During the years after the Civil War, the United States underwent rapid industrialization, fueled by a system of free labor that relied on wage labor rather than slavery. This period of industrialization brought significant economic growth and prosperity to the United States, but it also led to a social crisis by the end of the nineteenth century.
One factor that contributed to this social crisis was the widening gap between the rich and the poor. As industry boomed and the economy grew, some individuals and corporations became extremely wealthy, while many workers remained poor and struggled to make ends meet. This led to growing discontent and resentment among the working class, and contributed to the rise of labor unions and other social movements that sought to address these issues.
Another factor that contributed to the social crisis was the widespread exploitation and abuse of workers, particularly in the early years of industrialization. Many workers were subject to long hours, low wages, and dangerous working conditions, and had little recourse when they were mistreated or injured on the job. This led to widespread discontent and contributed to the rise of labor unions and other efforts to improve working conditions.
Overall, the rapid industrialization of the United States under the system of free labor in the years after the Civil War brought significant economic growth and prosperity, but it also led to a social crisis by the end of the nineteenth century due to the widening gap between the rich and the poor, and the exploitation and abuse of workers.