Late-19th Century

Definition

The Late-19th Century refers to the period from the 1870s to the turn of the 20th century, marked by significant social, political, and economic changes in the United States and around the world. This era witnessed rapid industrialization, urbanization, and shifts in societal values that influenced environmental policies, economic practices, and revolutionary ideals.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Late-19th Century was a time of rapid urbanization, with many people moving from rural areas to cities in search of jobs in factories.
2. The rise of industrial capitalism during this period led to significant changes in labor practices, including the establishment of labor unions advocating for workers' rights.
3. Environmental issues became more prominent as industrial activities led to pollution and resource depletion, prompting early conservation efforts.
4. This era saw the influence of revolutionary ideals as various social movements emerged, pushing for reforms in labor rights, women's suffrage, and civil rights.
5. The period is marked by a stark contrast between the wealthy elite and the growing working class, highlighting economic disparities that would later fuel social tensions.

Review Questions

• How did industrialization during the Late-19th Century affect the environment and natural resources in the United States?
  • Industrialization during the Late-19th Century significantly impacted the environment by increasing pollution levels due to factories emitting smoke and waste into air and waterways. The demand for natural resources surged as industries required vast amounts of raw materials, leading to over-extraction and depletion of forests and minerals. This environmental degradation spurred early conservation efforts as people began to recognize the need to protect natural resources for future generations.
• Discuss the social implications of the economic changes occurring during the Late-19th Century and how they reflected revolutionary ideals.
  • The economic changes during the Late-19th Century brought about a new class structure characterized by extreme wealth disparity between industrialists and workers. This inequality fostered discontent among the working class, leading to labor strikes and movements advocating for workers' rights. Revolutionary ideals such as equality and justice were echoed through these movements, as groups sought not only better wages and working conditions but also a fairer distribution of wealth and opportunities in society.
• Evaluate how the Late-19th Century set the stage for modern environmentalism and social reform movements in the 20th century.
  • The Late-19th Century laid important groundwork for modern environmentalism by highlighting the negative impacts of unchecked industrial growth on nature. As people became increasingly aware of pollution and resource depletion, early conservation efforts gained momentum, leading to significant policy changes in the following decades. Additionally, social reform movements rooted in revolutionary ideals emerged from this era's inequalities, setting precedents for civil rights activism, labor reforms, and women's suffrage that would continue into the 20th century. The interconnectedness of these movements illustrated a growing consciousness about both environmental stewardship and social justice.

Related terms

Industrial Revolution:

A period of significant industrial growth and technological innovation that transformed economies from agrarian to industrial, profoundly impacting society.

Gilded Age:

The term used to describe the late 19th century in America, characterized by economic growth, political corruption, and stark social inequalities.

Conservation Movement: A social and political movement aimed at protecting natural resources and promoting sustainable practices in response to the environmental challenges of rapid industrialization.