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Completion of Transcontinental Railroad
Connected the nation from coast to coast. An influx of migration and westward settlement took place. The railroad promoted easier transportation of goods and equipment; this lead to the development of towns near railroad lines. As towns grew, big businesses rose and great wealth ensued. As wealth was obtained entrepreneurs emerged. Corbett, U.S. History, Chapter 17 -
Transcontinental Railroad
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Rapid Industrial Growth and Urbanization
The telephone light bulb, AC power, steam engine, and enhanced steel production transformed society from once rural to urban. They aided in the production and manufacturing of goods and formation of a labor workforce. Entrepreneurs took advantage of these new technologies and the emergence of a consumer culture with the rise of big businesses and factories ensued. Cities grew; population increases. Economy boomed and we became a world power. Corbett, U.S. History, Chapter 18 -
Telephone
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Light bulb
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Water Heater
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Flush Toilet
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Public Health
Mass urbanization due to rapid industrial growth led to a need for improved public health. Advances in technology including the flush toilet, water heater, air conditioning, and vacuum helped improve quality of life in the cities and slums. These advances reduced diseases and improved sanitation. These inventions ultimately changed the way of life for those living in the cities. Now, not only did Industry begin to grow but urban life did as well. Corbett, U.S. History, Chapter 19 -
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Military Inventions
Through expansion and industrial growth US became a world power; lead to involvement in WW1. Advanced technology changed the face of battle and the lives of all whether abroad or on the home front. These included new artillery, tanks, airplanes, machine guns, barbed wire, and, eventually, poison gas. Disorder and fear inflicted American culture and way of life during and following the war. People where discouraged and a new ideal for normalcy began. Corbett, U.S. History, Chapter 23 -
Air Conditioner
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Vacuum
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Henry Ford's Assembly line
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Prosperity and Leisure
Following the war, increased prosperity occurred and society focused on personal success rather than global success. Such advances included the cinema and the radio. Movies provided an escape from reality. The radio was not only another form of comfort but it changed communication across the nation. Nationalism and homogenization gained further development. They helped influence and create a national American culture that is still influential. Corbett, U.S History, Chapter 24 -
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Transportation
Advances in transportation in the automobile and airplane, improved the standard of living. Henry Ford's assembly line in 1913 made car ownership possible. Era of prosperity & personal success, made car ownership ideal and suburban life grow. In 1927, commercial air travel became available. Compared to the railroad, not only did this promote travel of people & goods from coast to coast in less time, but from nation to nation. Corbett, U.S. History, Chapter 24 -
Cinema
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Radio
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Commercial Air Flight
