ArcaMax

Few other forces have transformed the United States as dramatically as industrialization. Throughout most of the 19th century, the country was primarily agricultural. In 1880, nearly half of the workers were farmers, and 7 in 10 people lived in rural areas. Those demographics shifted as the country underwent its industrial revolution in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. By 1920, most Americans lived in urban centers, and 20% of workers held manufacturing jobs.

A combination of factors allowed the United States to undergo this transformation, including access to natural resources and the expansion of railroads and road networks. The impact of immigration also cannot be understated. According to a study published in Social Science Research, half of those working in manufacturing in 1920 were first and second-generation immigrants; including third-generation immigrants in the count increases that number to two-thirds. This diverse workforce spurred innovation, and the significance of that contribution continues to be acknowledged, including in a Brookings report that demonstrates the impact of Black inventors during industrialization.

Along with these tidal shifts came consequences that still define the country, including furthered racial inequality and segregation, regional divides, and profound and perhaps irreversible environmental havoc. Looking back upon this industrial history reveals such defining moments, both positive and negative.

America's cities are case studies in these socioeconomic and geopolitical shifts. As highlighted in a 2018 Brookings study, examining older industrial cities and their histories can help guide their revitalization, which is an essential task for the future of urban prosperity. To investigate this relationship further, Machinery Partner looked into the industrial histories of 10 major U.S. cities and how manufacturing helped their economies develop into what they are now.

Visit thestacker.com for similar lists and stories.