Introduction
The Industrial Revolution is a set of actions to move labor from one type to another: the arrival of machines and factories to change social organization. From the second half of the 18th century, the Industrial Revolution gradually covered more and more territories. Changes occurred in the structure of societies, in the economic growth, quality, and standard of living of the population. The man moved from an agrarian society to an industrial society, thereby moving to new rounds of development in cultural and productive terms.
Agricultural Changes
The source of the revolution was the changes in the structure of agrarian communities, which were supported by machines. While farming had previously been a source of income, food, and money, farm work was no longer as complex and time-consuming. Many people continued to toil on farms, but there was a greater interest in innovation and invention in the industry. Society had access to unique technologies that made working in the fields more accessible and manageable. Machines were doing more work than humans, so there was time for developing science and discoveries in chemistry, energy, and factories. The most significant event that pushed the U.S. from rural communities to cities was the War of Independence in 1775-1783.
In the mid-1780s, scientific inventions were invented in the U.S.: control mechanisms and conveyor belts. They helped change the perception of labor and its importance to society, and as technology was introduced into more and more agricultural fields, industrialization proceeded faster. In 1793, Slater Samuel started the first textile mill, and from that point on, the industrialization of society in the United States accelerated significantly. By the early 19th century, textile technology began to dominate, and by the mid-1800s, the U.S. was producing a vast supply of cotton thanks to cotton cleaning machines (Stearns 157). In addition, the U.S. was developing domestic politics and markets, so advances in agriculture allowed for the development of new territories (The Industrial Revolution in the United States). Rural societies became industrial cities earlier because they gained access to technology and autonomy after the War of Independence.
Economic Changes
The U.S. pursued a robust domestic policy after the War of Independence focused on domestic market development. This fostered domestic economic trade relations, the growth of capital, and the emergence of international trade opportunities (Stearns 160). The domestic labor system was no longer relevant, and more and more of the population participated in the factory system. Hamilton Alexander proposed the development of the domestic market through high tariffs from 1791. Then in 1812, the Henry Clay Plan began to operate to provide transportation and movement of goods across the country. As mentioned earlier, the textile industry drove the country forward, continually building capacity for the opportunity.
With the Bank of the United States’ approval, entrepreneurs could create capital and trade. The remaining agricultural fairs and farms cooperated with entrepreneurs, creating conditions for goods and finance circulation. The Industrial Revolution changed the balance of the labor force, reducing unemployment and giving factory labor (The Industrial Revolution in the United States). Production increased, trade became active on the international market as well, and the United States was able to stockpile capital for the Second Industrial Revolution. Financial stability and a rising labor force allowed America to become a trade center and connect the continents.
Conclusion
The Industrial Revolution changed the way of life in the United States. Agrarian changes came about through labor automation and the introduction of factories (primarily textiles) that freed the population from the hardships of growing crops. Urban sprawl shifted farming to the South, strengthening its economic status and spurring development. The economic change also pushed urbanization: the decrees after the War of Independence expanded trade opportunities. Trade became a tool in international and domestic markets, enabling the U.S. to become a strong economic power.
Works Cited
Stearns, Peter N. The Industrial Revolution in World History. UK, London: Routledge, 2018.
“The Industrial Revolution in the United States.” Library of Congress, no date, Web.