Progress and Poverty in Industrial America

How do we evaluate the social costs and benefits of technological innovations? 


New 21st century technologies and the emergence of a global economy have produced progress and poverty in contemporary America. In a similar fashion the industrial revolution of the late 19th century produced economic "winners and losers" as it transformed American society from a traditional agricultural economy to a modern industrial power. 


This 18-page document-based question guides students through the historian's process with critical thinking questions based on Common Core skills. "Stop and think" prompts encourage a deep reading of many notables of the era - including Russell Conwell, Henry George, Andrew Carnegie and Stephen Crane. Engaging historic multimedia includes posters, 1908 Sears Catalogue, a gallery of photographs by Lewis Hine and one of Edison's early Vitascope films.


The multi-touch eBook is designed to foster reflection and offer students the chance to share their thinking in a variety of forms - including essays, infograms, image curation and social media postings.