Page 121 - ABCTE Study Guide_Neat

• Reconstruction is the term for the era immediately following the Civil War; it was
characterized by the rebuilding of southern infrastructure, the re-integration of southern
states into the United States, and acrimony in the South towards newly freed slaves.

Industrialization and Rise to Power

Lesson Objective

The next section will look at U.S. history from the late nineteenth century until World War II, an era
that was defined by industrialization, massive waves of immigration, World War I, and the Great
Depression.

Previously Covered

The last lesson reviewed the causes and conflicts of the American Civil War. We also examined some of
the events that followed the war.

Industrialization

As the postwar era gave way to a new century, the United States experienced dramatic growth—not only
in population but also in industry and trade. The tens of millions of immigrants spilling into the country
resulted in an increased work force and key industries (such as those listed below) boomed.

• Steel and Iron
Patented in the 1850s by its inventor Henry Bessemer, the Bessemer process was the first
inexpensive way of making tons of steel from raw pig iron. In the last twenty years of the
1800s, production of steel in the United States skyrocketed from about 1.4 million tons to
more than 11 million tons. During this era, the United States surpassed Britain's iron and
steel production.
• Communications
In 1866, telegraph communications between Europe and the United States were established
when the first transatlantic telegraph cable was installed. Other improvements to the
telegraph were adopted during this era, and, in 1892, Thomas Edison patented the two-way
telegraph.
• Technology
Engineers and inventors like Nikola Tesla helped the word make huge leaps in technology
during this period. Tesla’s work in developing AC (alternating current) power meant that
electricity could be more easily transported (and for longer distances). The alternating
current system was adaptable as well—its voltage could be changed by a transformer.
George Westinghouse worked closely with Tesla and made the AC system the basis of his
business.

World War I

In 1917 President Wilson declared war on Germany and Austria-Hungary; the United States entered the
war to end all wars, which had begun in 1914. While U.S. forces suffered major casualties, the United
States' trans-Atlantic location and late entry ensured that military losses did not match the number of
Europeans injured and killed. U.S. industry kicked into high gear during World War I in an effort to
produce supplies for the war; the economy boomed. The war also put the United States into a globally