John deere steel plow biography definition
John Deere's innovations had a profound long-term impact on American agriculture and society by transforming farming into a more efficient and productive enterprise. The steel plow facilitated large-scale farming, which contributed to economic growth and supported population movement westward. As agriculture became increasingly mechanized, it also paved the way for industrialization in rural areas.
Furthermore, these changes affected social structures by altering labor dynamics on farms, leading to shifts in rural life and contributing to broader economic transformations across the nation. Related terms Steel Plow: A farming tool invented by John Deere that was made from polished steel, allowing it to cut through tough soil without getting stuck.
Market Revolution: A transformative period in the early 19th century characterized by rapid changes in manufacturing, transportation, and agricultural practices that reshaped the American economy. Practice Questions 1 Who was John Deere? In this clip, an epic moment is featured in which John Deere builds his first steel plow in Like many entrepreneurs, John Deere thought of his big invention by first realizing a problem.
Eliminating this problem would not only make farmers lives easier, but it would also make work more productive. Broehl, Jr. This made plowing much faster and reduced the physical strain on both farmers and horses. With a steel plow, a farmer could plow more acreage in a day, leading to increased productivity and opening up more land for cultivation.
This innovation was particularly valuable as American agriculture expanded westward, where fertile but challenging soil awaited. By , Deere was producing up to plows a year with the help of local blacksmiths. By , Deere was producing plows per year. In , Deere brought Leonard Andrus on board as a partner to increase production to meet demand.
However, this partnership became strained due to their mutual stubbornness: Deere wanted to sell plows outside of Grand Detour, while Andrus suggested building a railroad through the town. Additionally, Deere did not trust Andrus' accounting practices. In , Deere dissolved the partnership with Andrus and relocated to Moline, Illinois, a transportation hub located on the Mississippi River.
By , Deere's factory had sold over 10, plows. From the beginning, Deere insisted on producing high-quality equipment. He once said, "I will never put my name on a product that isn't as good as I am.
John deere steel plow biography definition
In his later years, Deere engaged in public service and politics. Deere was also elected as Mayor of Moline for a two-year term. Due to chest pains and dysentery, Deere declined to run for a second term as mayor.