Transformations in American History of the 1800s Essay

Introduction

When studying history, it is essential to remember that the United States of America was one of the countries that underwent the greatest transformation in the 1800s. A quick glance at some of the events that occurred during the century reveals how different America was at the beginning of the century particularly in comparison to the end of the century. During that century, several events such as transportation evolution, numerous inventions, and immigration occurred.

Steamboat, Canals, and Railroads Transportation Evolution in the US

Steamboat

In the 19th century, passenger and commercial travel on the Mississippi River and other inland U.S. rivers was mainly done by steamboats. The first steamboat in the United States was built in 1807 by Robert Fulton. Fulton’s steamboat, called the Clermont, was able to travel up the Hudson River from New York to Albany in just 32 hours. This was a significant improvement over the previous method of transportation, which was sailing ships.

Canals

In the early part of the nineteenth century, the canal craze swept across the United States. Promoters understood how much time and money these man-made rivers could save tourists. Even little waterways, like the 2.5-mile canal that circumnavigates the Ohio River rapids at Louisville, Kentucky, proved to be a big step forward in this case by creating a waterway between Pittsburgh and New Orleans. Canals were built in the early 1800s to transport goods and people more efficiently.

Railroads

Colonel John Stevens initially proposed the idea of building a railroad in the United States in 1812. In a collection of writings titled “Documents trying to establish the superior advantages of railways and steam vehicles over canal transportation,” he laid forth his beliefs. Horse-drawn cars on rails were the first type of railroad to be built, and they were used to convey freight. Therefore, Railroads were a dramatic leap forward in transportation. They were much faster and could carry much more cargo than canals.

Early to Mid-1800s American Inventions and their Effect on the People

Some of the inventions that changed living conditions and work in America during the early to mid-1800s include the following:

1. The cotton gin: This machine was invented by Eli Whitney in 1793 and it revolutionized the cotton industry by making it much easier and faster to remove seeds from cotton fibers. This led to a huge increase in cotton production in the United States, which in turn spurred the growth of the textile industry.
2. The singer sewing machine: The sewing machine was invented by Elias Howe in 1846. This machine made it possible to mass-produce clothing much more quickly and cheaply than before, which had a major impact on the fashion industry.
3. Vulcanizing rubber: The development of vulcanizing rubber in America in the mid-1800s led to a significant increase in the demand for rubber. This, in turn, led to an increase in the price of rubber and a corresponding increase in the profits of the vulcanizing industry.
4. The first sewer system: The establishment of the first sewer system in America in the mid-1800s had several effects on the country. It improved public health by helping to prevent the spread of disease. Also, it made it possible for cities to grow and develop, as they no longer had to deal with the problems associated with open sewers.
5. First textile mills: The introduction of the first textile mills in America in the mid-1800s had numerous effects on the American economy and society. The most significant of these was the dramatic increase in the production of textile products. This increase in production led to a corresponding increase in the demand for labor, which resulted in a wave of immigration from Europe to the United States.
6. Processes of spinning yarn and weaving cloth: One effect as a result of this establishment was an increase in the production of cloth and clothing. This increased production led to lower prices for cloth and clothing, which benefited consumers. Moreover, the establishment of the textile industry in America made the country more self-sufficient, as it no longer had to rely on imported cloth and clothing.

Increase in Immigration to the United States after 1815 and Mid-19^th Century

Between about 1815 and 1865, there was a significant immigrant wave in America. These emigrants were primarily from Northern and Western Europe. A large famine struck Ireland in the middle of the 19th century, and around one-third of immigrants came from there. Nearly half of all immigrants to America in the 1840s came from just one country: Ireland. These Irish immigrants, who were typically poor, lived in cities along the East Coast close to where they had come from. Approximately 4.5 million Irish people immigrated to the US between 1820 and 1930.

The anti-immigrant feeling developed among some segments of America’s native-born, primarily Anglo-Saxon Protestant populace as a result of the flood of immigrants. While many Catholics, particularly those of Irish descent, faced prejudice because of their religious views, the new immigrants were frequently perceived as undesirable competition for jobs. Later on, in the 1870s, the United States went through a slump in the wake of the Civil War, which slowed immigration.

Conclusion

During the 19^th century (1800s), United States of America underwent diverse series of events from transportation to immigration. The country experienced increased developments throughout the century in many ways. In the transport sector, evolution occurred from use of steamboats, canals and establishment of railroads. Moreover, there were different inventions in that era such as vulcanizing rubber, cotton gin, first sewer system, singer sewing machine, first textile mills among others. Also, in the mid-19^th century, America experienced increase in immigration rate that was accompanied by different impacts.