U.S. Industrialization, Labor Movements, and Populist Politics

Andrew Carnegie

Industrial leader known for steel production.

John D. Rockefeller

Industrial leader known for oil production.

Cornelius Vanderbilt

Industrial leader known for railroads and shipping.

Knights of Labor

A significant labor union that advocated for workers' rights.

AFL

American Federation of Labor, a national federation of labor unions.

Pullman Strike

A nationwide railroad strike in 1894 that ended with federal intervention.

Eugene V. Debs

Labor leader and presidential candidate associated with the Pullman Strike.

"In re Debs" Supreme Court Case

A Supreme Court case that upheld the use of injunctions against strikes.

Lochner v. New York

A Supreme Court case that struck down a law limiting bakery work hours.

Wabash v Illinois

Supreme Court case that struck down Granger laws related to railroad regulation.

Sherman Anti-Trust Act

A federal statute aimed at preventing monopolies.

Scabs

Workers who cross picket lines to work during strikes.

Pendleton Civil Service Act

Legislation established to reform the civil service after Garfield's assassination.

Corporate Personhood

Legal doctrine that grants corporations some of the same rights as individuals.

Compromise of 1877

Agreement that resolved the 1876 presidential election and ended Reconstruction.

Panic of 1893

A severe economic depression that began in 1893 (deflation)

Grange

An organization for farmers that aimed to promote their interests.

Farmer's Alliance

A movement among farmers aimed at addressing their economic issues.

Omaha platform

The political agenda of the Populist Party adopted in 1892.

Sub-treasury plan

A proposal to provide farmers with government storage for their crops.

William McKinley

President known for his 'front porch' campaign and support for industrial interests.

Rutherford B. Hayes

19th President known for his controversial election and efforts to reform.

Samuel J. Tilden

Democratic candidate in the disputed 1876 presidential election.

Conkling/Stalwarts

Faction of the Republican Party that supported patronage.

Blaine/Half-Breeds

Faction of the Republican Party that opposed patronage.

William Jennings Bryan's Cross of Gold Speech

A famous speech advocating for the free coinage of silver.

"Robber barons"

Term used to describe unscrupulous business magnates.

Party machines

Political organizations that control party nominations and elections.

"Free silver"

Advocacy for the unlimited coinage of silver in the late 19th century.

Gold standard

Monetary system where a country's currency is directly linked to gold.

Progressive Era

Period of social activism and political reform in the United States.

"Front porch" standard

Campaign strategy used by McKinley to appeal to voters (make him seem more real and down to earth).