Second Industrial Revolution

Quick Facts: Who was Second Industrial Revolution?

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Second Industrial Revolution

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A period of rapid scientific discovery, standardization, and mass production from 1870 to 1914.

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Origins & Early Life

The Second Industrial Revolution, also known as the Technological Revolution, was a phase of rapid scientific discovery, standardization, mass production and industrialization from the late 19th century into the early 20th century. The First Industrial Revolution, which ended in the middle of the 19th century, was punctuated by a slowdown in important inventions before the Second Industrial Revolution started in 1870. Though a number of its events can be traced to earlier innovations in manufacturing, such as the establishment of a machine tool industry, the development of methods for manufacturing interchangeable parts, as well as the invention of the Bessemer process and open hearth furnace to produce steel, later developments heralded the Second Industrial Revolution, which is generally dated between 1870 and 1914 when World War I commenced. Advancements in manufacturing and production technology enabled the widespread adoption of technological systems such as telegraph and railroad networks, gas and water supply, and sewage systems, which had earlier been limited to a few select cities. The enormous expansion of rail and telegraph lines after 1870 allowed unprecedented movement of people and ideas, which culminated in a new wave of colonialism and globalization.

Career & Major Achievements

In the same time period, new technological systems were introduced, most significantly electrical power and telephones. The Second Industrial Revolution continued into the 20th century with early factory electrification and the production line; it ended at the beginning of World War I. The Information Age is sometimes also called the Third Industrial Revolution. The Second Industrial Revolution was a period of rapid industrial development, primarily in the United Kingdom, Germany, and the United States, but also in France, Japan, and the Low Countries. It followed on from the First Industrial Revolution which flourished in Britain in the later 18th century and then spread throughout Western Europe. It came to an end with the start of World War I in 1914.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

While the First Revolution was driven by limited use of steam engines, interchangeable parts and mass production, and was largely water-powered, especially in the United States, the Second featured the build-out of railroads, large-scale iron- and steel-production, widespread use of machinery in manufacturing, greatly increased use of steam power, widespread use of the telegraph, use of petroleum and the beginning of electrification. Education played a role, and modern organizational methods for operating large-scale businesses over vast areas came into use. The concept of a second industrial revolution was introduced by Patrick Geddes, Cities in Evolution (1910), and was used by economists such as Erich Zimmermann (1951), but David Landes' use of the term in a 1966 essay and in The Unbound Prometheus (1972) standardized scholarly definitions of the term, which was most intensely promoted by Alfred Chandler (1918–2007). However, some continue to express reservations about its use. In 2003, Landes stressed the importance of new technologies (especially the internal combustion engine), petroleum, new materials and substances (including alloys and chemicals), electricity and communication-technologies, such as the telegraph, telephone, and radio.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1870: 1870 Milestone — The First Industrial Revolution, which ended in the middle of the 19th century, was punctuated by a slowdown in important inventions before the Second Industrial Revolution started in 1870.
2. 1910: 1910 Milestone — The concept of a second industrial revolution was introduced by Patrick Geddes, Cities in Evolution (1910), and was used by economists such as Erich Zimmermann (1951), but David Landes' use of the term in a 1966 essay and in The Unbound Prometheus (1972) standardized scholarly definitions of the term, which was most intensely promoted by Alfred Chandler (1918–2007).
3. 1914: 1914 Milestone — It came to an end with the start of World War I in 1914.
4. 2003: 2003 Milestone — In 2003, Landes stressed the importance of new technologies (especially the internal combustion engine), petroleum, new materials and substances (including alloys and chemicals), electricity and communication-technologies, such as the telegraph, telephone, and radio.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Second Industrial Revolution

True or False: “The Second Industrial Revolution was solely driven by the steam engine and water power sources.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While steam was important, this era was defined by new technologies like electricity, petroleum, and steel production methods.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Adam Lindsay Gordon — Historical peer (Died in 1870) (1870): Pioneering British-Australian poet, horseman, and politician of the Victorian era.
• Adolf Loos — Historical peer (Born in 1870) (1870): Pioneering architect and theorist of modernism, known for his critique of ornamentation.
• Abdul-Karim Qasim — Historical peer (Born in 1914) (1914): Iraqi military officer who led the country as Prime Minister from 1958 to 1963.
• Adolph Green — Historical peer (Born in 1914) (1914): American lyricist and playwright known for his long-running, witty partnership with Betty Comden.
• A. J. Ayer — Historical peer (Born in 1910) (1910): Influential English philosopher known for logical positivism and emotivism.
• Ahmed Ali (writer) — Historical peer (Born in 1910) (1910): Pioneering Urdu writer, poet, and diplomat from British India to Pakistan.
• Abanindranath Tagore — Historical peer (Died in 1951) (1951): Pioneering figure of the Bengal School, modernizing Indian art against Western influence.
• Abdullah I of Jordan — Historical peer (Died in 1951) (1951): Ruler of Jordan who transitioned from British protectorate to independent Hashemite King.
• A. O. Scott — Historical peer (Born in 1966) (1966): American journalist and cultural critic specializing in film and literary analysis.
• A. R. Rahman — Historical peer (Born in 1966) (1966): Visionary Indian composer celebrated for blending global sounds with cinematic emotion.

Frequently Asked Questions about Second Industrial Revolution