories, it became a hub for the employment of young women in textile manufacturing.