Final answer:
The industrial revolution in the United States changed character from concern to exploitation due to the rise of capitalism and the emphasis on profit and growth over worker welfare. This shift was marked by dangerous working conditions, low wages, and a loss of worker control over their lives as the nation transitioned from an agrarian to an industrial economy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The character of the industrial revolution in the United States shifted from concern to exploitation as the focus on growth and profits superseded the early ideals of industrial progress and societal improvement. While some industrialists, like Robert Owen, promoted humane treatment of workers and provided benefits such as schools and social activities, many business owners limited their responsibility to providing wages, ignoring the dangerous conditions and long hours faced by workers. Capitalism drove this change, encouraging business expansion and technological innovation at the cost of creating a working class that endured low wages and lost control over their working conditions. The societal shift from a predominantly agrarian economy to an industrial economy saw many Americans move from farming to factory jobs, leading to the formation of a new industrial and commercial sector that focused on nationwide and international markets. Consequently, this transformation necessitated an ever-increasing workforce that, while enjoying the benefits of cheap consumer goods, faced exploitation in terms of labor conditions and wages.