APUSH Unit 6

Westward Expansion

The movement of settlers and the expansion of the United States towards the western frontier in the second half of the 1800s.

Transcontinental Railroad

A railroad system that connected the eastern and western coasts of the United States, playing a crucial role in facilitating westward expansion.

Homestead Act

A law that granted 160 acres of public land to settlers who agreed to improve the land by building a dwelling and cultivating crops.

Mining, Farming, Ranching in the West

Economic activities that played a significant role in the development of the western frontier, including the extraction of minerals, agricultural practices, and raising livestock.

Impacts on Native Americans

The consequences and effects of westward expansion on Native American tribes, including displacement, loss of land, and conflicts with settlers.

The "New South"

The transformation of the southern states after the Civil War, characterized by attempts at industrialization, changes in agriculture (such as sharecropping and tenant farming), and the impact on African Americans after Reconstruction.

Attempts at Industrialization in the South

Efforts to develop industrial sectors in the southern states, aiming to diversify the economy and reduce dependence on agriculture.

Agriculture in the South (Sharecropping & Tenant Farmers)

Agricultural practices in the southern states, including sharecropping (a system where tenants worked on land in exchange for a share of the crops) and tenant farming (renting land to cultivate crops).

African Americans after Reconstruction (Plessy v

The experiences and challenges faced by African Americans in the South after the Reconstruction era, including the Supreme Court case Plessy v. Ferguson, which upheld racial segregation.

Technological Innovations, Industry & Labor

The impact of technological advancements on the development of the United States, including changes in society and the economy.

New Forms of Communication & Technology

The introduction of new communication methods like the telegraph and technological advancements such as railroads, steel production, and electric lights.

Growth of Big Business & its Practices & Philosophies

The expansion of large corporations and their business practices, including the philosophy of Social Darwinism, which justified the concentration of wealth and power.

Labor in the Gilded Age

The conditions and challenges faced by workers during the Gilded Age, including the rise of labor unions and the fight for better working conditions.

Immigration

The movement of people from other countries to the United States, influenced by cultural and economic factors, and the various responses to immigration.

Migration of African Americans

The movement of African Americans from the rural South to urban areas in search of better opportunities and to escape racial discrimination.

Growth of Cities

The rapid urbanization and expansion of cities in the United States, driven by industrialization and immigration.

Influx of Immigrants & American Responses

The significant increase in the number of immigrants coming to the United States and the different reactions and responses from American society.

Growth of Middle Class & Reforms

The expansion of the middle class due to increased economic opportunities and the reforms that emerged in response to industrial capitalism.

Middle Class Culture

The values, lifestyles, and aspirations of the middle class during this time period.

Reforms such as Social Gospel, role of women in the reforms, etc.

Various reform movements, including the Social Gospel movement and the involvement of women in advocating for social change.

Politics in the Gilded Age

The continuities and changes in the role of government in the economy, as well as the similarities and differences between political parties.

Domestic Laissez-Faire Policies vs

The government's hands-off approach to domestic economic affairs contrasted with its involvement in foreign economic policies.

Urban Politics (Political Machines)

The political machines that emerged in urban areas, characterized by corrupt practices and providing services in exchange for political support.

Creation of Populist Party

The formation of the Populist Party, a political party that represented the interests of farmers and laborers and advocated for reforms.

"The Helping Hand", Puck Magazine, Apr

A political cartoon published in Puck Magazine in April 1911, reflecting the social and political issues of the time period.