In the late 19th century, Russia began its process of industrialization following its defeat at the hands of Western nations in the Crimean War. Russia's Industrial Revolution was further helped along by its growing population and an increasing labor force. As the industrial process continued, it gave new job opportunities such as: in mining, factory work, and railroad construction. This influx of jobs was taken by an influx of people, where it came from the country to work in the cities as cheap laborers, taking up dangerous and low-paying jobs. In spite of all these changing times and circumstances, the tension between the upper and lower classes remained tenser than ever before, building up under the fabric of society.
These factors tie in with the political power plays between the Whigs and Tories, who were playing for an advantage over one another, and the looming threat of socialism. This essay will look at all of these factors. One of the more important reasons for the extension of the franchise up to 1918 were societal changes. The industrial revolution changed how people lived and the way they thought about their place in society. The middle class believed that because they were the ones working and earning the country’s wealth, they were deserving of the vote.
In the years 1890-1914 in America, big businesses had a great impact on the growth of the economy. By the 1890 America was a booming economy due to the Steam Revolution of the 1830’s to the 1850’s, and the railroads supporting the growing US economy. Other factors are a huge number of unskilled and semi- skilled labour, talented entrepreneurs and the government willing to aid at all levels to stimulate economic growth. There are many factors suggesting that it was due to the rise of big businesses. One of them being that big businesses dominated the American economy, due to the chance of vertical integration.
Economic factors were a chief motivation for colonization to European countries. Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany believed conquering primitive areas would help build up industry and agriculture. He also thought it could help build up a fleet of ships and is quoted “Our future lies upon the water.” (doc 1). Other leaders such as Jules Ferry of France saw these places as shelters, ports for defense, and provisioning (doc3). John Hobson, an English economist, saw imperialism as inevitable, for powers of production outpace consumption resulting in more profit for the mother country (doc 2).
1. Even though imperialism existed to some extent before the industrial revolution, it gave industrialized countries many reasons to peruse it. Vast raw materials are needed to properly maintain a strong industrial economy. Many believe the industrial revolution began in Great Britain, which was very powerful but small in terms of land, population, and available resources. This gives them an incentive to colonize areas where there are large amounts of raw material instead of just paying for the materials.
Banking laws, tariffs, internal-improvement legislation, and the granting of public land to railroads are only the most obvious of the economic regulations enforced in the nineteenth century by both the federal government and the states. Americans saw no contradiction between government activities of this type and the free enterprise philosophy, for such laws were intended to release human energy and thus increase the area in which freedom could operate. These tariffs stimulated industry and created new jobs, railroad grants opened up new regions for development. Public had fear of the industrial giants reflected concern about monopoly. If standard Oil dominated oil refining, it might raise prices inordinately at vast cost to consumers.
Morgan had come to New York he had started work at Duncan, Sherman & Co. where he was an accountant for the company. This first job had created a solid foundation for J.P. and his future, because he knew such important people and also because his company was connected with George Peabody & Co. in which at this time the Civil war had broken out in America. With this J.P. Morgan had took the strategy his father had taken and worked both from New York and in London, while doing this he greatly increased his financial wealth through all his firms. In 1864 J.P. was a very important figure in the firm, Dabney, Morgan & Co. After this partnership had ended Morgan went on and held a firm with Tony Drexler called Drexler, Morgan & Co. This firm was the one that would set J.P. Morgan out from the rest, because it is here that Morgan had accumulated most of his wealth and business assets.
Definitions of Freedom The Gilded Era and the Progressive Era were important times of social and economic growth in American history. During the Gilded Era, there were rapid industrialization, innovation of technology and science, the rise of big business, and the construction of the transcontinental railroads. Afterward, the first year of the 20th century to about 1914 is marked as the Progressive Era. This was a time to combat monopolies and corruption, more government interference and protecting the rights of the poor, women, and consumers. One of the big issues in these two eras was conflicting definitions of “freedom.” Although people had freedom to make money in the Gilded Era, only a small minority of robber barons could do so.
What exactly is imperialism? Imperialism happens when a stronger nation feels it is obligated to take over a weaker nation, or region, in order to control it politically, economically, and culturally. This practice also became important to growing nations to gain land, labor, and raw materials for the betterment and strengthening of the country. This type of foreign policy was mostly practiced by European nations and Japan, but the United States also began to join in imperialistic thoughts once it became a world power. Imperialism can also be known as colonialism.
American overseas expansion was particularly predominant between 1898 and 1914. The Industrial Revolution that was occurring in the United States prompted enthusiasm in imperialism. During this period, imperialism was defined as, “the establishment of colonies and the building of empires.” In 1890s, the United States began to experience pressure due to competition in Canada and Argentina (Imperialism). The United States required a great amount of raw materials in to facilitate production in factories. Increased acceptance of imperialism echoes the capitalist nature of the international community.