Reconstruction & Gilded Age (1865–1890) Review

These flashcards cover key events, policies, and figures from the Reconstruction and Gilded Age periods in American history.

What ended the American Civil War in April 1865?

A Union (northern) victory.

What was Lincoln's Ten Percent Plan?

A proposal allowing rebel states re-admittance to the Union if 10% of the electorate agreed to an oath of allegiance.

What was the Wade-Davis Bill?

A proposal by radical Republicans requiring that 50% of a state's white males take an oath of allegiance.

What did Lincoln think of the Wade-Davis Bill?

He vetoed it, believing it was too harsh.

What was the Emancipation Proclamation?

An executive order by Lincoln in 1863 that ended slavery in the Confederate states.

What amendment approved in 1865 officially ended slavery?

The 13th Amendment.

Who became President after Lincoln's assassination?

Andrew Johnson.

What approach did Johnson take towards southern states?

A 'soft' approach, issuing pardons to ex-Confederates.

What was the outcome of Johnson's approach to reconstruction?

It led to opposition from Republicans and the enactment of black codes.

What did Johnson veto in 1866 related to civil rights?

The Freedmen's Bureau and the Civil Rights Act.

What was the result of Congress overruling Johnson’s vetoes?

The passage of the 14th Amendment securing civil rights for all.

What was the Reconstruction Act of 1867?

It placed 10 ex-Confederate states under military rule.

Who led the congressional attempts to impeach Johnson?

Radical Republican Thaddeus Stevens.

By how many votes did Johnson survive impeachment?

By one vote.

Who was elected president in November 1868?

Ulysses S. Grant.

What significant political era began after Grant's election?

Radical / Congressional Reconstruction.

What major scandals were associated with Grant's presidency?

The Whiskey Ring Scandal and manipulation of the gold market.

What was the outcome of the Hayes-Tilden election of 1876?

It resulted in the 1877 Compromise.

What did the 1877 Compromise entail?

Hayes would serve one term and remove federal troops from the South.

What economic policy dominated the U.S. during the Gilded Age?

Laissez-faire capitalism.

Who were some key Captains of Industry during this period?

Rockefeller, Carnegie, Vanderbilt, and JP Morgan.

What was horizontal integration?

Controlling the same stage of production, as seen in Standard Oil.

What was vertical integration?

Owning multiple stages of production, as practiced by Carnegie Steel.

What innovation did Carnegie bring to steel production?

The Bessemer process.

How much did annual steel production increase from 1875 to 1900?

From 360,000 tonnes in 1875 to 60 million in 1900.

What was the significance of the first transcontinental railroad completed in 1869?

It enabled travel from New York to San Francisco in 6 days.

How did the Civil War affect northern income?

It increased northern income by 50%.

What was the Homestead Act of 1862?

It provided land to settlers moving west.

What was one result of westward expansion?

Population growth and increased agricultural development.

What economic troubles did farmers face between 1870 and 1890?

Falling crop prices and rising mortgage debt.

How did mass immigration from 1860 to 1890 impact U.S. cities?

Cities saw significant population increases, with social enclaves forming.

What was the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882?

A law that aimed to restrict Chinese immigration due to job competition fears.

What challenges did African Americans face during Reconstruction?

Discrimination, black codes, and violent groups like the KKK.

What were the Reconstruction amendments?

The 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments aimed at securing rights for African Americans.

What did the Freedmen's Bureau accomplish?

It helped freedmen with labor contracts and established schools.

Who was Hirem Revels?

The first African American senator.

What impact did Jim Crow laws have on African Americans?

They institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination.

What cultural developments occurred among African Americans in the Gilded Age?

Formation of social movements and educational institutions like Tuskegee Institute.

What led to the spread of Native American reservations?

Government treaties were undermined by settlers and miners.

What significant act affected Native American land ownership?

The Dawes Act of 1887.

What event marked the end of armed conflict between Native Americans and the U.S. government?

The Battle of Wounded Knee.

What impact did railroads have on America's westward expansion?

They enabled faster movement of people, goods, and resources across the country.

How did the U.S. respond to foreign political challenges post-Civil War?

Adopting a policy of cautious engagement, exemplified by the Monroe Doctrine.