The Connection between the Industrialization Era and 'Jim Crow'
             in relation to Denise Giardina's Storming Heaven
             Industrialization in the United States came about late in the 19th century immediately following the era of post-Civil War reconstruction. It was a time in which everywhere one turned, industry was successful. By the end of the 19th century, the U.S. was producing one-third of the world's industrial goods. The railroad systems in America stretched from sea to shining sea. More immigrants were flooding into America (specifically cities) than they had in centuries in search of the "American Dream."
             Like any other important event--in in this case era--in history, the right ingredients were needed for this vast industrialization to fall into place. After all, other countries had experienced industrialization well before the U.S. had. So what made America's unique and successful industrialization possible?
             The most significant aspect of America's industrialization was transportation (specifically, the railroad system). By the turn of the century, nearly every state in the union had a railroad running through it. This immediately made every industry, regardless of location, a nationwide industry. Even the meat industry reaped the benefits of the railroad system with the invention of the refrigerated railroad car. The turnover time improved dramatically. As a result, products could be shipped from Boston to San Francisco without having to endure a long journey on a ship.
             Other facets of American industrialization were important, such as the U.S. social system. This system held that, "with a certain amount of hard work, you, too, can experience the 'American Dream.' " This type of "rags to riches" attitude was expressed through Horatio Alger stories. In America, it was thought, nothing can hold you back. Certainly new technology i...