The Civil War and the Industrial Revolution

When eleven slave states seceded in 1860-61, they left the federal government in the hands of the new Republican Party. The Republicans were dedicated above all to ending slavery and preserving the Union, but many of them also advocated a revival of the Federalist and Whig system of national mercantilism, which sought to have the federal government shape economic development.

Guiding Questions

• In what ways did post-Civil War economic policies represent a change in the role of the federal government in inter and intrastate commerce?
• In what ways did these economic policies demonstrate continuity?

Objectives

• Describe President Cleveland’s view on the role of the federal government in intrastate economic matters.
• Explain the purpose of the Interstate Commerce Act and the Sherman Antitrust Act.
• Assess the degree to which the interpretation of and policy regarding the interstate commerce clause changed in the late 19th century.

Educator Resources

• Handout C: Document Guide Answer Key

Student Handouts

• The Civil War and Industrial Revolution Essay
• Handout A: Grover Cleveland and the Texas Seed Bill
• Handout B: Cleveland’s Veto Message
• Handout C: Document Guide
• Handout D: Excerpts from the Interstate Commerce Act (1887)
• Handout E: The Sherman Antitrust Act (1890)

This lesson is designed for students in grades 9-12.  Students should have a basic understanding of interstate and intrastate commerce coming into the lesson.