Following your reading and the discussion in class today, what aspects of post-Civil War industrialization presented the greatest contrast to pre-Civil War industrialization?
Post two comments, the first being your response to the question, and the second being a well constructed response to a fellow classmate's comment. In your answer, use specific evidence to support your stance and be sure to leave no question as to what your stance is. Also, make sure your response to another person's comment is accurate and uses some sort of support.
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There are several aspects of post-Civil War industrialization such as the creation of large companies, formation of labor unions, and increase in immigration that served as great contrasts to pre-Civil War industrialization. The establishment of large multimillion dollar corporations was a new phenomenon that marked post-war industrialization. Men such as Andrew Carnegie, Rockefeller, and J.P Morgan were billionaires, a concept that was unprecedented. These men became wealthy by creating large industries such as the U.S. Steel and the Standard Oil Company.
But the increase in demand for manufactured goods also resulted in longer and harder hours for the American factory worker in dangerous and repulsive working conditions. But, American laborers decided to organize for safer working conditions and better wages. Though these strikes were often unsuccessful, it was a step in the right direction, and was an implementation of the constitutional rights promised by out founding fathers.
Lastly immigration increased dramatically, and soon immigrants outnumbered the number of white Americans. But increased immigration also lead to an increase in competition for jobs thus creating tension.
The advent of multimillion dollar companies, creation of labor unions, and increase in immigration are some of the major contrasts to the pre-Civil War industrialization.
Pre-War industrialization was limited by the lack of national participation. The South stuck to agriculture, and so the technological development of the country as a whole was uneven. Railroads and the textiles industry were huge steps in the right direction, but it wasn't until after the Civil War was over that industrialization really began to take off.
Post-War, the spirit of urbanization and industrialization was not confined to the Northeast, it was national and even global. Foreign investments in American businesses and swarms of immigrants contributed to the expansion of American industry. Inventions and developments followed each other in such rapid succession that the old was barely out before the new was crowding in. The US switched primary energy sources from water, to steam, to electricity over the course of 32 years (1869-1900). Immigration caused a surge in the ability of big businesses to expand their employee base and increase production. This led to overproduction, price-reduction, wage-cuts, and collapse, which in turn caused mass unemployment, a new situation for America that had never been an issue until after the economic boom following the Civil War.
Like Julie said, agriculture was the country's leading source of economic growth before the Civil War. Post-Civil War the production of manufactured goods increased rapidly, and even outpaced population. One of the main reasons this was able to happen was because of the technological innovations that occured post-Civil War and were the main contrasts between post- and pre-Civil War.
Breakthrough's in the steel and electric industries allowed for more efficient production. The Bessemer converter, for instance, quickly and cheaply converted iron into steal. This lead to better train tracks, whcih consequently lead to better transportation. Seeing the promise of these new ways, people like Carnegie created a cheaper, faster, and changing market to the likes of which pre-Civil War people could have never even believed.
The steel industry, combined with Edison and his electricity experiments, created the greatest contrast between post- and pre-Civil War industrialization.
Immigration, the invention of the electric generator, and the economy allowed for differences between industrialization before and after the Civil War. With more cultural diversity from immigration there was pressure to assimilate along with feelings of anti-assimilation to preserve their native traditions. Immigrants were also desperate for work so would take menial jobs for extremely low pay under poor working conditions. This created a competitive atmosphere since the Americans born in the U.S. were accustomed to higher wages.
The invention of the electric generator increased improvements in industrialization and opened doors to new opportunities. This new technology became the basis of many other technological advances to come, which would involve electricity. Additionally, since there could be light even when the sun went down, the working day’s length was augmented. This allowed for more productivity and efficiency. However, it also proved to be a negative consequence on the lives of the workers. The amount of hours they worked did not leave much time in the day for education or leisure.
The economy after the Civil War versus before the Civil War was a very different concept. It became considerably erratic with constant ups and downs in the market. This was be caused by an overproduction of goods, followed by falling prices, poverty, and eventually depression. The economy was also merging with foreign economies as foreign investors began to flood U.S. markets during economic booms and periods of technological advancement. The government began to encourage the growth of big businesses leading to wealth concentrated in the hands of a few, such as J.P. Morgan. Another business mogul, Carnegie, used vertical integration to cut costs by encompassing all aspects of production, therefore increasing profits and wealth. Horizontal integration, exemplified by Rockefeller, involved the creation of monopolies through acquiring subsidiaries, in essence, controlling all aspects of one level of production. All three believed in commercial Darwinism, the strong businesses survive while the weak are crushed.
