American Studies Innovation and Industrialization Quiz Study Guide

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to innovation and industrialization in American history.

Industrial Revolution

A time period in which technological advancement and industry began improving drastically, forming the basis of the American lifestyle.

Robber Baron

An American capitalist who became wealthy through exploitation, such as leveraging natural resources or cutting worker wages.

Political Machines

Organizations designed to keep and gain power by providing jobs, housing, and basic necessities to new city dwellers in exchange for votes.

Knights of Labor

A labor union founded by Terence Powderly that focused on achieving an 8-hour workday and banning child labor, using boycotts rather than strikes.

American Federation of Labor (AFL)

A labor organization founded by Samuel Gompers that emphasized closed shops and recognized unions, primarily welcoming white male workers.

Gospel of Wealth

A philosophy proposing that wealthy Americans should engage in philanthropy and use their fortunes to assist social goals and humanitarian efforts.

Monopoly

Total control of a type of industry by one person or company, exemplified by Rockefeller's dominance in the oil-refining sector.

Laissez-faire Capitalism

A policy advocating minimal government interference in the economy, allowing individuals to operate freely within the market.

Vertical Integration

The strategy of combining companies that supply different services or goods needed for a particular industry.

Horizontal Integration

The strategy of merging multiple firms engaged in the same business into one corporation.

Angel Island

An immigration station located in San Francisco where immigrants from Asia were processed.

Ellis Island

The immigration station where immigrants passed requirements to enter the U.S., most importantly ensuring good health.

Social Darwinism

A theory applying Darwin's ideas of natural selection to human societies, suggesting that the strongest individuals or groups would succeed.

Gilded Age

A period marked by rapid industrial growth, urban expansion, and extravagant wealth, accompanied by stark social contrasts.

Tenement

A type of apartment housing often associated with the lower class, typically lacking basic amenities like private bathrooms.

Andrew Carnegie

A Scottish-American entrepreneur who rose from poverty to lead in the steel industry and promote philanthropic efforts.

John D. Rockefeller

An American entrepreneur who founded the Standard Oil Company, dominating the oil-refining industry in the late 19th century.

Vanderbilt Family

A wealthy American family known for their shipping and railroad enterprises, particularly Cornelius Vanderbilt, who significantly influenced transportation in the U.S.

Homestead Steel Strike

A significant labor dispute in 1892 between steelworkers and the Carnegie Steel Company (Mr. Frick) resulted in violent clashes and a setback for the labor movement.

Unions

Organizations formed by workers to advocate for better wages, working conditions, and labor rights.

Anti-Union Practices

Refers to actions and policies implemented by employers to undermine labor unions, discourage union membership, and resist collective bargaining.

Strikes

Coordinated work stoppages by employees to demand better working conditions, pay, or other employment terms.

Boycotting

A refusal to buy or use goods and services from a company or country as a form of protest against their policies or practices.

Blacklist

A list of individuals or organizations that are denied employment or services due to their union activity or political beliefs, often used to suppress labor movements.

Yellow-Dog Contracts

Agreements between employers and employees stipulating that the worker must not join a union as a condition of employment.

Scabs

Workers who cross picket lines to replace striking employees, often considered traitors by union members.