Did the industrial age and the rise in the numbers of factories help or hurt the expansion of the middle class in the United States? Explain.(1 point)

Question

Responses

It hurt the expansion of the middle class because the factory system replaced the domesticity of goods, in which individual workers would use personal tools or simple machinery to fabricate goods in their own homes. These craftsmen were forced to take lower-paying factory jobs.
It hurt the expansion of the middle class because the factory system replaced the domesticity of goods, in which individual workers would use personal tools or simple machinery to fabricate goods in their own homes. These craftsmen were forced to take lower-paying factory jobs.

It hurt the expansion of the middle class because factories forced citizens with little-to-no education into low-paying jobs with no benefits.
It hurt the expansion of the middle class because factories forced citizens with little-to-no education into low-paying jobs with no benefits.

It helped the expansion of the middle class because factories offered citizens with little-to-no education a stable job with good wages and benefits.
It helped the expansion of the middle class because factories offered citizens with little-to-no education a stable job with good wages and benefits.

It helped the expansion of the middle class because poor factory working conditions forced the government to enact laws that eliminated many predatory business practices.

Answer 1

The industrial age and the rise in the number of factories had a complex impact on the expansion of the middle class in the United States. While there were arguments for both the positive and negative effects of industrialization, many historians contend that ultimately, the industrial age helped to expand the middle class in several ways.

1. Job Opportunities: Factories created a multitude of job opportunities for individuals who previously might have worked in agriculture or informal settings. This influx of jobs meant that more people could earn a regular wage, leading to increased financial stability for many families.

2. Wages and Standards of Living: In many cases, factory jobs offered better wages compared to agricultural work or informal labor. Over time, even though conditions were often harsh, the wages provided a means for families to improve their living standards, access to goods, and education for their children.

3. Emergence of New Professions: The industrial era also led to the creation of new professions and a demand for skilled workers, managers, and engineers. This diversification of the job market contributed to the growth of a middle class that was not solely tied to agriculture or traditional crafts.

4. Legislative Reforms: While working conditions were poor in many factories, this often spurred labor movements and led to legislative reforms that improved workers' rights, thus contributing to a more stable and empowered middle class.

In conclusion, while the industrial age came with challenges, such as poor working conditions and the displacement of skilled artisans, it ultimately contributed to the expansion of the middle class through the availability of stable jobs, increased wages, new economic opportunities, and eventual improvements in labor laws.