People had known how to make steel since ancient times, but many historians claim steel caused a second industrial revolution at the end of the nineteenth century. Name the two innovators and the innovations in the production of steel that triggered the revolution. Explain why steel was a better building material than iron. Describe at least three ways steel changed society.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steel
http://www.anselm.edu/homepage/dbanach/h-carnegie-steel.htm
JP Morgon was one and either Rockefeller or Carneige was the other
Hugh
The second industrial revolution was indeed triggered by significant innovations in the production of steel. Two major innovators in this field were Henry Bessemer and William Kelly, both of whom developed separate methods for mass-producing steel in the mid-19th century.
1. Henry Bessemer invented the Bessemer process in 1856, which involved blowing air through molten iron to remove impurities and create steel. This process greatly increased the speed and efficiency of steel production.
2. William Kelly developed a similar process called the Bessemer-Kelly process around the same time, which also involved using air to remove impurities from iron, resulting in the production of steel.
Steel became a superior building material compared to iron for several reasons:
1. Strength and Durability: Steel is much stronger and more durable than iron, making it capable of withstanding greater structural pressures and loads. This allowed for the construction of taller buildings, longer bridges, and more robust machinery.
2. Versatility: Steel's versatility allowed it to be easily molded and shaped into various forms, enabling the construction of intricate and complex structures. It could be rolled into sheets, fashioned into beams, or welded to create strong joints, making it adaptable for a wide range of applications.
3. Lighter Weight: Despite its strength, steel is significantly lighter than iron. This reduced the weight of structures and machinery, making transportation and installation easier and more cost-effective.
The impact of steel on society during the second industrial revolution was profound:
1. Infrastructure Development: The availability of affordable steel transformed infrastructure development. Steel was used extensively in the construction of bridges, railways, and buildings, allowing for the construction of larger, more efficient transportation networks and urban centers.
2. Industrialization and Manufacturing: Steel revolutionized the manufacturing industry by providing a reliable material for machinery, tools, and equipment. The development of steel helped drive the growth of factories, fostering mass production and the expansion of industries such as automotive, construction, and appliances.
3. Urbanization: The use of steel in construction facilitated the rapid growth of cities during the second industrial revolution. Steel frameworks allowed for the construction of high-rise buildings, leading to the vertical expansion of urban areas. This, in turn, supported the growth of population centers and the concentration of economic activities.
In summary, the innovations of Henry Bessemer and William Kelly in steel production during the late 19th century triggered the second industrial revolution. Steel offered superior strength, versatility, and lighter weight compared to iron, which revolutionized building and manufacturing practices. The adoption of steel resulted in the rapid development of infrastructure, industrialization, and urbanization, transforming society in numerous ways.