The Industrial Revolution was a major turning point in history, for many countries, not only the United States. This was a transitional period for new manufacturing processes which would bring about new economic situations and social statuses. There was a rise in the average income bringing about growth among the population. The developments during this time frame were great and the overall outcome strong, however there were many bumps along the way such as poor labor conditions (to include child labor), living conditions resulting in the spread of disease, hunger and malnutrition,and increased population. The United States witnessed all of these downfalls, yet through the harshest of conditions was able to turn a profit so to say on the weight of new technologies that …show more content…
Water powered was once limited for the US to areas with fast- moving waters, however with steam power, the whole nation could take part in its benefits. This was a huge breakthrough allowing factories to produce from all areas of the United States, not just the one close to water. The steam engine was used in a varied amounts of ways, such as machines in factories, mills, and mines, for example spinning mules and power looms. The use of steam engines in transportation means such as railroads, ships and road vehicles was a sure fire way to boost the economy across America. From the new found invention of steam power came the new mechanized spinning of the cotton gin. While other textiles such as linen and wool were booming also, there was quite no compare, however, to the large amount of productivity in cotton. The mechanical cotton gin allowed for large outputs of cotton, far more production faster with less man power, contributed to upgrade in the economic status of the United States. 2 Another major breakthrough production for America was the use of coal. Coal was more abundant than wood, and required less labor to mine than that of wood. The cost of coal was