(sorry for the long post guys)
Post- Civil War industrialization vastly differed from the developments of the years prior to the Civil War. One of those great contrasts came in the form of private nowned large businesses. For, example, Anndrew Carnegie used his vast amounts of wealth to corner all aspects of the steel industry. He shipped, manufactured, and sold steel and therefore did not have to pay other companies to do such jobs for him. Other examples of such men and businesses included John D Rockefeller and JP Morgan. These men owned and operated privately large and expansive businesses. This was a change from the smaller owned businesses in the pre-civil war era.
And in response to Julie's post, that is correct Julie. Government did indeed foster the growth of industry. It was the amalgam of both these and privete owned companies that truly made our economy and industry thrive.
Like everyone has said, geniuses such as Carnegie, J.P. Morgan, and Rockefeller rose after the Civil War. With these leaders, who are worth way more than even the richest today, such accomplishments were unheard of. By buying out competitors, they successfully created a large monopoly. This significant feat made these men highly influential. They were only able to do so, however, because the demand for manufactured goods quickly rose post-Civil War. Thus,(I apologize for restating this so many times) the supply and demand were key factors in aiding these three businessmen's growth. Steel was evidently important since many profited from huge steel corporations. Electricity's invention, likewise introduced different fields of work and allowed a greater efficiency in workplaces Generally, the increase in innovations undeniably set post-Civil War and pre-Civil War apart.
I agree with Rachel about the importance of the electric generator. Not ony did it increase industrialization at the time, it also is power source for many of the devices we take for granted today. It seems everything is run by electricity, and the influence of electricity on our lives is really felt when the power goes out, or Mr.O turns off the lights in class.
While electricity did have negative consequence on the lives of the workers, as Rachel mentioned, it should also be noted that it were these new working conditions that caused the workers to strike. The labor unions were actually a positive result, because they were a direct implementation of the constitutional rights promised by out founding fathers.
Post-civil war industrialization was in stark contrast to pre-civil war industrialization in its motivation, or driving force. Pre civil war was driven largely by commercial enetrprising while post civil war was more urban industry.
Another difference was the prescence of corporations, and therefore corporate takeovers in post-civil war industry. Such take-overs fueled the "horizontal" ideal.
A third difference was the main venue of industry. Post-civil war was focussed highly on electric and steel enterprises, while in the Pre-civil war era, textiles were the main focus.
in response to Ritu and Rachel, i agree, the electric generator was a "mixed bag." While it did foster new scientific enterprises and marke a historic turning point in technological innovation, it allowed big business to further impose upon its employees' lives, augmenting the work day and allowing for more strenuous hours to be implemented. it set a new standard for low paid and unskilled workers to reach- one not mentally challenging but instead physically exhausting
I feel the lifestyle, as a whole was very contrasting from pre-civil war to post-civil war. This includes the changing face of the American worker, reform movements of the mid-19th Century, education reform, women’s rights movements, production with interchangeable metal parts made by improvements to milling machines, immigrants, labor unions, corporations, etc.
Firstly, the creation of factories transformed from a craft-based society to a manufacturing society because of the advances in technology—the American factory system was born. These factories didn’t only manufacture textiles, Americans successfully transferred the factory system to many other industries. This led the Americans to the surge to leadership in industry, and this was the same reason why Great Britain started to lag behind because they did not refer to more present ways of manufacture, they reverted to textile mills.
Americans embraced advances in transportation such as the steamboat, the locomotive, canals, and eventually railroads. This helped people and goods get from place to place more easily. Communication also improved as newspaper’s popularity surged, eventually the telegram would become crucial for communication throughout the united states.
The development of corporations was also a shift. Although they still favored local businesses early on, and these were usually small, family-owned and not as wealthy and powerful. Later on, as we know, the businesses became larger and eventually turned into franchises and corporations. With these, came enormous wealth and power, they eventually controlled the American economy. Prior to the civil war, the small businesses grew and made greater profits and groups of people could more effectively run large businesses than one or two private owners. Later, the corporations would be favored.
