Studied by 217 people
Long Drives
A system by which cowboys herd cattle hundreds of miles North from Texas to Dodge City.
Trust
A legal agreement in which a group of companies turns over their stock to a board of trustees- who manage companies as a single entity.
Standard Oil Company
American oil corporation founded by John D. Rockefeller in 1870. Dominated the oil industry and controlled 90% of it by the late 1800s. Known for its aggressive business tactics and monopolistic practices. Dissolved in 1911 due to antitrust laws.
Vertical Integration
A business strategy where a company controls multiple stages of the production and distribution process, from raw materials to final product, to increase efficiency and reduce costs.
Assembly Line
A manufacturing process where a product is divided into tasks, with each worker specializing in one task.
Cross of Gold Speech
Famous speech given by William Jennings Bryan in 1896 advocating for the adoption of the silver standard in the U.S. monetary system. It criticized the gold standard and its impact on farmers and the working class. The speech became a symbol of the populist movement.
Mugwumps
Political figures who were Republicans in the late 19th century. They were known for being independent and for not aligning with either major political party.
Sherrnan Anti-trust Act
Passed in 1890, it aimed to prevent monopolies and promote fair competition in the United States. It made it illegal to engage in activities that restrained trade or created a monopoly.
Coxey’s Army
A protest march in 1894 led by Jacob Coxey, demanding government jobs for the unemployed during the economic depression.
Mary E. Lease
Prominent Populist leader in late 19th century America. Known for her fiery speeches advocating for farmers' rights and economic reforms.
Interstate Commerce Act
Legislation passed in 1887 to regulate trade between states. It aimed to prevent monopolies and unfair business practices in the railroad industry.
Gospel of Wealth
Andrew Carnegie's belief that the wealthy have a moral obligation to use their wealth for the greater good of society through philanthropy and social initiatives.
Looking Backwards
Envisioned a utopian socialist society where the government owned the means of production and distributed wealth equally among all citizens. Competition was irrelevant.
Urban Machine
Corrupt political organizations in U.S. cities during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They controlled local governments through bribery, fraud, and intimidation. Often associated with political bosses like William "Boss" Tweed in New York City.
New Immigrants
Significant increase in the number of immigrants coming from Southern and Eastern Europe, particularly from Italy, Greece, and the Russian Empire. These "new" immigrants were often poor and uneducated, and many were members of non-Protestant religions, such as Catholicism and Judaism.
Eugene Debs
American labor leader and socialist. Co-founded the Industrial Workers of the World and led the Pullman Strike in 1894. Advocated for workers’ rights and social justice.
Haymarket Square
Historic location in Chicago where a labor protest turned violent in 1886. A bomb was thrown, leading to a riot and the deaths of both protesters and police officers. The event had a significant impact on labor rights movements and is considered a turning point in American labor history.
Pullman Strike
A nationwide railroad strike in 1894 led by the American Railway Union against the Pullman Company. Workers protested wage cuts and unjust working conditions. President Grover Cleveland ordered federal troops to suppress the strike, resulting in violence and the decline of the union.
Half-Breeds
Term used to describe a faction within the Republican Party during the late 19th century. They advocated for civil service reform, favored moderate policies, and sought to reduce the influence of political patronage. Led by James G. Blaine, they aimed to bridge the gap between the conservative and liberal wings of the party.
William Tweed
Political boss and leader of Tammany Hall in the 19th century. Known for his corrupt practices and involvement in the Tweed Ring. Embezzled millions of dollars from New York City through fraudulent contracts. Symbolized the corruption and power of political machines during the Gilded Age.
Chief Joseph
Leader of the Nez Perce tribe, fought against U.S. government's forced removal of his people from their ancestral lands. Led a 1,200-mile retreat to Canada in 1877. Famous for his speech "I will fight no more forever." Symbol of Native American resistance and resilience.
National Pastime
"A term referring to the most popular sport or recreational activity in a particular country, often deeply ingrained in its culture and history."
White Collar
Refers to professionals or office workers who typically perform non-manual work in fields such as business, finance, or administration. They are often associated with higher education, managerial roles, and a more comfortable lifestyle compared to blue-collar workers.
