Final answer:
The US distinguished itself from Britain in industrialization by leveraging its expansive territory, abundant natural resources, advanced railway system, and labor force shaped by immigration. American industrialists' quest for foreign markets and the formation of large corporations also marked a divergence from British industrial precedents.
Step-by-step explanation:
Differences in US and British Industrialization
The difference between US and British industrialization is rooted in various economic, geographical, and policy factors. Great Britain, being the pioneer in industrialization, imposed export bans on skilled mechanics to maintain its competitive edge.
However, the United States, with its large territory offering vast natural resources and a growing population, swiftly caught up. The US also capitalized on its extensive railway network, which was critical for linking resources with manufacturing hubs, notably after the Civil War. Unlike Great Britain, America was rich in coal and minerals across a broader region, encouraging widespread industrial development and urbanization.
American industrialists pushed for a modern navy to access foreign markets and trade American-made goods, envisioning a different international presence from Britain's colonial past. They anticipated promoting democracy and freedom, although with the underlying racial assumptions of the era.
Another distinctive element was the United States' early adoption of mergers and incorporation, forming major corporations like Standard Oil and Carnegie Steel. Additionally, the influx of immigrant workers helped fill the labor demand in the growing US industries, which characterized the latter half of the nineteenth century.
Overall, the US was able to build upon the foundation laid by Britain's industrialization, adding unique American innovations and capitalizing on its larger territory. These differences were instrumental in shaping the distinct industrial paths and economic futures of both nations.