UPSC Exams
Latest Update
Coaching
UPSC Current Affairs
Syllabus
UPSC Notes
Previous Year Papers
Mock Tests
UPSC Editorial
Bilateral Ties
Books
Government Schemes
Topics
NASA Space Missions
The Industrial Revolution in the United States: Causes & Impacts of the American Industrial Revolution
IMPORTANT LINKS
The Industrial Revolution took place in many places throughout the world, including England, North America, Continental & Eastern Europe, and Asia. The Industrial Revolution in America totally transformed the United States until it ultimately grew into a major economy in the world and turned out to be the most powerful global superpower. The US Industrial Revolution resulted in social and economic changes that marked the transition from a stable agricultural and commercial society to a modern industrial society.
In this article, let us look at the Industrial Revolution in America, its Historical Background, the Factors that led to the US Industrial Revolution & its Impacts on the UPSC IAS Examination since the topic is important from the context of the World History section, which is a part of UPSC Mains GS 1 paper.
You can also register for the Testbook’s flagship optional history coaching for UPSC and kick-start your UPSC IAS preparation journey today.
Also, check out the article on the Japan Industrial Revolution (1868-1898) here.
History of Industrial Revolution in America (1793-1865)
- The Industrial Revolution in the US started in the 1800s. It was a time when the US economy changed from being based on farming to being based on industry. This was caused by many factors, including the need for more resources to meet the growing demand and the development of new technologies.
- One important figure in the US Industrial Revolution was Samuel Slater. He was a British immigrant who brought British manufacturing designs to the US. He built the first US textile mill powered by water in 1793.
- Another important development was the construction of the Erie Canal. It linked New York City to other US port cities and made it easier to transport goods.
- The US Industrial Revolution had a major impact on the US economy. It led to the growth of cities, the creation of new jobs, and the development of new industries.
Also, check the article on the French Revolution here.
Where did the Industrial Revolution Begin in the United States?
The Industrial Revolution in America got its start in New England. In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, a number of major textile mills were built in the area, accelerating the industrialization of the area.
Check out the Industrial Revolution in Russia here.
Factors that led to the American Industrial Revolution
Some of the major causes of the First Industrial Revolution in America have been listed below:
Embargo Act of 1807
- As a consequence of the war between France and England, the Embargo Act of 1807 restricted Americans from importing goods from overseas nations.
- It was hoped that economic hardship would force England and France to quit attacking American merchant ships and obstructing one another’s trade with the Americans.
- The measure, however, had no impact on the economies of Britain or France but completely destroyed the American economy.
- The embargo thus inspired Americans to start manufacturing for themselves, to fulfil their own demands.
War of 1812
The USA lost access to fishing and shipping on the Eastern coast subsequent to the War of 1812. As a result, the Americans began their production on a bigger scale in order to make massive profits and become independent in the manufacturing of commodities.
Also, check the World History UPSC Notes here for your UPSC Exam Preparation!
Significant Causes of the Industrial Revolution in America
Some of the significant causes that resulted in the Second Industrial Revolution in America have been listed below:
Remarkable Inventions
- The second half of the nineteenth century witnessed an acceleration in industrialization owing to new discoveries.
- For instance, the invention of electricity and the light bulb permitted manufacturers to work for longer hours, and it thus resulted in the production of many more goods.
- The advent of electricity enabled the development of the electric motor, which vastly improved transportation and sped up the development of the electric trolley and the electric subway train.
The abundance of Natural Resources and the Supply of Labor
- The United States had access to a variety of natural resources, including timber, water, coal, iron, copper, silver, and gold.
- The young immigrants who came to America had a strong commitment and willingness to make money and were available for any type of work.
Check out the linked article to download the notes on Colonialism for the UPSC exams now!
Railroads
Railroad networks in the U.S. spurred the growth of firms like coal and steel and sped up the conveyance of goods to the market, thus stimulating mass production, mass consumption, and economic specialization.
The Absence of Political Control (Laizze-Faire Politics)
- Business owners had no restrictions on how high they could raise their levels of profits because there was no political stand in the nation.
- The lack of government regulation permitted businesses to bloom and develop at a swift pace.
- Businessmen had complete control of their firms without the interference of the government. Although this was good for businesses, it resulted in widespread environmental problems and poor working conditions.
Also, check out what is meant by Industrial Sickness here.
Economic and Political Competition
The British government’s practice of mercantilism and its imposition of taxes on the American colonies can be broadly categorised as the economic reasons for the Revolution. Other significant factors included political, geographic, enlightenment, and American culture as a whole. Additionally, the effects were multifaceted and had an impact on the economy, society, law, and politics.
Scientific Revolution in Europe
In Europe, the scientific revolution began at the close of the Renaissance and lasted until the late 18th century. It had an impact on the “Enlightenment,” an intellectual and social movement. The Scientific Revolution was built on the knowledge of the Ancient Greeks and the science of the Middle Ages. Many well-known views put forward by Aristotle and other notable philosophers underwent a significant transformation.
Inventions Spur Technological Advances
Inventions have now changed the sector in an explosion of ingenuity. Wool, linen, and cotton were used to make clothing in Britain. The first sector to change was this one. By accelerating the process by which spinners and weavers created cloth, textile merchants increased their earnings.
Important Discoveries in the Textile Business By 1800, the cotton industry had been modernised by a number of significant discoveries. One innovation sparked another. John Kay, a machinist, created a wheeled shuttle in 1733 that could move quickly back and forth.
