US History Study Guide: The Gilded Age and Late 1800

What does "Gilded Age" mean and where did the term come from?

It comes from Mark Twain's novel The Gilded Age—"gilded" means covered with a thin layer of gold, symbolizing that America looked prosperous on the surface but hid serious problems underneath.

What years did the Gilded Age cover?

Roughly 1870s-1900.

What were the main features of the Gilded Age?

Rapid industrial growth and wealth creation, extreme poverty and inequality, political corruption, labor conflicts, and debates over the role of government.

What was the purpose of the Interstate Commerce Act?

To regulate railroad companies and prevent unfair shipping rates.

Why was the Interstate Commerce Act important?

It was the first major federal regulation of private industry.

What agency did it create?

The Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC).

What did the McKinley Tariff Act do?

Raised import taxes to nearly 50% to protect American manufacturers. (on foreign goods)

What were the effects of the McKinley Tariff Act?

Higher prices for consumers, hurt farmers who exported goods, and led to Republican losses in 1890 elections.

What political debate did the McKinley Tariff highlight?

Republicans supported high tariffs; Democrats wanted lower ones.

What was the goal of the Sherman Anti-Trust Act?

To break up monopolies and trusts that restrained trade.

Why was the Sherman Act weak at first?

It was vaguely worded and poorly enforced.

How was the Sherman Act ironically used in its early years?

It was often used against labor unions instead of big businesses.

What problem did the Pendleton Act address?

The corruption of the "spoils system," where political supporters got government jobs.

What was the spoils system

the practice of giving government jobs to political supporters and friends instead of hiring people based on merit or qualifications

What did the Pendleton Act establish?

Merit-based hiring and competitive exams for some federal positions.

Why was the Pendleton Act passed?

In response to President Garfield's assassination by a disappointed office-seeker.

Who was William Jennings Bryan?

A Democratic and Populist leader known for supporting farmers and the working class.

What famous speech did Bryan give?

The "Cross of Gold" speech (1896) supporting silver currency.

What were Bryan's main beliefs?

Free silver, lower tariffs, income tax, and direct election of senators.

Who was Eugene V. Debs?

A labor leader, socialist, and president of the American Railway Union (ARU).

What major strike did Debs lead?

The Pullman Strike (1894).

What was Debs's legacy?

Advocate for workers' rights and a five-time Socialist presidential candidate.

What caused the Pullman Strike?

Wage cuts while rent in company-owned housing remained high.

Who led the strike?

Eugene V. Debs and the American Railway Union.

How did the federal government respond?

President Cleveland sent federal troops to end the strike, citing interference with mail delivery.

What was the outcome of the Pullman Strike?

The strike was crushed, Debs was jailed, and it showed government bias toward business over labor.

What were the main causes of the Economic Depression of the 1890s?

Stock market crash, bank failures, overbuilt railroads, falling crop prices, gold standard deflation, and massive unemployment.

What percentage of unemployment occurred in some areas during the 1890s depression?

Up to 20%.

Who supported the Gold Standard and why?

Bankers and the wealthy—it kept currency stable and limited inflation.

Who supported Free Silver and why?

Farmers and debtors—it would increase money supply, cause inflation, and make debts easier to pay.

Why did poor people favor silver?

Inflation would make their debts cheaper in real terms and raise crop prices.

What was Populism?

A movement representing farmers and workers against wealthy elites.

What party represented Populism?

The People's Party (Populist Party), founded in 1892.

Who supported the Populist Party?

Farmers, laborers, and miners, mainly in the South and West.

What were key Populist goals?

Free silver, graduated income tax, government ownership of railroads/telegraphs, direct election of senators, secret ballot, 8-hour workday, and immigration restrictions.

What was the impact of Populism?

It never won the presidency but influenced major parties; several Populist reforms (income tax, direct election of senators) later became law.

What are the cons of government solving social problems?

Risk of inefficiency or overreach; may limit individual initiative.

What are the pros of government solving social problems

Can regulate fairness and provide resources individuals can't.

Should essential workers be allowed to strike?

Debate balances workers' rights to fair pay against public safety and essential services.

Should presidents use troops to stop strikes?

Raises questions about federal authority vs. workers' rights; precedent began during the Pullman Strike.

What are the pros of tariffs?

Protect American jobs, reduce foreign dependence, and raise government revenue.

What are the cons of tariffs?

Higher consumer prices, trade wars, and harm to exporters.

Why did poor people in US wanted silver, not gold standard for money?

it would increase the money supply, cause inflation, and make it easier for them to pay off debts.

Populism

a political movement that claims to represent ordinary people against powerful elites.

Causes of economic depression of 1890s

overproduction, falling crop prices, bank failures, railroad overbuilding, and the collapse of the silver market (Panic of 1893).

Order of acts

Pendleton Act (1883), Interstate Commerce Act (1887), Sherman Antitrust Act (1890), McKinley Tariff Act (1890)