Industrialization during America's Gilded Age

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to the Industrial Revolution and labor movements in America, including significant figures, events, and ideologies.

Industrial Revolution

A period of rapid industrial growth and technological advancement in the late 19th century, drastically changing America's economy and culture.

Natural Resources

Materials such as metals and minerals available in abundance due to westward expansion and new farming techniques, crucial for the industrial economy.

Taylorism

A theory developed by Fredrick Taylor advocating for scientific management of production processes, emphasizing efficiency through the use of interchangeable workers.

Middle Manager

A position created to facilitate communication between owners and workers, overseeing day-to-day operations.

Vertical Integration

A business model where a company owns all stages of production for a product, from raw materials to finished goods.

Horizontal Integration

A business model involving the consolidation of many companies within the same industry to control market share and reduce competition.

Social Darwinism

An ideology asserting that 'survival of the fittest' applies to business, justifying the elimination of weaker competitors.

Gospel of Wealth

A philosophy asserting that the wealthy are obligated to use their resources for the greater good of society.

National Labor Union

The first labor union formed in 1866, advocating for social and political reforms including an 8-hour workday.

Knights of Labor

Founded in 1869 as the first union for unskilled workers, advocating for equitable pay and against child labor.

American Federation of Labor (AFL)

A labor union formed in 1881, focused on skilled workers' rights, seeking better wages and working conditions.

Haymarket Affair

A labor protest in 1886 that escalated into a riot, resulting in deaths and a backlash against the Knights of Labor.

Homestead Strike

A violent strike in 1890 between steel workers and Carnegie over wage cuts, resulting in deaths and a defeat for the union.