The Industrial Revolution began in the 18th century. New machinery was invented replacing hard work, long hours, and increased mass production. Rapid industrial development was a blessing rather than a curse. It benefitted our economy in many ways, and helped shape our modern society. Rapid industrial development increased job opportunities for men, women, and immigrants. It sparked the ideas of many inventions which helped businesses, laborers, and the public. Jobs and opportunity enticed many immigrants to the United States.
Job Opportunities
Another reason that rapid industrial development is a blessing, is that it increased job opportunities. As the demand rose for products, more workers were needed. Some machines needed coal to work, and many products were made from iron. So many mines were created and needed workers. In The Gilder Lehrman Institution of American History it says, "After the Civil War, millions of Americans left their small towns and farms to work at jobs in cities, factories, and mines. Manufacturing increased quickly as the demand rose for new mass-produced products such as textiles, telephones, and light bulbs." Many people wanted these products, which opened up job opportunities.
New Inventions
Finally, rapid industrial development led to the inventions of many devices. One of these inventions was the cotton gin. The cotton gin was invented by Eli Whitney in 1793. The cotton gin became popular in factories. Steam engines, sewing machines, and many other labor-saving devices were invented. According to Industrial Revolution, "Mass production of many products—compared to those produced by individual craftsmen—was made possible with the help of new machine tools." Inventions during this time were very helpful, allowing factory workers to create products much faster.
Immigration to America
Rapid industrial development increased immigration. Many jobs needed workers as a result of the demand of many products. This sparked interest to many foreigners. This caused many to immigrate to the United States. Discovering Our Past A History Of The United States says, "The second largest group of immigrants in the United States between 1820 and 1860 came from Germany. Some sought work and opportunity." Most immigrants came from European countries.
Works Cited
-Brinkley, Alan, Albert S. Broussard, James M. McPherson, and Donald A. Ritchie. "Increased Immigration." Discovering Our Past a History Of The United States. By Joyce Appleby. N.p.: n.p., n.d. 385+. Web. 9 Mar. 2017.
-"Industrial Revolution." Brittanica. N.p., n.d. Web. 9 Mar. 2017. <http://school.eb.com/levels/middle/article/technology/277282#208732.toc>.
-Institute, Gilder Lehrman. "History Times: The Industrial Revolution." The Gildren Lehrman Institute of American History. N.p., n.d. Web. 9 Mar. 2017. <https://www.gilderlehrman.org/history-by-era/gilded-age/essays/history-times-industrial-revolution>.
-N.d. “Harper’s Weekly”: Black Slaves Working the First Cotton Gin. Web. 9 Mar. 2017. <http://media1.school.eb.com/eb-media/56/135056-050-4047B904.jpg>.
-N.d. Tierra Del Lago Cigar Factory, 1909. Web. 9 Mar. 2017. <http://media1.school.eb.com/eb-media/11/71111-050-E3F6A485.jpg>.
N.d. Feminism: Women Factory Workers, about 1910. Web. 9 Mar. 2017. <http://media1.school.eb.com/eb-media/12/128812-050-A34BBB56.jpg>.
-N.d. Loom: Power Loom. Web. 9 Mar. 2017. <http://media1.school.eb.com/eb-media/97/92897-050-E898E2C8.jpg>.