Second-Wave Industrialization and Its Effects

Hannah Hill
7 min read
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AP European History: Second Industrial Revolution - Night Before Review ๐
Hey! Let's make sure you're totally prepped for the exam. This guide is designed to be your quick, high-impact review. We'll hit the key points, make connections, and get you feeling confident. Let's do this!
๐ From First to Second: Setting the Stage
The End of the First Industrial Revolution
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The First Industrial Revolution (roughly 1760-1840) saw the rise of:
- Textile production ๐งต
- Steam power โ๏ธ
- Iron production โ๏ธ
- Manchester, England, as the first industrialized city
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By the 1830s-40s, innovation slowed, and industrialization was concentrated in a few areas. It was time for a sequel! ๐ฌ
The First Industrial Revolution laid the groundwork, but the Second Industrial Revolution took it to a whole new level. Think of it as an upgrade from basic to premium. ๐
The Second Industrial Revolution: A New Era (1870s Onward)
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This wasn't just about more machines; it was about better machines and new technologies.
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Key focus shifted to:
- Electricity โก
- Chemicals ๐งช
- Steel ๐ฉ
- Petroleum ๐ข๏ธ
The Second Industrial Revolution is a huge topic on the AP exam. It's often linked to social changes, imperialism, and the lead-up to World War I.
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Railroads ๐ค๏ธ
- Facilitated transport of raw materials and finished goods.
- Created integrated national economies and a globalized network.
- Refrigerated rail cars allowed for the transport of perishable goods.
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Innovations
- Bessemer process: Revolutionized steel production.
- Electricity: Powered factories, homes, and new inventions.
- Petroleum: Fueled new industries like automobiles.
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New Inventions * Automobile ๐ * Telegraph & Telephone ๐ * Amusement Parks ๐ก * Skyscrapers ๐ข * Radios ๐ป * Airplanes โ๏ธ * Refrigeration ๐ง
Think of the Second Industrial Revolution as the "E-C-S-P" revolution: Electricity, Chemicals, Steel, and Petroleum. These are the four pillars of this era. ๐ก
New Industries
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Automobile Industry: Revolutionized transportation and personal mobility.
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Chemical Industry: Created new materials like synthetic dyes and plastics.
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Steel Industry: Enabled construction of larger buildings and infrastructure.
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Leisure Travel Industry: Made travel more accessible for the masses.
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Professional Sports Industry: Created new forms of entertainment.
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The Krupp Family (Germany):
- Pioneers in steel production.
- Developed advanced steel plants and innovative techniques.
๐๏ธ The Rise of Mass Society
- Mass Society: A culture with large, impersonal public institutions and shared experiences.
Four Aspects of Mass Society:
Mass Advertisement
- Used radio and newspapers to promote products.
- Shaped consumer culture and increased demand.
Mass Production
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Henry Ford's moving assembly line revolutionized production.
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Allowed for efficient, large-scale production of goods.
When discussing mass production, always mention Henry Ford and the assembly line. It's a key example that demonstrates the impact of the Second Industrial Revolution on manufacturing processes.
Mass Leisure
- Amusement parks, music halls, and team sports became popular.
- The automobile allowed for more travel and leisure opportunities.
Mass Politics
- Political parties sought to represent the common people.
- Advocated for reforms in living and working conditions, voting rights, and education.
Don't confuse the First and Second Industrial Revolutions. The first was about initial mechanization, while the second was about technological advancements and new industries. Keep the key differences in mind for the exam.
๐ฏ Final Exam Focus
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Highest Priority Topics:
- The key innovations and industries of the Second Industrial Revolution (electricity, steel, chemicals, petroleum).
- The impact of these changes on society (mass production, mass leisure, mass politics).
- The role of technology in driving economic and social change.
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Common Question Types:
- Multiple-choice questions on specific inventions and their impacts.
- Short-answer questions about the differences between the First and Second Industrial Revolutions.
- Free-response questions analyzing the social and economic changes of the late 19th century.
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Last-Minute Tips:
- Time Management: Quickly identify the key points in each question and focus on providing direct, concise answers.
- Common Pitfalls: Avoid vague statements; use specific examples and evidence to support your claims.
- Strategies: When tackling FRQs, start with a clear thesis statement and use the provided documents effectively.
๐งช Practice Questions
Practice Question
Multiple Choice Questions
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Which of the following best describes a key difference between the First and Second Industrial Revolutions? (A) The First Industrial Revolution focused on textiles, while the Second focused on agriculture. (B) The First Industrial Revolution was driven by steam power, while the Second was driven by electricity and chemicals. (C) The First Industrial Revolution led to mass politics, while the Second led to mass production. (D) The First Industrial Revolution occurred primarily in Germany, while the Second occurred in England.
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The Bessemer process, which revolutionized steel production, is most closely associated with which of the following? (A) The First Industrial Revolution (B) The Second Industrial Revolution (C) The Agricultural Revolution (D) The Scientific Revolution
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Which of the following was a major social consequence of the Second Industrial Revolution? (A) A decline in urbanization (B) A decrease in the availability of leisure activities (C) The rise of mass politics and labor movements (D) A reduction in consumer culture
Free Response Question
Analyze the social and economic effects of the Second Industrial Revolution on European society between 1870 and 1914. Scoring Breakdown:
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Thesis (1 point): A clear, historically defensible thesis that addresses the social and economic effects of the Second Industrial Revolution.
Example Thesis: "The Second Industrial Revolution, from 1870 to 1914, dramatically reshaped European society through technological advancements that spurred economic growth, mass production, and new social dynamics, including the rise of mass politics and leisure activities, while also exacerbating existing class divisions."
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Evidence (2 points): Provides at least two specific pieces of evidence to support the thesis.
Example Evidence: "The introduction of the Bessemer process led to mass production of steel, which fueled the construction of railroads and skyscrapers, transforming urban landscapes and creating new employment opportunities. Additionally, the development of the assembly line by Henry Ford revolutionized manufacturing, leading to mass production of consumer goods and a shift in working conditions."
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Analysis (2 points): Analyzes how the evidence supports the thesis.
Example Analysis: "The mass production of steel and consumer goods not only stimulated economic growth but also led to the rise of consumer culture, where advertising and mass marketing became prevalent. The assembly line, while increasing efficiency, also led to monotonous work conditions, contributing to the growth of labor movements and the rise of mass politics as workers sought to improve their rights and working conditions."
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Contextualization (1 point): Places the Second Industrial Revolution within its broader historical context.
Example Contextualization: "The Second Industrial Revolution occurred during a period of rapid technological advancement and imperial expansion. These factors contributed to the development of new economic systems and social structures, setting the stage for the political and social conflicts of the 20th century."
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Complexity (1 point): Demonstrates a complex understanding of the topic by considering multiple perspectives and nuances.
Example Complexity: "While the Second Industrial Revolution brought about significant economic growth and new opportunities, it also led to increased social inequalities and environmental degradation. The benefits of industrialization were not evenly distributed, and the rapid pace of change created both progress and problems for European society."
You've got this! Go get that 5! ๐ช

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Question 1 of 11
Which of the following best describes a primary focus of the First Industrial Revolution? ๐ญ
Electricity and steel production
Textile production, steam power, and iron production
Chemicals and petroleum refining
Automobile and airplane manufacturing