The drastic change in the industrial sector across the United States led to the spanning of mechanization, specialization, and division of labor between 1820 and 1870 (Backer, n.d.). With the shift from manual operations to use of machines, the Americans turned their objectives to mass production and reduction of work to simple labor; this made them undisputed leader in global manufacturing.
Factories and machines replaced home and hand production. Industrial Revolution went on to change the Americans’ views from small craft workers and independent farmers to workers in factories (Effects of the Industrial Revolution, n.d.). They were able to work successfully in big industries across the US.
Expansions in the manufacturing process made the Americans to view themselves as having the ability to be autonomous in production. There emerged the middle class from the large factories that absorbed many Americans. The industries absorbed accountants, insurance agents, teachers, lawyers, and doctors (Brinkley, 2012). These categories of workers were entitled to monthly salaries, and not hourly wages. From this dimension, Americans changed their earlier views on living as working class.
Before the Industrial Revolution, most Americans had their places of work within or close to their homes. Most women started working outside their homes. Those who could not send their children to schools due to inadequate funds rose to high earning levels, and, as a result, were able to do so. In addition, Industrial Revolution altered the tasks of families, as had been common in pre-industrial society.
According to Brinkley (2012), the entire aspect made Americans to change the family economy since women could also secure light jobs in the industries. With the onset of mechanization, specialization, and division of labor, Americans viewed themselves as capable people who can drive their economy independently. The paid labor as opposed to family or home employment made families view themselves as independent units, which can take care of themselves.
The Industrial Revolution led to the development of infrastructure; this opened the once inaccessible regions in America. Americans began to move beyond their boundaries to look for market and raw materials for use in their factories. Other inventions during this period include automobile, telephone, and light bulb.
These inventions coupled with assembly line made manufacturing more efficient, thus modernizing the industrialized nation. Americans believed in themselves and their capability to make life easier than before. The need for specific skills in factories made Americans to recognize the role of women at the workplaces, with gender roles becoming increasingly defined (Hillstrom, 2007).
Having understood well the effects of Industrial Revolution from England, Americans instituted necessary measures to avert negative perceptions. Industrial Revolution, from this aspect, changed Americans’ views and perceptions on the role of women in the society. In expanding the transportation systems and enhancing the motor assembling processes, Americans believed that they could control other activities in the whole world.
Industrial Revolution drove Americans to the brink of controlling the entire globe, as the progress led to invention of key machines for increasing production (Effects of the Industrial Revolution, n.d.). The Americans had remained self-centered on their way of life, and engaged in home activities to manage their families. However, Industrial Revolution altered their perceptions on the possibility to develop their territory, engage in productive activities, and develop the nation in order to be the leading producer of all products.
References
Backer, P. R. (n.d.). Industrialization of American Society. Charles W. Davidson College of Engineering San José State University. Web.
Brinkley, A. (2012). American history: connecting with the past (14th ed.). Boston: McGraw-Hill Higher Education.
Effects of the Industrial Revolution. (n.d.). Modern World History. Web.
Hillstrom, K. (2007). Industrial revolution in America. Santa Barbara, Calif.: ABC-CLIO.