Untitled Flashcard Set
I. Overview of Industrialization
A. Definition and Context
Industrialization refers to the transition from an agrarian economy to one dominated by industry and machine manufacturing.
The Gross National Product (GNP) is a key indicator of economic health, representing the total value of all goods and services produced by a country. It expanded dramatically during this period.
B. Demographic Shifts
Before the Civil War, most Americans lived on farms, but industrialization prompted a migration towards cities and western territories for job opportunities.
The influx of immigrants and rural residents into urban areas significantly changed the demographic landscape.
C. Key Factors Driving Industrialization
The availability of natural resources such as coal, iron, oil, and timber provided a foundation for industrial growth.
A large workforce emerged due to massive immigration and larger family sizes, supporting industrial demands.
II. Immigration Patterns
A. European Immigration
Major sources included Italy, Greece, Russia, and Serbia, driven by factors like population pressure, poverty, and political tyranny.
Immigrants were attracted to the U.S. by the promise of a higher standard of living and social advancement opportunities.
B. Asian Immigration
Primarily from China and Japan, motivated by political unrest and economic hardship in their home countries.
Jobs in railroads, mining, and factories were significant pull factors for Asian immigrants.
C. Immigration Stations and Conditions
Ellis Island served as the main immigration station for Europeans, located in New York Harbor, with crowded and stressful conditions for newcomers.
Angel Island, located in San Francisco Bay, was known for harsher conditions and lengthy detentions for Asian immigrants.
D. Nativism and Legislation
Nativism emerged as a response to immigration, characterized by a fear of job competition and cultural differences.
The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 exemplified nativist sentiments, banning Chinese laborers from immigrating and limiting their rights in the U.S.
III. Urbanization and Its Effects
A. Urban Growth
The Industrial Revolution led to a significant migration of both immigrants and native-born Americans to cities in search of jobs.
Urban areas saw the development of new building types such as skyscrapers and tenements, reflecting the growing population.
B. Class Segregation in Cities
Cities became divided into neighborhoods based on class, with the upper class in upscale areas and the lower class in crowded tenements.
The emerging middle class included professionals and small business owners, often residing in suburban neighborhoods.
C. Transportation Innovations
New transportation methods, including streetcars, subways, and elevated trains, facilitated urban mobility and growth.
These innovations were crucial for connecting different parts of the rapidly expanding cities.
IV. Economic Factors Supporting Industrialization
A. Natural Resources
The U.S. was rich in natural resources, which were essential for industrial production and economic growth.
Efficient extraction and transportation of these resources were made possible by the growing number of settlers and railroads.
B. Free Enterprise System
The free enterprise system allowed for minimal government interference, encouraging entrepreneurship and business growth.
Laissez-faire policies were prevalent, promoting profit opportunities with little regulation.
C. Role of Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurs played a vital role in industrialization by investing capital to create and run businesses, driving innovation and economic expansion.
The concept of 'robber barons' emerged, referring to business leaders who used unethical practices to amass wealth.
V. Key Innovations and Infrastructure
A. Technological Innovations
New inventions such as the telephone by Alexander Graham Bell and the electric light bulb by Thomas Edison revolutionized communication and industry.
These innovations improved productivity and reduced costs, benefiting consumers.
B. Railroads and Transportation Infrastructure
The Pacific Railway Act authorized the construction of the First Transcontinental Railroad, which was completed seven years later, connecting the country.
Railroads were crucial for transporting goods and resources, significantly contributing to the industrial economy.
C. Government Support for Railroads
The federal government provided land grants to railroad companies, making railroad construction more feasible and affordable.
This support was instrumental in expanding the railroad network across the nation.The Problems of Inner Cities
Rapid Urban Growth
Massive immigration led to rapid urbanization, with cities expanding quickly to accommodate new populations.
The influx of immigrants and rural residents created significant challenges for city infrastructure and services.
Major Issues Faced
Crime: Increased population density contributed to higher crime rates, straining law enforcement resources.
Violence: Social tensions and competition for jobs often resulted in violent confrontations among different groups.
Disease: Overcrowded living conditions facilitated the spread of diseases, leading to public health crises.
Pollution: Industrial activities and inadequate waste management resulted in severe pollution, affecting air and water quality.
Overcrowding: Many families lived in cramped tenements, leading to poor living conditions and social unrest.
Political Machines: Definition and Function
Understanding Political Machines
Political machines were informal political groups focused on gaining and maintaining power, often through corrupt practices.
They operated primarily in urban areas, where they could exert significant influence over local governments.
Characteristics of Political Machines
Corruption: Political machines were notorious for their corrupt practices, including bribery and graft.
Graft: Defined as money obtained through dishonest means, often involving kickbacks and bribes to secure contracts or votes.
Support Base of Political Machines
Immigrants were a primary support base for political machines, as they provided essential services that improved their lives.
Political machines built loyalty among immigrants by delivering jobs, infrastructure, and community services, regardless of the means used.
