What was a major consequence of the Industrial Revolution in the United States?

The Industrial Revolution in the United States led to the growth of factory-based economies, which fundamentally transformed the country’s economic structure. This period marked a shift from agrarian economies primarily reliant on agriculture and manual labor to urban centers focused on manufacturing and industry.

With advancements in technology and production methods, factories became the backbone of the economy, enabling mass production of goods. This not only increased efficiency and lowered costs but also created numerous jobs, attracting a large workforce to urban areas where these factories were typically located. As a result, cities rapidly expanded around industrial centers, leading to significant demographic shifts as people moved from rural areas to urban environments in search of employment opportunities.

This economic transformation was pivotal in establishing the United States as an industrial power and helped facilitate further developments such as the rise of transportation networks, increased international trade, and significant advancements in various sectors including textiles, steel, and machinery.

The other options reflect changes that were not characteristic of the Industrial Revolution's impact on America. For instance, urban populations soared, the country became more integrated into global markets, and immigration increased as people sought opportunities in rapidly industrializing cities.