Consequence of the Second Industrial Revolution

The second industrial revolution also called the technological revolution was far reaching and was evident by the opening up of many industries like chemical, electrical, petroleum and steel. industries. New inventions received patent and United States became known for its applied technology. However , it also brought with it negative consequences that were related to the rise of capitalism, the deplorable conditions of the workers ,unhygienic conditions at the work place and living areas . The social impact was that the native culture of the South was destroyed and native Indians moved to other urban centers for a better living. There was immigration of people to America during this time. The construction of the Central Pacific Railroad in California and Nevada led to the immigration of Chinese laborers which was banned later through the Chinese Exclusion Act in 1882 which restricted Chinese laborers in America. The economy was largely capitalistic with the concentration of wealth and power in the hands of the rich industrialists and land owners. Andrew Carnegie, was one of the leading industrialists who believed that concentration of wealth is a necessary part of industrial progress and prescribed how affluent should use their wealth in popular his article, The Gospel of Wealth. Thus in the beginning of the 20^th century, America had secured itself as world power because of its technological advancement and agricultural output.