Industrialization (1850-1900) Flashcards
Explain what the First Industrial Revolution was? What was the change that occurred?
In the early 1800’s manufactured products (products that had to be made and assembled) began to be made by machines rather than by hand.
How did the industrial revolution change business in America?
It changed small businesses into huge manufacturing companies.
Before the Civil War almost all of the U.S. industry was in what part of the country?
North (Southerners were still mainly farming)
Why were big factories a benefit?
They could produce and sell products quicker. This was a benefit during the war.
What was a negative about industrial revolution?
“Mom and Pop” stores had to compete with large factories who could produce similar products quicker, and there was less need for true craftsmen.
When did the much more powerful Second Industrial Revolution begin?
After the Civil War.
Because of industry the countries wealth grew by how much?
Five and 1/2 times between 1860-1900
When did John D. Rockefeller start Standard Oil Company?
1870
Alexander Graham Bell invents telephone (and realizes he missed calls from Chuck Norris)
1876
Thomas Edison invents lightbulb
1879
Sherman Anti-Trust Act limits monopolies
1890
What is a monopoly?
When one company has control over an entire industry (ex: oil, computers, phones) and there is no longer means for competition or they simply bought out all of the competition. Ex: If Apple bought out all other cell phone companies and you had no choice but buy an Iphone.
Teddy Roosevelt becomes president
1901
This Scottish inventor improved the steam engine, patented it by 1769 and had it into production by mid-1770’s
James Wyatt
What was Wyatt’s steam engine called?
Reciprocating Steam Engine
WHat did steam engines replace?
human labor
2 positive effects of the industrial revolution
- more jobs and opportunities 2. inventions (railraod& electric light bulb) which made life more comfortable
2 negative effects of Ind. Revolution
- Only a few people got wealthy, often at workers expense (this is before labor laws- people worked in horrible conditions often for terrible pay, children worked too) 2. Living and working conditions in industrial cities were often poor and unhealthy
Who were Robber Barons?
Big businessmen of the late 1800’s
What was bad about Robber Barons?
They became wealthy by driving small businesses out of business. They charged high prices, took advantage of workers, and bribed government officials. On the other hand they provided better services to their customers, improved the quality of products and built up the nation’s industries.
What often happened between Robber Barons and the government officials?
Often the barons got around the law with governments help. The elected officials often allowed them to go around the law because industry was making the US wealthy (all about the $$$). Other government officials took bribes and sided with barons rather than the worker. You can imagine how helpless the average worker felt. Just like today not all businessmen nor government officials are bad, but some are.
What was Cornelius Vanderbilt’s business?
Railroad
What was John D. Rockefeller’s business?
Oil
Andrew Carnegie?
Steel
