azsdfgh
CHAPTER 11: Technology, Culture, and Everyday Life, 1840-1860
AGRICULTURAL ADVANCEMENT:
Western movement increased with John Deere’s steel tip plow, cut labor to clear acres for tilling.
Wheat became vital to the West—McCormick invented the mechanical reaper.
These machines used in the North more than South—the South had slaves.
Land was “worn out” by overfarming in the East, so farmers came up with new techniques (new fertilizer and animal feed).
TECHNOLOGY AND INDUSTRIAL PROGRESS:
Eli Whitney began the interchangeable parts/unskilled labor trend. By 1851, Europeans called this trend the American System of Manufacturing.
This success convinced people to invest in new inventions/machines.
Morse sent the first telegraph—made many Americans form telegraph companies/lines, used for political/commercial messages, as well as emergency messages.
THE RAILROAD BOOM:
Railroads were fast and fairly comfortable. However, sparks fell on passengers, there weren’t brakes, had no lights (couldn’t run at night), and delays were frequent due to time differences.
Railroads eventually beat canals in speed and value.
Turned Chicago () into the #1 commercial hub in America’s interior.
Railroads made the Midwest get settled quickly—sold wheat and used rails as import/export lines.
Illinois Central Railroad bought land for stations, which created big towns like MANTENO! (my hometown!)
Railroads funded mostly with private money—depression made people vote against state-aided projects.
The New York Stock exchange traded railroad company stocks, and made New York City the center of investment firms. Investment bankers controlled the flow of money to railroads.
RISING PROSPERITY:
Technological advances greatly reduced prices on everything, from clocks to food.
Steam power increased workers’ incomes by 25%. (Factories could stay open longer).
City growth also increased wages. (More year-round work). Also provided women/children with work.
DWELLINGS:
Unattached
AGRICULTURAL ADVANCEMENT:
Western movement increased with John Deere’s steel tip plow, cut labor to clear acres for tilling.
Wheat became vital to the West—McCormick invented the mechanical reaper.
These machines used in the North more than South—the South had slaves.
Land was “worn out” by overfarming in the East, so farmers came up with new techniques (new fertilizer and animal feed).
TECHNOLOGY AND INDUSTRIAL PROGRESS:
Eli Whitney began the interchangeable parts/unskilled labor trend. By 1851, Europeans called this trend the American System of Manufacturing.
This success convinced people to invest in new inventions/machines.
Morse sent the first telegraph—made many Americans form telegraph companies/lines, used for political/commercial messages, as well as emergency messages.
THE RAILROAD BOOM:
Railroads were fast and fairly comfortable. However, sparks fell on passengers, there weren’t brakes, had no lights (couldn’t run at night), and delays were frequent due to time differences.
Railroads eventually beat canals in speed and value.
Turned Chicago () into the #1 commercial hub in America’s interior.
Railroads made the Midwest get settled quickly—sold wheat and used rails as import/export lines.
Illinois Central Railroad bought land for stations, which created big towns like MANTENO! (my hometown!)
Railroads funded mostly with private money—depression made people vote against state-aided projects.
The New York Stock exchange traded railroad company stocks, and made New York City the center of investment firms. Investment bankers controlled the flow of money to railroads.
RISING PROSPERITY:
Technological advances greatly reduced prices on everything, from clocks to food.
Steam power increased workers’ incomes by 25%. (Factories could stay open longer).
City growth also increased wages. (More year-round work). Also provided women/children with work.
DWELLINGS:
Unattached