The Rise Of Industry In Upton Sinclair's The Jungle

The rise of industry in America had a lasting influence on all social classes. The changes that came with the new growth of industry impacted the nation as a whole by creating opportunities for a better way of life. An influx of eager workers, raw materials and a willing government, provided America with the chance to advance and thrive as a nation. Job opportunities began to surface as well as a constant need for workers, which was accompanied by a demand for jobs. While the upper class had an easier time making a living, the working class had a much more grueling experience trying to reach the American Dream. Taylorism was introduced to factories during this time and it provided benefits as well as drawbacks for the working class.

A big step towards this dream for many immigrants was purchasing their own home. Advertisements for houses appealed to immigrants with low income and prompted them to move out of overcrowded cities. Upton Sinclair successfully portrayed the feeling that working class people experienced when buying a home and getting one step closer to their dream, in his novel The Jungle. Jurgis, a working class immigrant, came across an advertisement for houses in the suburbs and made the ultimate decisions to purchase a home with his family. The overwhelming feeling of joy was expressed by all members of the family as they found themselves living their American dream. The concept of immigrants moving to suburbs changed how they were perceived. Immigrant life was advancing and they were no longer seen as poor people living in battered, overcrowded

It was evident that running the government this way was only beneficial to wealthy Americans, so people began to consider socialism. Socialists believed that the upper class should not have all the wealth and workers deserved better wages. In order to promote socialism, supporters advertised the new concept and appealed to people’s emotions, hoping they would sympathize with the working class and be open to changes in the government. As the American people considered one change in their government, other changes were already being put into effect. The Chinese Exclusion Act was set forth and it denied Chinese immigrants from becoming citizens. This law was controversial among Americans and it split the feelings of the nation. Though the law was viewed as tyrannical by most of the American public, it was consistent for years, as the government continued to renew