In the 1800s, most Americans didn’t have jobs outside heir homes, and they mostly worked on farms (as Jefferson envisioned). However, we all learned that a developed nation would not succeed if it was agriculture based. With the introduction of factories and the shift to urbanizing, women, children, and immigrants were especially effected by these labor changes and with more people working outside their homes, the labor movement kicked to gear. Immigrants, especially, became a part of the new labor force in America, and they eventually composed mostly the working class. The immigrants provided for the labor that America didn’t have prior to the civil war. Labor unions also appeared in the 1790s
Communities started to strive to achieve an utopia. People organized reform moments according to the ideals of religious groups and people formed others as a reaction to the injustice, inequality, and discrimination in American society. Due to massive strides towards urbanization, the number of children produced decreased because the necessity decreased because of the efficient tools that were created.
Overall, the lifestyle completely changed. The population began to be more diverse; the social classes were being more split. The types of jobs available to people increased, in other words, people had more choices of jobs. Businesses started to branch and grow into massive corporations. The way people approached economics/industry/business was absolutely different.
Industrializatoin before and after the American Civil war differed in several ways. Before the war, the country was mainly dependant on running water as a power source and was focued on small, privately owned factories like textile mills. After 1865, there was an surge of technological innovations which helped develop new industries and shape the economy. For example, the Bessemer converter, which made iron stronger and eventually cheaper, spurred the railroad industry forward. The railroad companies became huge and extremely competative. This required new methods of management which were nor used previously in smaller businesses. Other companies compensated for their growth by integrating vertically or horizontally. Additionally, the power sources transitioned from running water to coal, steam and electricity.
Industrialization in the post Civil War era involved more migration to cities as well as a large immigrant work force. The immigrants came from both Europe, Mexico and Asia and worked for low wages.
One last thing that was distinctive of the post Civil War era was the emergence of labor unions. For the first time, large numbers of workers banded together in labor unions to demand reasonable working hours, better working conditions, higher wages and the like.
When Kyle mentioned, "One of those great contrasts came in the form of private nowned large businesses" it made me realize how much that shift changed the American lifestle. Just think about how our society would be today without large private owned businesses. They truely run the whole American system. If they fail, as we are experiencing, America fails. The developments of coporations not only provided the people of the past with many new job and job opportunity, it also showed as a necessity to our whole lifestyle. Corporations today are so important because most of the products we buy today are produced from corporations. This happens not only in American but it provides the foundation to world economics.
In response to Kyle's comment, I agree that privately owned businesses differed before and after the Civil War. Some privately owned industries mentioned by Kyle like that of Carnegie and Rockerfeller, grew to to extraordinary sizes and accumulated wealth greater than ever seen before. This required new ways of handling and expanding the company.
Clearly, many parts of pre-Civil War and post- Civil War industry were very different. To me, the difference in power sources is extremely representative. Before the Civil War most industrial plants relied on water flow and the major source of power. The dependency on water slowly drifted away as we began to use to steam. However, by 1900 our country was harnessing the power of electricity. Not only did this extend working time and capability at the time, it set up America for the future. Electricity allowed inventors to do some pretty crazy things including building the radio for entertainment, chilled railcars for food, and lights for homes. This advances all thanks to electricity all helped shape American history because it allowed thinkers of the time to work outside of the box and do incredible things.
There were some major differences between post-Civil War and pre-Civil War industrialization. The most important of these different aspects include urbanization, as well as the shift in the workforce. Following the Civil War almost every city grew in size especially New York and Philadelphia. This can be attributed to the drastic change in the earnings of farmers versus manufacturing workers. As the city's workers' profits increased there was a greater attraction to cities. The difference from pre-Civil War urbanization was that it seemed after the war, people were choosing to move to urban areas. Whether it be for more money or the sense of excitement that came with city life, there was an enthusiastic migration toward cities. Immigration was also a major difference. As more immigrants arrived in the United States they created a competitive struggle for jobs, as the outnumbered the White people in the United States.
