Final answer:
The nature of work in America has drastically changed since the 1900s due to industrialization, technological advances, and shifts in workforce demographics, leading to a decline in agriculture, a rise in urbanization, and increased educational requirements for workers.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nature of work in America has experienced a profound transformation since the 1900s. Initially, a significant portion of the population was engaged in agriculture, but advancements in farm machinery and industrialization prompted many to migrate towards cities for factory jobs. This urban shift deepened with the advent of commercial electricity, which allowed industries to flourish away from water power sources and favored a rise in urban factory employment.
The makeup of the workforce changed as well, with women and immigrants increasingly taking on factory roles, leading to societal shifts and burgeoning urban populations. The Industrial Revolution's simple, manual labor jobs gave way to modern positions requiring more education, decision-making, and personal fulfillment. Technological advancements, such as computers and internet access, transformed the workplace even further by increasing production pace and requiring new skills.
Throughout the 20th century, the U.S. economy continued to evolve, marked by a substantial increase in the educational attainment of the workforce and the physical capital per worker, contributing to a significant rise in productivity and output at the national level. Today, the U.S. workforce is characterized by higher skill levels and access to state-of-the-art technology.