Study Guide: Capitalism, Industrialization, and Reform (1862–1924)

Flashcards covering key concepts and events in the history of capitalism, industrialization, and reform movements in the United States from 1862 to 1924.

What is capitalism?

An economic system characterized by private ownership and investment in the means of production.

What role did entrepreneurs play in the economy?

Individuals who assume the risk of producing products for profit and manage businesses.

Define free enterprise.

An economic system where private businesses compete for profit with minimal government involvement.

What is immigration?

The action of coming to live permanently in a foreign country.

How did large waves of immigration after 1880 affect American cities?

They changed the ethnic composition and contributed to urbanization, increasing crowding and public health issues.

What was the Great Migration?

The movement of African Americans from the rural South to northern cities, intensifying after 1916.

What were Captains of Industry known for?

Using strategies like vertical and horizontal integration to grow their businesses and focusing on profit maximization.

What tactics did labor leaders use to demand better working conditions?

Organizing, strikes, collective bargaining, and political action.

Give an example of a major labor strike and its significance.

The Homestead Strike (1892) highlighted corporate control over workers' rights.

What was Populism a response to?

Agrarian distress, such as falling crop prices and unfair railroad practices.

What were key reforms pushed by Progressives in response to urban issues?

Antitrust laws, consumer protections, and expanded democratic participation.

What does the term political machine refer to?

An organization aimed at gaining and keeping political power, often through patronage.

What is social Darwinism?

A theory used to justify inequality and limited government intervention in social issues.

How did the Senate changes in the 17th Amendment impact democracy?

It allowed for the direct election of senators, increasing democratic participation.

What were the effects of the Interstate Commerce Act and Sherman Antitrust Act?

Both aimed to regulate the economy but were initially ineffective.

How did government policy affect Native American communities during westward expansion?

Policies like the Dawes Act undermined tribal sovereignty and promoted the settlement of white people.

What was a common challenge faced by marginalized people during the Gilded Age?

Discrimination and exclusion from economic and social opportunities.

How did technological innovations alter daily life in America?

They transformed everyday life, enhancing productivity and changing workplace structures.

What impact did muckrakers have during the Progressive Era?

They revealed social issues, leading to public reforms, such as food safety regulations inspired by Sinclair's "The Jungle."},{