Introduction
The United States experienced tremendous changes years after the Civil War. Such developments included industrialization, migration, moral movements, and changes in race and gender perceptions. Revolutions happened in both the urban and the rural parts of the country. The paper describes the radical transformations that occurred in the country in the 1880s and 1890s. It emphasizes how these events influenced the American culture and society economically and socially.
Main body
The period between the 1880s and the start of the twentieth century branded the United States an industrial giant due to the increased industrial growth and technological innovations. By this time, old industries such as railroads had expanded, and new ones like electrical power developed. The railroad industry boosted businesses in the remote areas creating many job opportunities, which widened America’s economic market. “By 1880, nearly 2.5 percent of the nation’s entire workforce labored in the railroad industry” (Joseph & Ben, 2019). Research in areas such as electric power began in 1878. Foreign investors were drawn, and in 1882, New York’s Pearl Street station was opened (Joseph & Ben, 2019). The development of electric power plants revolutionized the country as the night illumination supported businesses and social activities, which contributed positively to the country’s economy.
During the late 1800s, the United States experienced high rates immigration rates as people from various parts of the world came into the country searching for economic opportunities. Many countries worldwide faced land shortages due to increasing populations, unemployment, and famine, which forced some of their citizens to seek refuge from other nations. The high economic potential of the U.S significantly attracted immigrants during this period. For instance, people were attracted by the increasing job opportunities in Chicago, which resulted from the fast-growing meat industry. For example, during the 1950s, there were about thirty thousand people in Chicago. “By turn of the twentieth century, the city was a home to 1.7 million people”, out of which 80 percent of the people had a foreign origin (Joseph & Ben, 2019).
The economic and social revolutions of the late nineteenth century challenged the traditional gender norms in America. Moral movements were on the rise as increased numbers of women activists campaigned for the right to equality. For instance, in 1890, women formed the General Federation of Women’s Club, an organization that campaigned for women rights, including suffrage (Joseph & Ben, 2019). Also, women worked tirelessly to uplift others and liberate themselves as seen in their work against alcohol, a remarkable moral reform of this time (Joseph & Ben, 2019). Alcohol assault was based on feminism, Christianity and the protective role of women in families.
The 1890s was a period of racial and gender transformation. Racial and gender prejudices were a challenge to the stability of women campaigns. While men discouraged these movements, white women activists were against the inclusion of those of African origin. Despite this segregation, vibrant organizations were formed, and this promised racial uplift and rights for women (Joseph & Ben, 2019). As well, this period was marked by generational tension over female sexuality. Premarital sex was taboo in American society and was perceived as an unfeminine behavior associated with clinical insanity. At this time, “young women pushed back against social mores through premarital sexual exploration and expression” (Joseph & Ben, 2019). As well, the youth embraced new fashions while women mimicked looser dresses.
Conclusion
In summation, America transformed in the 1880s and 1890s in various ways. There were increased industrial growth and technological innovations, which branded the country an industrial giant. High rates of immigration led to the tremendous growth of cities such as Chicago. The United States faced revolutions on traditional gender norms, as moral movements that raised the need for equality were developed. Youths and women also explored free-will expressions through premarital sex and embracing new fashions.
Reference
Joseph, L., & Ben, W. (2019). The American yawp: Vol 2 [eBook edition]. Stanford University Press. Web.