American Industrialization, Romanticism and Civil War Report (Assessment)

Effects of the Industrial Revolution

Industrial revolution according to Brezina (2005) in his book The Industrial Revolution in America is the enhancement in technology. This move saw the transformation of labor from human and animal dependence to the employment of machines as a substitute. It also led to the industries replacing agriculture-based economies. In its emergence, industrialization brought with it effects to the American people; both positive and negative.

The industrial process included “opening of McCormick reaper works, construction of railroads, the introduction of electric lights and power system in New York, introduction of model T automobile.¹ These were part of the industrialization process.

The major negative effects of the American industrialization included among others, the migration of experienced smiths and small-scale agriculturists from their fields of experience to cities as industrial workers. This reduced the quality of production in the agricultural sector hence poor service and low-quality agricultural goods for the Americans. The emergence of industries brought in child labor.

This, as much as it could have a positive short term satisfaction as a source of income, was a total disaster for the future lives of the children as they could be overworked and exposed to harmful industrial hazards at an early age. Child labor also had a disastrous effect on the learning ability of the children who worked in these industries. Unhealthy working conditions also posed medical challenges increasing vulnerability to diseases. It also led to escalated immigration into America. This as a consequence, relatively increased competition for jobs in the land which disadvantaged the natives.²

Among positive effects was the discovery of better methods of production that led to the production of high quality good enhancing the satisfaction of consumers. Improved transport systems enhanced the effectiveness of movements at cheaper costs.³ The industrialization also increased employment opportunities in America, a step that improved the living standards of the American people.⁴ According to Cailen Pierce (2008), the industrialization process made it possible for women to take jobs in factories thereby improving their social class and the lives of their families.⁵ Industrialization created social structures among the American people.

Romantic Impulse

The romantic impulse was a movement in the 18^th century that emphasized great emotion, thinking, and “freedom from classical correctness in art forms, and rebellion against social conventions.”⁶ It emerged as a protest against the rigidity of social structures that came up during the industrialization process. The social life at the time had threatened to enslave workers in the newly invented machinery.

In the article, the Romantic Movement Romantic impulse meant the liberation of the Americans to a point of freedom regarding respect and love. The romantic impulse in the light of the Romantic Movement article was related to aspects of love and life in the American society as the article compares the romantic impulse to books whose themes brings the meaning of love and respect. The writer, therefore, implies these meanings to the movement in the American culture.⁷

Civil War

During the civil war in America, the north and the south had different advantages over each other. The south for example had agricultural farms that enhanced their economy; this was an advantage. The south had more weapons compared to the north. The southerners also had better military experience compared to the north. The southerners’ army was more loyal to their orders than the north. On the other side, the northerners have more soldiers than in the south. The north made use of the services of slaves in the war, a service which they found to be very significant as some of the slaves were very skilled and brave at war. The northern army was well networked and enjoyed superior supplies at some points of the war.⁸

Reference

American War. “Civil War Historical Background.” National Archives and Records Administration, n.d. Web.

Brezina, Corona. The Industrial Revolution in America. New York: the Rosen publishing group, 2005.

Cailen, Pierce. “The Effects of the Industrial Revolution in America.” Associated Press, 2008. Web.

Duncan, Wave and Jones, Long. Church-state Issues in America Today. New York: Greenwood Publishing Group, 2008.

History World. “Romantic movement.” History World, n.d. Web.

Write Work. “What is Romanticism?” Write Work, 2011. Web.

Footnotes

1. Brezina Corona, The Industrial Revolution in America (New York: the Rosen publishing group, 2005).
2. Duncan Wave and Jones Long, Church-state Issues in America Today (New York: Greenwood Publishing Group, 2008).
3. Brezina Corona, The Industrial Revolution in America (New York: the Rosen publishing group, 2005).
4. Duncan Wave and Jones Long, Church-state Issues in America Today (New York: Greenwood Publishing Group, 2008).
5. Cailen Pierce, “The Effects of the Industrial Revolution in America.” (Associated Press, 2008). Web.
6. Write Work, “What is Romanticism?” (Write Work, 2011). Web.
7. History World, “Romantic movement.” (History World, n.d.). Web.
8. American War, “Civil War Historical Background.” (National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.). Web.