The founding of industrial/technology education in Ameria represents the convergence of many influences dating back to the pre-industrial revolution era. Social reform movement, one of these influences, set out to change conditions considered to be causes of poverty and other social problems through active engagements in political, educational, and social programs. This article examines, historically, the influence of social reform ideologies, such as those of the social settlement movement, John Dewey's social philosophy and experimental schools, the social reform movement, and the industrial-social efficiency movement on the development and mainstreaming of industrial/technology education in America. Industrial/technology education should contribute not just to students' skills and knowledge but also to their capacity to develop moral perspectives and social wisdom. Hence, the study of the subject field should be linked to history and changes in social and economic structures of our society.