Gilded age

Silverites

A group advocating for currency backed by both silver and gold to cause inflation and benefit farmers.

Goldbugs

Advocates for a monetary system backed only by gold to maintain stable currency, benefiting bankers.

Americanization

The process of immigrants adopting American culture, language, and customs.

Influx

A large arrival or flow of people, goods, or ideas into a place.

Social Darwinism

The application of natural selection theories to society, justifying inequality and capitalism.

Assimilation

The process by which a group adopts the culture of another group, often losing their original cultural aspects.

Klondike Gold Rush

A mass migration to Canada’s Yukon Territory from 1896 to 1899 following gold discovery.

Soddie (Sod House)

A house made from sod, built where lumber was scarce, especially on the Great Plains.

Bessemer Process

A method for mass-producing steel efficiently by blowing air through molten iron.

Labor Union

An organization of workers formed to protect their rights, especially regarding wages and working conditions.

Tenements

Poorly built, overcrowded apartment buildings housing immigrant families during industrialization.

Bimetallic Standard

A monetary system where currency is backed by both gold and silver.

Nativism

Favoring native-born citizens, often leading to prejudice against immigrants.

The Grange/Granger Movement

A farmers’ organization pushing for economic reforms and better conditions for farmers.

Boomers

Settlers who claimed land during government giveaways, notably in the Oklahoma Land Rush.

Naturalization

The legal process for immigrants to become U.S. citizens.

Transcontinental Railroad

The first railroad to connect the East and West coasts of the U.S., completed in 1869.

Coinage of Silver

The demand for minting silver coins to increase money supply and cause inflation.

Oppression

Prolonged unjust treatment or control of people, often involving rights denial.

Trust/Monopoly

A large organization that controls an entire industry, limiting competition.

Corruption

Dishonest or illegal behavior by those in power, often related to bribery.

Philanthropy/Philanthropist

The act of donating resources to help others; a philanthropist is one who does this.

Urbanization

The growth of cities due to migration from rural areas, often linked to industrialization.

Exoduster

African Americans who migrated to Kansas from the South to escape racism and find land.

Political Machines & Bosses

Groups that controlled city politics through corruption; bosses exchanged favors for votes.

Famine

A severe shortage of food that leads to widespread hunger.

Populist Party

A political party in the 1890s representing farmers and workers advocating for reforms.

Homesteading

The process of settling government-given land, notably via the Homestead Act of 1862.

Robber Barons/Captains of Industry

Two views of wealthy industrialists; 'robber barons' exploited workers, while 'captains' were seen as innovators.

Industrialization

The transition from an agricultural society to one based on manufacturing and mass production.

Industry

The production of goods and services within an economy, particularly large-scale manufacturing.