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Factors Affecting The 19th Century

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Several factors in the 19th century made it possible to advance in society as well a few factors which limited social advancement. It became easier to advance in society because of the industrial economy which gave opportunity for people to be successful through their own hard work, discipline, and temperance. At the time there were many stories of people rising from the property through hard work and discipline. Also, the emergence of the middle class a was an important factor in the idea of a self made man because they stressed the importance of discipline and hand work as well as educated their children. Famous scientists and politicians such as Benjamin Franklin who wrote an autobiography explaining worth ethic and how young Americans…show more content…
These unskilled workers earner 67% less than skilled workers would which forced them into sending their kids to work in order to keep their families afloat. This entire situation contradicted the idea of a self made man because kids would no longer be able to gain education if they had to work which means they would have a much tougher and near impossible road to reach success. Also the low wages of the unskilled white wage earners also made it hard for them save money in order to become a self made man as all their money pretty much went toward rent and food. Also, because manufacturing factories required so many workers, the majority of the population will always end up working underneath someone which means social mobility with the classes would be much harder than the rich and middle class make it seem. Overall, new temperament habits, ideas of discipline, and saving money as well as the Industrial Revolution leading to the Market Revolution which would increase wealth and prosperity in the business elite and middle class would increase focus on education and stress importance on hard work which were key factors in allowing people to advance on the social ladder. The idea of being a self made man became a reality for these people. However the huge amount of poor wage earners who got minimal wages could not send their kids to education and spent all their money on food and rent would lead to little possibility of them moving up and advancing in society. The
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