INDUSTRIALIZATION IN CHICAGO

INDUSTRIALIZATION IN CHICAGO

Industrial revolution was experienced across the world in 19century.  Industrialization impacted positively and negatively on the society. It led to increased food production and improvement in economic conditions. During the revolution, significant changes were realized which led to the current state of the world economies.

Chicago’s economy, international reputation and landscape transformed during the industrial revolution. Manufacturing Industries were established in Chicago cities, prior to that, industries were located in the rural lands.[1] Different cities in Chicago ventured in to the manufacturing sector. The development of the railroads impacted positively on the manufacturing industries.  Transportation improved through use of trolleys, steam-powered cars and construction of alleviated roads. The development in roads and transportation provided links between the central manufacturing cities.

The greatest challenge in industrial revolution was the disintegration of the family structure. Individuals were forced to separate from family in order to work in the industries. Urbanization resulted in to population increase in the manufacturing cities.[2] The growth in population resulted in to housing, water and sanitation problems. Social crimes also emerged due to the unemployment that was realized from massive rural to urban migration in such of employment. Congestion and pollution was another challenge caused by industrialization. Air, water and noise pollution impacted greatly on the environment. Exploitation of child labor in the industries was another challenge.

In late 19 century, the government enforced polices against child labor and pollution. Sewer systems and water reservoirs were developed to improve sanitation, fire and police departments were established to improve security.

In conclusion, even though industrial revolution modernized major cities in Chicago, challenges were later realized. However the positives impacts overshadow the negative impacts. Industrialization led to inventions and improvement in the world economies.

 

 REFERENCES

W.F, Cannon, and Horton J, D. (1996) “Urbanization and Industrialization” – Chicago, Illinois, USA (accessed October 10, 2012).

Misa, Thomas J. (1980) “The Roots of American Industrialization.” Journal Of American History 91, no. 3: 1013-1014. Literary Reference Center Plus, EBSCOhost (accessed October 10, 2012).

Charles, Hirschman E. (1988) “Immigration and the American industrial revolution from 1880 to 1980.” Social Science Research 38, 897-920. ScienceDirect, EBSCOhost (accessed October 10, 2012).

[1] Misa, Thomas J. “The Roots of American Industrialization.” Journal Of American History 91, no. 3: 1013-1014. Literary Reference Center Plus, EBSCOhost (accessed October 10, 2012).

[2] W.F, Cannon, and Horton J, D. “Soil geochemical signature of urbanization and industrialization – Chicago, Illinois, USA (accessed October 10, 2012).