15. From Agriculture to Industry (Industrial Revolution, the Gilded Age, urbanization, immigration). American economy.

What caused the shift from agriculture to industry in the U.S. during the 19th century?

• The Industrial Revolution

• technological advancements

• the opening of new factories

• the influx of immigrants to cities contributed to the shift.

• The War of 1812 also played a role by stimulating the U.S. economy, leading to the growth of industries like textiles.

How did the War of 1812 influence the American economy?

• disrupted trade and forced American factories to grow.

• After the war, British imports flooded the market, hurting American businesses, which led to the passage of the 1816 tariff law to protect U.S. manufacturers by taxing foreign goods.

What was the Panic of 1819 and how did it affect the U.S. economy?

• the first major financial crisis in the U.S.,

• caused by excessive borrowing, easy credit, and speculative land buying.

• It led to a recession, causing widespread bankruptcies, falling prices, and the introduction of new economic policies, including a tariff in 1824.

What role did the railroad play in America's industrialization?

• in 1869

• connected the East and West coasts

• the transportation of goods and expanding markets.

• This development spurred economic growth and urbanization, although it was also marked by corruption and monopolistic practices.

What was the Second Industrial Revolution, and how did it impact the U.S.?

• starting in the mid-19th century

• was characterized by technological advancements such as the telephone and light bulb.

• It resulted in the rise of mass production, the growth of large factories, and the formation of monopolies in industries like steel, oil, and railroads.

Who were the "robber barons" of the Gilded Age?

• The "robber barons" were industrialists who amassed vast wealth through questionable and exploitative practices.

• were industrialists like Cornelius Vanderbilt (railroads), John D. Rockefeller (oil), Andrew Carnegie (steel), and J.P. Morgan (finance)

• They amassed wealth by dominating their industries and engaging in exploitative business practices.

How did urbanization impact American cities in the late 19th century?

• The rapid industrialization led to the growth of cities, which became overcrowded with immigrants and rural migrants seeking jobs.

• This urbanization created problems like poor housing (tenements), inadequate sanitation, and lack of infrastructure, while also expanding the gap between the wealthy and the poor.

What were the working conditions like during the Gilded Age?

• workets, including women and children, endured long hours (59 hours/week), low wages, poor hygiene, and unsafe conditions in factories and mines.

• There were few labor protections, and injuries at the workplace were common.

What was the National Labor Union (NLU), and what were its achievements?

• founded in 1866,

• the first significant labor organization in the U.S.

• It helped secure the eight-hour workday for federal employees and worked to abolish the exploitation of immigrant labor.

Why was the late 19th century referred to as the Gilded Age?

• referred to the outward appearance of prosperity that masked serious issues like poverty, corruption, inequality, and worker exploitation.

• It was a time of rapid economic growth for some but hardship for many.

How did immigration contribute to industrial growth in the U.S.?

• Immigrants provided cheap labor for factories, mines, and railroads.

• Many settled in cities, creating ethnic enclaves, and contributed to the industrial workforce.

• However, their arrival also led to anti-immigrant sentiments and social tensions.

What were the primary reasons for immigration to the U.S. in the late 19th century?

Immigrants came to the U.S. seeking better economic opportunities, escaping racial, religious, or political persecution, and fleeing poverty and overpopulation in their home countries.

What was Ellis Island, and why was it significant?

• opened in 1892

• the main immigration processing center for those arriving in the U.S.

• It symbolized the nation's openness to immigrants, with the Statue of Liberty nearby representing freedom and opportunity.

How did the Gilded Age impact American politics?

• It saw corruption, political machines, and a lack of political reform.

• Despite this, the era also saw significant political engagement, with debates over issues like prohibition, tariffs, and women's suffrage.

What were some of the social issues faced during the Gilded Age?

• income inequality

• child labor

• lack of workers' rights

• Poor living conditions in cities,

• discrimination against immigrants, African Americans, and women.

• These issues led to calls for reform during the Progressive Era.

What was the impact of the Gilded Age on the U.S. economy?

• The Gilded Age economy saw rapid industrialization, the rise of big businesses, and the formation of monopolies.

