Technological Innovations During the Second Industrial Revolution Flashcards
(44 cards)
What marked a turning point in industrial production?
The shift from steam power and water-driven mills to electrification
This transition allowed factories to operate more efficiently and reduced reliance on coal and water sources.
What was one major advantage of electric motors in factories?
Increased production speeds and greater flexibility in factory design
Factories no longer needed to be concentrated near water sources.
Who played a pivotal role in the commercialization of electric lighting?
Thomas Edison
He refined the incandescent light bulb in 1879 and established the first central power station in 1882.
What was the first central power station?
Pearl Street Station in New York City
Established by Thomas Edison in 1882.
What type of current did Thomas Edison use for electric lighting?
Direct current (DC)
This system made electric lighting more accessible initially.
Who challenged Edison’s DC system with a more efficient alternative?
Nikola Tesla
Tesla’s alternating current (AC) system was backed by industrialist George Westinghouse.
What was the outcome of the ‘War of the Currents’?
Alternating current (AC) became the dominant system
This facilitated the widespread distribution of electrical power across the United States.
How did electrification impact working hours?
Extended working hours
Electric lighting reduced dependence on natural daylight, enabling 24-hour production cycles.
In which industries was 24-hour production particularly enabled by electrification?
Steel manufacturing and textiles
These industries benefited significantly from the ability to operate continuously.
What consumer appliances grew in availability due to electrification?
Electric irons, washing machines, vacuum cleaners
These appliances enhanced household convenience and contributed to a rising consumer culture.
Fill in the blank: The transition to electrification reduced reliance on _______.
coal and water sources
True or False: The introduction of electric motors decreased production speeds in factories.
False
Electric motors increased production speeds.
What process revolutionized steel manufacturing in the 1850s?
The Bessemer process
It allowed for the mass production of high-quality steel at a lower cost.
How did affordable steel impact railroad construction by 1900?
Over 190,000 miles of railroad track were constructed in the United States
This highlights the significance of cheap steel in national development.
What urban development was enabled by steel in cities like New York and Chicago?
The construction of skyscrapers
Skyscrapers accommodated growing populations and showcased economic power.
What role did steel play in industrial growth during the late 19th and early 20th centuries?
It was essential for machinery and shipbuilding
This contributed to strengthening American naval power.
Who was a prominent figure in the steel industry during this period?
Andrew Carnegie
He represented the emergence of large-scale industrial monopolies.
True or False: The Bessemer process allowed for the production of low-quality steel.
False
It enabled the mass production of high-quality steel.
Fill in the blank: The ability to build vertically with steel helped accommodate growing _______.
populations
This was crucial in urban areas experiencing expansion.
What economic trend did the steel industry signify in the late 19th century?
The era of big business
Corporations consolidated control over key industries.
What was a significant consequence of the rapid expansion of railroads during this period?
Facilitated the transport of goods and people
This connected the vast American landscape.
What was the impact of cheap steel on national development?
It underpinned the rapid expansion of infrastructure and industry
This was crucial for economic growth.
What significant innovation in communication was invented by Alexander Graham Bell in 1876?
The telephone
The telephone revolutionized interpersonal and business communication.
How did the expansion of telephone networks impact business operations?
Facilitated business coordination across vast distances
Supported the growth of national and international markets.
