Industrial Revolution in America

The casue of Industrial Revolution

Nov 28, 1807

reference The real impetus for America entering the Industrial Revolution was the passage of the Embargo Act of 1807 and the War of 1812.

First economic independence

Nov 28, 1812

America went to war with Great Britain in 1812. The war made it apparent that America needed a better transportation system and more economic independence. Therefore, manufacturing began to expand.

Three important developments

Nov 28, 1812

First, transportation was expanded. Second, electricity was effectively harnessed. Third, improvements were made to industrial processes such as improving the refining process and accelerating production. The government helped protect American manufacturers by passing a protective tariff.

From Agriculture to Cities-First farming mechine

Nov 28, 1837

better machines and cultivators. For example, Cyrus McCormick created the reaper which allowed quicker and cheaper harvesting of grain. John Deere created the first steel plow helping speed up farming across the Midwest.

Communication and the Industrial Revolution

Nov 28, 1844

With the increased size of the United States, better communication networks became ultra important. In 1844, Samuel F. B. Morse created the telegraph and by 1860, this network ranged throughout the eastern coast to the Mississippi.

Cotton and Cloth

Nov 28, 1846

Elias Howe created the sewing machine which revolutionized the manufacture of clothing. All of a sudden, clothing began to be made in factories as opposed to at home.

Transportation

Nov 28, 1869

Railroads were of supreme importance to the increase in trade throughout the United States. In fact, by the start of the Civil War, railroads linked the most important Mid West cities with the Atlantic coast. Railroads further opened the west and connected raw materials to factories and markets. A transcontinental railroad was completed in 1869 at Promontory, Utah.