• however, it also led to economic instability, with financial panics and growing income inequality between the rich and poor.

What role did labor unions play during the Gilded Age?

• emerged as workers organized to demand better wages, working conditions, and shorter work hours.

• Although progress was slow, unions like the National Labor Union and the Knights of Labor advocated for workers' rights during the Gilded Age.

What were the main characteristics of the "laissez-faire" economy in the late 19th century?

• meant minimal government regulation of business.

• It allowed industries to grow rapidly, but also led to monopolies, exploitative labor practices, and a lack of worker protections

What was the role of the railroad in the Gilded Age economy?

• they enabled the transportation of goods across the country, connecting distant markets, and supporting the growth of industries like mining, steel, and agriculture.

What was Progressivism, and how did it address the issues of the Gilded Age?

• a reform movement that sought to address the social, political, and economic issues arising from industrialization.

• Progressives advocated for government regulation of business, workers' rights, civil service reform, and social welfare programs.

What was the significance of the Transcontinental Railroad for America's development?

• , was crucial for linking the eastern and western parts of the U.S.

• It facilitated the movement of goods, people, and resources across the country, helping to unite the nation and spur economic growth.

What was the role of the federal government in the expansion of industry during the Gilded Age?

• provided subsidies for railroads, offering land grants, and maintaining a hands-off approach to business regulation.

• This laissez-faire attitude encouraged the growth of big business and monopolies.

How did the rise of monopolies impact the American economy during the Gilded Age?

• allowed a few individuals and companies to dominate entire industries.

• While this led to economic efficiency in some areas, it also resulted in exploitation of workers, manipulation of markets, and the stifling of competition.

What was the impact of the "robber barons" on American society?

While they contributed to economic growth, they also became symbols of greed and inequality, sparking calls for social and economic reforms.

How did the rise of labor unions affect the workplace in the late 19th century?

• Fought for workers' rights, including better wages, shorter hours, and safer working conditions.

• The rise of unions like the Knights of Labor and the American Federation of Labor (AFL) marked the beginning of collective bargaining, though the movement faced resistance from employers and the government

What was the significance of the Pullman Strike (1894)?

• a nationwide railroad strike that began in Chicago and became a key event in the history of American labor movements.

• The strike was broken up by federal troops, which highlighted the tensions between labor and government. It also led to the establishment of Labor Day as a national holiday.

What was the role of child labor during the Gilded Age?

• widespread during the Gilded Age,

• children working in factories, mines, and sweatshops under harsh and dangerous conditions.

• The use of child labor contributed to the cheap labor force that fueled industrial growth but also prompted social reform movements advocating for child labor laws.

How did the growth of cities lead to the rise of political machines?

• As cities rapidly expanded during urbanization, political machines, like Tammany Hall in New York, gained power by providing services and jobs in exchange for votes.

• These machines were often corrupt but played a central role in urban politics, helping immigrants and the poor but also engaging in widespread political graft.

How did immigration affect the American economy and culture?

• provided essential labor for the growing industries, especially in cities, contributing to the nation's economic development.

• Culturally, they enriched American society by introducing new traditions, foods, and languages, but also faced prejudice and discrimination, leading to nativist sentiments.

How did the Gilded Age contribute to the Progressive Era?

• The corruption, inequality, and social problems exposed during the Gilded Age, such as labor exploitation and political corruption, laid the foundation for the Progressive Era.

• Reformers sought to address these issues through laws regulating businesses, improving working conditions, and advocating for social justice.

What was the impact of the rise of trusts and monopolies on the consumer market?

• often led to higher prices for consumers, as large companies controlled production and distribution, eliminating competition.

• This resulted in limited choices for consumers and, in many cases, exploited workers who had no alternative but to accept low wages and poor working conditions.

How did technological advancements impact American industry during the Gilded Age?

• the telephone, electric power, the Bessemer steel process, and the mechanization of agriculture revolutionized American industry.

• These advancements increased productivity, improved manufacturing processes, and expanded industries, leading to economic growth but also contributing to labor exploitation.