The factors that led to rapid industrialization in the United States between the years 1860 through 1900 are remarkable. They represent a population that strived vigorously for financial success and security. The incredible influx of European immigrants to the New World provided the backbone for a crawling toddler of a nation to erect itself from the crippling effects of the Civil War. This essential resource of humans with aspirations for a better life became the greatest source of capital for a country with capitalistic aspirations. .
As an economy investing for means of profit, a constant and plentiful supply of labor created an increase in productivity for many of its industries. The railroad industry, for example, created thousands of jobs thanks to western expansion and technological advances. The mass production of steel rose when the Bessemer process was introduced to every steel mill. This new method produced better quality steel for safer buildings, bridges and railroad tracks. Also, many industries thrived off of the immense supply of natural resources in the land. Coal provided fire for steel mills, petroleum provided kerosene for lamps and lumber provided structure for homes. With such progress readily available, the urgency for better communication and living standards within a growing civilization became vital. .
The art of invention became apparent and abundant once official documents called patents guaranteed secure financial privileges to inventors. Alexander Graham Bell revolutionized communication in America in 1876. His invention of the telephone eliminated the time costly procedures of written correspondences. Thomas A. Edison invented an efficient electric light bulb in 1879. Massive and important institutions could only grow farther and wider under these productive circumstances. .
Farther and wider did not necessarily mean better. A growing country relies on internal and external investments.