The second industrial revolution is the period that took place in the late 19th – early 20th century. It is characterized by numerous social and economic changes that lead to the restructuring of the economy and manufacturing growth. In the case of the US, the changes provoked by industrialization involve large-scale migration, mass production of consumer goods and services, and changes in gender roles. One of the major drivers of industrialization was the development of transportation. The present essay discusses the impact of transportation advancements on industrialization.
Firstly, advanced transportation systems facilitated industrialization because they enabled the movement of goods. The construction of railroads allowed manufacturers to deliver their products in other cities and states more cheaply than it was before. Besides, the utilization of railroads allowed manufacturers to provide raw materials to the factory faster and cheaper. This, in turn, enabled them to produce more goods and access a larger audience.
Secondly, the invention of steamboats and the creation of canals enables to ship goods from the US to Europe and vice versa. This way, American manufacturers for the first time gained access to the international markets. Prior to the second industrial revolution, it was immensely time-consuming and expensive to ship goods worldwide. Still, the development of transportation technologies eradicated these problems and granted producers access to new markets.
Thirdly, the final years of the second industrial revolution are marked by the invention and popularization of automobiles. Cars made it possible for people to go wherever they want, and, in the same manner, manufacturers could bring their goods to any city in the country. Even though the aircraft industry at those times was not as developed as it is now, the invention of airplanes still marked the beginning of the new epoch in trade and manufacturing.
To conclude, the role of transportation advancements in the second industrial revolution is enormous. Railroads, steamboats, and automobiles enabled producers to deliver their goods to all over the world and, hence, increase the scale of production and the number of manufactured items. In addition, advanced transportation technologies made it possible for entrepreneurs to import raw materials and components from other countries that helped them produce more goods of higher quality quicker.