Corruption and Social Change in the Gilded Age - Unit 6 APUSH

What was the Credit Mobilier Scandal?

A scandal involving the Union Pacific Railroad and the construction company Credit Mobilier, which involved bribery and corruption in the awarding of contracts.

Who were key figures associated with political machines during the Gilded Age?

Boss Tweed and political cartoonist Thomas Nast.

What economic crisis occurred in 1873?

The Panic of 1873, which led to a severe economic depression.

What was the money debate during the Gilded Age?

The debate between hard money (gold standard) and soft money (silver or paper currency) advocates.

What is patronage in the context of Gilded Age politics?

The practice of giving government jobs to friends and supporters, often leading to corruption.

What was the significance of the Great Railroad Strike of 1877?

It was a nationwide strike that highlighted labor unrest and the struggle between workers and railroads.

What did the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 do?

It prohibited Chinese laborers from immigrating to the United States.

What were the causes and consequences of the Pendleton Civil Service Act of 1883?

Caused by corruption in patronage; it established a merit-based system for federal employment.

What was the McKinley Tariff Act of 1890?

A tariff that raised duties on imports to protect American industry.

What was the Homestead Strike?

A violent labor dispute at Andrew Carnegie's steel plant in 1892, resulting in a setback for labor unions.

What was the significance of the growth of the Populist Party?

It represented the interests of farmers and laborers, advocating for reforms like the direct election of senators.

What did the Pacific Railway Acts accomplish?

They provided federal support for the construction of the transcontinental railroad.

How did railroads cheat the public during the Gilded Age?

By engaging in practices like price-fixing and monopolistic control over transportation.

What was the outcome of Wabash, St. Louis & Pacific Railroad Company v. Illinois?

The Supreme Court ruled that states could not regulate interstate commerce.

What was the significance of the Interstate Commerce Act of 1887?

It established the Interstate Commerce Commission to regulate railroad rates and practices.

What are examples of new inventions during the Gilded Age?

Telephones, electric lights, and the typewriter.

Who were prominent industrialists of the Gilded Age?

Andrew Carnegie, John D. Rockefeller, Cornelius Vanderbilt, and J.P. Morgan.

What are vertical and horizontal integration?

Vertical integration is controlling all aspects of production; horizontal integration is merging with competitors.

What is Social Darwinism?

The belief that social progress results from the survival of the fittest.

What is the Gospel of Wealth?

Andrew Carnegie's idea that the wealthy have a responsibility to use their riches for the greater good.

What did the Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890 aim to do?

It aimed to prevent monopolies and promote competition.

What were the Knights of Labor and the American Federation of Labor?

Labor unions advocating for workers' rights; the Knights were more inclusive, while the AFL focused on skilled workers.

What challenges did labor unions face during the Gilded Age?

They struggled with public perception, government opposition, and internal divisions.

What was the Haymarket Square incident?

A labor protest in Chicago that turned violent, leading to anti-union sentiment.

Why did millions of immigrants come to the U.S. in the late 19th century?

For economic opportunities, escaping persecution, and seeking a better life.

Where did most immigrants settle in the U.S.?

In urban areas, particularly in the Northeast and Midwest.

What were the struggles faced by immigrants?

Discrimination, language barriers, and poor working conditions.

What contributions did immigrants make to American life?

They provided labor for industries, enriched culture, and contributed to economic growth.

What were the causes and effects of rapid urbanization?

Caused by industrialization; led to overcrowded cities, poor living conditions, and social issues.

What is the Social Gospel movement?

A religious movement that advocated for social justice and addressing societal issues.

Who was Jane Addams and what did she contribute?

She was a social reformer who founded Hull House, a settlement house for immigrants.

What changes occurred in working conditions for women and children during the Gilded Age?

They often faced long hours, low wages, and unsafe working environments.

What is nativism?

A policy favoring native-born citizens over immigrants.

What was the role of the American Protective Association?

A nativist organization that opposed immigration, particularly from Catholic countries.

What were the differences between liberal protestants and fundamentalists?

Liberal protestants embraced modernity and social issues, while fundamentalists adhered strictly to traditional beliefs.

What advancements in education occurred during the Gilded Age?

Increased public schooling and the establishment of universities.

Who were Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. DuBois?

African American leaders who had differing views on achieving racial equality.

What did the Morrill Act of 1862 accomplish?

It provided land for states to establish colleges focused on agriculture and mechanical arts.

Who were Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst?

Newspaper publishers known for sensational journalism and influencing public opinion.

What was the National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA)?

An organization advocating for women's right to vote.

What was the Woman's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU)?

A group advocating for temperance and women's rights.

What impact did American growth have on the Native American population?

Displacement, loss of land, and cultural assimilation.

What was the reservation system?

A policy that confined Native Americans to designated areas.

What did the Dawes Severalty Act of 1887 do?

It aimed to assimilate Native Americans by allotting them individual plots of land.

What was the significance of Helen Hunt Jackson's book, A Century of Dishonor?

It exposed the injustices faced by Native Americans and advocated for their rights.

What was the Battle of Wounded Knee in 1890?

A massacre of Lakota Sioux by U.S. troops, marking the end of armed Native American resistance.

What did the Homestead Act of 1862 provide?

It granted land to settlers willing to farm it for five years.

What is Frederick Jackson Turner's Frontier Thesis?

The argument that the American frontier shaped the nation's character and democracy.

What is mechanization of agriculture?

The use of machinery to increase agricultural production.

What problems did farmers face during the Gilded Age?

Debt, low crop prices, and competition from large agribusinesses.

What was The Grange?

A farmers' organization that advocated for agricultural education and political reform.

What was the Farmers' Alliance?

A network of farmers' organizations that sought to address economic issues.

What was the People's/Populist Party?

A political party formed to represent the interests of farmers and laborers.

What was the Pullman Strike of 1894?

A nationwide railroad strike that disrupted rail traffic and led to federal intervention.

What was significant about the election of 1896?

It was a pivotal election that highlighted the divide between urban and rural interests.

What role did the populists play in the election of 1896?

They supported William Jennings Bryan and advocated for issues like free silver.

What was William Jennings Bryan's 'Cross of Gold' speech about?

It advocated for bimetallism and criticized the gold standard.

What is the emergence of the fourth party system?

A shift in American politics marked by the decline of the Populist Party and the rise of new political alignments.

What did the Gold Standard Act of 1900 establish?

It officially placed the U.S. on the gold standard, limiting the money supply.