The Reconstruction and Industrial Revolution of the United States

In the relatively short history of the United States, there have been many turning points which have sculpted the society in which we now live. What modern day Americans might view as controversial, unacceptable, and immoral was still a normal part of the daily lives of the average American less than 200 years ago. During that time, slavery was common practice. The southern states were fighting the northern states for differences that included slavery, states’ rights, and economic tension. Reuniting the South back with the North proved to be a major turning point as well as the abolition of slavery. These two events were momentous turning points for the culture and values of the United States, but economically the country saw an immense transformation when the railroad industry began to expand, opening up new opportunities for trade like never before. Railroads also narrowed the separation between the North and the South in terms of travel, trade, and communication, accelerating the recovery of diplomatic relations.

The abolition of slavery was a major turning point for the United States. Slavery became a common practice for many southern farmers mainly because of the need for workers to maintain the massive plantations that were the base of the southern economy. Farmers would purchase slaves similar to the way they would purchase livestock, and employ them in the fields planting and harvesting. The abolition of slavery affected our current society by awakening people to the reason our country was founded: freedom. In today’s society, slavery is considered immoral and cruel. Economically, freed slaves became vital members of the economy, and more consumers with the same amount of workers meant a better distribution of wealth. Politically, the actions within Congress to free the slaves created much tension. President Lincoln was assassinated due to the political strain faced by the North. Southern states disagreed with Lincoln’s fairness and righteousness towards...