During the Gilded Age, two significant factors that helped the United States shift to an industrial economy were:
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Transportation Infrastructure: The expansion of the railroad network facilitated the movement of goods and raw materials across the country. This not only allowed for quicker and more efficient transportation but also connected markets, enabling businesses to reach a broader customer base and source materials from different regions.
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Technological Innovation: The era saw rapid advancements in technology and manufacturing processes, including the introduction of the assembly line and other mechanized production techniques. Innovations such as the electric light bulb, the telegraph, and improved steam engines increased productivity and efficiency in various industries, contributing to industrial growth.
These factors combined to create a favorable environment for industrialization, leading to significant economic transformation in the United States.