Attempts to Adopt the Metric System in the United States to 1907

<p>Some discussion of the metric system occurred during the early days of the United States through the 1820s, but it did not receive serious consideration as the standard system of measurement for the United States during this period. A serious movement to make the metric system America's standard system of measurement did begin around the Civil War period, however. This movement gradually gained momentum, but it encountered intense opposition in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century.</p> <p> Some general trends become apparent for those who argued each side of the debate. A number of the most passionate opponents of the metric system were involved with industry and particularly interested in the management of labor. They were concerned with production efficiency and often tended to regard the laboring class much like machines. Even so, they often represented themselves as spokesmen for workers. Conversely, proponents often demonstrated much concern for the laboring class. This often came from an elitist position with a paternalistic desire to decide what would be best for the American masses. Both sides argued passionately before Congressional Committee hearings during the late nineteenth and early twentieth century when the push for the metric system reached its high tide.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

M.A.

Level thesis:degree_level

Campus Access Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

History

Year

2012

Author dc:creator

• Clamp, Alan James

Contributors dc:contributor

• Ann Johnson

• Arts and Humanities
• History

Statement dc:rights

• © 2012, Alan James Clamp

Repository record dc:identifier

https://scholarcommons.sc.edu/etd/1452

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholarcommons.sc.edu:etd-2453