mills, causing shift from farm-based/agricultural

economy to wage labor. Opened new economic

opportunites, especially in the North where

many factories were. But this opportunity was

limited to some women and white males.

Most notably, Eli Whitney's cotton

gin (1793), which caused a rise in

cotton production and made slavery

an integral part of Southern economy

mostly white men-- in becoming landowners.

Expanded economic opportunity for

white men westward, but excluded

Native people and many people of color.

of steel, railroads, and oil. U.S.

becomes a global industrial power.

Harsh working condistions spark the rise

of labor unions and later economic

reforms (labor laws, minimum wage, etc.)

Excluded people of color and women

as they were largely restricted to

low-wage jobs or domestic labor

Built modern middle class, but often excluded

Black veternas due to discriminatory policies.

federal contractors to ensure equal

oportunity in employment, regardless

of race, color, or national origin.

Increased access to higher education for

students of color and women, leading to

access to higher paying jobs, professional

careers, and chances at long-term wealth

building -- all which many people of color and

women in America have had little chances at.

moved abroad, causing millions of

manufcaturing jobs to disappear.

Widened income and wealth gaps,

especially along race/class lines.

Connected to globalization.

products in lower-cost countries due to

cheaper labor and fewer regulations.

Benefitted global corporations, but many

working class citizens lost jobs. Increasing

wage gap and disparity of wealth in America.

Significant rise of immigrants, especially

from Latin America and Asia. Added

diversity to the workforce and overall

American population but also fueled debates

over economic fairness and job competition.

for the wealthy, reducing top individual

income tax rate from 50% to 28%.

Contributed to the growing income

inequality by reducing taxes on high earners.

major setback for economic mobility.

Increased focus on student debt and wage gaps.

families and people of color hit hardest.

Sparked debate over remote

worker and worker protections.

Major change in how colleges

address racial inequality.

Lowered opportunity for people of color as

now access to higher education may not

be as accessible without affirmative action.

Institutions began to explor class-

based admissions and other strategies

to preserve access to higher education.