gilded age industry

Panic of 1893

A major economic depression caused by bank and railroad failures that led to unemployment and increased criticism of the government and businesses.

Thomas Edison

Inventor who developed practical electric lighting and other technologies, helping advance industrialization and electrification.

Louis Sullivan

Architect known as the 'father of the skyscraper,' whose designs helped transform American cities.

Horatio Alger

Author whose stories about poor people becoming successful through hard work promoted the idea of the American Dream.

Progressivism

Reform movement aimed at fixing problems caused by industrialization, urbanization, and political corruption, leading to major government reforms.

Populism

Political movement of farmers and workers that challenged banks, railroads, and corporations and influenced later reforms.

Sherman Anti-Trust Act (1890)

Law created to limit monopolies and unfair business practices, marking an early attempt by the federal government to regulate big business.

National Labor Union

Early national labor organization that fought for higher wages, shorter workdays, and better working conditions.

Knights of Labor

Large labor organization that united skilled and unskilled workers and promoted workers' rights.

Haymarket Bombing (1886)

Violent incident during a Chicago labor rally that damaged the public image of labor unions by linking them to radicalism.

American Federation of Labor (AFL)

Union organization led by Samuel Gompers that focused on practical goals like better wages, hours, and working conditions.

William Jennings Bryan

Democratic and Populist leader who supported farmers, workers, and free silver, challenging wealthy business interests.

Homestead Strike (1892)

Strike against Carnegie Steel over wage cuts that demonstrated the conflict between workers and big business.

Pullman Strike (1894)

Railroad workers' strike over wage cuts that resulted in federal intervention and showed government support for business interests.

Eugene V. Debs

Labor leader who organized railroad workers and became an important labor and Socialist leader.

In re Debs

Supreme Court case that upheld the federal government's power to stop the Pullman Strike, strengthening federal control over labor disputes.