Industrialization, Immigration, and the Gilded Age (1877-1914)

This set of flashcards covers key terms and concepts related to the Industrialization, Immigration, and Gilded Age period in America from 1877 to 1914.

Gilded Age

Period in late 19th century America characterized by rapid industrial growth and social inequality.

Transcontinental Railroad

Completed in 1869, it was a railroad connecting eastern factories to western markets. Symbol of national unity

John D. Rockefeller

Founder of Standard Oil who used horizontal integration to dominate the oil industry.

Andrew Carnegie

Creator of Carnegie Steel who employed vertical integration to control all stages of steel production.

Bessemer Process

An invention that enabled the cheap production of strong steel, facilitating skyscraper and bridge construction.

Labor Movement

A movement in which workers organized to improve wages, hours, and working conditions.

Socialism

An economic system where government or workers control industries to share wealth equally.

Nativism

The belief that native-born Americans are superior to immigrants, leading to restrictions on immigration.

Chinese Exclusion Act (1882)

The first law to ban immigration by nationality, targeting Chinese immigrants specifically.

Tammany Hall

The most famous political machine in New York City, known for controlling city government through favors and jobs.

Progressive Era Reforms

Reforms aimed at exposing corruption and reducing the influence of political machines in government.

Triangle Shirtwaist Fire

A disaster in 1911 that resulted in 146 deaths, leading to workplace safety reforms.

Urbanization (Gilded Age)

The rapid growth of cities, driven by industrialization and immigration, leading to significant social and economic changes.

Social Darwinism

A controversial philosophy applying 'survival of the fittest' to human society and business, often used to justify wealth inequality.

Muckrakers

Investigative journalists of the Progressive Era who exposed corruption, injustice, and social problems.

Initiative, Referendum, and Recall

Progressive Era political reforms allowing citizens to propose laws, vote on laws passed by legislatures, and remove elected officials from office.

Populist Party

A political party (1892-1896) representing farmers and working-class interests, advocating for reforms like the coinage of silver and government regulation of railroads.

Push Factors for Immigration (Gilded Age)

poverty, famine, religious persecution, political instability, and lack of economic opportunity.

Pull Factors for Immigration (Gilded Age)

economic opportunities (jobs in factories/mines), land availability, religious freedom, and democratic ideals.