Unit 5 notes 1

Industry and RailroadsUnit 5- A New Industrial Age

I. The US became the industrial leader of the world by 1920Reasons:

1. Natural resources2. Government support for business3. Cheap labor and markets in cities

A. Black goldEdwin L. Drake first used a steam

engine to drill for oilOil boom started in Midwest and Texas

B. Steel IndustryBessmer Process (Henry Bessmer)-

air was injected into iron to take out impurities and form steelSteel became critical in American economy:1. Railroads2. Bridges3. Skyscrapers

C. ElectricityThomas Edison invents the light bulb

and system to distribute electric power

D. Other inventions1. Christopher Sholes invents the

typewriter in 18672. Alexander Graham Bell invents

the telephone in 1876

II. Transcontinental RailroadA. Major cities grew and prospered

because of railroad (Chicago, IL Denver, CO

Seattle, WA)B. George Pullman invented and

built sleeper cars C. Interstate Commerce Act

allowed the government to regulate railroads

D. Railroad Time- People began to follow time zones as travel and business increased