The Rise of the USA, 1890–1917

The Industrialisation of the USA

The USA experienced rapid industrialisation during this period, with advancements in steel production, railroads, and factory systems.
Innovators like Andrew Carnegie (steel) and John D. Rockefeller (oil) played significant roles during the industrial revolution in America.
The introduction of Ford’s assembly line in 1913 revolutionised manufacturing, increasing speed and efficiency.

The rapid industrialisation led to increased urbanisation. Cities like Chicago and New York saw a dramatic rise in population.
There was a vast wave of immigration primarily from Eastern Europe and Italy. The immigrants provided a cheap labour source but also faced serious discrimination.
Ellis Island, opened in 1892, became the nation’s main immigration station.

Labour conditions during industrialisation were often harsh and unsafe. This led to the rise of labour unions like the American Federation of Labour.
Strikes like the Pullman Strike (1894) and the Haymarket Riot (1886) highlighted the growing tension between labour and business.

The late 19th century became known as the Gilded Age, characterised by massive economic growth but also extreme wealth disparity.
Laissez-faire capitalism, which promotes minimal government intervention in business, was dominant during this period.
The Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890 was the first federal act that outlawed monopolistic business practices.

The Progressive Era (1896–1916) was a period of widespread social activism and political reform aiming to eliminate problems caused by industrialisation, urbanisation, immigration, and corruption.
Key figures during this movement include Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson.
Major reforms during this era include the Pure Food and Drug Act (1906) and the introduction of the Federal Reserve System (1913).

The USA became involved in foreign affairs, influenced by ideas of economic expansion, military interests, and a sense of moral duty, marking the country’s shift towards imperialism.
The Spanish-American War of 1898 resulted in American control of Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. This increased America’s presence on the global stage.

The USA initially maintained a policy of neutrality at the outbreak of World War I in 1914. However, incidents like the sinking of the Lusitania by a German U-boat stirred pro-war sentiments.
The USA formally entered the war in 1917, providing a much-needed boost to the Allies, both in terms of manpower and resources.
President Woodrow Wilson’s Fourteen Points, presented in 1918, aimed for a post-war world where nations could coexist peacefully and democratically.