The Industrial Revolution Beginnings In The United States (1968)

The film explores the origins of the Industrial Revolution in the United States, highlighting the transition from a predominantly agricultural society to an industrialized one. It discusses the nostalgic view of village life in 18th-century America, as exemplified by Henry Ford’s Greenfield Village. The narrative outlines how events like the War of 1812 prompted a shift towards manufacturing, with figures like Samuel Slater and Francis Cabot Lowell playing key roles in establishing factories. The introduction of interchangeable parts by Eli Whitney further revolutionized production, making it possible for unskilled workers to operate machinery. The film concludes by illustrating how transportation advancements, such as the Erie Canal and railroads, facilitated the distribution of goods and contributed to urbanization, setting the stage for the Civil War.

Keywords
Industrial Revolution, United States, manufacturing, agriculture, Henry Ford, Greenfield Village, Samuel Slater, Francis Cabot Lowell, interchangeable parts, Eli Whitney, transportation, Erie Canal, railroads, urbanization