AP US History Period 6

Gilded Age

A period of significant transformations in American life between 1865 and the end of the 19th century, marked by industrialization and political corruption.

Mechanization of Agriculture

The introduction of new machinery in farming that increased efficiency, leading to higher productivity and the rise of commercial farms.

National Grange Movement

A movement formed by farmers to advocate for fair railroad rates and provide a greater voice against the high prices charged by railroads.

Interstate Commerce Act (1886)

Legislation that gave states authority to regulate trade within their borders but not railroad rates, establishing the Interstate Commerce Commission.

Homestead Act of 1862

Legislation that encouraged westward migration by offering 160 acres of free land to settlers who improved the land.

Sodbusters

Farmers in the Great Plains who faced immense challenges in plowing and farming due to the dense, compact soil.

Boomtowns

Towns that rapidly developed around natural resource extraction sites, typically experiencing quick growth and decline.

Ghost Dance Movement

A religious movement among Plains tribes which aimed to reclaim Native American culture and lands from settlers.

Dawes Act of 1887

Legislation aimed to assimilate Indigenous peoples by dividing reservations into individual allotments.

Plessy v. Ferguson (1896)

A Supreme Court case that upheld segregation laws under the 'Separate but Equal' doctrine.

Laissez-faire

An economic policy of minimal government interference in business practices during the Gilded Age.

Social Darwinism

An ideology applying Charles Darwin's theory of evolution to society, justifying social inequalities.

Captains of Industry

Business leaders who positively contributed to the economy and society while also accumulating wealth.

Robber Barons

Business leaders accused of using unethical practices to gain wealth and increase their power.

Knights of Labor

One of the first national labor organizations, advocating for inclusive labor reforms such as an eight-hour workday.

Great Railroad Strike of 1877

A major strike that began due to wage cuts, leading to violence and federal intervention.

American Federation of Labor (AFL)

An organization representing skilled workers that focused on collective bargaining and improving working conditions.

Nativism

The belief that native-born Americans are superior to immigrants, often leading to anti-immigrant sentiments.

Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882

The first federal law restricting immigration based on nationality, specifically targeting Chinese laborers.

Hull House

A settlement house founded by Jane Addams to help immigrants assimilate into American culture.

Panic of 1893

A significant financial crisis characterized by bankruptcies and high unemployment leading to widespread economic hardships.

Open Door Policy (1899)

A U.S. policy aimed at ensuring equal trading rights for all nations in China.

Populist Party

A political movement primarily representing farmers that advocated for economic reforms like the direct election of senators and the coinage of silver.

Tammany Hall

A powerful political machine in New York City known for corruption and patronage during the Gilded Age.

Period 6 AP US History

Covers events from 1865 to 1898, focusing on industrialization, urbanization, the Gilded Age, and the rise of reform movements.