Unit #6 Gilded Age

Gilded Age

The Gilded Age refers to the time period from 1865, the end of the Civil War, to 1898. It overlaps with the Reconstruction era, which lasted until 1877. “Gilded” literally means to be covered in a thin layer of gold. This time period is referred to as the “Gilded Age” because although the USA underwent critical economic developments, it was done so on the labor of workers who had minimal rights. Racial segregation also became legalized, and there was a rise in nativism with the new immigrants that came.  

Trusts/Monopolies

A trust is when multiple businesses join together under the same management in order to control prices, quality, and basically the whole industry. Examples include John D. Rockefeller’s Standard Oil Trust. A monopoly is when one company or entity (including a trust) controls an entire industry. This is important because while monopolies did boost the American economy, it damaged smaller businesses, exploited workers, and led to government corruption. 

Social Darwinism

Social Darwinism developed from Darwin’s theory of natural selection, which states that those best suited for survival will survive (AKA “survival of the fittest). During the Gilded Age, this idea was applied to the monopolies. People argued that the government should not try to stop monopolies in order to assist small businesses, as it would be interfering with a natural law. This is important because it contributed to the lack of government interference with regards to monopolies.

laissez-faire

Laissez-faire can be literally translated to “leave it alone”. This was the government’s policy toward the economy for much of the Gilded Age, as they did not interfere in the economy. This was important because this led to the government doing little to stop monopolies and why workers had little rights. It was the reason big business always won against labor unions.

Interstate Commerce Act

The Interstate Commerce Act of 1887 was the first federal law aimed at regulating big business, specifically the railroad industry. It required railroad rates to be “reasonable and just” and prohibited unfair practices like price discrimination. The act also created the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) to enforce these regulations. Although the ICC was initially weak and often favored railroads, the law marked an important shift. It showed that the federal government was willing to intervene in the economy. This act set a precedent for future government regulation of businesses.

Sherman Antitrust Act

The Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890 was designed to limit monopolies and restrain unfair business practices. It made trusts and combinations that restricted trade illegal. The law aimed to protect competition and consumers from powerful corporations. However, it was initially weakly enforced and sometimes used against labor unions. Despite its limitations, it became a foundation for later antitrust actions. It signaled growing concern over the power of big business.

Gospel of Wealth

The Gospel of Wealth was a philosophy promoted by Andrew Carnegie in the late 19th century. It argued that wealthy individuals had a moral responsibility to use their riches for the benefit of society. Carnegie believed the rich should fund libraries, schools, and cultural institutions. This idea justified inequality as long as wealth was used responsibly. It influenced philanthropy among industrialists. However, critics argued it ignored the exploitation of workers.

Knights of Labor

The Knights of Labor was one of the first major national labor unions in the United States. Founded in 1869, it welcomed skilled and unskilled workers, including women and African Americans (but not Chinese immigrants). The union advocated for reforms such as an eight-hour workday and better working conditions. It grew rapidly during the 1880s. However, its reputation suffered after being linked to labor violence. The decline of the Knights showed the challenges of organizing workers.

American Federation of Labor (AFL)

The American Federation of Labor (AFL) was a labor union founded in 1886 by Samuel Gompers. It focused on skilled workers and emphasized “bread and butter” goals like better wages, hours, and working conditions. Unlike earlier unions, the AFL avoided political activism. It was more successful and long-lasting than the Knights of Labor. The AFL used strikes and collective bargaining to achieve its goals. It became the most powerful labor union in the nation.

Haymarket Riot 1886

The Haymarket Riot occurred in Chicago in 1886 during a labor protest supporting an eight-hour workday. A bomb was thrown at police during the rally, killing several officers. Police responded with gunfire, causing chaos and deaths. Although the bomber was never identified, labor leaders were blamed. The event damaged public support for labor unions. It contributed to the decline of the Knights of Labor.

Homestead Steel Strike 1892

The Homestead Strike took place at Carnegie Steel’s plant in Homestead, Pennsylvania. Workers went on strike after the company cut wages and locked out the union. The company hired Pinkerton detectives to break the strike, leading to violent clashes. State militia were eventually called in to restore order. The strike ended in defeat for the workers. It weakened labor unions in the steel industry.

Pullman Strike 1894

The Pullman Strike of 1894 began when the Pullman Company cut wages but did not lower rents in company housing. Railroad workers went on strike, and the American Railway Union supported them. The strike disrupted rail traffic nationwide. President Grover Cleveland sent federal troops to break the strike. Violence followed, and union leader Eugene V. Debs was arrested. This is important because the strike showed the federal government’s support for big business.

Civil Service/Pendleton Act

The Pendleton Civil Service Act was passed in 1883 to reform government hiring practices. It required government jobs to be awarded based on merit rather than political connections. The act established competitive exams for federal positions. It was passed after President Garfield’s assassination highlighted problems with the spoils system. The law reduced corruption in government. It marked an important step toward professionalizing the civil service.

