Tech Revolution Group Summary....

Metals and Ores- Vicki G.

Hydraulic Mining for Gold

Mining of iron and production of steel developed rapidly with several innovations in the 19th Century. First, the hot blast was invented in 1828 by James Neilson. This made iron furnaces more efficient because there was twice the output of hot air without using any more fuel. Another invention, the Bessemer process for converting steel, was developed in 1856, to make the processing of steel less labor intensive, which had widespread effects. One last invention that promoted efficiency and production was making steel from iron that has phosphorus in it and was invented in 1880.

Mining Scoop Cars

Many other advancements resulted from and further fueled the Industrial Revolution. The chemical processing and development of aluminum during this time was profound. Aluminum was light, durable, inexpensive, and a great electricity conductor. Hydraulic mining and leaching processes increased the yields from gold mining. After Sam Brannan, a Mormon shouted that gold was coming from a river, people raced from all over the country to get a share of gold. Copper also was an important discovery in Michigan in 1844 and in 1845, 12 tons were taken from the copper cliff mine along the coast of Lake Michigan. Lead ore would also be turned directly into white lead, a base for paint manufacture, throught the use of an electro-magnet. Advancements in equipment and proesses during this innovative era would increase the yield of natural mineral and ore resources and stimulate further industrialization.

Steel Mill

http://www.oldandsold.com/articles35/19th-century-8.shtml

Coal Mining- Vicki G.

As America became colonized, there was plenty of water, animal fuel and wood to supply the colonies, but with the growing population and growing competition among colonies to be better and more modern, the utilization of and mining of coal exploded in the 19th century. In fact, coal production increased from 2.5 million tons in 1840 to over 20 million tons in 1860. Much of this production was due to the decrease in production of coal in the Richmond, VA area and development and production of a new harder coal called anthracite coal primarily in Pennsylvania. One major reason that coal production decreased in the Richmond area was due to the lack or transportation networks in the area and the expense of utilizing turnpikes. With the arrival of anthracite coal in Pennsylvania, different from the bituminous coal in the Richmond area, there were several navigation companies in the areas of production as well as more waterways to transport coal and the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. Coal began to be used more widely in homes for cooking, heating and as fuel for steam engines. As consumption increased, the development of a more pure coal called “coke” coal made from the bituminous coal grew, and became an important fuel source in the steel and iron industries. Also, as production grew, some employees became unhappy being paid by the ton, instead of by the hour. This led to the development of unions and most notably, the creation of the United Mine Workers of America in 1890. By 1900, coal had become a king in the economic growth of America.

Oil- Vicki G.

In 1855, a chemistry professor named Benjamin Sillian studied the content of a liquid called oil and realized after processing that it could serve several purposes and be less expensive than other fuel sources. Once that was made public, Sillian and others began digging for oil. Four years later, Mr. Sillian’s well produced over 1000 gallons a day. This was a bonus for oil producers at the rate of $20 a barrel in 1859. However, just 2 years later, oil was only 52 cents a barrel. Why all the fluctuation? People would buy a lot of oil from a well with lots of oil and then keep it until the cost of oil began to creep up.
John D. Rockefeller led Standard Oil to be an important and profitable corporation during this time. Part of John D. Rockefeller’s success in the oil business was his business practices. One thing he did was to have refiners who wanted to work with Standard Oil sign a contract stating that they would not tell how much money they made.
How jealous others might be if they knew his wealth. By 1880, Standard Oil controlled most of the refineries in the US and had cash in the amount of forty million dollars.

Rockefeller's Arguments to the Refiners;

"Three years ago I took over the Cleveland refineries. I have managed them so that to-day I pay a profit to nobody. I do my own buying I make my own acid and barrels, I control the New York terminals of both the Erie and Central roads, and ship such quantities that the railroads give me better rates than they do any other shipper. In 1873 I shipped over 700'000 barrels by the Central, and my profit on my capitalization,$ 2'500'000, was over $ 1'000'000. This was the result of combination in one city. ... Le us become the nucleus of private company which gradually shall acquire control of all refineries everywhere, become the only shippers, and consequently the master of the railroads in the matter of freight rates."

