Technology, History, and the Industrial Revolution

“Any customer can have a car painted any color that he wants so long as it is black.”

— Henry Ford

You shall start your study of history and technology with an examination of the American Industrial Revolution.

The Cambridge Dictionary defines the Industrial Revolution as: “the period of time during which work began to be done more by machines in factories than by hand at home” (Cambridge University Press, n.d.). In addition, an industrial revolution involves a shift from a largely agrarian society to a mechanized society.

The Industrial Revolution started at different times within different countries. Whereas the Industrial Revolution first started in the United Kingdom in the 18th century, by the mid-19th century the United States started its own Industrial Revolution.

The beginning of American industrialization can be traced back to the views of Alexander Hamilton, the first secretary of the treasury, and later, U.S. senator Henry Clay’s “American System.” Clay’s idea concerned internal improvements, industrialization, protective tariffs, and federal subsidies for roads and improved transportation. Such a system was opposed by many politicians in the South, tied as they were to agricultural concerns, buttressed by slavery. Because of this national wrangling, industrial progress was slow. Following the end of the Civil War in 1865, the Southern political impediment to industrialization had been removed, and America, blessed with an abundance of raw materials and a laissez-faire attitude concerning business, rushed to join the industrial powers of the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, and Japan.

One example of the technological change within the United States during the 19th century was the rise of the factory system. Merriam-Webster defines the factory system as, “the system of manufacturing that began in the 18th century with the development of the power loom and the steam engine and is based on concentration of industry into large establishments” (Merriam-Webster, n.d.). Borrowing a number of technological innovations first invented in the United Kingdom, the United States transformed from a largely agricultural country to one which increasingly became mechanized. The emergence of the factory system would forever change the historical development of the United States.

The Lowell Mill textile factory in Lowell, Massachusetts, is an example of an early American factory during the Industrial Revolution.

Directions: Using the required academic readings and supplemental academic research, please address the following while adhering to the Discussion Board Rubric:

• In your own words, define history.
• In your own words, define technology.
• How do you understand the relationship between history and technology?
• What historical factors led to the Industrial Revolution within the United States?*
• Select two examples of technology introduced and used within the United States from 1830 to 1920.
  • What is this technology?
  • Who invented this technology?
  • Why was the technology invented?
  • How was the technology used?
  • Where within the United States was the technology used?

*You may pick a nation other than the United States to discuss if you prefer.