Impacts of the Industrial Revolution

Introduction

            Industrial Revolution refers to the period between 1750 and 1850 characterized by significant changes in manufacturing, mining, technology, transport and agriculture that has considerable effects on the socio-economic, cultural and political systems during the times. Industrial Revolution commenced in the United Kingdom and later spread to Western Europe, America, Japan and the rest of the globe (Martin et al. 45). The Industrial Revolution marked a noteworthy turning point in the world history because it imposed significant influences on every aspect of the lives of people. The most profound effect was unexpected and sustained growth in income and population. This is evident by the fact that the global average per capita income increased ten times after the revolution, the population increased six times, and the living standards of people saw a sustained growth. Following the civil war, America saw a wave of numerous scientific inventions and discoveries. At the same time, there was an increase in westward expansion and immigration from other countries, which helped in accelerating the new age of industrial growth in America (More 47). The poor working conditions in American factories compelled laborers to form unions during these times. Technological developments facilitated economic growth and new technologies affected people’s daily lives. This paper discusses how the Industrial Revolution that took place after the Civil War changed the social, economic, and philosophical systems of the United States.

The first notable economic impact of the Industrial Revolution was the change from the agrarian economy to an industrialized American economy. The change in the economic structure towards industrialization affected every aspect of the American society including politics, social structures and institutions, and demographics. The industrial growth during this period was facilitated by inventions and discoveries that changed the transport and manufacturing sectors of the American economy (Martin et al. 54). As a result, industrial growth played a significant role in facilitating the unprecedented economic growth. The high rate of industrial growth saw America catch up as the greatest industrial leader in the late 19^th century.

The Industrial Revolution also imposed numerous impacts on the social and cultural aspects of the Americans. For instance, the growth of factories and industrialized towns led to high populations in metropolitan centers, which saw an increase in the number of cities having high populations. Technological advancements had profound effects on the social lives of people. For instance, advancements in the transport sector facilitated people movements, which ultimately affected the demographics of the United States. With the increase in factories and industries, people migrated from farms to cities, which led to the rise of other problems such as overpopulation and disease. Better communication and transport were also central in accelerating the economic growth in the United States, which helped in increasing the living standards of Americans during the time (Martin et al. 60). In addition, improved transport and communication played a significant role in bringing Americans closer. The rapid industrialization in America entailed three significant developments, which included expansion of transport, effective harnessing of electricity, and improvements to the industrial processes. These measures were instrumental in improving the productivity and living standards of Americans (Martin et al. 62).

The Industrial Revolution imposed significant changes in the political and philosophical ideologies of the United States. For instance, technological advancements facilitated the rise of capitalism; wherein factory owners controlled the production means in order to become rich. These changes also led to a revolution in the United States political structure, wherein industry capitalists steadily replaced the agrarian land owners as the core leaders of the country’s political structure and economy (Martin et al. 55). The capitalist conditions led to the need to protect workers and the environment, which led to various intellectual paradigms such as capitalism, socialism and romanticism. Socialism criticized capitalism associated with the industrial revolution. Besides, there was the need to protect American inventions, which subsequently led to the creation of patents and trademarks, an economic aspect that is central in driving the American economic growth (More 62).

In conclusion, it is apparent that the American Industrial Revolution following the civil war imposed numerous effects on the social, economic, cultural, political and philosophical systems of the United States. There was a shift from the traditional agrarian economic structure towards an industrial America, which was central in accelerating economic growth and increasing the living standards of America. An increase in industries and factories led to the growth of metropolitan cities. Social effects of the revolution resulted from better communication and transport, which helped in bring Americans together and facilitating migration to industrial towns.

Works Cited

Martin, James, K et al. America and Its Peoples, Volume II, from 1877. New Jersey, NJ: Pearson   Longman, 2007. Print.

More, Charles. Understanding the Industrial Revolution. London, UK: Routledge, 2000. Print.