Aspects Of Industrialization After The Civil War

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Assignment 1:2 Industrialization after the Civil War Final Draft Melissa Harmon Anthony McCormack Contemporary U.S. History May 9, 2015 INDUSTRIALIZATION AFTER THE CIVIL WAR PAGE 1 After the Civil War, the U.S. went through many changes trying to evaluate what life was going to be like now that the country had been divided. The Industrial Revolution brought good things that were new and promising to a devastated country that was struggling to find its footing. It also brought to surface, some horrible behaviors and government practices that begged for reform. There were many aspects, during this era, which defined, in what direction our society, economy, and politics were going.…show more content…
To bring control to the nation’s cities, many political bosses emerged who did not shy away from corrupt deals especially if they knew it would help further their own agendas. The people and institutions these bosses controlled were called political machines. The bosses appealed to the newest and most desperate parts of the population by providing food and necessities in return for votes in order to placate big businesses by providing lucrative deals. These deals were generally for construction projects and these companies would then pay the bosses large sums in return. While these activities seem semi-legit, the deeper problem was that these political machines would often break their own rules and laws to suit their own needs. They allowed illegal gambling and prostitution were the profits would line the pockets of city officials along with public tax money and bribes. The most notorious political boss of the era was William “Boss” Tweed of New York’s Tammany Hall. Many different types of people were affected by industrialization, some in good ways and some in bad. Industrialization brought jobs and hope for a better life for many.…show more content…
citizens.” (Schultz, 2014, p 327) So many changes occurred during this era. Many defined the U.S. as an aggressive and dominating force that often confused business and politics for financial gain. A clear social ladder developed during this time and we see how the wealthy created most of the rules and standards along with certain laws and legislation. People became richer in material goods as the standards of living changed. As folks migrated from rural areas into the city, many felt a sense of culture shock because their sense of community life switched into one of autonomy and indifference. Through all of these struggles and adjustments, the American people proved resilient and capable of many great
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