U.S. Gilded Age, Progressive Era, and World War I Key Concepts

What is the Free Enterprise System?

An economic system where private businesses operate in competition and are free from government control.

Define 'Robber Baron'.

A term used to describe a businessman who engages in unethical practices to amass wealth.

Andrew Carnegie

A Scottish-born American industrialist and philanthropist who founded the Carnegie Steel Company in 1892. By 1901, his company dominated the American steel industry.

John D. Rockefeller

Rockefeller rose to power by mastering the oil industry, beginning with his 1863 investment in a Cleveland refinery.

He systematically bought out competitors and formed Standard Oil, which eventually controlled around 90% of the oil refining in the United States

After accumulating vast fortunes, Rockefeller became one of history's most renowned philanthropists, establishing foundations for charitable work.

What is a 'Captain of Industry'?

A business leader whose means of amassing a personal fortune contributes positively to the country in some way.

What are monopolies?

A single company or corporation holds significant control over a market, often stifling competition.

Tarrifs

Taxes on imported goods

What is laissez-faire?

a policy of minimum governmental interference in the economic affairs of individuals and society.

What was the significance of the Transcontinental Railroad?

It was a rail line that connected the U.S. eastern rail network with the Pacific coast/ West Coast

The Transcontinental Railroad lowered the costs of transporting goods.

What were working conditions like during the Gilded Age?

Laborers were exploited by employers. They often worked long hours in poor conditions and with minimal pay. Workers had no voice to express their mistreatment; they were told to either accept the conditions or leave.

What is mass production?

The manufacturing of large quantities of standardized products often using assembly lines.

What were muckrakers?

Journalists who exposed corruption and social injustices during the Progressive Era.

What did the 16th Amendment establish?

The 16th Amendment established the federal income tax

What did the 17th Amendment change?

It allowed for the direct election of two U.S. Senators by the voters.

What did the 18th Amendment prohibit?

Made it illegal to manufacture, sell, or transport alcohol.

It created an underground market for illegal alcohol which increased organized crime

What did the 19th Amendment accomplish?

It granted women the right to vote.

What was the Spanish-American War?

A conflict in 1898 between the U.S. and Spain, resulting in U.S. territorial gains.

What is yellow journalism?

Sensationalist news reporting that exaggerates or fabricates Cuban stories to attract readers.

What were the causes for the U.S. declaring war on Spain?

Factors included the explosion of the USS Maine and the desire to support Cuban independence.

What territories did the U.S. acquire from the Spanish-American War?

Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines.

What caused World War I in Europe?

A complex web of alliances, militarism, imperialism, and nationalism.

Why did the U.S. enter World War I in 1917?

Factors included unrestricted submarine warfare by Germany and the Zimmermann Telegram.

What was the Battle of Meuse-Argonne?

One of the largest battles fought by the U.S. in World War I, contributing to the war's end.

Who was John Pershing?

The commander of the American Expeditionary Forces during World War I.

What were Wilson's 14 Points?

A statement of principles for peace to be used for peace negotiations to end World War I.

What was the Treaty of Versailles?

The peace treaty that ended World War I, imposing heavy reparations on Germany.

Why did Senator Henry Cabot Lodge oppose U.S. membership in the League of Nations?

He believed it would undermine U.S. sovereignty and entangle the country in foreign conflicts.