The Role of Technology in Industrial Growth
TITLE
‘New technology was the main cause of industrial growth in the late nineteenth century.
ESSAY
The late nineteenth century was indeed a period of significant industrial growth, often referred to as the "second industrial revolution", driven in part by the emergence of new technologies. The introduction of inventions such as electrical power, the internal combustion engine, the typewriter, celluloid, and the telephone brought about profound changes in various sectors of the economy. These technological innovations not only transformed existing industries but also paved the way for the creation of entirely new products and services, fueling further industrial expansion.
One of the key impacts of new technology was the increased efficiency and productivity it enabled. Labour-saving devices and mechanized processes allowed for higher output with fewer workers, leading to increased industrial output. This surge in productivity was crucial for meeting the growing demands of the market, especially as the population of the United States expanded rapidly during this period. The availability of new consumer goods and services created by these technologies also stimulated demand and further fueled industrial growth.
However, it is important to acknowledge that the impact of new technology on industrial growth was not without its challenges. The introduction of labor-saving devices did result in some displacement of workers, as industries automated processes and required fewer manual laborers. This led to concerns about unemployment and labor market shifts, particularly in regions experiencing labor shortages. The balance between the benefits of increased efficiency and the social costs of displacing workers is a complex issue that requires consideration when assessing the role of new technology in industrial growth.
In addition to technological advancements, other factors also played a significant role in driving industrial growth in the late nineteenth century. The availability of financial resources, facilitated by American banks and the City of London, was crucial in funding innovation and industrial expansion. The entrepreneurial culture of the United States, characterized by competition and a strong emphasis on individual initiative, also contributed to the rapid development of new technologies and industries.
Furthermore, government policies such as high tariff walls and the system of patents in the US created a conducive environment for industrial growth. Tariffs helped protect developing industries from foreign competition, allowing them to grow and expand domestically. The patent system incentivized innovation by granting legal protection and exclusive rights to inventors, encouraging further technological advancements and investments in research and development.
In conclusion, while new technology played a significant role in driving industrial growth in the late nineteenth century, it was not the sole factor responsible for the period of rapid industrialization. A combination of technological innovation, financial resources, entrepreneurial culture, government policies, and market demand all contributed to the expansion of industries during this time. The synergy between these various factors ultimately propelled the United States into a new era of industrial development and economic prosperity.
SUBJECT
HISTORY
PAPER
AS LEVEL
NOTES
**New technology was the main cause of industrial growth in the late nineteenth century.**
How far do you agree?
**Indicative content**
Possible discussions around new technology: Electrical power, the internal combustion engine, the typewriter [1867], celluloid, an early form of plastic [1870] and the telephone [1876] are all technological innovations relevant to this period. Collectively they give rise to the period being described by some as ‘the second industrial revolution’. While many inventions were labour-saving devices, causing unemployment, others resulted in new products and services which were bought by the ‘early adopters’ of the time, thus creating new employment opportunities. Though the balance between the two is hard to assess, labour-saving innovations were often needed to overcome problems caused by labour shortages, especially in the northeast. Thus, overall, innovative technologies did help the continued growth of the industrial sector.
**Other possible areas of discussion:**
Availability of resources, especially financial – Capital came either from American banks or the City of London in sufficient quantities. Also relevant was the individualistic, entrepreneurial culture of the USA which ensured competition between the inventors of the new technologies, e.g., incandescent light bulbs and electricity supply. The US system of patents also encouraged innovation because, unusually, it granted patents to improvements to inventions as well as the initial invention. This encouraged many to adapt new products to gain patent rights.
High tariff walls of the era protected developing industries.
On the demand side, the growing population of the USA provided a large mass market which was not available to America’s industrial competitors. Thus, rapid industrialization resulted from a series of factors, one of which was the new technologies of the time. Accept any other valid responses.