history study guide

new immigrants

immigrants from southern and eastern Europe who formed a recognizable wave of immigration from the 1880s to 1924

old immigrants

immigrants who came to the U.S before the 1880s, mainly from northern and western europe, such as ireland, germany, and britain

americanization

the process of immigrants adopting American culture, languages, customs, and values, to fit into U.S society

steerage

the cheapest and most crowded section of a ship, where many immigrants traveled in poor and uncomfortable conditions

ellis island

an immigration processing station in New York Harbor that opened in 1892 and primarily processed immigrants arriving from Europe

angel island

an immigration station in San Francisco Bay that opened in 1910 and primarily processed Asian immigrants, especially Chinese immigrants, who often faced strict questioning and long detentions

melting pot

the idea that immigrants from different cultures and backgrounds blend together to form one shared American culture 

nativism

the belief that native-born Americans should be favored over immigrants, often leading to discrimination and restrictions on immigration

chinese exclusion act

a federal law that banned most Chinese laborers from immigrating to the United States because of discrimination and fears of job competition 

urbanization

the growth of cities as more people moved from rural areas to urban areas, mainly for jobs and better opportunities

rural to urban migrants

people who moved from the countryside to cities, mainly for jobs and better opportunities 

skyscraper

a very tall building made possible by new technologies like steel frames and elevators, built as cities grew in the late 1800s

elisha otis

 an american inventor who developed the safety elevator, making tall buildings and skyscrapers safer and more practical during urbanization

mass transit

public transportation systems, such as streetcars, subways, and trains, that allowed large numbers of people to travel quickly and efficiently through growing cities

suburbs

residential communities located outside major cities where people lived while often commuting to the city for work

frederick law olmsted

an american landscape architect who designed central park in NYC and promoted public parks to provide green spaces in growing cities 

tenements

crowded, low-cost apartment buildings where many poor immigrants and working class families lived in growing cities

mark twain

a famous American author who wrote “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” and “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn”, using humor and satire to criticize American society and social issues 

the gilded age

a period in American history (1870s–1900) marked by rapid industrial growth, great wealth, political corruption, and a large gap between the rich and poor

conspicuous consumption

the practice of buying expensive and luxurious goods to show off wealth and social status, especially among the rich during the Gilded Age 

mass culture

the spread of shared entertainment, products, and activities, such as newspapers, sports, and shopping, that became popular among large groups of Americans during the Gilded Age 

joseph pulitzer

a famous newspaper publisher during the Gilded Age who helped popularize yellow journalism, using sensational headlines and stories to attract readers and increase newspaper sales

William Randolph Hearst

a wealthy newspaper publisher during the Gilded Age who used yellow journalism including exaggerated and sensational stories, to attract readers and increase newspaper sales.

Horatio Alger

a 19th century American author (during the gilded age) who wrote rags-to-riches stories about poor young boys achieving success through hard work, honesty, and determination

John Wanamaker

an american businessman who helped develop modern department stores by introducing fixed prices, advertising, and money-back guarantees, making shopping easier and more popular during the Gilded Age

R.H. Macy

an american businessman who founded Macy’s department store in New York City, helping popularize large department stores and modern shopping during the Gilded Ages

Tin Pan Alley

an area in New York City where music publishers and songwriters produced popular songs, helping spread American popular music and mass culture during the Gilded Age

vaudeville

A popular form of entertainment during the Gilded Age that featured live variety shows with comedy, music, dancing, and other performances

ragtime

A popular style of music developed by African American musicians in the late 1800s, known for its lively, syncopated rhythms, which helped influence the development of jazz

John dewey

An American philosopher and education reformer who promoted progressive education, emphasizing hands-on learning, critical thinking, and learning through experience rather than memorization

Coney Island

A popular amusement and entertainment destination in New York City during the Gilded Age, known for its beaches, rides, and attractions that provided affordable recreation for working-class Americans