Industrialization in the 19th Century

In the late 1800s and early 1900's, America entered an industrial revolution, meaning that people moved from living and working on farms to working in factories and living in cities. This movement had both positive and negative effects on people.

On the positive side, more, better, and inexpensive goods, transportation, and communication were possible. However, industrialization also brought pollution, child labor issues, and crowded cities.

Social Changes and Conflicts

As old industries expanded and new industries, such as petroleum refining, electrical power and steel manufacturing, were created, America changed in many ways. Railroads were expanded immensely, making even remote areas a part of the national market economy.

Industrialization changed American society in many ways, which created many social conflicts. A new class of wealthy industrialists and a prosperous middle class were created, as was an expanded blue-collar working class. The labor force created by industrial...
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