Objective: To examine the growth in mid-19 century technology and the subsequent factory conditions.

Laying tracks on the extreme front of Prescott and Eastern Railroad in Arizona Territory, ca. 1898

• The telegraph was invented by Samuel Morse in 1844.

S. F. B. Morse in 1840

• Morse code allowed information to be relayed immediately over hundreds or thousands of miles.

1845 version of the telegraph

Erecting the First Transcontinental Telegraph Line, 1867

Cutting telegraph wire and connecting the ends c. 1862

Listen: Translate text into Morse Code

Morse Code Reference Sheet

• Railroads became an important part of the American economy beginning in the 1850’s.

• Farmers and merchants could transport their goods quicker and cheaper.

1880s. Early Arcadia Narrow Gauge Engine and Log Cars

This narrow gauge railroad was used primarily for logging in the Arcadia, Michigan area.

Photo by Ruth Starke Burkhead, courtesy of the Arcadia Area Historical Society

Railroads transformed the small farming community of Wanatah, MI, into one of the area's leading market centers. In the early 1900's, the depot was the hub of the city's activities.

United States rail network - 1870

• Cities grew along rail routes. Ex.) Chicago and Cincinnati

The Effects of Factory Growth• Factory workers often worked 15 hours or more a day.• Child labor and injuries were common, and wages were low.

Some boys and girls were so small they had to climb up on to the spinning frame to mend broken threads and to put back the empty bobbins. Macon, Ga.

(photo by Lewis Hine, 1908- 1912)

Some of the young knitters in London Hosiery Mills. London, Tenn. (photo by Lewis Hine, 1908- 1912)

• Factories began to replace skilled workers, such as carpenters and shoemakers.

• By the 1830’s, workers began to form trade unions in order to fight for better working conditions.

• Union workers sometimes make their demands by going on strike.