What development led to the rise of the Second Industrial Revolution?

The Second Industrial Revolution, which occurred in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, was significantly impacted by the development and extensive use of steel. Steel production became essential due to its strength and versatility compared to iron, leading to advancements in various industries, including construction, transportation, and manufacturing. The Bessemer process, developed in the 1850s, allowed for the mass production of steel, which facilitated the building of skyscrapers, railways, and bridges, shaping modern urban environments and transportation systems.

While electricity, steam power, and textile manufacturing were indeed important factors in the broader narrative of industrial development, steel's unique contributions, especially in facilitating infrastructure growth and supporting various innovations, mark it as a pivotal element of the Second Industrial Revolution. The utilization of steel transformed industries and enabled new technologies, which collectively drove economic growth and societal change during this era.