The period from the end of the nineteenth to the beginning of the twentieth centuries in America was not just the time of revolutionary changes in social and political spheres but also the era of industrialization. The Second Technological Revolution was signified by the rapid development of mechanization, increase in immigration, numerous reforms in the labor market, and the establishment of a new social order that was expected to meet the growing needs of the developing society. The changes and innovations were especially effective in such spheres as science, energetics, and communication.
First of all, the time of the Second Industrial Revolution was characterized by a significant number of scientific discoveries that impacted not only the industry of the United States but also the quality of life of all Americans. Among the main inventions of this period were the sewing machine created by Mr. Elias Howe, steering apparatus constructed by Mr. R. C. Holmes, the boat propelled by electromagnetic power, shingle machine, and even cheese-press (Scientific American, 1846, pp. 5-6). Moreover, technicians worked on the improvement of such devices as a steamboat and a fire engine. The main advantage of the newly-created mechanisms was in their high productivity. For instance, the sewing machine Mr. Elias Howe “sews beautiful and strong seams in cloth as rapid as nine tailors” (Scientific American, 1846, p. 5). Moreover, while before the revolution the same functions had been performed by dozens of people, the machines mentioned earlier allowed to reduce the exploitation of human resources and to increase the productivity of plants and factories.
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Another sphere that witnessed significant changes during the Second Technological Revolution was energetics. For many centuries before the revolution started, “people used no other mechanical power than the simple windlass and lever; and no other carriage than a drag” (Scientific American, 1846, p. 4). However, at the end of the nineteenth century, Sir Charles Parsons introduced an invention that made a radical change in this sphere – the steam turbine. With its help, people gained an opportunity to move vessels, elevate heavy objects, and even bore ground in the process of building bridges and houses. The power produced by steam turbines was rather cheap that triggered a real revolution in the life of people. Later, after Maxwell presented his electromagnetic theory, this mechanism served as a basis for the creation of the first electric power stations.
The development of industries also triggered numerous changes in the sphere of communication. In the nineteenth century, the primary sources of news for Americans have daily printed newspapers. In order to communicate with their dear people of companions, one had to send a letter, and, depending on the distance between these people, it took form one day to almost a year for the message to reach its addressee. However, the invention of the magnetic telegraph completely changed the situation. In the course of a few decades, lines of telegraphic communication connected not only the biggest cities of the United States but also different countries. In particular, the telegraphic lines were “extended from the great cities of the United States to Montreal and Quebec” (Scientific American, 1846, p. 6). This technology allowed people to transmit information for hundreds of miles just within a few minutes.
Summing up, the time of the Second Industrial Revolution was one of the most productive periods in the history of the United States. It was characterized by numerous inventions in the spheres of industry, energetics, and communication. In particular, during this time, scientists created a great number of various machines that allowed to make the process of production less time- and money-consuming and increased its effectiveness. At the same time, the introduction of steam power and electricity completely changed most of the operating procedures. Finally, the creation of the telegraph gave people a chance to exchange information quickly and at large distances that also contributed to the development of the state.
- Scientific American, 2(1). (1846). Retrieved from http://www.gutenberg.org/files/27867/27867-h/27867-h.htm.