In response to Chris' comment, like he said, one of the greatest advantages of electricity was the creation of a more efficient workforce. By utilizing electricity to extend the workday, America was able to modernize and industrialize much faster after the Civil War compared to before it. In addition to the more productive days, the acceptance and support that electricity recieved after its introduction must have encouraged other entrepreneurs. Electricity strongly affected the post-Civil War industrialization.
STEFANIE SEQUEIRA---
The development of steam power and electricity lead to urbanization, a major aspect of post-Civil War industrialization. With this the United States became even more industrial than commercial. In addition, the steel industry was furthered with the invention of the Bessemer converter that made it cheaper and more effective than iron. Another invention, of the electric generator also really helped industrialization. Production became more efficient because work could be done in the dark so more work could be done every day.
The United States and Germany broke through as industrial world leaders as Great Britain stuck to its traditional textile manufacturing. Different integrations were also present during this time. Rockefeller employed horizontal integration, which involved combining small businesses and creating monopolies that increased earnings. Carnegie, on the other hand, employed vertical integration which included all aspects of production which reduced costs. Corporations and big businesses also sprouted during this period.
Heavy immigration after the Civil War also lent itself to the increased industrialization. The immigrants provided labor but also began competition with the white Americans. Labor unions also sprouted post-Civil War in response to unfair working conditions and wages.
In response to Julie's comment, I agree that before the war technological development of the country as a whole was uneven. I knew from reading the book that South stuck mainly to agriculture pre-war; I didn't see how this slowed industrialization, however, until you said that. After the war, the south still remained primarily agricultural. However, they now also had new technological advancements that caught them up with the north and made a level playing field for the whole country to grow industrially and trade equally.
One of the main differences of post war industrialization in comparison to the pre war industrialization was that America grew on a global scale rather than a domestic scale. Trading and commerce became more common as immigration rates soared. The immigrants, a second factor, became factory workers which distinguished an immigration working class, while increasing the country's population by millions. Labor unions were created to preserve quality of life for workers, as opposed to the pre war conditions of factory working such as child labor. The economy benefitted from all of these causes, improving the international outlook of America. (Basically on a global scale in terms of economy). Finally, the small business world became a corporate world as men such as Carnegie, Rockefeller, and JP Morgan popularized steel, oil, and electricity.
STEFANIE SEQUEIRA--
In response to Chris's comment: "Electricity allowed inventors to do some pretty crazy things including building the radio for entertainment, chilled railcars for food, and lights for homes. This advances all thanks to electricity all helped shape American history because it allowed thinkers of the time to work outside of the box and do incredible things." I totally agree. I think we take for granted the things we have like iPods and cell phones, that never would have been invented without electricity. Not only did the presence of light help people work through the night, but Chris pointed out well that it also promoted more luxurious inventions that we have today.
Yeah, Rachel, as well as Mr. Oftedal, pointed out the importance of electricity. Looking at everything in high school life, you will notice that much revolves around electricity and innovations. I-pods, cellphones, lights, computers, stoves, microwaves, and thousands of other appliances are used every day. I honestly believe that electricity itself has revolutionized post-Civil War times. It's effects are so pervasive that we Americans still are influenced by them.
As a result of this invention, the major benefit was efficiency. Efficiency multiplied in factories, mills, plants, and even schools. Now, both the night and day could be utilized with less accidents. This era definitely allows America to feel an economic boom unlike anything before. Therefore, the use of electricity undoubtedly has large and influential effects.
So I know I haven't been in class since thursday, but Kyle has kept me updated on readings and assignments so that's how I'm able to answer this question...
The greatest contrast between post-Civil War industrialization and pre-Civil War industrialization is seen in the location of industry.
Before the Civil War, textile mills and other factories were completely reliant on water sources for power. Controlling the flow of water was the primary matter in starting a lucrative business. This included the transportation of goods, powering machines, and providing a water source for employees.
After the Civil War, however, the location of factories shifted from rivers and other waterways to urban areas. Reasons for this change were that factories were no longer reliant on water for power (they had advanced to steam power) and they needed the supply of employees who lived in urban settings.
The need to control the flow of water turned into the need to control the flow of workers from pre- to post-Civil War industrialization.
