Final answer:
The 19th-century industrial growth in the United States transformed its economy from agrarian to industrial, leading to urbanization and creating new demographic shifts as people moved to cities for factory work. Technological advances reduced the need for skilled labor, causing both rural and urban populations to face significant economic and social challenges within the new industrial economy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The 19th century was a period of rapid industrial growth in the United States, significantly altering the workforce and the economy. The advent of factories and the progression from agrarian to industrial work facilitated urbanization and the emergence of industrial cities. Technological innovations such as the steam engine simplified production and minimized the necessity for skilled labor, leading to a surge in workers seeking employment in urban factories. Such unskilled labor was plentiful due to the vast influx of immigrants, which contributed greatly to the industrial workforce and America’s economic expansion.
As farming became more technologically driven and less labor-intensive, rural populations migrated towards urban areas, causing a monumental shift in demographics. By 1880, more Americans were employed in factories than on farms, signifying a major societal transformation. The implementation of the assembly line further revolutionized industry, heightening productivity while simultaneously reducing the need for skilled craftsmen.
Nonetheless, this industrial boom was not without its problems. Factory workers often faced harsh working conditions, while farmers struggled against overproduction and unfair loan and railroad rates. Measures were taken both in urban and rural settings to improve living conditions, but the challenges of this new industrial economy affected the daily lives of many Americans.