Chapter 11

I think the technological improvements that happened during 1840 to 1860, were extremely important and necessary for the United States to move further economically. For example, the steam engine, the cotton gin, the reaper, the sewing machine, and the telegraph all helped to make life for Americans easier. It also helped them to be more efficient in their work. This also increased production, which raised the standard of living. This was also the time when more efficient cultivation and fertilization methods improved. This was important because it meant that less repetition was necessary and that more work could be done at a faster pace. This meant that there was more money that could be made as well.

Not to mention the railroad; the railroad changed everything. It changed the way people traveled and it was much faster than taking a horse. People living in both the east and the west were now connected because of the rail lines. This had not been possible before and I’m sure it was a lot more difficult to travel far distances by horse. Even though the railroad was not even close to perfection in its’ earliest stages, it was a major upgrade nonetheless from horse buggies. This also changed the import and export system. The ways in which products were brought into or left the United States, changed a great deal because now there was a reduction in the use of canals. Railroads helped cities thrive and become quite prosperous because of the influx of people coming and going. This also increased the population, as well as the value of farmland.

Another reason why this chapter was so important is because technology helped improve people’s lives by lowering prices and increasing workers’ incomes. Although some areas noticed greater increases than others, everything was affected as a result. Women and children were now being given opportunities to work for money and could help contribute to their household income. Men were no longer the sole breadwinners of the family.

Machine-made furniture made living at home more comfortable and stoves helped speed the process of cooking, as well as attaining different tastes and types of foods. More people had access to luxuries that only the rich had been able to afford. But at the same time, the poor only got poorer. Their situation only worsened and their counterparts became richer. There was an improvement in houses, where they became larger and more elaborate.

What worried me was when I read that some people barely took even one bath in a whole year. No wonder they had so many diseases and health problems. It was because of uncleanliness and how dirty their living situation was. I was somewhat shocked to hear how the transportation revolution increases the danger of diseases. I understand now, how quickly this could happen especially when so many people used to live in such tight spaces, in addition to the filth everywhere.

Although the discovery of anesthesia was a major benefit, the fact that surgeons and doctors didn’t wash their hands defeated the whole purpose of anesthesia. This was also the time when they realized that eating healthy played a major role in your health and well-being. Although I don’t think that everyone caught on because people today, still don’t even understand how important it is to eat healthy and exercise.

Americans could now spend time enjoying themselves by playing games and sports, instead of doing the mundane activities in their life. Theaters were now very popular, but they had a very bad reputation; not at all how things are today.

The American Renaissance was the movement that got Americans more interested in books and literary works. This was a time when people started to create stories and try to understand the human mind, instead of just focusing on social relationships. Poetry started to bloom at this time as well.