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It Seems Like Such a Quiet Town: Dynamics of the Industrial Revolution in Cumberland County

Central Pennsylvania had its share of industrial leaders who made significant economic and social contributions to the lives of thousands of workers and their families.  Meet a German immigrant who would become the largest manufacturer of women’s shoes in the nation and revel in his patriotic and philanthropic gestures. Participate in the legal struggle of a local inventor who designed a communication system that would challenge Alexander Graham Bell all the way to the Supreme Court. While practicing manners, etiquette, and social skills we will look local businesses and the intriguing connections between Masland Carpet and Ford Motor Company, the history of Frog and Switch, products created by Carlisle Tire and Rubber, and the role of the Cumberland Valley Railroad.

 

 


Essential Questions:

How did American industry manufacture goods prior to the Industrial Revolution?
Why did factory production and the American economy grow in the late 1800s?
How did railroads change the United States?
How did technological advances impact manufacturing and business in the U.S.?
 How was American society impacted by the advances?
What factors led to the construction of a network of railroads after the Civil War?
How did railroad building encourage the growth of other industries in the American economy?
How did inventors and inventions change the nation?
How did American change during the mass immigration of the late 1800s and early 1900s?
Why did people want to live in these new cities?
How is history interpreted to relate the past to the present?
How do the concepts of family, education, leisure, government, economics, religion, and communication define a culture?

History Standards: 8.1 A,B,C,D  8.2.9 A,B,C,D  8.2.12 A, B,C,D  8.3.9 A,B, C, D  8.3.12 A,B,C,D  
 
Reading Standards: 1.1.5.A,G 1.2.A 1.3.A,F 1.6.A,B,D,E

 

“It was a great learning experience and it really helped the information sink in. All of your stories and artifacts made it easier to learn and remember. I’m very glad our class could have this opportunity to learn from a history expert. I hope this isn’t the last time I get the privilege to be able to learn from you.”
         Joey R.