Economic and Social Changes in Early 19th Century America

Overview

• Shift from political to economic and social perspectives.
• Focus on changes in the North and West, less so in the South.
• Predominantly agricultural economy transitioning in certain regions.

Economic Changes

• North & West: Transition from subsistence farming to larger, specialized farms.
  • Emergence of internal markets and new credit systems.
  • Adoption of new technologies (e.g., steel plow, mechanical reaper, telegraph).
• South: Continued reliance on large, single-crop farms (e.g., cotton), with exports focusing on overseas markets.
  • Limited internal market development and technology adoption (e.g., cotton gin).

Technological Advances

• Production Technologies: Steel plow and mechanical reaper improve efficiency.
• Communication: Telegraph revolutionizes communication across distances.
• Transportation Evolution:
  • Roadway era gives way to canal era, exemplified by the Erie Canal.
  • Canal era gives way to the railroad era with steam engine development.
  • Railroads predominantly constructed in North and Midwest.

Urbanization

• Growth of existing cities and formation of new cities like Chicago, St. Louis, and Cincinnati due to railroad hubs.
• Industrial Revolution in the Northeast:
  • Reliance on steam engines and factory systems.
  • Shift from piece labor to wage labor system, creating less skilled labor demand.

Social Changes

• Labor Force:
  • Initially native born, later dominated by immigrants causing job competition.
  • Emergence of labor unions, e.g., Factory Girl Association (Lowell Mill Girls).
• Economic Instability: Periods of economic downturns called "panics."
• Classes:
  • Emergence of the middle class, distinct from elite and working classes.
  • Middle class defined by economic and cultural roles; clear gender roles with separate spheres for men and women.

Religious & Cultural Changes

• Second Great Awakening (1800-1840):
  • Emphasis on personal salvation and moral life.
  • Led to reform movements, notably the abolition movement and the American Temperance Society.
  • Shift from voluntary to coercive reform methods over time.
• Role of Women:
  • Significant involvement in religious and reform movements due to their moral and religious influence in the home.

Summary

• The first half of the 19th century was marked by significant economic, technological, and social changes largely in the North and West of America.
• These changes laid the groundwork for the evolving industrial economy, urban growth, and new social dynamics.
• Religious movements spurred widespread reform initiatives that addressed social issues, although often through varied means over time.