Immigration and Urbanization
European Immigration
Major sources included Italy, Greece, Russia, and Serbia, driven by poverty, political tyranny, and war.
Immigrants sought better living conditions and opportunities in the U.S., facilitated by the promise of land and democracy.
Asian Immigration
Primarily from China and Japan, motivated by political unrest and economic hardship.
Asian immigrants faced harsher conditions at Angel Island compared to European immigrants at Ellis Island, including discrimination and lengthy detentions.
Nativism and Its Impact
Nativism emerged as a reaction against immigrants, fueled by fears of job competition and cultural differences.
The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 exemplified institutionalized discrimination, significantly reducing Chinese immigration and increasing hostility towards Asian communities.
Factors Contributing to Industrialization
Economic and Social Changes
The Industrial Revolution created a demand for labor, attracting both immigrants and native-born Americans to urban areas.
New building types (skyscrapers, tenements) and transportation methods (streetcars, subways) transformed urban landscapes.
Role of Natural Resources
Abundant natural resources such as coal, iron, oil, and timber provided a foundation for industrial growth.
Efficient extraction and transportation of these resources were facilitated by a growing workforce and railroads.
Innovations and Free Enterprise
New inventions, like the telephone and electric light bulb, revolutionized industries and improved productivity.
The laissez-faire approach allowed businesses to thrive with minimal government interference, fostering a culture of entrepreneurship.
The Impact of Railroads
The Pacific Railway Act initiated the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad, linking the nation and facilitating commerce.
Railroads enabled the efficient transport of goods and resources, contributing to economic integration and the establishment of standardized time zones.
1. Individualism
Brief Explanation:
A social theory emphasizing personal freedom and independence over collective or government control. It advocates for individuals to make their own choices, pursue their goals, and take responsibility for their own success or failure.
Key Points:
Each person has the power and responsibility to shape their own destiny.
Success ("Rags to Riches") is possible at any moment with the right ideas, effort, and determination.
Encourages self-reliance, innovation, and personal decision-making.
Additional Notes:
Promotes the idea that society benefits when individuals are free to compete and innovate.
Critics argue that it can neglect social inequalities and the need for social safety nets.
2. Social Darwinism
Brief Explanation:
A belief that applies Darwin’s evolutionary ideas—such as natural selection and survival of the fittest—to human societies. It suggests that the strongest, most adaptable, and wealthiest individuals or groups naturally succeed, while the weak fall behind.
Key Points:
Inspired by Charles Darwin and Herbert Spencer.
Justifies social inequality as natural and inevitable.
Advocates for minimal government intervention believe that competition drives societal progress.
Often linked to notions of philanthropy, where the wealthy are seen as naturally superior but also responsible for helping the less fortunate.
Additional Notes:
It has historically opposed social reforms that aimed to help the poor or disadvantaged.
Critics argue it promotes inequality and neglects social responsibility.
3. Gospel of Wealth
Brief Explanation:
A philosophy popularized by Andrew Carnegie stating that the wealthy have a moral obligation to help improve society by donating their wealth to social causes, education, and public institutions.
Key Points:
Wealth should be used responsibly to uplift the less fortunate.
Philanthropy is a duty of the rich to foster social progress.
Carnegie believed wealth was a trust to be managed for the betterment of society.
Additional Notes:
Led to many philanthropic efforts, including libraries, schools, and cultural institutions.
Promotes the idea that capitalism benefits society when the wealthy give back.
4. Reform Darwinism
Brief Explanation:
A belief that societal progress can be actively guided through government policies and human effort, rather than relying solely on natural selection.
Key Points:
Advocates for social reforms, education, and laws to improve society.
Emphasizes that humans and governments can shape and direct social evolution.
Lester Frank Ward was a key proponent, emphasizing the importance of social planning and reform.
Additional Notes:
Supports active intervention to reduce inequality and improve living standards.
Contrasts with Social Darwinism’s laissez-faire approach.
5. Social Gospel
Brief Explanation:
A religious movement that encouraged applying biblical principles to address social issues, especially helping the poor and working classes through charity, social justice, and moral reform.
Key Points:
Promoted the idea that Christianity should inspire social activism.
Advocated for better working conditions, poverty relief, and social justice.
Jane Addams was a prominent leader, founding settlement houses like Hull House to serve the urban poor.
Additional Notes:
Focused on moral responsibility to care for the disadvantaged.
Influenced social reform movements and policies aimed at reducing inequality.
6. Americanization
Brief Explanation:
The process of teaching immigrant and minority children English, American history, and workplace habits, with the goal of integrating them into American society.
Key Points:
Aimed to promote cultural assimilation and social mobility.
Public schools played a crucial role in this process.
Important figures include Booker T. Washington, who founded the Tuskegee Institute to promote education for African Americans.
Additional Notes:
Emphasized vocational training, punctuality, and discipline.
Critics argue that it can suppress cultural identities and promote cultural dominance.
African Americans benefited from institutions like Tuskegee, which promoted self-sufficiency and education.