The Second Industrial Revolution How has Industry changed

The Second Industrial Revolution

How has Industry changed over time?

• First Industrial Revolution –Early 1800 s –Water or steam powered machines

• Second Industrial Revolution – Late 1800 s – Electricity allowed factories to grow larger – Transportation moved goods faster/farther/cheaper

• Steel –During the Civil War, demand for steel went up What new industries emerged –Stronger and could be easily during the Second Industrial shaped Revolution? –Used for railroads and skyscrapers

What new industries emerged during the Second Industrial Revolution? • Oil – Fuel source (kerosene and gasoline) – Start of oil prospecting (TX) – Major source of energy for transportation and industry

Why did the Railroads Expand?

Why did the Railroad Expand? • Transcontinental Railroad was approved by Congress in 1862 – Union Pacific started in Omaha and went west • Used immigrants to build track • Easy work due to flat plains

–Central Pacific started in Sacramento, CA and went east • Used Chinese to build track • Tough work going through mountains and had to deal with Native American attacks

• Completed in May 1869 – Took 6 ½ years to complete east to west rail line – Additional regional lines were added – United the country both physically and economically

• Promoted trade and created jobs • Boosted steel and train industries • Helped populated the West, created towns • Created standard (time zones) What effects didtime the Railroads have on the US?

• Capitalism helped entrepreneurs succeed – Competition determines prices and wages • During the late 1800 s, US Businesses did not want gov’t regulation because they thought it would: destroy: helped businesses What conditions • Destroy individual self-reliance • Reduce profits • Harm the economy grow?

• Social Darwinism (Survival of the Fittest) – Natural selection applied to society – Stronger people, businesses, nations would succeed and weaker ones would fail.