The Gilded Age

Trusts

Business arrangements where companies collaborate to limit competition, often leading to monopolistic practices.

Vertical Integration

A strategy where a single company controls all aspects of production, from raw materials to final product distribution.

Horizontal Expansion

The practice of acquiring competing companies to increase market share.

Robber Barons

Wealthy and powerful business magnates accused of unethical practices, such as exploitation of workers and manipulation of markets.

The Gilded Age

A period marked by rapid economic growth, industrialization, and significant social issues, including corruption in politics.

Social Darwinism

The belief that wealthy individuals are naturally selected to succeed, justifying economic disparity.

Great Railroad Strike (1877)

A nationwide strike by railroad workers protesting wage cuts, escalating into clashes that highlighted labor unrest.

Knights of Labor

An early labor union advocating for an eight-hour workday and better working conditions.

American Federation of Labor (AFL)

A labor union focused on skilled workers, negotiating for better wages and working conditions through collective bargaining.

Single Tax Movement

Proposed by Henry George, aimed to tax only land values to reduce inequality and fund social programs.

Social Gospel Movement

A religious movement applying Christian ethics to social issues, advocating for social justice and labor rights.

Haymarket Affair (1886)

A labor protest that turned violent, leading to a backlash against labor movements and unions.

Bonanza Farms

Large-scale farms specializing in single crops, prominent in the late 19th century.

Battle of Little Bighorn (1876)

A significant conflict where Sioux forces defeated General Custer's troops, marking Native American resistance.

Dawes Act (1887)

Legislation aimed at assimilating Native Americans by allotting individual plots of land.

Ghost Dance Movement

A spiritual movement among Native Americans promising a return to traditional ways and restoration of land.

Wounded Knee Massacre (1890)

A tragic event where hundreds of Sioux were killed, symbolizing violent suppression of Native cultures.

Impact of Westward Expansion

Significant changes in culture, society, and economy, often at the expense of Native American populations.

Gold Standard

A monetary system linking currency value directly to gold, affecting economic policy.

Civil Service Act (1883)

Established a merit-based system for federal employment, aiming to reduce government corruption.

Interstate Commerce Act (1887)

A law aimed at regulating the railroad industry and ensuring fair rates.

Sherman Antitrust Act (1890)

The first federal act outlawing monopolistic business practices.

Populist Party

A political movement representing the interests of farmers and laborers, advocating for reforms.

Chinese Exclusion Act (1882)

Legislation that halted Chinese immigration, reflecting racial tensions and economic fears.

New Immigrants

The wave of immigrants from Southern and Eastern Europe, facing assimilation challenges.

Impact of Immigration on Society

Contributed to urbanization and labor supply, but also led to nativist sentiments and restrictive policies.

Labor Movements and Immigrants

Many immigrants sought better working conditions, often opposing established labor organizations.

Cultural Contributions

New immigrants brought diverse cultural practices, enriching American society and leading to clashes.

Legislation Impacting Immigrants

Laws like the Chinese Exclusion Act reflected changing attitudes towards immigrants.

Social Reform Movements

Movements aimed at addressing needs and rights of immigrants through advocacy and settlement houses.