(Retrieved from http://www.micheloud.com/FXM/SO/consolid.htm )

Factories and Mills -Jennifer P.

Prior to the technological revolution, most Americans lived in rural settings, worked on farms, and made their possessions by hand. A few craftsmen and artisans hand made luxury items for the wealthy. By the end of the 19th century, factories had become an important part of America’s economic growth and mass produced luxuries became affordable for a growing middle class. Standardization, interchangeable parts, and mass production made the manufacturing of goods efficient and cost effective while decreasing the need for skilled craftsmen. Industry was organized both vertically and horizontally by manufacturing multiple product lines. Organizing their industry vertically controlled multiple aspects and costs of production while horizontal organization broaden their product line and consumer base. Lumber, food processing, and glass works industries were all important in the 19th century but the steel, iron and textile industries were the largest.

Many manufacturing advancements lead to others. The Bessemer process produced a large volume of high quality, low-cost steel that was used in many important buildings, railroads, bridges, and machinery in the factories in America. Improved metal working produced tools to manufacture even better factory tools. Rather than crude metal working with heat and hammer, tools and other products were cast, stamped, drilled, and lathed with precision. The invention of the cotton gin, power loom, sewing machine, and steam engine were fundamental in the development of the textile industry. Production increased as factories used power from steam engines later progressing with the use of internal combustion engines and electric motors. Advancements in power and transportation allowed factories to be located away from rivers. The increased production created both a growing industrial labor class and a growing middle-class of eager consumers.

Resource: http://www.americanhistory.about.com/

Inventions and Innovations - Christian S.

The late 1800s brought forth a Renaissance of creative marvels and innovations that we take for granted today. The number of patents issued increased dramatically, prompting the United States Patent Office to request legislation that reversed the need for invention models that were accumulating rapidly. These advances were the products of a technological revolution that prompted further innovations during a golden age of invention. The wealth of technology from this era would improve our standard of living, affecting every aspect of American life. Advancements in office equipment included staplers, adding machines, fountain pens, and file folders. Retailers used an early version of the cash register. Numerous versions of toasters, grinders, peelers, mashers, ovens, and sweepers were patented before the turn of the century. Personal grooming became an affordable luxury with improved toilet paper, toothpaste in collapsible tubes and the disposable razor invented by K. C. Gillete. These conveniences pale in comparison to the wonders of advancements made in communication, lighting, and energy.

In 1876 Alexander Graham Bell patented his marvel, the telephone. He had competition on who was going to complete the telephone first. It took many tries to get the telephone to work right, but on March 10, 1876 Bell successfully transmitted his voice into the next room. Nikola Tesla was granted more than 100 patents including radios, the dynamo, alternating current, and a fluorescent lamp. In 1878 Joseph Swan patented the electric light bulb in Britain. Joseph Swan worked for Thomas Edison, so 10 years later Edison got an American patent which brought him more fame. Over the years Swan made improvements to his invention. During all these new discoveries he started his own company which combined with Edison's to create the Edison and Swan United Company or "Ediswan" for short. Edison is one the most famous inventors in American history. He invented the electric utility system, phonographs, kinetoscope, voice recorder and kinetophone.

Transportation by Charles McW.

Development in transportation occurred quickly in the 19th century. Roads, steamboats, canals, and railroads all had a positive effect on the American economy. The United States became more diverse by the new availability to sell more products in new areas of the country and opening new markets. American roads were built and financed by private investors to imitate the infrastructure of England and France. Turnpikes were charged with the tolls for travel to generate funds for the private investors. Although tolls were found to be unprofitable, the turnpikes allowed for cheaper domestic transportation of goods.

Steamboats were the first economical means of inland transport. They were faster and cheaper than the rafts used before them. Steamboats made the northwest less self-dependent because of the new available goods offered from the south. Although steamboats sparked the economy of the west, canals were popular in the east.

Canals were an important source for farmers and merchants who needed a cheap method of inland transportation. Canals were both economical for exporters and for the state generating money from tolls. In the United States, navigable canals reached into isolated areas and brought them in touch with the world beyond. By 1825, the Erie Canal, 363 miles long, opened up a connection from the Northeast to the Great Lakes generating $7,000,000.

