New industries employed hundreds of thousands to produce items needed for America's growing industries and goods wanted by American consumers. Most industrial businesses employed thousands of workers. Industrial cities grew fast.

Industrialization

After the Civil War, American industry changed dramatically.

-Machines replaced hand labor, increasing the production capacity of industries.

-Inventors developed new products the public wanted, and businesses made the products in large quantities.

-A new nationwide network of railroads distributed goods far and wide.

-Many big businesses grew up - businesses that included coal mining, and railroad companies and manufacturers and sellers of steel, automobiles, and clothing.