A very important time for the United States occurred in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. After the Civil War the state was transformed, within time the U.S. changed dramatically and Americans could either enjoy or detest this time depending on their social status. The author of the textbook Out of Many A History of the American People writes, “At the Helm stood unimaginably wealthy men, powerful representatives of a new national business community, who led in the transportation of the United States from a rural to an urban industrial nation”. I chose this quote because it reveals how remarkable of a time it was for the United States and it basically set the stage for future expectations. The country changed from rural to an urban more productive and successful nation. Americans who had a business were lucky to have the money and time to produce goods for markets. That helped America become successful and resourceful for its citizens and others as later in time goods were able to be exported internationally.
Because of the time period previously mentioned, the U.S. has continued to become more industrialized to this day. As time goes on, we are able to enjoy more and more with its development of technology which is now fundamental to everyone’s life. With the introduction of the telephone in 1876 at the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia, Alexander Graham Bell became highly appreciated by Americans. His work showed the United States as a leader in industrial technology. He was one of those wealthy men who helped change the view of the nation. Along with Bell, Thomas Alva Edison also became well-known in 1882. His team, “devoted to industrial research” introduced the lamp. Immediately, electricity revolutionized both urban life and industry. Not only did Bell and Edison become well-known for being some of the first wealthy men before Rockefeller and Carnegie, but they are also remarkably known for being the genius of the first Industrial Revolution.
During the second Industrial Revolution, rural America was no longer in existence with an economy growth of about $11 billion between the years 1871 and 1914. In just a couple years, the U.S. strengthened with its inventions and creativeness. The transcontinental railroad done in 1869 helped the economy big time. To improve it, rail lines were added too and then transportation could be used for passengers and goods which helped the nation significantly. Soon enough people were able to travel more easily and agencies were constructed which is an example of how fast America was growing. Raw materials were also able to be transported to urban populations for industry which helped in the development of rural locations.
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The reason I believe some people may have detested times after the Civil War is because of what followed after the second Industrial Revolution. Not everyone was able to benefit and live happily as the wealthy representatives. The assembly line helped manufacture items quicker and more efficiently, but mechanization took away from the pleasure of the workers. Business grew in vertical and horizontal ways. Workers benefitted from vertical integration because they still owned their businesses and other workers could help and earn money. John D. Rockefeller, however represents horizontal combination because he convinced those business owners to sell their stock to him and he became rich, selfishly leaving others behind. Soon mechanization became efficient only for business owners and even more workers were replaced by machines.
The “Gospel of Wealth” is something I do not quite understand or believe it is completely fair. It justified Rockefeller’s rude behavior towards his workers who did not have good working conditions. I do not think it is completely fair that his workers were not paid fairly and he claimed that those who work hard deserve their success. His workers made him successful and in return he rewarded public establishments but why were his workers unable to be successful with good wages? I believe more in the “Gospel of Work” because it acknowledges the hard work of actual workers.