Even though it had not been fully expanded yet, the cheapest, most economical method of transportation was the railroad. Speed, durability, and safety all contributed to the success of it. During this time period, manufacturing also boomed. New ideas and inventions increased and improved manufacturing but it was the new modes of transporting raw materials and finished products that spurred the revolution.

The first commercial railroads began operating in the 1830’s. After 1830, the railroad or, as most Americans at that time said, the “Rail Way,” emerged as the most dramatic of the new technologies of transportation.The small locomotives of the 1830s, pulling a handful of cars over uneven track, could travel at fifteen to twenty miles an hour. This was twice as fast, over long distances, as anything Americans had previously experienced. By 1840, 3000 miles of railroad track had been laid down, most of it concentrated in the Northeast.

After 1830, the railroad or, as most Americans at that time said, the “Rail Way,” emerged as the most dramatic of the new technologies of transportation.The small locomotives of the 1830s, pulling a handful of cars over uneven track, could travel at fifteen to twenty miles an hour. This was twice as fast, over long distances, as anything Americans had previously experienced. By 1840, 3000 miles of railroad track had been laid down, most of it concentrated in the Northeast.

References:

Kelly,M. (n.d.). Overview of the industrial revolution, teh United States and the industrial revloution in the 19th century. Retrieved from http://americanhistory.about.com/od/industrialrev/a/indrevovereview.htm

Transportation in the 19th century. (n.d). Retrieved from http://www.studyworld.com/newsite/reportessay/History/American%5CTransportation_In_the_19th_Century-32139.htm

Urbanization- Danella T.

Prior to industrialization, towns were limited by the proximity of residences to places of employment, worship, and commerce. The wealthiest residents lived in the center of town with poorer residents living further out from the town center. The urbanization of America began as urban centers expanded to support developing industries. The buildings and even the cities themselves were shaped by the technological revolution that created them. Advancements in civil engineering enabled increased population density, public utilities improved the quality of life, and infrastructures developed to meet the needs of growing cities.

Skyscrapers were one result of new construction techniques using Bessemer steel supports rather than stone, load bearing walls. The development of electric-motor driven elevators with safety features made these high-rises increasingly practical and common. Large tenement buildings were constructed to provide inexpensive housing to unskilled industrial workers. Even the shape of the cities was impacted by technology as electric streetcars enabled people to live further from their employment, creating middle-class suburbs on the outskirts of cities. Impoverished, unskilled workers were forced into the densest living conditions in the industrial centers of the cities.

Rapid growth in population would create unprecedented challenges for urban and strain infrastructures. Gas lighting was widely used in late 19th century cities and the development of electric lighting would utilize much of the existing gas infrastructure. Cities developed reservoirs with pressurized delivery systems that enabled municipal water systems to provide potable, running water. Sewer systems developed more slowly and were prone to problems from storm water and system failures. Urban growth would outpace cities’ abilities to provide for the safety and welfare of residents, prompting Reformers of the late 19th century to advocate for infrastructure improvements.

Resource: http://www.theusaonline.com/people/urbanization.htm

Introduction- Danella T.

Machinery Hall, 1876 Centennial Exposition

The Technological Revolution was a time of rapid growth in urbanization, transportation, industry, and consumption of natural resources during the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. Many Americans left behind agrarian life-styles for inter-dependent industrial living as America became an urban nation. Ample labor, abundant natural resources, ability to transport raw materials to urban factories, government policies favoring industry, and the synergy of concurrent innovations resulted in sweeping changes.

Technological advancements would impact every facet of American life, one innovation often sparking other advancements. Improved steel production promoted improvements in agriculture and urban construction. Mass production and standardization in manufacturing made many luxuries affordable and industries grew as a transcontinental railroad enabled producers to reach consumers with both advertising and products. America was no longer defined by its frontier but by its capitalism and consumerism. Even pressure-sealed canned foods played a role in urbanization, freeing cities of dependence on nearby sources of fresh food.