Matthew Paez Take Home Extended Response: The Bessemer Process had a huge affect on the United States

during the 20th Century. The Bessemer Process was used to manufacture steel quickly and cheaply by blasting hot air into melted iron. This quickly removed impurities in the iron. It had very positive effects on our society. One positive effect was it allowed trains to be built. Trains quickly became the main form of transporting anything from goods (corn, steel, wood etc.) to people. These trains allowed people to travel in a quicker and more comfortable manner. Trains also allowed goods to be transported quicker affecting the economy positively. The Bessemer Process had a negative effect on the environment. Because of the Bessemer Process, many factories were built. The many factories caused pollution which hurt the environment. The Steel Industry quickly became more powerful than the government, but that didn't mean that the government didn't get involved with internal affairs within the iron mining industry. When miners went on strike, the government got involved, sending in the National Guard to resolve the issue. The National Guard ended up killing dozens of innocent civilians. The Bessemer Process caused political ramifications, affected the U.S. economy positively, it affected the environment negatively, and had a positive effect on our society.