Period 5 Reading 1

Chapter 13: Forging the National Economy, 1790-1860

Page 1: The Transportation Revolution

• Stagecoach passengers were warned of potential dangers while traveling, indicating the hardships of travel during this era.

• Transportation Revolution: Driven by the East's desire to tap into the West, leading to significant changes in commerce and communication.

  • Before 1830: Produce from the West was sent South or to New Orleans.

  • The steamboat improved transportation of goods back to the West.

  • By the 1840s: Canals and railroads emerged, transforming trade routes and binding the regions together.

  • The Mississippi River faced a decline in traffic as goods shifted to East-bound railroads and canals.

• Impact on Cities: New York City emerged as a dominant port by handling more western produce than New Orleans by the 1840s; Buffalo's grain shipments exploded, making it a major hub.

• Continental Economy: Specialization emerged among the South (cotton), West (grain/livestock), and East (manufacturing), creating economic interdependence.

  • Political implications arose, particularly for Southern states that relied on the Mississippi River.

Page 2: The Market Revolution

• Transition from subsistence economies to a national market-oriented economy, characterized by mechanization and increased legal challenges.

  • Key issues: patent protections, regulation of monopolies, ownership of technologies.

• U.S. Supreme Court under Chief Justice John Marshall focused on protecting contract rights.

  • This fostered monopolies; however, with Roger Taney's tenure, the legal landscape shifted, promoting competition and entrepreneurship.

• Economic Changes in Households: Families shifted from self-sufficient lifestyles to participating in wage labor, diminishing household production and altering gender roles.

  • Traditional women's work was rendered less significant; the home evolved into a refuge for women.

  • Criticism of the emerging market economy, including views by Charles Dickens on American society's moral character and ethics.

Page 3: Economic Disparity and Urbanization

• The rapid growth of cities led to stark economic inequalities; mega-wealthy individuals emerged.

  • Example: John Jacob Astor's estate worth $30 million reflects economic opportunity amidst urban challenges.

• Floaters and Labor: A significant portion of the workforce faced instability as they drifted from town to town searching for jobs, highlighting issues of social mobility.

• Despite challenges, average wages for unskilled workers increased modestly (1% yearly from 1820 to 1860), leading to improvements in living standards and societal stability.

Page 4: Chapter Review and Key Terms

• Key terminology: self-reliance, rendezvous, ecological imperialism, labor movements, and industrial revolution concepts were established.

• Significant events included the emergence of labor organizations and the development of transportation systems like the Erie Canal and the Pony Express.

• Notable figures in industry and innovation: Samuel Slater, Eli Whitney, and Cyrus McCormick among others.

Page 5: Focus on Key Concepts of Reform and Culture

• Important movements covered include the Second Great Awakening, Temperance, Women’s Rights, and Utopian movements.

• Understanding the cultural landscape: The emergence of a national culture juxtaposed with regional variations reflected democratic ideals.

• Ideas about individual and societal improvements drove various reform movements, deeply impacting religious and cultural development.

Page 6: Reform Movements and the Second Great Awakening

• Central to the reform period was a commitment to improving moral character and social conditions, stemming from the Second Great Awakening (late 1790s - early 19th century).

• Voter engagement saw increases, but many women remained excluded from political realms.

• A plethora of reforms arose, including public education and antislavery campaigns; religion played a significant role in motivating reformers.

Page 7: Religious Revivals

• A marked shift occurred in religious practices, incorporating greater warmth and evolving theology during the Second Great Awakening.

  • Charismatic preachers spread messages through camp meetings, invigorating large congregations.

  • Methodists and Baptists were particularly successful in gaining new adherents.

• The revival wave catalyzed other social reforms, including movements against slavery and for temperance.

Page 8: Women's Role in Religion and Reform

• Women became a driving force in religious activities and reform movements, forming benevolent organizations focused on societal improvements.

• Revivalism's emotional appeal resonated with women, leading them to take on significant roles in social causes.

Page 9: Fragmentation of Religious Faiths

• Different sociocultural backgrounds led to the proliferation of various faiths; the Burned-Over District was noted for its intense revival activities.

• Sectarian splits occurred over the issues of slavery, mirroring political divisions within the country.

Page 10: The Mormon Migration

• The establishment of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and the migration to Utah highlighted the community's desire for refuge and self-governance.

• Brigham Young played a pivotal leadership role after Joseph Smith’s death, ensuring the settlement and growth of the Mormon community despite external pressures.