Technology in the Gilded Age (College Board AP® US History)

Summary

During the Gilded Age, American industries grew rapidly, driven by both national and international demands. This era was fueled by technological innovation and the exploitation of natural resources. New technologies became essential for improving production, transportation, and communication. These advancements not only increased efficiency and profits, but also laid the groundwork for the United States to emerge as a global industrial power.

Industries demand new technology

Railroads

• The rapid expansion of railroads transformed the transportation of goods and services

  • Miles of railroad tracks increased five-fold to increase the movement of products to markets and shipyards

  • Railroads connected factories, mines, and agricultural areas to national and international markets

• The federal government provided land grants and financial support to help build railroad lines 

• These investments led to the development of four new major railroad lines to support the movement of goods to shipyards:

  • Nebraska to California

  • New Orleans to Los Angeles

  • Kansas to Louisiana

  • Minnesota to Washington

New technology

• Bessemer Steel process

  • The Bessemer Steel process was revolutionary and converted iron into strong steel efficiently and cheaply

  • The end product was:

    • durable 

    • versatile 

    • affordable 

    • mass producible 

  • The steel was used in the production of:

    • railroads

    • bridges

    • tall buildings 

    • ships

    • machinery, such as tools and farm equipment

• Natural resources

  • Coal became the primary source of energy during the Gilded Age and was used to power factories, machinery, and lighting

    • It dominated as a leading energy source until gasoline took over in the 20th century

• Telegraph

  • The telegraph was invented by Samuel Morse in 1844

  • It revolutionized communication by enabling messages to be sent instantly across large distances

  • The telegraph strengthened international business connections by allowing more communication

  • With more businesses connected, the telegraph increased the need for greater production and sales

• Telephone

  • The telephone was invented by Alexander G. Bell in 1876

  • The telephone allowed for real-time spoken communication between businesses, factories, and individuals

  • It created stronger economic and social connections across regions and communities