poverty and industrial maladjustment. These charges are of great
importance, but it should be remembered that no problem can be solved,
or even intelligently attacked, until the essential facts are well in
hand. We have briefly described the nature of American industry. What
we have now to do, as a preliminary to considering the problem of
poverty and industrial reform, is to analyze the economic laws in
accordance with which American industry has developed. The essential
facts of the next four chapters cannot be weighed too carefully.


QUESTIONS ON THE TEXT

1. To what extent has the character of American industry changed in
the last century and a half?

2. Compare North America with South America with respect to natural
advantages.

3. Outline the changes which have occurred in the population of the
United States since 1790.

4. Trace briefly the increase in our national wealth since 1850.

5. What are the chief occupations of the American people?

6. Name three important industrial minerals, and comment on our supply
of each.

7. What are the chief characteristics of American agriculture?