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Post-Civil War
In the early 14th century, people relied on peasant farming, and only those who were stable financially engaged in barter trading. Others worked as house servants and crop nurturing. Trade only involved simple and local commodities like ivory, slaves, and jewelry (Foner 237). Thus, some states with power and superior adventure ships took advantage of other nations until the 19th century after the Civil War. During this time, the economy of most of the states was drastically dropping, which again sharply rise after the civil war. The end of civil war in the early 19th century was marked by new leadership, freedom, and economic improvements. People started enjoying their rights, which they lacked during and before the civil war. The economic developments had significant impacts on society during the 19th century.
One economic development that happened after the Civil War was agriculture. Agriculture, unlike before the civil war, the laborers started enjoying the benefit of their landlords. Before the civil war, the landowner and feudal lords used the forsaken ones as their slaves to work in the farms without payment (Arrington n.p.). The slaves turned to land tenants who worked in the firms and, in return, share the yields with the landowners. Similarly, the landlords supported the tenants and farm laborers with capital, seeds, and crop harvesting. The consequences of the development are that farmers earned profits which they invested and grew new fortunes. Also, since people had peace and freedom, they could concentrate and work tirelessly on their farms, which led to innovations. Also, due to the high demand for cotton, corn, wheat, and lack of military during the war, farmers changed and developed their farming mode. Farming was improved from animal plow machine to more mechanized tools, which could work more efficiently and more powerful. The consequences were that it helped the state military since farmers left their farms and enrolled in the military, which made the army very strong. The few farmers who remained in the farms could work with machines and make massive productions.
Besides, as the war ended, generous and sweeping changes occurred in economic policies. The states and congressional Republicans took advantage of the developments to pass enactments that had moped in Congress for a long time because of substantial Southern restriction (Arrington n.p.). A significant number of these bills set the course for the states to rise by war’s end as a country with significant financial potential and ready for an enormous and fast westbound development. The consequences were that the war provided the North with a chance to build up and overwhelm America’s mechanical and financial future.
Furthermore, northern transportation ventures increased during the period after the civil war. This is because the civil war had dealt a big blow to most transportation systems that needed rebuilding. The North experienced a significant number of tracks and a better capacity to develop and move parts that expanded the economy (Arrington n.p.). New assemble rails were made to convey troops and supplies, which raised the transportation infrastructure. The consequences were that with the new transportation system, remote and rural areas were opened for development. However, the opening up also brought challenges. Those who were unemployed moved to urban areas to look for job opportunities. As a result, rural-urban migration intensified in response to the problems of unemployment that were experienced. This has a further consequence, as the urban areas’ rising population played a role in the growth. Urbanization expanded, which was also commensurate with an increase in population.
Another economic development that happened after the civil war was the growth of businesses. To make the entities progressively effective and them to grow, agricultural and mechanical schools were started. The motivation behind the demonstration was to equip individuals with skills and knowledge to undertake critical tasks in related businesses and thus, spur the growth of the economy. This national interest in advanced education was crucial as it generated personnel who could also serve in the military. The consequences were that through motorization and economies of scale, monetary efficiency took off. Somewhere in the range of 1890 and 1929, the normal urban laborer put in one less day of work a week and acquired home threefold the amount of pay. Also, in terms of union economy, the Free states were filled by migrants from various slavery states. Especially the North, many people flooded in the states and started economic ventures (Arrington n.p.). With the higher the population, there was a rise in free markets. This allowed businesses to grow, and numerous commodities were exchanged.
In addition, there have been changes in the labor market due to economic developments. The Civil War had a significant impact on American society, as was clear. It resulted in the deaths of people and the destruction of property. It was necessary to protect liberties and rights in order to make atonement for the ills of society. Americans had to find a mechanism to assure that everyone’s freedoms were granted, which was especially important in the southern states where slavery was prevalent. Following this, a period of reconstruction occurred during which universal rights were acknowledged and racial inclusivity was promoted. The signing of the Burlingame Treaty underscored the importance of treating all races in America on an equal footing (Foner, 587). As a result, more groups of people from minority races entered the labor market rather than being forced to work as slaves. Their wages increased, allowing them to live a more comfortable lifestyle. As a result, there has been significant economic growth and development.
Last but not least, economic developments happened on the eve of the American Civil War in terms of the money supply within the economy. Paper money, sometimes known as “greenbacks,” was printed and circulated in the United States (Arrington n.p.). The money was utilized to finance the war as a result of the shift as a result of the decision. One notable aspect of this transformation was that, following World War II, money played a crucial role in ending the reliance on silver and gold as the primary mediums of commerce. It enables the use of money as legal tender in the United States’ economic system. This had important ramifications since it eliminated the need to rely on indivisible gold and silver commodities as a source of money. Businesses were able to thrive as a result, and commerce was able to take place smoothly.
Additionally, economic developments were witnessed in the labor market. The impacts of the Civil War on American society were evident. It included deaths and destruction of property. To make amends to the ailing society, freedoms, and rights had to be respected. Especially in the south where slavery was rampant, Americans had to find a way to ensure that everyone’s freedoms are granted. This prompted the era of reconstruction where universal rights were recognized, and racial inclusiveness emphasized. The signing of the Burlingame Treaty emphasized the need to treat all races in America equally (Foner, 587). This saw more groups from the minority races joining the labor market rather than working as slaves. Their incomes expanded, and this allowed them to lead a better lifestyle. The consequences were high economic growth and development.
Finally, on the eve of the Civil War, economic changes occurred in terms of money supply within the economy. Paper money, which was also referred to as “greenbacks,” was printed (Arrington n.p.). The consequences of the change were that the money was used to finance the war. Notable in this change was that after the war, the money was critical in ending the strict reliance on silver and gold as the mediums of exchange. It allows for the entry of money as a legal tender in the US economy. This had significant consequences since with paper money, the need to rely on indivisible gold and silver commodities ended. This allowed businesses to flourish and trade to occur seamlessly.
In a nutshell, the period after the Civil War was critical to the economy of the United States. Following the war, sweeping economic developments had a significant impact on individuals, society, and the American economy. Agriculture expended due to the introduction of new policies, as well as rising mechanization that allowed farming to occur on a large scale. Besides, there were infrastructural developments as rails and road networks increased to commensurate with the rising economic activity. Besides, the war and its conclusion paved the way for the use of paper money that replaced the previous silver and gold commodities. This had an impact on trade and business activities. Nevertheless, there were negative changes associated with economic developments such as unemployment for those who could not take advantage of the changes. Such people moved to the urban areas in search of employment, thus paving the way for urban growth.
Works Cited
Arrington, Benjamin, T. Industry and Economy during the Civil War. National Park Service, 2019: 2024 – Online Assignment Homework Writing Help Service By Expert Research Writers. https://www.nps.gov/articles/industry-and-economy-during-the-civil-war.htm
Foner, Eric. An American History. (Seagull Edition), New York, and London: WW Norton and Company (2017).
