This paper explores the rapid economic and social changes after 1870 and looks at the differences between these developments and those of the first industrial revolution.
The paper begins with the spread of the first industrial revolution to Europe and the United States, naming these developments the “Second Industrial Revolution”. The paper places this revolution in a time frame and gives a background to it in terms of the political, socioeconomic, and scientific developments in the United States and the technological and scientific advances in Germany. The reasons for the United States “edge” in the second industrial revolution are examined. The differences in innovations in the two revolutions are discussed. Using the examples of the automobile industry and the creation of the modern corporation, the development of mass production is studied. The paper also explores how this revolution changed society and debates whether it has ended yet.
Table of Contents
Introduction
When Did the Second Industrial Revolution take Place?
Background
Advantage USA
Open Society
Skilled Immigrants
The Difference in Innovations
Mass Production
The Automobile Industry
Scientific Management & Growth of Corporations
How was Society Changed?
Has the Second Industrial Revolution Ended Yet?
Conclusion
Table of Contents
Introduction
When Did the Second Industrial Revolution take Place?
Background
Advantage USA
Open Society
Skilled Immigrants
The Difference in Innovations
Mass Production
The Automobile Industry
Scientific Management & Growth of Corporations
How was Society Changed?
Has the Second Industrial Revolution Ended Yet?
Conclusion
“Rapid changes in societies that radically transform the way of life for significant segments of the population are termed revolutions. Such revolutions have occurred frequently in many parts of the world throughout history. However, only a few in the history of mankind have transformed societies in irreversible and profoundly significant ways. Two such significant events that have taken place in the course of human history are?The Neolithic Revolution and The Industrial Revolution. In the Neolithic Revolution people changed their way of life and social systems based on hunting and gathering to more complex systems dependant on agriculture and the domestication of animals. This led to the development of communities who lived in permanent settlements and gave rise to urban civilizations. The second equally significant event took place centuries later and came to be known as the Industrial Revolution. During this “revolution” the agricultural societies created during the Neolithic Revolution were transformed into modern industrial societies. (Porter, Intro Para 4)”