DBQ

Wabash v. Illinois (1886)

A Supreme Court case that ruled states could not regulate interstate railroads, as that power belonged to the federal government.

Significance of Wabash v. Illinois

Weakened state-level Granger Laws; led to the Interstate Commerce Act (1887).

St. Louis & Pacific Railroad Act

Likely referring to the Pacific Railway Acts (1862-1864), granting land and government subsidies to railroad companies.

Significance of the St. Louis & Pacific Railroad Act

Encouraged westward expansion, but led to conflicts with Native Americans and land speculation.

The Pullman Strike (1894)

A nationwide railroad strike led by the American Railway Union due to wage cuts by the Pullman Company.

Significance of The Pullman Strike

President Grover Cleveland sent federal troops to break the strike, leading to violence and highlighting government support for big business.

Railroad Rebates

Secret discounts offered by railroads to large businesses while small farmers paid full price.

Significance of Railroad Rebates

Forced farmers and small shippers to pay unfairly high rates, leading to demands for regulation.

Need for Soft Money

Support for increasing money supply through paper money and silver coinage by farmers and debtors.

Significance of Soft Money

Caused inflation, making it easier for farmers to pay off debts; led to the Free Silver Movement.

The Push Westward

Movement of settlers into the western U.S. due to government policies and railroads.

Significance of The Push Westward

Created opportunities for farmers but led to conflicts with Native Americans and corporate farming.

Booker T. Washington (1856-1915)

Promoted economic self-sufficiency and vocational education for Black Americans.

Significance of Booker T. Washington

Advocated gradual integration through economic progress, contrasting with W.E.B. Du Bois's methods.

Railroad Supreme Court Cases

A series of cases shaping railroad regulation and state vs. federal power.

Key Case: Munn v. Illinois (1877)

Ruled that states could regulate businesses with a public interest, including railroads.

Key Case: Wabash v. Illinois (1886)

Overturned Munn, ruling that states could not regulate interstate commerce.

Interstate Commerce Act (1887)

Created the Interstate Commerce Commission to regulate railroads.

Increased Productivity of American Farms with New Tech

Introduction of mechanized farming tools that increased agricultural output.

Significance of Increased Farm Productivity

Allowed for mass production of crops but lowered prices, making it harder for small farmers.

Lawsuits of Farmers Against Eastern Bankers

Farmers sued banks over unfair lending practices and high-interest rates.

Examples of Farmers' Lawsuits

Granger Cases and Populist Movement challenged banking and financial practices.

Significance of Farmers' Lawsuits

Led to political action and demands for banking reforms, including the Federal Reserve Act.