New Ideas Spark an Industrial Revolution.
As the nation's population rapidly increased, new forms of energy were needed to support industry. The post Civil War years saw tremedous growth in manufacturing, transportation, and new inventions. Between the years of 1860 and 1899 over 500,000 patents were issued. Growth meant prosperity for some, poverty for many others, and trouble for the American Wilderness.
The Industrial Revolution impacts the environment.
"Whole streets, unpaved and without drains or main sewers, are worn into deep ruts and holes in which water constantly stagnates, and are so covered with refuse and excrement as to be impassable from depth of mud and intolerable stench." -Anonymous |
The Industrial Revolution had a profound impact on the earth's natural resources. The rise of industrial cities increased pollution in the air. The mills, mines, and plants didn't properly dispose of waste or chemicals. These materials often were carried into the water supply during a storm and contaminated the water supply. The factories needed fossil fuels to run which are a nonrenewable resource. Trains needed coal and boats needed timber. As the urban population increased, sustainability in America became an issue. Protection of the environment was essential or conditions like those described would only worsen.
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"The smoke came as if self imperilled, driving all before it, a perpetual explosion. It was inexhaustible; one stared, waiting to see it stop, but still the great streams rolled out. They spread in vast clouds overhead, writhing, curling, then uniting in one giant river, they streamed a way down the sky, stretching a black pall as far as the eye could reach." -Upton Sinclair -The Jungle |