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/
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