Chaos In Industrial America

Chaos in Industrial America

Chaos is perhaps the best word to describe the rise of industrialization in the United States surrounding the turn of the 20th century. During this era, Americans first witnessed the awesome power that capitalism holds. Industrial growth, fueled by this power, brought with it a vast array of technological improvements. These improvements, however, did not come without consequence. Though it was a time of unimaginable prosperity for a few, it was a time of unbearable hardship for all too many.

America was becoming known as the land of opportunity where any man with brains and a little ambition could be successful. Immigrants, like Jurgis Rudkis from Upton Sinclair's novel The Jungle, sought to make this their reality. It was widely believed that if a man could make his way to America "he could count his troubles at an end."(p 17) Jurgis Rudkis was a fictional character, but his struggles in America mirrored the reality that many immigrants faced in their struggle to realize the American dream.

Immigrants coming to the United States often found their troubles had only just begun. They were often greeted by crooks that were quick to swindle unsuspecting immigrants out of what little money they had. (The Jungle p 17) Living conditions were poor at best. In an industrial boom town like Chicago, immigrants like Jurgis could expect to be living with upwards of a dozen roommates nestled somewhere within a row of hastily built shacks. (The Jungle p 20) Due to over population and a lack of suitable plumbing, streets doubled not only as sewers, but as a place for children to play. It is no surprise that mortality rates, especially among children, were high.

Working conditions proved to be just as bad. Wages were low, largely because the number of willing workers was so high. Literally thousands of men would stand in the street, sometimes for more than a month, hoping that they might be chosen for a job. (The Jungle p 61) Once hired, there was no guarantee that a man could keep his job. If he became ill, he would certainly be replaced. Low wages also forced many families to send their children to look for work. And the workplace was a dangerous place. Since workers compensation laws had not yet been established, if a man lost a limb or his life while on the job, his family was not compensated and would likely starve.

Corruption also plagues America throughout this period, as it continues to do today. Rich businessmen bribe politicians to get a more favorable legal environment. Politicians bribe workers for their votes. Workers bribe bosses just to get a job. Even Jurgis is guilty of taking a bribe here and there during a strike in which he gets promoted. (The Jungle p 216) Corruption, it seems, is a growing part of a capitalist society.

Indeed this was one of the toughest times in America's history. Because of the poor living and working conditions, coupled with corruption and a growing gap between the rich and the poor, many people felt that they had been disillusioned by the America dream. For Jurgis and many of his non-fictional American counterparts, the solution to the problem was