Social Darwinism
The belief that individuals and societies compete for survival, and only the fittest should succeed. It justifies inequality and opposes government intervention in economic and social affairs.
Chinese Excusionary Act
Passed in 1882, it suspended Chinese immigration to the United States for 10 years.It was the first significant law to restrict immigration based on nationality.The Act was extended multiple times and was finally repealed in 1943.It reflected anti-Chinese sentiment and aimed to protect American workers and wages.
Monopoly
Complete ownership of every business.
Taylorism
A management theory developed by Frederick Taylor in the early 20th century. It emphasizes scientific methods to increase efficiency and productivity in the workplace. Taylorism focuses on breaking down tasks into small, repetitive steps and using time and motion studies to optimize workflow.
Andrew Carnegie
Robber baron and philanthropist who built a steel empire in the late 19th century. Advocated for vertical integration and used ruthless business tactics to dominate the industry. Later became a major philanthropist, funding libraries, universities, and other charitable causes.
Pendleton Act
Legislation passed in 1883 to reform civil service hiring in the US federal government. It established a merit-based system, replacing the spoils system. Jobs were awarded based on qualifications and competitive exams, reducing political favoritism. The act aimed to ensure fairness and professionalism in government employment.
Omaha Platform
Political document created in 1892 by the Populist Party. It called for reforms such as direct election of Senators, income tax, and government ownership of railroads. Aimed to address the concerns of farmers and laborers during a time of economic inequality and political corruption.
Bimetallism
Monetary system using two metals (usually gold and silver) as legal tender, allowing for their unlimited coinage at a fixed ratio.
William Jennings Bryan
American politician and orator. Democratic nominee for president in 1896, 1900, and 1908. Known for his populist and progressive views. Advocated for free silver, income tax, and women's suffrage
Panic of 1893
Economic crisis in the United States triggered by the collapse of railroad overbuilding, leading to bank failures, business closures, and high unemployment.
Populism
Political movement in the late 19th century that aimed to represent the interests of farmers and workers. Advocated for government intervention in the economy, such as the regulation of railroads and the creation of a bimetallic currency system. Focused on addressing income inequality and empowering the common people
How the Other Half Lives
Photographic book published in 1890 by Jacob Riis. Documents the living conditions of impoverished immigrants in New York City. Exposed the harsh realities of tenement life and led to social reforms, including improved housing and sanitation standards.
Patronage
The practice of giving financial support or favors, often in exchange for political or personal gain.
Tenements
Overcrowded and unsanitary urban housing for the poor.
AFL
A labor union formed in 1886 by Samuel Gompers in order to voice the working class. It fought against labor forces and debated work conditions for skilled workers.
Knights of Labor
Organization of workers that emerged in the late 19th century; fought for better working conditions, higher wages, and shorter hours; promoted the eight-hour workday and equal pay for women; advocated for the end of child labor and the creation of worker cooperatives.
Dawes Act
Legislation passed in 1887 to assimilate Native Americans into mainstream American society. It divided tribal lands into individual plots for Native Americans, but resulted in loss of communal land and cultural heritage.
Charles Darwin
Developed theory of evolution by natural selection. Published "On the Origin of Species" in 1859. Proposed that species change over time through adaptation
Wounded Knee
Violent clash in 1890 between US troops and Lakota Sioux, resulting in hundreds of Native American deaths. Symbolized the end of Native American resistance and marked a turning point in US policy towards assimilation.
Battle of Little Bighorn
A major conflict in 1876 between the Lakota Sioux and Cheyenne tribes and the U.S. Army led by General Custer. Native American warriors, led by Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull, defeated Custer's forces, resulting in a significant victory for the Native American resistance against westward expansion.
Bureau of Indian Affairs
Government agency established in 1824 to manage Native American affairs and promote assimilation. It oversaw reservations, education, healthcare, and tribal relations.
Chivington Massacre
A tragic event that occurred on November 29, 1864, when Colonel John Chivington led a surprise attack on a peaceful Cheyenne and Arapaho camp in Colorado. This massacre intensified tensions between Native Americans and settlers during the American Indian Wars.
Concentration vs. Assimilation
Policies used by governments to address indigenous populations. Concentration aimed to confine indigenous people to specific areas, while assimilation sought to integrate them into mainstream society.
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