SAQs for APUSH Topic 6.5 — Technological Innovation

Five questions designed to help students review for the annual exam and that relate to the creation, development, and implementation of new products between 1865–1898

1. Many technological innovations came to the fore between 1865–1898 During this time period the telephone, lightbulb, internal combustion engine, and mechanical combine harvester were all invented. These technological innovations of the Second Industrial Revolution precipitated (caused) profound changes in America. Name and briefly describe a profound change that was precipitated by the invention of the light bulb. Name and briefly describe a profound change that was precipitated by the invention of the mechanical combine harvester. Name and briefly describe a profound change that was precipitated by the invention of the internal combustion engine.
2. Before 1865, other technological innovations came to the fore. During this time period the steam engine, interchangeable parts, the telegraph, cotton gin, and the mechanical reaper were all invented. These technological innovations of the First Industrial Revolution precipitated profound changes in America. A profound change precipitated by the invention of the steam engine was the powering of the locomotives (aka Iron Horses) of the first Industrial Revolution. A profound change precipitated by the invention of the steam engine was the powering of the machines that produced textiles in the factories of the First Industrial Revolution. And a profound change precipitated by the invention of the steam engine was the powering of steamboats that transported people and goods during the First Industrial Revolution. Name and briefly describe a profound change, other than the revolutionizing of the cotton industry, that was precipitated by the invention of the cotton gin. Name and briefly describe a profound change that was precipitated by the invention of the steamboat. Name and briefly describe a profound change that was precipitated by the invention of the locomotive.
3. Between 1898 and 1945, many other technological innovations came to the fore, including the telephone, lightbulb, vacuum cleaner, mechanical combine harvester, the moving assembly line, refrigerators, electric washing machines, and the atomic bomb. These technological innovations of the Second Industrial Revolution precipitated (caused) profound changes in America. Name and briefly describe a profound change that was precipitated by the invention of the lightbulb. Name and briefly describe a profound change, other than the ending of World War II, that was precipitated by the invention of the atomic bomb. Lastly, give one reason in support of the claim that the telephone is one of the greatest inventions ever.
4. Between 1865–1898, the technological innovations that occurred encouraged the rise of industrial capitalism. What is meant by the phrase “industrial capitalism?”
5. Between 1865–1898, there was large-scale industrial production. This large-scale industrial production was accompanied by massive technological change, expanding international communication networks, and pro-growth government policies AND it generated rapid economic development and business consolidation. What meant by the term “large-scale industrial production?” What is mean by the term pro-growth government policies?” What is mean by the term “business consolidation?” Lastly, how was international communication “carried” between 1865–1898?