The Gilded Age: Native Americans, Immigration, and Industrialization

What was the Dawes Act of 1887?

A law that aimed to assimilate Native Americans by allotting individual plots of land.

How much land was allotted to Native American families under the Dawes Act?

160 acres for families and 80 acres for single adults.

What was the consequence of not claiming land within four years under the Dawes Act?

The land would be considered 'surplus' and offered to white settlers.

What was the impact of the Dawes Act on Native American sovereignty?

Native Americans lost 900 million acres of tribal land and their sovereignty was weakened.

What was the forced assimilation policy under the Dawes Act?

Native Americans were expected to speak English, convert to Christianity, and adopt European-style family structures.

What was the Ghost Dance?

A peaceful protest movement among Native Americans in response to their treatment and loss of land.

What happened during the Massacre at Wounded Knee Creek?

US soldiers killed 250-300 Native Americans during a confrontation in December 1890.

What was the primary reason for the cattle business boom in the West?

The growing demand for beef as populations increased in cities.

Who were the cowboys?

Individuals, including diverse groups, who drove cattle across long distances.

What problems arose from cattle drives?

Cattle drives often crossed Indian lands, leading to conflicts with farmers who built barbed wire fences.

What led to the decline of cattle drives?

The expansion of railroads reduced the need for long cattle drives.

What was the Great Exodus?

The migration of 410,000 African Americans from the South to the West seeking land ownership and escape from racial violence.

What did the Homestead Act of 1862 provide?

It granted 160 acres of free land to homesteaders.

What challenges did farmers face after the Homestead Act?

Overproduction led to surpluses, falling prices, and increased debt due to loans for planting crops.

What was the Grange?

An organization formed to support farmers during the Gilded Age.

What was the goal of the Farmers Alliance?

To win back economic power from railroads and merchants by forming cooperatives.

What was the Interstate Commerce Act of 1877?

A law that regulated railroad rates and practices to prevent discrimination against farmers.

What did the Populist Party advocate for?

Government ownership of railroads, secret ballots, and a graduated income tax.

Who were the main candidates in the election of 1896?

William McKinley (Republican) and William Jennings Bryan (Democrat).

What was the significance of the election of 1896?

It marked the decline of the Populist Party and the rise of Progressive ideas.

What was the stance of William McKinley regarding government size?

He favored a small government and was supported by big businesses.

What monetary system did William Jennings Bryan support?

Bimetallism, which backed currency with both gold and silver.

What was the impact of the Dawes Act on Native American culture?

Cultural identities were erased, leading to PTSD and loss of community.

What was the role of land agents under the Dawes Act?

They oversaw land allotments and controlled rations for Native Americans.

What was the outcome for Native American children under the Dawes Act?

They were often forced into boarding schools and punished for not conforming to white cultural norms.

What was the response of some Native Americans to the Dawes Act?

Some refused to live on reservations, send their children to boarding schools, or farm the allotted land.

What was a significant economic policy favored by the Republican Party during the Gilded Age?

Tariffs: taxes on imports.

What monetary system did the Populist Party support?

Bimetallism: a system that allows money to be backed by both gold and silver.

What was the significance of the election of William McKinley?

It marked the ignition of populist ideas leading to the Progressive Era.

What were the main reasons for rapid industrialization in the late 19th century?

Labor supply growth, land availability, natural resources, transportation improvements, inventions, and capital availability.

How did population growth contribute to industrialization?

Increased life expectancy and immigration from Europe led to a larger labor force.

What role did railroads play in the industrialization process?

They linked isolated towns, promoted trade, and facilitated the transport of goods and people.

Name one major invention that impacted industrialization.

The light bulb, invented by Thomas Edison.

What were some problems caused by rapid urbanization during the Gilded Age?

Housing shortages, transportation issues, sanitation problems, crime, fire hazards, and political corruption.

What were Dumbbell Tenement Buildings?

Tiny apartments created by landlords with poor living conditions for renters.

What was a common sanitation issue in rapidly growing cities?

Sewage waste and trash were often dumped outside, leading to disease outbreaks.

What solutions were created to address transportation issues in cities?

Mass transit systems like subways, elevated trains, streetcars, and trolleys.

Who was William 'Boss' Tweed?

A city boss who ran Tammany Hall and was involved in political corruption.

What were push factors in immigration?

Conditions that make people leave their country, such as wars, famine, and persecution.

What were pull factors in immigration?

Attractions that draw people to another country, such as economic opportunity and political freedom.

What characterized 'Old' immigrants before 1880?

They were mostly North and Western Europeans, including Irish and Germans.

What characterized 'New' immigrants between 1880-1920?

They were primarily Southern and Eastern Europeans, including Italians, Poles, and Russians.

What was Ellis Island used for?

It was the main processing center for European immigrants arriving in New York City.

What was the experience of immigrants traveling in steerage class?

They traveled in cramped conditions and faced stressful inspections upon arrival.

What was the 'Island of Tears'?

A term referring to the emotional distress of families separated during immigration inspections.

What was Angel Island?

The processing center for Asian immigrants entering the U.S. on the West Coast.

What attracted Chinese immigrants to the U.S. during the Gilded Age?

The discovery of gold and job opportunities in railroad construction.

What was a significant challenge faced by Asian immigrants?

