HIST 011 Lecture Notes - Lecture 17: W. M. Keck Observatory, Grenville M. Dodge, Duluth, Minnesota
Document Summary
The rise of industrial america, 1865-1900 (ch 16) By 1900: us=leading industrial power in the world; several factors that contribute to the growth of us econ: Us = treasure-house of raw materials (coal, iron, copper, lead, timber & oil) Growing pop and adv transportation network = largest market in world for industrial goods. Capital was plentiful; euros w/ surplus wealth join well-to-do am"s in investing in econ expansion. Development of labor-saving tech and efficient patent system inc productivity (440k patents from 1860-90 granted) Nation"s first big business = railroads[rr] (mileage inc more that 5x in 35 yr period - 35k mi in 1865 193k mi in 1900; occurs after the civil war [cw]) Creates a market for goods that was national in scale; encouraged mass production/consumption and econ specialization; resources used promoted the growth of other industries (esp coal and steel) Affect routines of daily life: american railroad association divided the country into 4 time zones in 1883.
