The period after the War of 1812 in the United States represented a transitional age where a free market economy emerged, nationalism became more popular, and the roots of organized labour started to develop. Through this reflection paper, I will discuss the interconnectedness of all the themes and their effect on American society at that time. Drawing upon insights from the textbook “America: A Narrative History ” by David E. Shi and the YouTube video “The Conquerors: Andrew Jackson – Conqueror of Florida” by Prince Corsica, I will reflect on the impact of the Market Revolution, industrial development, immigration, and organized labour on the economic and geopolitical landscape of the United States.
The Market Revolution
The Market Revolution, which was initiated by the effects of the War of 1812, became one of the most significant turning points in American history, as it led to a period of economic strengthening and societal changes. David E. Shi’s “America: “A Narrative History” serves as an irreplaceable resource in understanding the era, revealing the multi-layered transformation that profoundly influenced the whole of the national economy. Technological advances, including Emert Whitney’s cotton gin and the application of steam power, well represented the vitality of innovation during the Market Revolution. Such innovations changed the very nature of production, causing immense increases in productivity and output across a number of industries.
However, to go further, Shi indicated that this Market Revolution was not simply a technological advancement, but it changed the core of American society (370). The shift from agrarian subsistence to commercial agriculture sparked a massive evolution in economic priorities while igniting the development of cities as the centres of trading and industrialization. Cities like Lowell and Manchester flourished with the opening of cotton mills and foundries, plucking a lot of rural migrants and immigrants who were in search of economic opportunities. This labour force streamlined the industrial development as the country diversified into high productivity and unprecedented prosperity.
Besides, the expansion of the transportation network had a fundamental role in both the economic and industrial development of the country. Shi notes that “Transportation improvements helped spur the development of a national market”(370). The canals, the railroads, and the turnpikes provided the necessary transportation infrastructure, providing smooth access to both goods and people, thus incorporating previously disparate regional economies into a coherent national market system. Shi describes how the development of infrastructures not only accelerated trade but also cultivated cultural and social interchanges, spanning the geographical gap between East and West, North and South (370).
Industrial Development
Industries commercialized and restructured the economy of the Northeast during the Market Revolution, preparing the ground for the subsequent profound social changes. Textile mills, which first utilized waterwheels and subsequently switched to steam power, were perceived as the embodiment of the replacement of traditional handcraft skills with machine manufacturing. As highlighted by Shi, the textile industry was thriving; it turned raw materials such as cotton and wool into finished goods at a scale that was unseen before (791). These expansion instances did not only satisfy domestic needs but also induced international trade, thus making America a major global manufacturing economy.
Furthermore, iron and coal mining industries significantly increased, spurred by the demand for their natural resources by a fast-growing industrial sector. Places such as Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, or Birmingham, Alabama, turned into key players in manufacturing, their landscapes dominated by smokestacks and factory chimneys. The spread of the ironworks and steel factories not only increased the economy but also served as a foundation for the nation’s massive infrastructure and manufacturing sectors (Shi 391).
Nevertheless, along with the economic benefits of industrialization, significant social and environmental issues appeared to be at the forefront. The life of workers within the newly industrialized cities was characterized by horrible conditions like long hours, low wages, and unsafe workplaces (Shi 755). Moreover, Urban overcrowding was a contributing factor to the aggravation of living conditions, resulting in living in deplorable housing and poor sanitation. Furthermore, the unrestrained pollutants which were produced by industrial establishments led to negative impacts on the environment and human beings (Shi 1373).
Immigration
The beginning 19th century experienced a large number of immigrants coming to the United States, especially driven by the economic urge and political chaos in Europe. As discussed by Shi, immigrants from Ireland, Germany, and other European states were attracted and lured by the growing industrial cities in America (826). Their coming not only brought more people into the workforce, but also inspired a cultural diversity of our country. However, the immigrants faced a lot of discrimination and exploitation in the workplace, which further led to early labour reform movements that focused on the rights of workers and improving their living conditions.
Organized Labor and New Professions
The advent of industry and wage labour created the conditions for the formation of unions aimed at dealing with workers’ problems. Labour unions became tools for collective bargaining and explicit demand for better wages, hours, and working conditions. The Market Revolution also saw the rise of new careers and jobs, for example, engineers, managers, and clerks, as the economy became more specialized and complex. These transformations resulted in the creation of new class and power structures, which literally changed the system and brought radical notions of class and status to the American society (Shi 621).
Economic and Geopolitical Events
According to the video “The Conquerors: Andrew Jackson – Conqueror of Florida” by Prince Corsica, the Early 19th century embodied a number of economic and geopolitical changes associated with the War of 1812. The government, under the rule of President James Monroe, decided to pursue a policy of economic nationalism that focused on improving the local home industry and infrastructure development. Such policies as protective tariffs, internal improvements and the adoption of a national bank were applied to boost economic growth and enhance national security. Also, the expansion of the territory and westward migration stimulated by Manifest Destiny restructured the geopolitical map of the United States, which resulted in conflicts between American tribes and European rivals (Prince Corsica).
Conclusion
In conclusion, after the War of 1812, the United States experienced economic, social, and political alterations, which were associated with profound changes. During the Market Revolution, industrial development, immigration, and organized labour movements brought about profound changes in the economic and social fabric of the country, paving the way for the present-day United States. The development of economic nationalism and the pursuit of territorial expansion symbolized the striving for economic prosperity, growth, and unity of the nation.Through this reflection of these intertwined themes, we are able to comprehend the complexities and contradictions of early 19th-century America.
Works Cited
Prince Corsica. “The Conquerors: Andrew Jackson – Conqueror of Florida.” YouTube, 10 May 2015, https://youtu.be/ymCHLCYACzM.
Shi, David E. America: A Narrative History. 12th ed., vol. 1, W. W. Norton & Company, 2019.
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