The Industrial North
Innovative Transportation
In the late 18th century and early 19th century, economic expansion induced the building of canals to speed goods to market. Canals improved transportation but their glory was shortly lived. In the 19th century the expansion of railroads provided a quick, scheduled, and year-round mode of transportation. Railroads were better than water routes in that they provided year-round service and provided a safer type of transportation. The revolution in transportation in the 19th-century had a big contribution to economic growth.
Industrial revolution
The iron and textile industries also the development of the steam engine, played central roles in the Industrial Revolution. While industrialization brought about an increased volume and variety of manufactured goods and an improved standard of living for some, it also resulted in often grim employment and living conditions for the poor and working classes.
Working Conditions
Wages for those who labored in factories were low and working conditions could be dangerous. Unskilled workers had little job security and were easily replaceable. Children were part of the labor force and often worked long hours and were used for such dangerous tasks as cleaning the machinery.