Industrial America 1860-1900: Business, Labor, and Social Changes

What stimulated Northern industrial development after the Civil War?

The Civil War stimulated Northern industrial development, leading to unprecedented economic growth.

What demographic shift occurred during the rise of industrial America?

There was a mass migration from rural areas to burgeoning industrial cities.

What characterized the emergence of big business in the Industrial Era?

The rise of giant corporations in a rapidly changing legal and ethical environment, resulting in both prosperity and poverty.

What was a significant consequence of economic inequality during this period?

The widening gap between the rich and poor, leading to tensions between equal political rights and unequal economic status.

What role did technological innovation play in industrial growth?

Advancements in transportation and communication created a national marketplace.

What natural resources were exploited to drive industrial and agricultural growth?

Fertile soil, rivers, forests, minerals, oil, coal, water, and iron ore.

How did immigration impact the labor supply during the Industrial Era?

The influx of immigrants provided a large pool of low-wage workers and expanded consumer markets.

What were the two contrasting views of business leaders during this era?

They were viewed as 'Captains of Industry' or 'Robber Barons' based on their business practices and impact.

What were the three core developments of the Second Industrial Revolution?

Modern transportation/communication, harnessing electrical power, and systematic application of scientific research to industrial production.

What was the significance of mass production and consumerism?

New technologies and business strategies enabled widespread production, lowered prices, and increased focus on marketing and advertising.

What are Bonanza Farms?

Large-scale, corporate-owned agricultural operations in the West that increased agricultural productivity.

Who invented the telephone and what company did he help form?

Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone and helped form AT&T.

What was Thomas Edison's contribution to technology?

He established an 'invention factory' at Menlo Park and created key inventions like the phonograph and lightbulb.

What was the advantage of alternating current (AC) developed by Westinghouse and Tesla?

AC allowed for wider distribution of electricity, enabling urban growth.

What was the impact of the railroad revolution on the economy?

Railroads dramatically increased mileage, symbolized industrial development, and facilitated the movement of people and goods.

How did railroads transform the economy of the West?

They opened the West to commercial agriculture, mining, cattle ranching, and forestry.

What federal act supported railroad construction in 1862?

The Pacific Railway Act provided land and money to construction companies.

What challenges did railroad construction face?

Building transcontinental lines involved arduous processes, mobile camps, and a diverse workforce.

What were the negative consequences of the railroad boom?

Overbuilding, bankruptcies, political corruption, and threats to Indigenous peoples' way of life.

What defines a corporation and its benefits?

A corporation is a legal entity that provides limited liability and can raise capital.

What strategies did industrial giants use to eliminate competition?

They formed 'pools' and drove out or bought weaker companies.

What was Andrew Carnegie's focus in the steel industry?

He emphasized cost-cutting and vertical integration to become the largest industrial company.

What was the significance of 'The Gospel of Wealth'?

Andrew Carnegie's philosophy on wealth accumulation and philanthropy, promoting charitable giving.

What were the challenges faced by workers during the Industrial Era?

Labor exploitation, monopolistic practices, environmental degradation, political corruption, and socioeconomic inequality.

How did lobbying influence government during the Laissez-Faire Era?

Wealthy tycoons influenced government policies and legislation favoring big business.

What characterized the growing class divisions in society?

A widening gap between the wealthy elite and the working poor.

What roles did middle-class women take on during this period?

They entered the workforce as clerks, secretaries, teachers, nurses, and librarians.

What was the National Labor Union's goal?

To achieve an eight-hour workday and cooperatives, but it excluded women and African Americans.

What was the outcome of the Great Railroad Strike of 1877?

It spread across the nation, led to violence, and resulted in government intervention.

What was the significance of the Haymarket Riot in 1886?

It was a pivotal event that negatively impacted the Knights of Labor and highlighted tensions surrounding labor rights.

Who was Samuel Gompers and what did he advocate for?

He was the leader of the American Federation of Labor (AFL), focusing on 'bread-and-butter' issues for skilled workers.