HIS-144-RS-Development of the American Economy Worksheet

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Grand Canyon University *

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History

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May 7, 2024

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Amber Sweatt Name: HIS-144: The Development of the American Economy 1. Explain Henry Clay’s American System. (50-100 words) The American System was an economic relief plan created by Henry Clay and John C. Calhoun following the war of 1812. The plan was intended for the federal government to assist in economic growth in three major ways. First, for the state and federal government to fund the building of new roads and canals (internal improvements). Secondly, the implementation of secure economic institutions such as federal banks. Lastly, the creation of new high tariffs to promote American goods and services (Schults, 2018). 2. Discuss America’s transportation revolution in the first half of the 1800s. Briefly cover the importance of roads, canals, railroads, and steamboats to the young nation’s economy. (100-200 words) Before the transportation revolution, traveling was done primarily on foot or by horse and carriage. Transporting goods was a costly and timely task. Between 1810 and 1840, a few important innovations came into play. The introduction of steamboats allowed for a new more efficient mode of transportation through the Ohio and Mississippi rivers to New Orleans and the Gulf of Mexico. The completion of canals, such as the Erie Canal, allowed for connection between rivers furthering the available locations to travel by steamboat. By the mid-1800s, America’s largest cities were connected through thousands of miles of railroad tracks. This provided not only quicker travel for individuals, but also yet another more efficient way to move goods from city to city. More roads were also built, and existing ones widened to allow for safer and easier travel by horse and carriage. The ability to transport goods all over the nation had a major positive impact on the economy. Businesses were booming, and the nation was expanding west at a more rapid rate, nearly quadrupling in size by 1850 ( Herrendorf, 2012). 3. Identify two major industries of America’s Industrial Revolution after the Civil War. What made the men who controlled them so successful? (150-200 words) There were many industries that impacted the American economy during the Industrial Revolution. Considerably one of the most significant industries would be the railroads. Railroads were a key factor in the growth of the American nation. The “Big Four” consisting of Leland Sanford, Mark Hopkins, Charles Crocker, and Collis Huntington paved the way for travel and transportation alike. Railroads made it possible for industries such as the coal and lumber industries to become established within American economics. Raw materials were now able to be transported to factories to be turned into finished products which could then be transported all over America to be sold. This allowed for more profit for companies and provided many more jobs ( Herrendorf, 2012). 1
The steel industry was another significant industry in America. It was developed by one of the captains of industry, Andrew Carnegie. Steel was necessary for the railroad industry to be developed altogether, causing it to be directly responsible for the positive impact of the railroad system. Steel was (and presently) used in structure of trains, ships, and large buildings. Ultimately, making steel was necessary for not only the transportation of goods, but for the factories in which products were being produced ( Herrendorf, 2012). These captains of industry did find some success due to what would be considered unethical business practices. This included practices such as price gouging, monopolization, and poor working conditions and low wages for their employees. They also found some success due to being the first in their respective industries (in America) and by working together to support each other’s industry. Although some these practices would be frowned upon today, they ultimately were responsible for boosting the American economy in the early 1900s (Schultz, 2018). 4. Explain the origins and growth of early labor unions in the United States. In what way did they change America? (150-200 words) During the late 1800s and early 1900s, many businesses were just developing and in their beginning stages. The idea that a business should have a standard for their working conditions was new to the American nation; thus, the labor union was born. The labor union’s focus was to fix the poor working conditions, shorten the long workdays, get higher wages, and eliminate child labor. The worker’s priority was their working conditions and pay while the businesses and owner’s priority were to maximize their production and their profits. Therefore, the development of the labor union began the struggle between the big businesses and their workers. Many unions were developed, and unfortunately many failed for various reasons; however, the goal remained the same. Although, in the beginning their pleas fell on deaf ears, with businesses even utilizing the help of police officers and the national guard which unfortunately led to some instances of violence, eventually the understanding that workers needed certain protections ultimately became an important concept within the American legislation and work culture (Thomson, 1998). 2
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