How Did The Industrial Revolution Change The American Economy

The industrial revolution didn’t just change the economy, it changed the average American’s way of life. As the values, customs, and traditions were rapidly changing, Americans were dancing to the beat of a different drum. While it is true that cities were growing, musket technology was evolving, and the cotton gin was revolutionizing the economy, there was something deeper happening in society that led to a new moral code.

Alcohol was extremely valued as a way of life. It was used as medicine, as entertainment, and as a part of the work place in which drinking was usually accepted as long as the employee was working, “tolerably regularly (Laurie).” Leisure was as much a part of life as work was. Workers found their joy in pubs, enjoying the camaraderie after long days and weeks in the factory. When trade was slow, the workers looked towards the bars for solace. Drinking, gaming, and sports created the lively life of the pre-industrial America. Many folks worked at home, blending their leisure with their work and creating no real distinction
A cultural shift was occurring in which inner discipline and morals were becoming center to employment. Industrialization was born when wasteful habits were being condemned and frugality and temperance were being preached. The Society of the Promotion of Industry, Frugality, and Temperance was founded to promote these values that they were sure would promote and foster a more productive work environment. According to the society, if this was preached and practiced, it would not only reward the employee and boss, it would reward the community as a whole. This society not only promoted these new morals in the workplace, but also the public. The Society of the Promotion of Industry, Frugality, and Temperance encouraged churches to open courts in which they, “tried cases of infidelity, drunkenness, or moral conduct.