What characterized the 'Old Order' of American society?

The 'Old Order' of American society is best characterized by self-sufficient farms and slow economic growth. During this period, which predominated in the early 19th century before the Industrial Revolution took hold, most American families lived in rural areas and relied on agriculture as their primary source of livelihood. They tended to grow their own food and produce goods for their own use rather than for the market, emphasizing a subsistence economy. This lifestyle fostered a strong sense of community and localism, as families would often produce everything they needed within their own households or communities.

In contrast, the other options reflect characteristics that emerged later as society transitioned into the Industrial Age. Specialization and faster production became apparent as factory systems advanced, enabling mass production and a shift away from subsistence farming. Heavy reliance on factories and urbanization signifies the profound changes that occurred as people moved to cities for factory jobs, a clear departure from the rural, self-sufficient model of the Old Order. Additionally, while increased use of technology in agriculture did begin to take shape later with inventions like the mechanical reaper, it was not a defining feature of the Old Order, which was marked by more traditional, labor-intensive farming practices.