Intermediate Level Thematic Essay- This thematic essay adheres to New York State
Learning Standard 3- Geography, Intermediate Level, Key Idea #1. Additionally, this
assignment corresponds with the National Social Studies Curriculum Standards thematic
strand of production, distribution, and consumption.
This thematic essay is designed as an in class assignment to assess student learning when
your study of Industrialization is complete. Lewis Hine photographs should be displayed
during in-class writing. Possible answers should include; tenements, sanitation problems,
political machines, subways, elevated trains, streetcars, skyscrapers, electric lights,
settlement houses, the “new middle class”, women at work, immigration, etc.
Directions:
Utilizing the Lewis Hine images as reference and your knowledge of United
States history complete the following task. Be prepared to present your findings to
class.
Theme: Technology
Industrialization and urban growth occurred simultaneously during the early
twentieth century. In 1880, approximately 25% of Americans lived in cities. In
1900 the number of Americans living in cities rose to 40%. By 1920, that number
reached 55%. Industrialization and urbanization had both positive and negative
effects on society.
Task:
Define the term Industrialization. Using specific examples, discuss why and how
industrialization grew during the early twentieth century in America. Evaluate the
contributions of technological advances, geography and human resources.
Guidelines:
-Address all aspects of the task
-Support the theme of the essay with facts and details
-Write in an organized and logical manner
-Include a clearly developed introduction and conclusion