The Bessemer process was the first inexpensive process for the mass production of steel.

Stop and Discuss with your team:

1. How did this process help revolutionize industry/manufacturing during the Gilded Age?

2. What was the impact of the Bessemer process on infrastructure/transportation during the Gilded Age?

Thomas Edison had 1093 patents during the Gilded Age. In 1880, he put forth his most famous patent was the improvement on the long burning light (shown below). He also had many other inventions including

Discuss with your team:

1. What is a patent and why are they important for innovators?

2. How did this invention help increase productivity/work during the Gilded Age?

3. What was the lasting impact of the light bulb on the development of society?

George Westinghouse was an influential inventor and engineer that pioneered the electric industry during the Gilded Age.

Discuss these questions with your team:

1. What were 3 of Westinghouse's major inventions?

2. Explain the impact/change made by the inventions you named:

3. How did these inventions help the growth of industry during the Gilded Age?

Watch the above Video about Alexander Graham Bell and the telephone.

After watching, discuss the following ideas with your group.

1. How did the phone transform communication and business during the Gilded Age?