Final answer:
America was characterized as an industrial economy focused on production during the Industrial Revolution. Today, it has shifted to a service or post-industrial economy centered around information technology and services.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the Industrial Revolution, America transitioned from being an agrarian economy to an industrial economy, focusing heavily on manufacturing and the production of goods. This shift is evident in the way America's economy was centered around the processing of raw materials in factories and the significant growth in the percentage of the U.S. workforce involved in manufacturing, which peaked in the late 1970s. However, today, as we look at modern developments and advancements, America can be characterized as a service or post-industrial economy. This transition reflects a move away from manufacturing to an emphasis on service industries, information technology, and knowledge-based work.