Modern History

What was the Gilded Age

A period (1870s–1900) when the U.S. became very industrial and wealthy, but had huge inequality, corruption, and poor working conditions

What is a monopoly (or trust)?

When one company controls an entire industry, removes competition, and can set high prices. e.g. John D. Rockefeller controlled most of the oil industry.

Who were Robber Barons?

Extremely wealthy industrialists who made huge profits by crushing competition and paying workers very low wages. e.g. Andrew Carnegie (steel)

What was political corruption?

When politicians used power for personal gain, accepted bribes, or manipulated elections.

What were poor working conditions like?

Long hours, low wages, unsafe factories, no job security, child labour, and no government protection.

What was wealth inequality?

A huge gap between extremely rich business owners and very poor workers.

What was the Progressive Era?

A period (1890s–1920s) when reformers tried to fix the problems of the Gilded Age through government action.

What is trust-busting?

The government breaking up monopolies to reduce their power.

What was government regulation?

Laws that controlled how businesses operated to make them fair and safe.

The Meat Inspection Act

required food and medicine to be safe and properly labelled. These were influenced by The Jungle by Upton Sinclair, which exposed unsafe meatpacking factories.

What were anti-corruption reforms?

Laws and changes that reduced political bribery and limited the power of political machines.

What was women’s suffrage?

The movement to give women the right to vote.

Who was Theodore Roosevelt?

The 26th U.S. President (1901–1909) who led Progressive reforms and limited the power of big business.

Why was Roosevelt called a “Trust-Buster”?

Because he used government power to break up monopolies.

What was the Hepburn Act?

A law that gave the government power to regulate railroad prices.

memorise this

The problems of the Gilded Age, such as monopolies and corruption, led to Progressive reforms aimed at regulating big business and protecting the public.