Industrialization Ch 6-1

How did the U.S. evolve into an industrial powerhouse? Black Gold/OIL The U.S. had a wealth of natural resources, government support, and cheap labor. Edwin Drake was the first to use the steam engine to drill for oil. –This led to a process that was practical and profitable. Oil was taken out faster and in larger amounts = more money, a lot faster.

STEEL changes the Nation Pittsburgh Pennsylvania became known as Steel Town due to the abundant iron ore deposits found in that area. Different processes for making steel became available such as the Bessemer Process and Open- Hearth process. Barbed Wire and McCormicks and John Deeres farm machines transformed the plains into the food producer of the nation.

Steel influenced construction. In 1883 the Brooklyn Bridge was completed. Skyscrapers became taller. (The Sky was the limit) Electricity/Light Bulb Thomas Alva Edison-Inventor of the light bulb as well as a method of producing electricity. Who was Lewis Latimer- greatly unknown to most people he was the one who perfected the light bulb. Before him light bulbs would only last a few days. He also drew up the plans for the first telephone.

The Effect Technology had on People Manufacturers were able to locate their companies wherever they wanted not just near a power plant. Alexander Graham Bell and Thomas Watson (1876)- opened the communications network with the invention of the telephone. Christopher Stoles- Invented the typewriter. Most of these inventions created jobs for women. In 1870 only 5% of office workers were women, by 1910 they accounted for nearly 40%. Most technology helped improve workers standard of living.