In response to Julie's comment about the shift from regional industrialization to national and even global industrialization, I think that this is definitely a noteworthy contrast between the two time periods' industrial scenes. The fact that many European investors were looking to American industries instead of their own proves how much credibility America was earning on the world stage. This just goes to show that we could gain status not just by fighting wars, but by having a booming industry.
Pre-Civil War and Post Civil-War industrialization are like night and day. Pre-Civil was steady, and we were slowly moving along with the invention of the cotton gin and the starting of the textile industry. But Post-Civil was when things really took off, probably because of the lack of production for the previous five years, so our country had a lot of catching up to do. Before the War our country was very connected economically, but during the War, our ties were severed. After the War it was almost as if we had to make up for lost time.
I guess the biggest difference between the two is that Post was the start of large companies. Monopolies from men such as JP Morgan and Carnegie tried to shut smaller companies out. Competition became really intense as immigration increased and liberated black slaves needed to find work. Labor Unions put a lot of stress on companies financially and although their intentions were well, they ended up doing more harm than good.
Building off of what many have said about JP Morgan and other similar business moguls, when someone gets rich, someone else gets poor. To look at it from this perspective, it seems these powerful people are almost villainous in that they got extremely rich off the backs of the poor immigrants, who were just trying to get by. I don’t care how brilliant, hard-working, or respected JP Morgan was, if he had enough money to stop a bank failure, he can’t be considered anything other than greedy and selfish.
At the risk of sounding just like everyone else who has already posted the biggest aspect of industrialization that changed after the civil war was the introduction of the worlds first tycoons. Again as everyone has already stated the most prevelant of these tycoons were Carnegie, Rockefeller and Morgan. These men were the first to be considered "super wealthy" although they often acheived this wealth through techniques which would today be considered illegal.
Additionally the advancement of technology that occurred after the war of northern aggression boosted industry greatly. As we disscussed in class with inventions such as electric generators factories could now be placed all over the country. Also with the lightbulb came an oncrease in the amount of work that could be fit into a single day.
Although I am mad at Rachel for making my post look very short I agree with her comments on immigration after the war. By offering to work for less the immigrants created one of the fundamental problems with our economy. Today such practices has resulted in the outsorcing of jobs to places like India where people are willing to do the same work for far cheaper. This, of course, has resulted in the loss of many American jobs and is partially responsible for the recession. Way to go immigrants, way to go.
After the Civil War the American workers had to deal with longer hours with harder jobs which effected their personal family lives. So this was the real beginning of labor unions. American workers banned together in an attempt to get more for their work, may that be money or better conditions in which to work. This was a very important even because it was the beginning of something that to this day is still seen. They may not have been very strong at their beginning but over time they have gained power and achieved right for the various workers in all different aspects of the job spectrum.
Some aspects of Post-Civil War industrialization that contrasted greatly to that of pre-civil war was the increase in productivity, manufacturing, and immigration. Through the introduction of the Bessemer process, steel production became much more efficient and cheaper. Iron would be worn down within a matter of years and the introduction of steel to railroads and other structures allowed them to be built more cheaply as well as allowed the structure to last a longer time without being replaced. Production was located under one roof from refining to the rolling of the steel, allowing the cost of production to be lowered even more. Yet, as production increased, the economy became erratic and caused a few depressions to result. In addition, the large influx of immigrants to the United States caused a large competition for jobs. They soon outnumbered the native white population of America and lived in poverty because they did not have social mobility. They were lured to immigrate because of the lure of city life as well as the promises in America at the time. Immigration and manufacturing greatly differed from the pre Civil war to the Post Civil War.
I agree with Stefanie’s comment. The incorporation of electricity and the electric generator had greatly impacted manufacturing. Not only did people not have to rely on steam power or water, they can also work past sundown. During the winter months this would also be very effective because the little amount of hours that the employees could work in daylight. We were also able to surpass Great Britain in manufacturing and production as they mainly focused on textile goods.
Just about everything regarding an industry and how it runs changed between pre and post Civil War. For example, who worked there, how industries went about, who owned the industries, how the industry was powered, and what was used in the industry all changed from before and after the Civil War
The years before the Civil War were the golden age of SMALL industry. Most businesses were owned by a single person, single family, or just a handful of stockholders. Post-Civil War time not only were these companies run by a larger group of people, but companies combined with other businesses, in vertical and horizontal collaboration, to become more efficient.
