Discussion 1

America’s Industrialization: Progress and Consequence

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BACKGROUND & SOURCES to consider: America’s Industrial Revolution transformed all sectors of the economy and changed society. In the text (chapter 17; for example p. 316-317), some of the business practices of the late 1800s and early 1900s are described—like “vertical integration” and ‘horizontal integration”. New centers of production (factories, plants, refineries) and much larger scales of production were made possible as new technology and new methods were adopted. Advances in transportation made it possible to get raw materials to the factories and finished goods to consumers as the market economy got linked throughout the country (Chapter 17—map 17.1 on p. 312).

Consider this document: THE METHODS OF THE TYCOONS.docx . Also consider chapter 17 (assigned for this week). And certainly check out the “Week 2” unit’s LEARN items—click on Learn; view the exhibit on the “Triangle Shirtwaist Fire” and the website on the rise and actions of radical Labor movements, and the video on major Business leaders of that day. Finally, consider the Week 2 “Primary Sources” item—click into it and see Lloyd’s tirade against “combinations” (methods of horizontal and sometimes also vertical integration), Whitaker’s brief about health issues for factory workers, and John Muir’s wonderful call to leave some parts of nature “wild”—without the intrusion of civilization’s “improvements”.

There are pros and cons to these developments. On one hand, they streamlined costs and made goods—and new products—available to many more consumers. But, there were also consequences—some unintended.

WHAT TO DISCUSS:

Examples of new problems—1) the development of monopolies instead of a competitive business market, 2) price gouging or manipulation, 3) environmental damage, 4) unsafe and oppressive work conditions.

Choose one of these four and describe the issue in a full paragraph or two. Tell us where you read about it. Use a specific example from that period. If you wish, feel free to explore pros and/or cons and the role of government and new technology. Also—identify a similar issue today.

Respond to at least one of your classmates and interact with that person’s information. Make sure to put forth at least a point or two of your own in at least one paragraph.

Discussion 2

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America’s Industrial Age: Impact on Regions and Groups

Background and Sources to Consider: Each region (North, South, West) of the United States experienced the era of Industrialization (1865–1920) differently, with different issues and groups at the forefront. Our assigned chapter for this week is chapter 18, and it has excellent and varied coverage of this subject—be sure to make use of it. [p.s.—By this time all must have the book; we are not allowed any more free eChapters]. Also, in the Week 3 unit, click on “Learn” and find the slide presentation of chapter highlights, but especially two other items there: 1) An item on Chinese immigrants building railroads in the west; and 2) An important video about a major debate among African Americans in the early 20th century.

WHAT TO DISCUSS:

Choose one of the following groups in the American Industrial Era (1865-1920):

1. African Americans in the “new south”—specific issues, leaders, strategies

2. Native Americans in the west—specific issues, policies, strategies

3. Asian immigrants in the west—specific issues, policies

4. New European immigrants in the east—specific issues, policies, strategies

5. Farmers in the midwest and west—specific issues, strategies

Choose one of these five and describe the issue in a full paragraph or two. Tell us where you read about it. For your main post, please describe the main challenges facing this group during these industrial years, using specific examples as suggested by the list above. Be sure to tell us where you read about your information. Also, suggest some lesson or lessons for our own time, such as positive or effective ways for some group to deal with society's barriers as well as the inevitable challenges of economic change.

Respond to at least one of your classmates and interact with that person’s information. Make sure to put forth at least a point or two of your own in at least one paragraph.