Studied by 1 person
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.
