DTW GED PREP

The United States underwent two significant Industrial Revolutions, each shaping the nation’s economy, society, and landscape in different ways. The first Industrial Revolution began in 1793 with the invention of the cotton gin by Eli Whitney. This revolutionary machine could process as much cotton in one day as 1,000 slaves, which had a profound impact on the Southern economy. Cotton production, already central to the Southern economy, surged, and Southern planters saw their profits increase tenfold. This boost in cotton production, in turn, fueled the rise of the textile industry in New England, where cotton was spun into fabric. The invention of the steamboat also played a critical role in this economic transformation. The steamboat could travel upstream, allowing cotton to be transported from the South to the North with greater efficiency. This facilitated a thriving industrial sector in the North, as raw materials from the South could be processed into finished goods more easily and quickly.

The first Industrial Revolution also spurred the development of a national transportation system. The construction of canals, paved roads, and railroads aimed to connect the agricultural South with the industrial North, facilitating the movement of goods and expanding markets for both regions. The completion of the transcontinental railroad in 1869 was particularly significant. It not only connected the East to the West but also facilitated the cattle boom of the 1870s. Railroads made it possible to transport cattle from the ranches of the West to the slaughterhouses in Chicago, which helped grow the American meatpacking industry. As profits from industries like railroads and cattle increased, towns and cities expanded rapidly, and the movement of settlers to new territories continued.

However, the growth of industry during the first Industrial Revolution came with significant drawbacks, particularly for workers. Factory owners, eager to maximize profits, paid workers low wages, often set at rates just above starvation levels, and required long working hours, sometimes between 60 to 85 hours a week. Factory workers, many of whom were recent immigrants, faced dangerous working conditions. The machinery in factories was often unsafe, and there were no safety or wage regulations to protect the workers. Additionally, industrial pollution was widespread, as factories emitted harmful fumes and chemicals into the air, water, and soil. The constant influx of immigrants meant that factory owners had a steady supply of labor, so they could easily replace dissatisfied or injured workers. These harsh conditions continued until the Second Industrial Revolution, which began after the Civil War.

The Second Industrial Revolution, which spanned the late 19th and early 20th centuries, brought about major technological advancements that transformed both work and daily life. The development of long-distance communication technologies, such as the telegraph and telephone, made it easier to communicate across the country and around the world. The invention of the typewriter allowed for the efficient production of written materials, while the electric lightbulb, developed by Thomas Edison, changed the way people lived and worked. Before the advent of electric lighting, most people followed the natural rhythm of the day, waking up with the sun and going to bed when it set. With the introduction of electric light, people could work or socialize well into the night, leading to a significant shift in daily routines and productivity.

One of the most important innovations of the Second Industrial Revolution was the Bessemer process, which revolutionized steel production. The Bessemer process allowed for the mass production of steel by cheaply and easily converting iron ore into steel. This made steel more affordable and accessible, leading to its widespread use in construction, infrastructure, and manufacturing. Steel became the backbone of the rapidly growing industrial economy, allowing for the construction of skyscrapers, suspension bridges, and elevated train lines that transformed American cities. As industrial magnates, such as Andrew Carnegie in steel and John D. Rockefeller in oil, made enormous fortunes, the growth of heavy industries and large-scale construction projects dramatically reshaped the American landscape.

While the Second Industrial Revolution led to immense economic growth and the creation of vast fortunes, it also led to the rise of labor unions and progressive reform movements. Workers, who had previously been exploited, began to demand better working conditions, higher wages, and shorter hours. The Progressive Party emerged as a political force advocating for reforms to address the inequalities and injustices created by industrialization. With the rise of unions and the Progressive movement, workers were able to gain some of the benefits of the economic growth that had previously been concentrated in the hands of a few industrialists. Labor laws were enacted, and social reforms aimed at improving living and working conditions were introduced, marking a shift toward a more equitable society in the face of rapid industrialization.

THE UNITED STATES BECOMES A MAJOR INDUSTRIAL NATION

 Directions: Chose the best answer to each of the following questions.

Questions 1 and 2 refer to the following political cartoon from 1896

1.  The cartoon shows a man with his foot resting on money bags. This image most likely represents

 A.   a striking coal miner.

 B.   a wealthy industrialist.

 C.   a foreign diplomat.

 D.   President Ulysses S. Grant.

 2.  The man in the cartoon holds a whip draped across a skull marked “Labor.” The cartoonist most likely means that the man in the chair

 A.   supports the Progressive Party.

 B.   wants to restrict immigration.

 C.   does not support labor unions.

D.   favors attacking foreign countries.

1. The cartoon shows a man with his foot resting on money bags. This image most likely represents:

✅ Correct Answer: B. a wealthy industrialist

Explanation:
The image of a man confidently resting his foot on bags of money typically symbolizes wealth, power, and control over industry or finance. In political cartoons of the Gilded Age, this figure often represents a robber baron or wealthy industrialist, not a miner, foreign diplomat, or president.

2. The man in the cartoon holds a whip draped across a skull marked “Labor.” The cartoonist most likely means that the man in the chair:

✅ Correct Answer: C. does not support labor unions

Explanation:
The whip and skull labeled “Labor” suggest oppression or violence against workers. The cartoonist is criticizing the man’s abuse or exploitation of labor, likely referencing the suppression of strikes or union activity during this period of industrialization. This reflects anti-union sentiment among many industrialists of the time.