Westward Expansion and the Gilded Age Overview

Pacific Railway Act

Legislation promoting railroad construction to the West.

Homestead Act

Granted land to settlers for farming in the West.

Assimilation policy

Government efforts to integrate Native Americans into American culture.

Reservation system

Designated lands for Native American tribes.

Carlisle School

Institution aimed at assimilating Native American children.

Dawes Act

Divided tribal lands into individual plots for Native Americans.

Gilded Age

Period marked by rapid industrialization and economic growth.

Laissez-faire policies

Government's non-interference in business practices.

The Grange

Farmers' organization advocating for agricultural interests.

Farmers Alliance

Coalition of farmers promoting economic reforms.

Populist Party

Political party advocating for farmers and workers' rights.

Interstate Commerce Act

Regulated railroad rates and practices.

Labor reform

Movement aimed at improving workers' rights and conditions.

Trust Busting

Government efforts to break up monopolies.

Muckrakers

Journalists exposing corruption and social issues.

Meat Inspection Act

Law ensuring sanitary conditions in meatpacking.

Pure Food & Drug Act

Regulated food and pharmaceutical safety.

Federal Reserve

Central bank regulating money supply and banks.

Clayton Anti-Trust Act

Strengthened regulations against monopolistic practices.

Prohibition

Legal ban on alcohol production and sale.

Women's Suffrage

Movement for women's right to vote.

16th Amendment

Established federal income tax.

17th Amendment

Allowed direct election of U.S. senators.

18th Amendment

Prohibited alcohol in the United States.

19th Amendment

Granted women the right to vote.