The Market Revolution was a result of more nationalistic feelings due to the recently won
war. This victory encouraged the federal and state governments, as well as American citizens
themselves, to focus more on internal improvements to the Union, which would lead to a drastic
change in the economy. The Market Revolution of the late 18th and early 19th centuries had a
mostly detrimental effect on American economy and society.
The Market Revolution was harmful to American society. As a result of the shift towards
an industrial economy, distinct social classes formed, which were a challenge to Republican
ideals. The wealthy business elite was a small portion of the population but had a majority of the
nation’s wealth. These elite rose due to a lack of federal taxes on their income. Although a
substantial middle class developed as well due to surges in income and the availability of
cheaper mass-produced goods, there was a mass of propertyless wage earners who struggled
on meager wages and couldn’t benefit from cheap manufactured goods. This division in society
led to affluent families setting themselves apart, and socialization between classes diminished.
This was unlike the society of the previously agrarian economy, where citizens with different
amounts of wealth lived similar lifestyles. In addition, the Market Revolution marked the
beginnings of the use of child labor. In an effort to make more profit, manufacturers and factory
owners hired children who didn’t have to be paid. These children were forced to work in lifethreatening conditions and were exploited to reach into holes and crawl under machines due to
their nimble fingers and small bodies. Lastly, while the Northeast and Midwest regions saw an
increase in internal improvements and a developing industrial economy, the South was isolated
from any urbanization. The South was characterized by plantation agriculture and the massive
amounts of cotton it exported. This plantation-based society increased the dependence on
slavery, a practice nonexistent in the Northeast or Midwest. This division between the North and
the South would ultimately lead to the Civil War. Overall, the Market Revolution created a
divided society that sacrificed humanity for industrialization and profit.
The Market Revolution also had negative consequences for American politics. The
increase in manufacturing in America encouraged immigration to the Union. Many European
immigrants came to America in search for opportunity. However, these uncivilized Europeans
caused a lot of violence and crime. In addition, immigrants were unfamiliar with politics and
strong American leaders, so they negatively affected the polls. Overall, the Market Revolution
harmed the political system of the U.S that had been nearly perfected during the years following
the Revolutionary War.
Despite its mostly detrimental effect, the Market Revolution boosted American economy,
as well as society on a smaller scale. Alongside with the Market Revolution occurred the
Transportation Revolution. During this time, transportation became more common and
affordable. The canals, roads, and turnpikes that developed boosted the economy by expediting
the transferring of manufactured goods. For example, the National Road connected midwestern
settlers to seaboard states, allowing for businesses and factories to develop in the Midwest as
well. Many state legislatures subsidized canals, with a major example being the Erie Canal that
brought prosperity to the Great Lakes region. Railroads also allowed Midwesterners to be
independent from Northeastern imports. The national government also fostered this greater
connectedness with the Post Office Act of 1792. In addition, the Market Revolution allowed for
the invention of technologies that surpassed those of Europe. For example, Robert Fulton
invented the steamboat, which quickened water transportation. John Deere made the first steel
plow and opened a factory in Illinois. Lastly, the Market Revolution played a big role in
increasing women independence. WIth the development of factories, women were given the
opportunity to break out of their domestic roles and work. For example, the Lowell system
provided an opportunity for young women from farming families to work in factories. Women
could finally make money and not depend on their husbands for survival; this fueled the idea of
the self-made woman who strived to excel in life. Overall, the Market Revolution boosted an
American economy that could compete with Europe as well as improved on women roles in
society.
As can be seen, despite its minor benefits to the American economy and women, the
Market Revolution had a detrimental effect on the Union. The Market Revolution ultimately set
the precedent for the manufacturing society we live in today, filled with factories that efficiently
mass produce goods. Without these developments, we wouldn’t be able to purchase so many
goods today for relatively cheap prices.