In the decades before the Civil War—a period sometimes dubbed the First Industrial Revolution—a significant number of inventions and innovations appeared, transforming American life. A telegraph system allowed information to flow from place to place more quickly than the speed of a horse. A transportation system based largely on steam power allowed goods to be shipped great distances at reduced expense. Also of great consequence was the development of the “American system of manufactures”; this system, in which individual workers were responsible for only part of a finished product, helped make store-bought goods more affordable. As a result, people began to buy goods from stores rather than making them—the American consumer was born.

Instructions: In a paragraph consisting of at least 250 words, comment on the issue raised by the following questions. Be specific in your explanation.

After posting your original response – Then each student will post a 50 word response to ONE of the original 250 word posts. In order to receive full credit each student must make a 250 word post and 50 word response.

Please click the links below to read the primary documents about the changes in the 19th century market economy and answer the following questions in your discussion post.

http://historymatters.gmu.edu/d/6382/ (Links to an external site.)

http://historymatters.gmu.edu/d/5831/ (Links to an external site.)

http://historymatters.gmu.edu/d/5714/ (Links to an external site.)

http://historymatters.gmu.edu/d/6622/ (Links to an external site.)

http://historymatters.gmu.edu/d/6539/ (Links to an external site.)

1. What changes occurred in the industrial America in terms of the lifestyles of the worker and the methods in which the workers produce their goods?

2. What were the positive and negative aspects of these changes for the market economy and the worker?