Second Industrial Revolution

Definition

The Second Industrial Revolution, occurring roughly from the late 19th century to the early 20th century, was marked by rapid industrial growth, technological advancements, and the expansion of industries such as steel, electricity, and chemicals. This period transformed economies and societies, leading to significant changes in the workforce, urbanization, and the relationship between humans and their environment.

Historical Context

The Second Industrial Revolution, occurring from the late 19th to early 20th centuries, emerged as a result of technological advancements beyond the initial industrialization period. Predominantly in Western Europe and the United States, this era saw significant innovations such as electricity, steel production, chemical synthesis, and the internal combustion engine. Key figures include inventors like Thomas Edison and entrepreneurs like Andrew Carnegie.

Historical Significance

This period transformed society with mass production, leading to economic growth, urbanization, and changes in labor. It spurred global interactions through improved transportation—like railroads and steamships—and communication technologies. The Second Industrial Revolution laid the groundwork for modern industry and consumer culture while also contributing to imperial expansion and environmental changes on a global scale.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Second Industrial Revolution introduced major innovations like the telephone, telegraph, and electrical power generation, which transformed communication and industry.
2. Steel production soared during this time due to the Bessemer process, which allowed for mass production of steel at lower costs, leading to advancements in construction and manufacturing.
3. The growth of railroads and telecommunication networks facilitated trade and connected distant markets, greatly influencing economic dynamics.
4. Urbanization accelerated as people moved from rural areas to cities in search of jobs in factories, leading to significant demographic changes.
5. This period also saw the rise of labor unions as workers organized to demand better wages and working conditions in response to harsh industrial practices.

Review Questions

• How did technological advancements during the Second Industrial Revolution impact industrial growth and society?
  • Technological advancements such as the assembly line and electrification greatly boosted industrial growth by increasing production efficiency. The introduction of new machinery allowed factories to produce goods on a much larger scale than before. This shift not only changed how products were made but also transformed society as jobs shifted from artisanal crafts to factory work, leading to a new working class that profoundly influenced urban life and labor movements.
• Analyze the effects of urbanization during the Second Industrial Revolution on American society.
  • Urbanization during the Second Industrial Revolution led to massive population shifts as people left rural areas for cities in search of work. This migration contributed to overcrowded living conditions and a rise in tenement housing. Additionally, it fostered social challenges such as poverty and health issues but also sparked cultural developments, including art movements and social reforms aimed at improving living standards.
• Evaluate how the Second Industrial Revolution reshaped economic practices in comparison to the First Industrial Revolution.
  • The Second Industrial Revolution marked a significant shift from small-scale production to large-scale industrial manufacturing characterized by advanced technology and specialization. Unlike the First Industrial Revolution, which primarily focused on textiles and steam power, this era expanded into sectors like steel production, chemicals, and electricity. The emphasis on mass production led to lower prices and greater availability of goods but also created stark contrasts between wealthy industrialists and impoverished workers, highlighting new economic inequalities.

Related terms

Assembly Line:

A production method that breaks down manufacturing into a series of simple tasks performed in a sequence, significantly increasing efficiency and output.

Gilded Age:

A term used to describe the late 19th century in the United States, characterized by rapid economic growth, social upheaval, and political corruption amid a facade of prosperity.

Electrification: The process of powering by electricity, which revolutionized industry, transportation, and daily life during the Second Industrial Revolution.