Unit 5 Flashcards
(13 cards)
What was the Industrial Revolution?
A period of major industrialization from the late 18th to early 19th centuries marked by the transition from hand production methods to machines and factories.
How did the Industrial Revolution contribute to economic growth?
It improved production efficiency, created numerous jobs, fostered technological innovation, and led to urbanization, driving extensive economic development.
What role did immigrants play during the Industrial Revolution?
Immigrants supplied a workforce for factories, contributed to urban population growth, and brought diverse skills, cultures, and ideas, crucial for industry growth.
What is Cotton Gin, and why is it significant?
Invented by Eli Whitney in 1793, the Cotton Gin mechanized the separation of cotton fibers from seeds, boosting cotton production and establishing it as a cash crop.
What are push factors in the context of immigration?
Negative conditions that compel individuals to leave their home country, including war, persecution, famine, lack of economic opportunity, and natural disasters.
What are specific pull factors that attracted immigrants to the United States?
Economic opportunities, such as jobs in factories, availability of land for farming, political and religious freedoms, family reunification, and established immigrant communities.
How did the availability of jobs in factories serve as a pull factor?
The growing industrial economy created a high demand for labor, attracting immigrants seeking stable employment and higher wages compared to their home countries.
How did the promise of land ownership function as a pull factor for immigrants?
The availability of land, particularly through programs like the Homestead Act, attracted many immigrants who sought to improve their economic status through farming.
Explain the impact of the Industrial Revolution on societal structure.
It led to a new social class structure featuring industrial capitalists, an expanding working class, and significant changes in family dynamics and living conditions in urban areas.
What was one consequence of increased cotton production due to the Cotton Gin?
The heightened demand for cotton resulted in the expansion of plantations and a significant increase in the use of enslaved labor in the southern United States.
What improvements in infrastructure supported immigration during the Industrial Revolution?
The development of railroads, canals, and improved roads facilitated easier transportation for immigrants and the movement of goods, enhancing economic opportunities.
What were some social challenges faced by immigrants in the U.S. during the Industrial Revolution?
Immigrants often encountered discrimination, poor working conditions, low wages, and struggles to adapt to a new culture and language.
