Machinery Hall, 1876 Centennial ExpositionThe 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.
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