History Topic 2

Natural resources

Essential materials like coal, iron ore, forests, and rivers that encouraged industrialization in the late 1800s.

Laissez-faire

A government policy of minimal regulation of businesses to promote economic growth.

Mass production

Systems that use machinery to produce large quantities of goods quickly and cost-effectively.

Bessemer process

A method developed to convert iron into strong, lightweight steel, facilitating advancements like skyscrapers and railroads.

Horizontal integration

The practice of merging multiple companies in the same industry into one large corporation to reduce competition.

Vertical integration

A strategy where a company controls all stages of production from raw materials to manufacturing, thus cutting costs.

Social Darwinism

The application of Darwin's theory of survival of the fittest to justify economic policies, arguing that wealth is a marker of superiority.

Pull factors

Conditions that attract individuals to a new country, such as job opportunities and the promise of a better life.

Tenements

Low-cost, overcrowded housing units in urban areas, often associated with poor living conditions and inadequate sanitation.

Child labor

The employment of children in industrial jobs, which was widespread in the late 1800s and often led to negative physical and educational consequences.

Union

An organized group of workers formed to protect their rights and interests through collective bargaining.

Nativism

A preference for native-born individuals over immigrants, often leading to discriminatory policies and actions.

Frederick Taylor

An engineer who studied work efficiency and developed principles of scientific management to improve industrial productivity.

Captains of industry

Business leaders who positively contributed to society by creating jobs, lowering prices, and engaging in philanthropy.

Robber barons

Business magnates who gained wealth through unfair practices, monopolies, and exploitation of workers.

Americanization

Efforts to assimilate immigrants into American society, focusing on language and cultural adaptation.

Settlement houses

Community centers that provided social services and educational programs to immigrants and the urban poor.

Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC)

The first federal agency established to regulate railroad rates and ensure fair practices.

Sherman Antitrust Act

A law enacted to combat monopolies and curb practices that restrained trade in the late 19th century.

Urbanization

The rapid growth of cities and populations as people moved from rural areas in search of jobs and better living conditions.

Eugene V. Debs

Labor leader who played a significant role in organizing the American Railway Union and promoting socialist ideas.

Immigrant contributions

Cultural and economic impacts made by immigrants, including food, labor, and innovations in various fields.

The Great Railroad Strike of 1877

The first major U.S. strike, protesting wage reductions and leading to significant clashes between workers and federal troops.

Haymarket Riot

A violent incident in Chicago during a labor protest that resulted in the execution of several anarchists and increased public distrust of unions.

Homestead Strike

A violent labor dispute at Carnegie Steel in 1892 that turned public opinion against unions.

Pullman Strike

A nationwide railroad strike against wage cuts that resulted in federal intervention and Debs' imprisonment.

Conspicuous consumerism

A cultural trend of buying products to display wealth and status.

Victorian Era

A period characterized by strict social norms and the disparity between the wealthy elite and the aspiring middle class.