The industrial revolution that took place between 1870 and 1920, brought many changes to the United States, including the mass production of consumer goods; large-scale migration from all parts of the world; and patterns of social change that reshaped workplace, family, and gender roles. Students will explore the impact this revolution had on the developing areas of the United States.

Objectives

• understand the consequences of the expansion of industry that took place after Reconstruction, including the influx of new workers from both abroad and rural areas into the nation’s cities;
• explore the reasons why various immigrant groups came to the United States, including both economic opportunity and political and religious freedoms;
• understand how poor industrial working conditions led to nationwide labor unrest, and how a rising feminist consciousness contributed to major movements for social change.

To assist students in making connections between the various days of instruction during the unit they will be presented with three essential questions to consider and answer by the end of the unit’s instruction. Each day’s instruction will begin with a reminder to consider these questions through out the day’s activities and an opportunity at the end of the instructional day for students to write and reflect on these important questions.

1.) What was the most important invention to emerge from the Industrial Revolution?
2.) Was the Industrial Revolution a blessing or a curse for European and American societies?
3.) Did the Industrial Revolution doom Africa and Asia to slave status?