Unit 6 APUSH 1865-1900

Homestead Act

A significant law that offered land in the Western United States to individuals willing to farm it, aiming to encourage settlement and development.

Wounded Knee Massacre

A tragic event where U.S. soldiers killed a large number of Native Americans, marking a brutal conflict between the government and Indigenous peoples.

Dawes Severalty Act (1887)

Legislation that aimed to assimilate Native Americans by dividing communal lands into individual plots.

Turner’s Frontier Thesis

A theory proposed by a historian arguing that the American frontier played a crucial role in shaping democratic institutions, individualism, innovation, independence, and unique character. All of which were essential in developing the American Identity.

Andrew Carnegie

A prominent industrialist known for his role in the steel industry and philanthropic efforts.

John D. Rockefeller

A major figure in the oil industry who became one of the wealthiest individuals through his business practices.

Plessy v. Ferguson (1896)

A landmark Supreme Court case that upheld racial segregation under the doctrine of "separate but equal."

Robber Barons

Wealthy and powerful business magnates of the late 19th century who were often criticized for their ruthless business practices.

Social Darwinism

A theory that applied the concept of natural selection to justify social, political, and economic inequality.

Gospel of Wealth

A philosophy promoted by a prominent industrialist advocating that the rich should use their wealth to help the less fortunate.

Horatio Alger Myth

The idea that anyone can achieve success through hard work and determination, popularized by an author’s stories.

Chinese Exclusion Act

A federal law that prohibited the immigration of Chinese laborers to the United States. Enacted in 1882, it was the first significant law restricting immigration.

Political Bosses & Machines

Powerful political leaders and organizations that controlled local governments through corruption and patronage.

Patronage

The practice of giving government jobs to political supporters and friends.

Great Railroad Strike of 1877

The first nationwide strike in U.S. history, sparked by wage cuts from the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, quickly spreading across multiple states, disrupting rail services, and leading to violent clashes and the intervention of federal troops and militias.

Knights of Labor

An early labor organization that aimed to unite workers across different trades to advocate for better working conditions, fair wages, and an eight-hour workday. Notably inclusive, they welcomed both skilled and unskilled workers regardless of gender or race.

Haymarket Bombing (1886)

A violent incident that occurred during a labor protest in Chicago aimed at addressing police brutality and poor working conditions, ultimately led to public backlash against labor unions.

American Federation of Labor (AFL)

A national labor organization focused on securing better wages and working conditions for skilled workers.

Homestead Strike (1892)

A major industrial strike at a steel plant that resulted in a violent confrontation between workers and private security.

Pullman Strike (1894)

a nationwide railroad strike that began due to wage cuts and high rents in company-owned housing, disrupting rail traffic across the country. The federal government intervened with troops, leading to violent clashes.

National Grange Movement

Aimed to improve the social and economic conditions of farmers through cooperative buying and selling, educational initiatives, and political advocacy for fair railroad rates and other reforms. Comprised mostly of more prosperous farmers.

Wabash Case

A Supreme Court decision that limited the states' ability to regulate interstate commerce, leading to federal regulatory efforts.

Farmers Alliance

A movement that sought to improve the economic conditions of farmers through cooperative efforts and political advocacy. Comprised mostly of struggling farmers.

Pendleton Act (1881)

Legislation that established a merit-based system for federal employment, reducing the influence of patronage.

Interstate Commerce Act (1886)

A law that created a federal regulatory agency to oversee railroad practices and ensure fair rates.

Sherman Anti-Trust Act (1890)

Legislation aimed at preventing monopolies and promoting competition in business.

McKinley Tariff (1890)

A law that raised tariffs on imported goods to protect domestic industries but led to higher consumer prices.

Panic of 1893

A severe economic depression that resulted from financial instability and led to widespread unemployment and business failures.

Coxey’s Army

A protest march by unemployed workers demanding government action to address economic hardship.

The Populist Party

Advocating for the rights and interests of farmers and laborers, the party backed economic reforms like the free coinage of silver to increase the money supply. They also pushed for policies such as government control of railroads and telegraphs, a graduated income tax, and direct election of Senators to reduce corruption and empower the common people

Cross of Gold Speech

A famous oration advocating for bimetallism and criticizing the gold standard, delivered by William Jennings Bryan.