AP United States History Period 6

Key concepts: urban political machines and corruption, westward expansion and industrialization, rise of monopolies and wealth disparity, populism and farmer discontent, labor movements and industrialization, progressivism as a response to industrialization.

Boss Tweed

known for controlling votes and political power through New York’s Tammany Hall.

political machine

organization that recruits voters with favors, targeted the immigrants

Tammany hall

well known democratic political machine out of New York

graft

use of a politicians authority for person gain

Homestead Act

legislation that gave settlers Native land that had been taken into public domain for very cheap, used to encourage Westward expansion

grange movement

a coalition of farmers, particularly in the Mid West, fought monopolistic grain transport that drained them of their funds

Gospel of Wealth

Carnegie argued wealthy Americans (like himself) had the responsibility to give their money to those in need for the greater good.

Populist part

agrarian political party that fought for government ownership of railroads, graduated income taxes, direct election of senators, support for farmers, and opposition to corporate monopolization.

bimetallism

system of allowing unrestricted currency of two metals (like gold and silver) as legal currency at a fixed ratio to one another.

Pullman strike

strike against George Pullman who cut wages by 25% only to keep cost of living the same, this inspired labor day.

company towns

individual company owned all building and business in a given area.

collective bargaining

when working people through their contracts with employers about their terms of employment.

Progressive Legislation

legislation regarding modern ideas on how something should be done.

antitrust legislation

regulations that encourage competition by limiting the market power of any particular firm.

muckrakers

journalists that dig up dirt on corrupt corporations and make it known to the general public.

Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890

aimed to prevent corporate monopolies and promote fair competition.

Interstate Commerce Act of 1887

regulated railroads to ensure fair rates and prevent monopolistic practices.

Andrew Carnegie

steel magnate who promoted the Gospel of wealth, immigrant, revolutionized steel industry

Cornelius Vanderbilt

dominated transportation industries and exemplified social Darwinism.