Introduction
Before America became industrialized, the south and the north had engaged in a four-year war that resulted in the south losing. There was a need for changes to be enacted in the south to enhance the living conditions of the people. Racial and gender inequalities were common in the south due to the white supremacy ideologies that were perpetuated by the white elites. The industrialization of America helped white people access jobs and enhance their living conditions. Even though gender and racial inequalities still existed, emerging industries provided southerners with new possibilities.
Context
The document belongs to the period after the Civil War and the Reconstruction of America. Locke and Wright (2019) highlight the changes that occurred in the south after the emergence of industries, as well as new rules that enhanced life for the people. The civil war had significantly affected the economy of the south, especially as they had lost the war. The people living in the south were mainly involved in agriculture. Based on Locke and Wright’s (2019) analysis, the levels of poverty were relatively high due to minimal opportunities. Society was dominated by the issue of slavery and discrimination against women. There was a need for better opportunities to enhance the living conditions of the people and ensure that the south was viewed positively. The general perception regarding the south was that it was a lagging region in terms of development and social peace.
Before the industrialization of the south, most people worked on farms that were owned by white elites. The owners used slave labor in their farms for manual jobs. The efforts to end slavery in the south increased after the loss in the war. Black activists became bolder, which resulted in changes in laws. However, as Locke and Wright (2019) note, the variations did not result in an end to racism as white supremacists formed organizations that perpetrated violence against African Americans. Earlier, women were a vulnerable population, but at the stage of industrialization, they began to show more social activity (The American Yawp Reader n.d.). The poverty level in the south was another aspect that represented the period before industrialization occurred.
Synopsis
The document highlights the changes that occurred in the south after the end of the war and during the reconstruction period. One of the first aspects that are discussed is the expansion of business in both scale and scope. The emergence of new technologies, such as electricity, ensured that industries would operate 24 hours every day. This was a significant move as it increased productivity and created more job opportunities. Another issue was the change in the management of the businesses. Owners preferred employing people who were trained on how to successfully run a company. The increase in industries and the emergence of a need for skilled labor resulted in the middle class.
Wealth among the white elites grew at an increased level while black Americans became poorer. The inhumane treatment of blacks is thoroughly discussed in the document. Lynchings were used by white people in the south to indiscriminately kill African Americans. The authors note as follows: “Whenever the Constitution comes between me and the virtue of the white women of South Carolina, I say to hell with the Constitution” (Locke and Wright 2019, 67). This quote illustrates the prejudice against African American men as they are characterized as rapists and violent. The document also highlights how the industrialization of the south enhanced the living conditions of most people. According to the researchers, “industrialized cities knit together urban consumers and rural producers into a single, integrated national market” (Locke and Wright 2019, 60). Such an outcome marked the beginning of a new format of capitalist relations. These new opportunities meant that America had become a beacon of hope for most people. This led to an increase in immigration and a mixing of cultures, which had positive and negative effects.
Author Intent
The authors intend to depict the situation in the American south in the second half of the 19th century to demonstrate which processes stimulated the development of a technological idea within the capitalist model. They provide a background of the issue and an explanation as to what caused the changes. Based on the content of the document, the intention is to expound on the issue of industrialization in America and the benefits that it brought to the people. The authors state that individuals benefited by accessing better-paying jobs that improved their living conditions (Locke and Wright 2019). White elites were able to accumulate wealth by enacting laws that favored them. The lack of representation for the black community resulted in years of suffering. In addition, the authors intend to speak against some of the inequalities that were perpetuated in the past and continue in the present.
The paper seeks to influence the opinion of readers as the document depicts life in the south based on the authors’ interpretation of records. The researchers provide a chronology of events that helped change the situation in the south. At the start of the document, it is possible to understand the writers’ views of the south. This can indicate a bias as the thoughts affect the way the paper develops. However, the authors do not seek to change the reader’s perception or warn about anything; the chronological coverage of events is a key objective of this document. As a result, the social and economic trends of that time are considered from the researchers’ individual perspectives.
Historical Significance
The document is important as it shows how industrialization took place in America at that time and how this process affected the future of the country, including the growth of its economic potential. In addition, this work demonstrates how new technologies firmly entered everyday life, thereby optimizing traditional manufacturing formats. The paper has helped in understanding how the south used industrialization to expand its economy and make the region favorable to outsiders. Locke and Wright’s (2019) discussion also highlights the impact of slavery on blacks and, in particular, how the Constitution was suspended when punishing black offenders. The authors explain the chronology of inventions that ensured America’s growth and prosperity (Locke and Wright 2019). This document may perform the function of a reminder to people about the developments during the reconstruction period, as well as their long-term consequences observed today. The paper helps the audience understand how evangelism interacted with capitalism during the period of industrialization. Thus, the reader can review crucial information about America’s history.
Conclusion
The document is strong as it provides insights that are backed by factual data and a chronology of events that happened. In general, the document offers a detailed chronological overview, which makes it possible to cover a wide period and evaluate each of the affected historical stages individually, thereby forming a comprehensive picture. The writers ensure that all angles are discussed, which allows the reader to form their interpretations. The document enhances understanding of an important period of American history. However, bias can be traced at the beginning of the article, when the reader is aware of the authors’ unambiguous position and their opinion regarding the relevant social nuances. At the same time, this standpoint does not differ from the current agenda and cannot be viewed as controversial or incorrect. Therefore, the paper may be considered an essential part of learning about America.
Reference
The American Yawp Reader. n.d. “Abigail and John Adams Converse on Women’s Rights, 1776.” Web.
Locke, Joseph, and Ben Wright, eds. 2019. “Life in Industrial America.” In The American Yawp: A Massively Collaborative Open U.S. History Textbook: Vol. 2: Since 1877, 56-81. Stanford: Stanford University Press.