Homestead Act (1862)

The Homestead Act of 1862 provided free land to settlers willing to farm it for five years. Applicants could receive up to 160 acres of land. This is important because the act encouraged westward expansion and settlement. It helped many families, including immigrants, acquire land. However, much of the best land went to speculators and railroads. The act also increased conflict with Native Americans, who had already been pushed westward numerous times by white settlers.

“New South”

The “New South” was an idea promoted by Southern leaders after the Civil War. It called for industrialization, economic diversification, and modernization of the Southern economy. Supporters wanted to move away from reliance on agriculture and slavery. Textile mills and factories were built across the region. However, many Southerners, besides planters, industrialists, and merchants remained poor-- or fell into even more poverty. Racial segregation and discrimination continued under Jim Crow laws.

Populist Party

The Populist Party, also known as the People’s Party, emerged in the 1890s to represent farmers and laborers. It advocated for government ownership of railroads, a graduated income tax, and the free coinage of silver. Populists believed these reforms would help indebted farmers. The party gained support in rural areas. Although it eventually declined, many of its ideas were later adopted. The Populist movement influenced Progressive Era reforms.

“Cross of Gold” Speech

The “Cross of Gold” speech was delivered by William Jennings Bryan at the Democratic National Convention in 1896. In the speech, Bryan argued for the free coinage of silver to increase the money supply. He believed this would help farmers and working-class Americans. Bryan criticized the gold standard as benefiting wealthy elites. The speech made him the Democratic presidential nominee. This was important because It symbolized the economic debates of the Gilded Age.

Urbanization

Urbanization was the rapid growth of cities during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, largely caused by industrialization and immigration. As factories expanded, people moved from rural areas to cities in search of jobs. Cities like New York, Chicago, and Pittsburgh grew quickly, often faster than housing and infrastructure could handle. This led to overcrowded tenements, poor sanitation, and public health problems. At the same time, urbanization created new economic opportunities and cultural diversity. It also prompted reform movements aimed at improving living and working conditions.

“New” Immigrants

“New” immigrants were people who came to the United States between the 1880s and 1920s, mainly from Southern and Eastern Europe. These immigrants included Italians, Jews, Poles, and Slavs, many of whom were poor and spoke little English. They often settled in urban ethnic neighborhoods and worked in factories or low-paying jobs. Native-born Americans frequently viewed them as culturally different and inferior. This fear led to nativism and discrimination. The influx of new immigrants reshaped American cities and contributed to cultural diversity.

Chinese Exclusion Act

The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 was a federal law that banned Chinese laborers from immigrating to the United States. It was the first major law to restrict immigration based on race or nationality. The act was driven by economic competition and racial prejudice, especially in the western states. Chinese immigrants were blamed for lowering wages and taking jobs from white workers. The law severely limited Chinese immigration for decades. This act is important because it set a precedent for future restrictive immigration policies.

Turner’s Frontier Thesis

Turner’s Frontier Thesis was an argument made by Frederick Jackson Turner in 1893. He claimed that the American frontier played a key role in shaping American democracy, independence, and individualism. According to Turner, the availability of free land encouraged self-reliance and economic opportunity. He argued that the closing of the frontier marked the end of a unique phase in American development. This idea influenced how Americans understood their history and identity. 

A Century of Dishonor, by Helen Hunt Jackson

A Century of Dishonor was a book published in 1881 by Helen Hunt Jackson that exposed the mistreatment of Native Americans by the U.S. government. The book detailed broken treaties, forced removals, and violence against Native tribes. Jackson hoped the book would raise awareness and lead to reform. While it did increase public sympathy, it did not stop government efforts to assimilate Native Americans. Instead, it indirectly supported assimilation policies. The book remains important as an early critique of U.S. Indian policy.

Dawes Act

The Dawes Act of 1887 was a law designed to assimilate Native Americans into American society. It divided tribal lands into individual plots that were given to Native American families. Any remaining land was sold to white settlers. The act aimed to encourage farming and private land ownership. However, it resulted in Native Americans losing many acres of land. The Dawes Act weakened tribal governments and cultures.

Booker T. Washington

Booker T. Washington was an African American educator and leader in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He believed that Black Americans should focus on occupational education and economic self-sufficiency. Washington argued that social equality would come gradually through hard work and cooperation with white society. His views were expressed in the Atlanta Compromise speech. Many white leaders supported his approach. However, some Black leaders criticized him for accepting segregation.

W.E.B. Du Bois

W.E.B. Du Bois was a prominent African American intellectual and civil rights activist. He believed that African Americans should demand immediate political and social equality. Du Bois emphasized higher education for the “Talented Tenth,” the most educated African Americans, to lead the community. He strongly opposed Booker T. Washington’s gradual approach. Du Bois helped found the NAACP in 1909. His ideas played a major role in shaping the early civil rights movement.