Industrialism

   Industrialism is an economic and social system based on the development of large-scale industries and marked by the production of large quantities of inexpensive manufactured goods and the concentration of employment in urban factories. During the gilded age we experienced a period of rapid growth and industrialization. Factories, workers and inventions sparked this new age in America and we never looked back.
     Henry George, a journalist from San Francisco, discussed the idea of machinery and technology making everyone's lives easier. He states how this new age of technology and the enormous increase in the power of producing wealth could make real poverty a thing of the past. However in response to his earlier statement George argues that we almost haven't done enough. The gap between the rich and poor is far too great and industrialization is only widening this gap instead of improving it. His argument is that we should focus primarily on eliminating poverty instead of deepening the pockets of the rich.
     In the next source David Wells, a scientist and economists, points out machinery and how it's taking the jobs of workers. He was one of the first to notice this. He makes a great analogy about workers treated almost like privates in the army; obeying orders, keeping step and having nothing to say as to the plan of their work. There is no longer any skill. Workers do the same repetitive, often boring task over and over. He states that the independence and individualism once associated with trade have more or less been destroyed. The way men were proud of their work has since vanished, there is no skill involved anymore. David Wells is almost saying that we would be better off without rapid industry, he believes good times are now in the past.
    Andrew Carnegie the famous Scottish-born "King of Steel" arose from nothing to become arguably the most prominent and successful man of his time. He was a very outspoken man, not afraid to share his opinion with the world. In this passage he talks about the benefits of Industry instead of the alternative. That this time is an infinitely better place to live than one hundred years ago. The rapid growth of factories not only produce more goods then ever before but inventions like railroads allow for fast transportation of said goods. In addition to every day goods for the average man tools were a huge part of the period. Tasks were cut in half and a man's job was exponentially easier than before. Carnegie's argument is that although factories may have their disadvantages at times they are necessary for growth and improve lives.
     I personally have a stance closer to Carnegie. I think that industrialization is completely necessary for society. Without it we would still be stuck in the ages before the gilded age. No electricity, adequate transportation or communication. The tasks so straining and difficult back in the 18th century are now performed by the flick of the finger. Technology and industrialization has doubled the human lifespan and allowed for rapid growth of the entire world. Sure it has it's disadvantages but all in all I completely support it.