They faced discrimination and pressure from politicians to restrict their immigration.

What was the impact of the stock market on business capital?

It allowed companies to sell shares to generate money for growth.

What health issues did immigrants face during inspections?

They underwent medical examinations for diseases, which could lead to deportation.

What was the significance of the Brooklyn Bridge?

It was a major engineering feat that symbolized the industrial growth of the era.

What were some common occupations for 'New' immigrants?

Many were poor, unskilled laborers who settled in urban areas.

How did the Gilded Age contribute to political corruption?

Political machines controlled local governments, influencing elections and policies for personal gain.

What attracted Chinese immigrants to the United States?

The discovery of gold and railroad jobs.

What was Angel Island built for?

To process immigrants entering on the West Coast.

What were the stages of the immigrant processing at Angel Island?

1. Arrival & Medical Exam 2. Interrogation 3. Decision & Appeal.

What was the purpose of the medical checks at Angel Island?

To check for diseases like hookworm and trachoma.

What percentage of immigrants were denied entry at Angel Island?

Around 33%.

What were some arguments against immigration during the Gilded Age?

Immigrants were seen as bad for development and kept wages down.

What was the Nativist argument regarding immigration?

Immigration cheapens wages and immigrants would never fully assimilate.

What did the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 do?

Prohibited the immigration of Chinese unskilled laborers.

What was the Japanese Gentleman's Agreement of 1907?

Allowed Japanese immigration for skilled jobs and permitted Japanese children to attend white schools.

What did the Immigration Act of 1917 mandate?

Mandatory literacy tests and barred 'undesirables' from entering the U.S.

What was the Alien Law Act of 1913?

Prohibited Japanese immigrants from owning land.

What was the Immigration Restriction League?

An organization formed to support laws that limited immigration.

What was the Americanization Movement?

An organized attempt to assimilate immigrants into mainstream American culture.

What economic system characterized the Gilded Age?

Capitalism, where citizens own businesses and keep profits with little government interference.

What does Laissez-faire mean in the context of the economy?

A hands-off approach where the government does not regulate business practices.

What is Social Darwinism?

The idea that society needs big corporations to thrive, based on 'survival of the fittest.'

What is a monopoly?

A large company that controls an industry and can set prices.

What are the characteristics of 'Robber Barons'?

Industrialists who exploited workers and created dangerous working conditions.

What did 'Captains of Industry' do?

Created jobs, increased supply of goods, and contributed to society through philanthropy.

What is vertical integration?

When companies at different stages of production merge together.

What is horizontal integration?

When companies in the same industry combine.

What was the wealth gap during the Gilded Age?

The significant difference in earnings between the rich and the poor.

What were the impacts of minimal government regulation during the Gilded Age?

Creation of industrialists and poor working conditions for laborers.

What was the goal of industrialists during the Gilded Age?

To make as much profit as possible by lowering production costs.

What was the role of labor in the economy during the Gilded Age?

Labor consisted of people who worked for wages to produce goods.

What did the term 'classism' refer to during the Gilded Age?

Prejudice against people based on their social class.

Who was John D. Rockefeller?

An industrialist in the oil industry known for forming the first trust in the US in 1881.

What was the impact of Rockefeller's business practices on competition?

He ruthlessly destroyed weaker competition and created a monopoly.

What philanthropic contributions did John D. Rockefeller make?

He donated over $500 million to establish colleges and fund medical research.

What industry did Andrew Carnegie dominate?

The steel industry.

What was the Bessemer process?

A method used by Carnegie to mass-produce cheap steel.

What was the significance of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire?

It highlighted dangerous working conditions and led to reforms such as mandatory fire escapes.

What was the main goal of industrialists during the Gilded Age?

To ensure no laws were passed that restricted their practices.

What were labor unions?

Organizations that represent workers in an industry to improve salaries, benefits, and working conditions.

What was the purpose of collective bargaining?

To negotiate wages and working conditions between workers and the company.

What was the Great Railroad Strike of 1877?

A strike where railroad workers protested wage cuts across six states.

What was the Pullman Strike of 1894?

A strike against wage cuts by George Pullman, which led to federal troops being sent in to break it up.

What was the Haymarket Affair?

A labor protest in Chicago that turned violent, leading to a decline in the Knights of Labor's membership.

What was the role of J.P. Morgan in the economy?

He consolidated competing banks and created U.S. Steel, the first billion-dollar company.

What was the impact of industrialists on politics during the Gilded Age?

They used their wealth to gain political power and influence legislation in their favor.

What were the working conditions like for laborers in the Gilded Age?

Dangerous, with no regulations, long hours, low pay, and widespread child labor.

What was the significance of the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW)?

A union that aimed to unite all workers, regardless of skill level, and rejected capitalism.

What were the main goals of the Knights of Labor?

To achieve an eight-hour workday, safer working conditions, and an end to child labor.

What was the outcome of the Coal Mine Strike of 1902?

Miners received a 10% raise and a 10-hour work week after negotiations.

What was the impact of the Homestead Strike in 1892?

It resulted in violent clashes and highlighted the tensions between labor and management.

What does 'Laissez-faire' refer to in the context of the Gilded Age?

An economic policy of minimal government intervention in business.

What were the effects of lobbying by industrialists?

It led to the passage of tariffs and subsidies that favored their businesses.