Exam Review: The Gilded Age (1865-1898)

These flashcards cover key concepts, events, and definitions related to the Gilded Age, supporting students in their exam preparation.

What years mark the beginning and end of the Gilded Age?

1865 to 1898.

What significant war at the turn of the century signified the rise of the US as an imperial power?

The Spanish-American War.

What major industrial development occurred during the 2nd Industrial Revolution after the Civil War?

Assembly-line production and new technologies like the telephone and automobile.

Which economic system is defined by private control and operation of trade and industry for profit?

Capitalism.

What technological advancements contributed to the rise of industrial capitalism in the United States?

Large-scale production methods, new markets, and technological innovations.

What was the primary industry driving economic growth during the Gilded Age?

Railroads.

What was the relationship between immigration and urbanization during the Gilded Age?

Immigration contributed to rapid urbanization as cities grew to accommodate new workers.

What was the Farmers' Alliance, and what was its purpose?

An organized agrarian economic movement among American farmers seeking better conditions and policies.

What was the significance of the Homestead Strike of 1892?

It marked a pivotal event in U.S. labor history, resulting in a major defeat for the union.

Who were the 'Robber Barons' of the Gilded Age?

Business magnates like Andrew Carnegie and John D. Rockefeller who amassed massive wealth and influenced the economy.

What landmark Supreme Court case upheld racial segregation laws in 1896?

Plessy v. Ferguson.

How did the U.S. government's policies affect Native Americans during the Gilded Age?

They violated treaties and confined Native Americans to reservations.

What was a key concept of Social Darwinism during the Gilded Age?

The belief that the strong should thrive and the weak should decline, applied to society and economics.

What sparked the Panic of 1893?

The collapse of two major railroad companies led to a national economic crisis.

What did Jane Addams advocate for through her work with settlement houses?

Improving the lives of the poor and helping immigrants adapt to American society.

What changes did the Transcontinental Railroad bring to America?

It connected the eastern U.S. rail network with the Pacific coast, expanding trade and travel.

What was the impact of the Gilded Age on the political landscape in the U.S.?

Growth of corruption through political machines and the rise of Populism in response to economic inequalities.