Publisher's Synopsis
"The Industrial Revolution: A Quick Read" offers a concise yet comprehensive overview of one of the most transformative periods in human history. Through a series of short articles, readers are introduced to key figures, inventions, events, and social changes that defined the Industrial Revolution.
From the pioneering efforts of Samuel Slater and Eli Whitney to the revolutionary impact of inventions like the spinning jenny, cotton gin, and Bessemer process, the book explores the technological innovations that fueled industrial growth. It delves into the rise of the factory system, the expansion of transportation networks like the Erie Canal, and the societal implications of mass production.
Readers learn about the challenges faced by workers, including labor unions, child labor, and unsafe working conditions, as well as the contributions of individuals like Annie Besant and the Matchgirls who fought for workers' rights. The book also highlights the role of media moguls Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst in shaping public opinion and political discourse during this era.
Through profiles of inventors and entrepreneurs like Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, and John D. Rockefeller, readers gain insight into the technological advancements and economic transformations that propelled the United States into the modern age. The book also examines the role of government intervention, including Theodore Roosevelt's trust-busting efforts and the passage of antitrust legislation.
"The Industrial Revolution: A Quick Read" concludes with reflections on the legacy of the Industrial Revolution, exploring its lasting impact on society, economics, and culture. Designed to inform and inspire readers of all ages, this book serves as a gateway to further exploration of this pivotal period in history. Whether read cover-to-cover or used as a reference guide, it sparks curiosity and encourages deeper engagement with this fascinating topic.
Samuel Slater
Eli Whitney
The Cotton Gin
Replaceable Parts
Spinning Jenny
Iron production
Bessemer Process
Steam Engine
Robert Fulton
Erie Canal
Transportation
The Factory Acts
Factory System
Labor Unions
Child Labor
Annie Besant
Matchgirls
Breaker Boys
Newsies
Joseph Pulitzer
William Randolph Hearst
Working Conditions
Women During the Industrial Revolution
Assembly Line
Inventions and Technology
Lewis Howard Latimer
Thomas Edison
Alexander Graham Bell
Nikola Tesla
Internal Combustion Engine
Ford Model T
Henry Ford
J.P. Morgan
Andrew Carnegie
Carnegie Steel
John D. Rockefeller
Standard Oil
Northern Securities Company
Theodore Roosevelt
Roosevelt & Trust Busting
Roosevelt vs. J.P. Morgan
The Sherman Antitrust Act
Antitrust Laws
Federal Trade Commission Act of 1914
The Square Deal
Legacy