APUSH Unit 6 Vocabulary

Gilded Age

A period in American history from the 1870s to the early 1900s characterized by rapid economic growth, industrialization, and significant social change, often marked by political corruption and stark social inequality.

Urbanization

The rapid growth of cities and the increase in population density during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, driven by industrialization and immigration.

Monopolies

Large corporations that dominate a market, often stifling competition and leading to economic inequality.

Social Darwinism

A sociological theory that applies the concept of 'survival of the fittest' to human societies, suggesting that social and economic success is a result of inherent superiority and that government intervention is unwarranted. This ideology was prevalent during the Gilded Age.

Conspicuous consumption

The practice of purchasing goods and services to publicly display wealth and social status, often associated with the affluent class during the Gilded Age.

Unions

Labor organizations formed to protect and advance the rights and interests of workers, particularly in negotiations for better wages and working conditions.

New South

A term used to describe the South's economic shift after the Civil War towards a more diversified economy, including industrialization and urbanization, while also maintaining aspects of its traditional culture.

Tenant farming

A system of agriculture where a farmer rents land from a landowner and pays with a share of the crops produced, often leading to cycles of debt and poverty.

Conservation

The careful management of natural resources to prevent depletion and ensure sustainability for future generations.

Preservation

The protection of natural resources and landscapes from development or destruction, often focusing on maintaining their current state for future enjoyment and ecological health.

Populist Party

A political party in the United States that emerged in the 1890s, advocating for the rights of farmers and laborers, promoting monetary reform, and opposing the dominance of the wealthy elite.

Political machines

Organizations that used political patronage and bribery to control local governments and influence elections.

Settlement house

A community center in urban areas that provides social services, educational opportunities, and support to immigrants and low-income families.

Transcontinental railroad

A railroad that connects the eastern and western coasts of the United States, completed in 1869. It facilitated westward expansion and economic growth.

Reservation

Land designated for Native American tribes, often reducing their traditional territories and autonomy.

Assimilation

The process by which individuals or groups adopt the cultural norms of a dominant or host society, often involving the loss of original cultural identity.

Laissez-faire

An economic philosophy of minimal government intervention in the economy, advocating for free markets and competition.

Plessy v. Ferguson

A landmark Supreme Court case from 1896 that upheld racial segregation under the "separate but equal" doctrine, effectively legitimizing state laws that enforced racial discrimination.

Socialists

Members of a political and economic theory advocating for social ownership and democratic control of the means of production, promoting equality and social welfare.

Jane Addams

A prominent social reformer and founder of Hull House, she advocated for social justice and women's rights.

Gospel of Wealth

An essay by Andrew Carnegie that argued wealthy individuals have an obligation to use their riches to promote the welfare and education of society.

Capitalism

An economic system characterized by private ownership of the means of production, where investments and production are driven by profit motives.

Mexican-American

A term used to describe people of Mexican descent living in the United States, often associated with cultural identity and social issues.

Educational Institutions

any organization or establishment that provides education and learning opportunities, including schools, colleges, universities, and training centers.

Holding Companies

A company that owns other companies' outstanding stock, allowing it to control their operations while minimizing risk.

Trusts

Legal arrangements where one party holds property for the benefit of another. They are often used to manage assets and investments.

Corporations

legal entities that are separate from their owners, allowing them to operate as independent businesses with rights and responsibilities.

Pacific Rim

the geographic area surrounding the Pacific Ocean

Social Gospel

movement within Protestantism that aims to apply Christian ethics to social problems, especially issues of social justice such as economic inequality, poverty, alcoholism, crime, racial tensions, slums, unclean environment, child labor, lack of unionization, poor schools, and the dangers of war. It was most prominent in the early 20th-century United State

Utopianism

a series of social experiments in the early to mid-19th century aimed at creating ideal societies based on various philosophical, religious, or communal principles.