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 ...

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