Also, check out the article on Allied and Axis Powers in the Second World War for the UPSC Exams!
The Settlement of the American West
The settlement of the American West was a period of rapid growth and development in the United States. It began in the early 19th century and lasted until the late 19th century. During this time, millions of people migrated to the western United States, seeking land, opportunity, and a better life.
The settlement of the West was driven by many factors, including:
- The Homestead Act: The Homestead Act of 1862 offered 160 acres of free land to anyone who would settle on it and cultivate it for five years. This attracted millions of settlers to the West, particularly farmers and ranchers.
- The Transcontinental Railroad: The completion of the Transcontinental Railroad in 1869 made it much easier to travel to the West. This encouraged even more people to migrate to the region.
- Gold and silver rushes: Gold and silver were discovered in the West in the 1840s and 1850s. This attracted prospectors and miners from all over the world.
- The desire for a better life: Many people migrated to the West in search of a new start and a better life for themselves and their families.
Check out the article on the American Civil War here.
Various Impacts of the Industrial Revolution in America
The Industrial Revolution largely changed the US economy, which eventually resulted in the US dominating the world nations on an unprecedented level of technology.
Economic Impacts
- The Industrial Revolution resulted in the rapid urbanization of America, with people moving from the countryside to the cities. In 1800, only about 6% of the people of America lived in cities, but by 1900, the number had augmented to 40% and by 1920, a vast majority of Americans resided in cities.
- These new economic changes gave rise to social and cultural transformations, such as the establishment of distinct social classes, in specific a new middle class which comprised entrepreneurs, businessmen, lawyers, and medical professionals.
- The industrialization of America made its agriculture the most effective agriculture in the world, at least in terms of the dollar and cent costs of productivity. This, in turn, helped the nation to form the strongest economy in the world.
- The industrial revolution also resulted in a rise in unskilled labor. Before the 19th century, most Americans who were not engaged in agriculture performed a skilled trade.
Social Impacts
- Poor working conditions and meagre wages led to the formation of labor unions. These labor unions came about as workers had very little political support due to the fact that many of them were immigrants and women who were not permitted to cast votes.
- Each of the social classes possessed its own culture and views and its own set of values, and they would frequently engage in conflicts, giving rise to more polarized political parties and factions.
Political Impacts
- Native Americans were impacted by the Revolution because it led to the expansion of western settlements and the emergence of governments that were antagonistic to their territorial claims. In a broader sense, the Revolution put an end to the mercantilist economy, creating new prospects for industry and trade.
- Written constitutions were drafted by the new states, which at the time represented a significant departure from the British Constitution’s long-standing unwritten nature. These new state constitutions were built on the concept of “popular sovereignty,” which holds that the people are what gives the government its power and legitimacy.
Also, check out what is the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) here.
Concluding Remarks
The Industrial Revolution brought about a significant change in the technological, socioeconomic and cultural conditions of America. The United States witnessed the second Industrial Revolution in the mid-1800s, making way for its global superpower status. New modes of conveyance and the invention of electricity transformed the United States in the subsequent years. With the conclusion of World War I, the American Industrial Revolution considerably modified the face of the nation.
Check out the linked article to download the notes on the Industrial Disputes Act 1947 for the UPSC exams now!
Industrial Revolution in America UPSC Practice Questions
Q1. “Whoever says Industrial Revolution, says cotton”. Critically analyze. (UPSC Mains 2011)
Q2. The Industrial Revolution put mobility in place of stability. Comment. (UPSC Mains 1990)
We hope that all your doubts regarding the topic of the Industrial Revolution in America have been addressed after going through this article. Testbook offers standard quality study notes for various competitive exams. Be successful in your UPSC exam preparations by downloading and using the Testbook App now!
Industrial Revolution in America FAQs
What was the important factor that led to the American Industrial Revolution?
The most significant reason for the commencement of American industrialization was the availability of raw materials such as coal, iron, timber, copper and petroleum in abundance.
How was America impacted by the Industrial Revolution?
The impact that industrialization had on the United States could be witnessed in the unparalleled productivity at domestic and commercial levels in the agrarian sector, which led to massive profits and further reinforced the American economy. It immensely benefited the economic conditions.
Where did the Industrial Revolution begin in America and why?
The opening of a textile mill in Pawtucket, Rhode Island in 1793 is considered to be the commencement of the Industrial Revolution in the United States. The mill was established by the English immigrant Samuel Slater, who had prior knowledge of operating a textile mill in England.
Who is popularly known as the Father of the American Industrial Revolution?
American President Andrew Jackson designated Samuel Slater as the “Father of the Industrial Revolution in America” in the accreditation of his contributions.
How did the Industrial Revolution change society?
An agrarian economy gave way to an industrial economy during the Industrial Revolution, where things were no longer exclusively manufactured by hand but also by machines. This resulted in an uptick in output and efficiency, as well as decreased prices, growth in goods and services, higher earnings, and a migration of people from rural to urban regions.
Why was the United States successful at industrialization?
The US was successful at industrialization because of their abundance of raw materials, motivated workforce that pushed for industrialisation, and businesspeople that invested in businesses.
What were the positive and negative effects of the Industrial Revolution?
The positives include more affordable clothing, increased employment prospects, and better transportation. Negative aspects might also include the mistreatment of women and children, long hours worked by employees, and environmental harm.