A.3. Second Industrial Revolution: 1870
The Second Industrial Revolution gained momentum in Western Europe, the United States, and later Japan.
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Key Features
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- Advancements in steel production became the backbone of infrastructure and manufacturing.
- Widespread adoption of electricity led to new inventions like the light bulb and electric motors.
- Introduction of the internal combustion engine, fueling the development of automobiles and aeroplanes.
- Innovations in communication technology, such as the telegraph and telephone.
- Expansion of chemical, electrical, and petroleum industries.
- The birth of mass production techniques was epitomized by Henry Ford’s assembly line.
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Impact
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Accelerated global trade and urbanization, contributed to the rise of big business and significantly improved standards of living. However, it also led to environmental degradation and contributed to social inequalities.
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