Which of the following main industry/industries was/were developed in the second industrial revolution that took place after about 1850 ?

The correct answer is Chemical and electrical.

Key Points

• The Second Industrial Revolution, which occurred after 1850, focused on the development of chemical and electrical industries.
• It marked the transition from steam and water power to the use of electricity and chemical processes in industrial applications.
• Key advancements included the invention of the electric motor, electric lighting, and the telegraph, which revolutionized communication and manufacturing processes.
• The chemical industry saw breakthroughs such as the synthesis of dyes, fertilizers, and pharmaceuticals.
• This era also laid the foundation for modern industries like electronics and petrochemicals, which became essential in the 20th century.

Additional Information

• Electricity in Industry
  • Electricity became a primary source of energy during this period, powering factories and enabling the development of new machinery.
  • The invention of the dynamo in the 1860s provided a reliable way to generate electricity on a large scale.
  • Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla were key figures in the commercial adoption of electricity.
• Chemical Innovations
  • The chemical industry witnessed the mass production of sulfuric acid, soda ash, and synthetic dyes.
  • Fritz Haber and Carl Bosch developed the Haber-Bosch process for ammonia synthesis, revolutionizing fertilizer production.
  • These advancements greatly boosted agriculture and industrial productivity.
• Steel and Transportation
  • Though not the focus of the Second Industrial Revolution, the Bessemer process (mid-19th century) improved steel production, complementing advances in the chemical and electrical sectors.
  • The transportation sector also benefited from the introduction of electric-powered trams and early electric automobiles.
• Communication Revolution
  • The telegraph and telephone, enabled by electrical innovation, transformed global communication.
  • Alexander Graham Bell's invention of the telephone in 1876 was a milestone in this era.
  • This laid the groundwork for modern communication technologies.
• Impact on Society
  • The Second Industrial Revolution enhanced productivity and economic growth, but also led to urbanization and new societal challenges.
  • It created a demand for skilled labor and spurred advancements in education and technical training.
  • The era was pivotal in shaping the modern industrialized world.