As America approached it 100th birthday in 1876, the nation was on the precipice of a major transformation.The Second Industrial Revolution was ushering in new industries, innovations, and cultural shifts. It fueled the Gilded Age, and the fast accumulation of enormous wealth was reshaping American society.Interest in leisure and sports began to rise, a middle class emerged, with the Civil Rights Act of 1875 offering hope — albeit short-lived — to African American communities.Everyday life also looked different. People dressed in formal apparel as a norm, traveled by steamboat and buggy, and communicated via the then-emerging telegrams.Take a look back in history to see what life was like 150 years ago, from family life and fashion to transportation and food.
In the 1870s, families were experiencing significant changes as the Second Industrial Revolution moved people from farmland to cities.
The Second Industrial Revolution in America saw many families leave the farms for the cities.
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After the Civil War, America entered its Second Industrial Revolution. During this time, cities became the place to find a job as factories popped up in urban areas. This sparked a great change in the family dynamic.Before this time period, families mostly lived on farmland and made a living off their land. But from 1870 to 1920, millions of people moved to cities.
