The Industrial Revolution in Late 19th Century - Essay Example

The Industrial Revolution in Late 19th Century America has undergone a series of changes for it to reach its current The most development seen in modern day America dates back to the industrial revolution (Zakim & Kornblith, 2012). This was a period when America’s economy grew and flourished at a fast rate. The last quarter of the 19th century for instance, witnessed great changes in terms of economic and social development. The notable developments in the economic and social sector during the last quarter of the 19th century were the invention of the telephone by Graham Bell in 1876 revolution and the 1885 invention of the machine gun by Harim Maxim (Zakim & Kornblith, 2012).

Later the same century in 1888, Nikola Tesla invented transformer and the AC motor (Barney, 2007). The rise of the industrial revolution and invention led to rapid economic growth with a mechanized system of agriculture making USA major producer. Another thing worth noting is that, during the reign of Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson, Native Americans were issued with large tracks of land. However, during the last quarter of the 19th century the Native Americans were evacuated from their lands by the white Americans (Barney, 2007).

National Labour Unions were formed to respond to the manner in which people were being evacuated from their farms and an increase in industries led to a misunderstanding between labour and capital. Conversely, there was a rise of numerous challenges that led the state to implement some policies. Social Darwinism took centre stage and it was survival for the fittest (McIlwraith & Muller, 2001). The authority of wealthy business firms such as Rockefellers had a great influence on how the government made its policies.

The rich had influence in the running of the government because their argument was that they contributed a lot to state revenue as compared to the poor. At first markets were free, but soon it got complicated because well established companies stamped authority on markets to the extent that small ones were being phased out. After an extensive investigation on the “robber barons,” the Sherman antitrust act was passed which focused on implementation of free trade (McIlwraith & Muller, 2001).

Though the act was poorly documented, it regulated the activities of worker's unions instead of countering monopolies practised by the well established firms. The act faced serious criticism and civil unrest until it was later amended to serve its intended purpose (Barney, 2007). Conclusion The current economic prosperity and agricultural stability is as a result of a long journey the country has undergone to reach such heights. Much credit has been given to Abraham Lincoln who created the basis of the current democratic stability of the nation.

The industrial revolution was a key turning point towards America’s current economic prosperity and stability.ReferencesBarney, W. (2007). A Companion to 19th-Century America. Chichester: John Wiley & Sons.McIlwraith, T. F., & Muller, E. K. (2001). North America: The Historical Geography of a Changing Continent. Lanham : Rowman & Littlefield.Zakim, M., & Kornblith, G. J. (2012). Capitalism takes Command: The Social Transformation of Nineteenth-Century America. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.