Second Industrial Revolution Essay

The Civil War left enormous devastation in the countryside and huge losses in the human life. At the same time, it provided the stimulus to the second industrial revolution. The first Industrial Revolution brought on many changes in people 's life. Before the year of 1760 majority of the population lived in rural areas of the country and worked plowing fields, the revolution changed all that and brought many to the cities to work in manufacturing. The Civil War in America put a halt to it and slowed the progression of industrialization. The devastations of the war provided a new boom to the American economy as it created new markets. Factories received massive contracts for the manufacturing of arm, clothing, new currency, building supplies and many other. Along with it grew the need for transportation and communication. New industries popped out supported by the money flooding from Europe, as it saw America as a growing economy and a new investment market. Surveys such as the one O 'Sullivan participated in, helped to discover that America is rich in coal, iron, oil. It also had lots of grain and water. The discoveries and the need for working hands brought many immigrants to the Country. New York grew by a third of its population in the years between the 1870

Photography was considered an objective documentation, and it was commissioned by the government to immortalize the demolition and the reconstruction of urban areas. It assisted the erection of bridges, monuments, skyscrapers. It faithfully documented the expansion of transportation facilities, roads, railroads, steamships, and bridges. Photographs such as the "Niagra Suspension Bridge" by William England, or the " Tearing Down Avenue of the Opera" by Charles Marville, are both a testament to the unparalleled ability of the lens to capture a moment in