Year

11 ATAR History

Understanding the Modern World: Capitalism

The American Experience
1907 - 1941

The Industrial RevoluGon

Begins in Britain in 1750, aKer a series of changes to agricultural

pracGces (which, in turn, saw increases in populaGon and changes to

producGon and manufacturing: The Agricultural RevoluGon).

It indirectly allowed for progressive movements and ideologies to

emerge, and saw the development of new and unprecedented

technologies.

The Industrial RevoluGon in

the USA
American War of Independence (1775 1783)

birth of the United States of America rapid growth

of American industry (especially in the north east).

By 1900, the USA has a larger percentage of world

manufacturing than Britain (US = rich in natural

resources; expansion of seXlements into the western
regions makes raw materials more readily available
to American manufacturers).

The American Railroads

First developed in GB by George Stephenson (who applied the

steam technology of the day to create the rst locomoGve).

First engines in the US were purchased from the Stephenson

Works (many rails were imported during the Civil War).

Steam locomoGves dropped the cost of shipping by carriage by

60 70%

The development of railroads was crucial (their formaGon,

construcGon and operaGon brought about profound social,
economic and poliGcal change to a young country).

In 50 years, the US built large bridges and structures to

accommodate trains.

Consider the statement

Railways played an important role in the economic
development of America.
Task: Develop a thesis based on this statement. Produce
a micro-essay, explaining your viewpoint. You will need
to conduct some research prior to wriGng your essay.
You will need an intro, body and conclusion, and you
must use a reference at least three reliable sources
(including at least one primary source, and at least one
secondary source).

What is a thesis?

A thesis is
An argument or a series of arguments combined with the descripGon

and discussion of research you have undertaken.

In response to an essay quesGon, or statement.

A presentaGon of thoughts and opinions on a parGcular issue.
Central to wriGng an essay.

Some Gps:
-

Know your audience.

Be clear and consistent.

Carefully read and ensure you understand the quesGon.

Form a condent and clear opinion.

Collect evidence (and approach it without bias!)

Consider both sides of the debate.

Good thesis statements are

Short and simple: it should be no longer than one sentence, regardless of essay length.
Good Example: Success is a result of doing the right things consistently.
Bad Example: In a world full of success gurus and books about success, it becomes ever so more
important to delineate the one trait that ul>mately determines success: doing the right things
consistently.
Limited to one main idea.
Good example: The key to successful die>ng is focusing on a specic goal.
Bad example: The key to successful die>ng is focusing on a specic goal, which is also the key to
successfully running a business and coaching a football team.
A declaraGve sentence with no qualiers (might, maybe, perhaps):
Good example: Lebron James' ability to score, pass, and rebound make him the league's most valuable
player.
Bad example: Does Lebron James' ability to score, pass, and rebound make him the league's most
valuable player?
Bad Example: Lebron James' ability to score, pass, and rebound just might make him the league's most
valuable player.