The Civil War's excessive need for equipment, and quickly, was what pushed rapid advances in manufacturing and machinery. These advances changed the industry and and also increased efficiency rate. For example, the use of the electrical generator immensely impacted the work place providing power that did not rely on water or other natural physical properties.
The people who worked at the industries changed as an great influx of immigrants continuously compounded in America. Though there was persecution and prejudice against many immigrants, generally they created a large percentage of the working class.
Although immigration was present in pre-Civil War industrialization, it played a huge role in post-Civil War industrialization. Immigration began to reveal itself in the textile mills. Immigrants, mainly Irish at that time, began to "take over" the workforce and create a new pool of labor. The effects of immigration intensified after the Civil War. Thousands upon thousands of immigrants were comining in from a variety of countries. After the Civil War, they further defined the workforce and began replacing jobs (a process that had already begun pre-Civil War). Immigrants before the Civil War were needed for additional labor; the working class then did not provide enough. They were semi-welcomed then because the jobs needed to be done. However, after hte Civil War, waves began immigrating to the US. Immigrants were no longer welcomed and instead were looked down upon. Current American workers argued that immigrants were taking jobs that an unemployed American could have filled. Additionally, due to immigration, growth rate, and other factors overpopulation of cities became an issue after the Civil War.
Regarding Rachel's last post, I agree with her philosophy concerning JP Morgan and how "greedy and selfish" he must have been. This can be compared to today because the gap between middle/lower class versus upper class is widening. We can see how angry Americans become when the AIG executives got this luxury cruise after they received a bailout, though there are more and more Americans starving and losing jobs DAILY. One can't help but to point fingers, because this is just human nature, and who else should get the blame other than the one living high off the hog? JP Morgan, I agree, should not be considered anything more than a self-centered billionaire who might have had the power to save small banks, thereby saving families who own them in need, but he didn't: this says a lot about a person.
Marianne brings up a good point about industry during pre and post Civil War times. She summarized pre-Civil War times as, "...the golden age of SMALL industry. [When]Most businesses were owned by a single person, single family, or just a handful of stockholders." After the Civil War business changed dramatically. Small businesses no longer suceeded just as small disjointed railroads did not suceed in the South. For businesses to profit they had to monopolize and unite under one roof. Personal attention was sacrificied for commercialized goods in new specialized stores and other businesses. Goods, transporation, etc. are now deliviered impersonally without the personal care provided prior to the Civil War.
The racial predjudice and sepearation between the immigrants was a major part of why pre -Civil war industrialization was slanted. yet, labor unions were begininng to be formed and monopolies beginning to emerge. The great explosion of new people and new leaders and forces created an entirely different civilization than what was of the previous.
Something that strikes me is how life seems to always repeat itself. You would think that knowing how people can become so greedy and take control of the economy and markets would be monitered even more, yet looking at our economy and our current situations, it seems that history has repeated itself. Just like the pollution from last section that the people knew was wrong yet continued to do, this continued to happen into today. .. interesting.
I agree with the throngs of people who have agreed with me.
:)
In response to Alan's 6:30 post, I completely agree with the importance of corporate geniuses to the growth of the economy. Before the war, there were no extremely powerful individuals who monopolized the entire economy. Rockefeller, Carnegie, and Morgan held the fate of the market in their hands. Their influence pulled the US up out of economic obscurity and established it as one of the most successful nations in the world.
The most striking difference between post and pre Civil War industrialization was the integration of immigrants into the job market and society. Before, the Civil War immigrants did not constitute a large portion of the job market. However, after the Civil War a large influx of immigrants provided for mass cheap, manual labor (please excuse the callous terminology). This allowed industries to capitalize on the abundant labor and grow into larger organizations. In addition, the immigrants illustrated the stratified layers of society and difficulty of social mobility.
In response to Rebecca's 12:16am post, it is important to note the different attitudes towards immigrants present before and after the civil war. Before the civil war, immigrants were a minority of the workforce and the population took little notice. However, after the civil war, the large influx of immigrants saturated the job market. Many U.S. citizens felt that this pool of immigrants was taking away local jobs, and hostility towards the immigrants flared.
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