APUSH Unit 6 & 7B Notes: The Gilded Age, Progressivism, and America on the World Stage (1865–1920)

What significant economic change occurred in the U.S. from 1865 to 1900?

The U.S. shifted from a rural agrarian economy to an urban industrial one.

What caused unprecedented economic growth during the rise of industrial America?

Railroads, mechanization, and corporate monopolies.

What were some negative effects of industrialization on farmers?

Labor exploitation and exploitation leading to calls for government regulation.

What political changes did the Populist Movement seek in the 1890s?

A radical restructuring of the economy and greater government intervention.

What economic issue pushed farmers into the national political movement?

Railroad monopolies, debt, and the gold standard.

What was the goal of the Omaha Platform of 1892?

To call for economic policies opposing corporate control and monopolies.

What did the Populist Party advocate for regarding currency?

Free coinage of silver or bimetallism to increase the money supply.

What was one major political reform proposed by the Populists?

Direct election of U.S. senators.

What did the Populist Party call for to protect farmers from predatory lenders?

Postal Savings Banks.

What was the outcome of the Election of 1892 for the Populists?

James B. Weaver won 1 million votes, gaining political influence.

What famous speech did William Jennings Bryan deliver in 1896?

The 'Cross of Gold' Speech.

What was the Republican strategy in the 1896 election?

McKinley's campaign was funded heavily by big business.

What was the significance of the 1896 election for Populism?

It confirmed the decline of Populism and corporate-driven politics' rise.

Which amendments were inspired by Populist ideas?

The 17th and 16th Amendments.

What did Progressives seek compared to Gilded Age policies?

Increased government intervention to regulate business.

What did the Clayton Antitrust Act address?

It strengthened the Sherman Antitrust Act & protected labor unions.

Who inspired the Meat Inspection Act and Pure Food and Drug Act?

Upton Sinclair with his book 'The Jungle'.

What political reforms did Progressives advocate?

Initiative, Referendum, and Recall to give citizens direct influence.

What was the goal of the U.S. during the period of imperialism from 1890 to 1914?

To expand U.S. influence through military and economic means.

What prompted the U.S. to shift from isolationism to interventionism?

Industrialization demanded new markets.

What was one key action of U.S. imperialism in 1898?

The annexation of Hawaii.

What was a significant consequence of the Spanish-American War?

The U.S. gained Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines.

What is the Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine?

It asserted U.S. right to intervene in Latin America.

What significant infrastructure project did the U.S. construct between 1904 and 1914?

The Panama Canal.

What was the purpose of the Great White Fleet?

To showcase U.S. military power through a world tour.

What does the term 'bimetallism' refer to?

The use of both silver and gold to back currency.

What were the key themes of the Progressive Era?

Expanding government role in business and society.

What reform called for an 8-hour workday?

Labor reforms during the Progressive Era.

What impact did the Populist Movement have on future reforms?

Many Populist ideas were adopted during the Progressive Era and New Deal.

What was the purpose of Initiative, Referendum, and Recall?

To allow citizens direct influence over laws.

What did the Farmers' Alliances and Granger Movement aim to achieve?

They sought to reform agricultural policies but were less radical than the Populists.

What economic condition worsened the plight of farmers in the 1890s?

The gold standard which led to deflation and harder-to-repay debts.

How did railway monopolies impact farmers?

They charged high freight rates and storage fees.

What did the Populist Party ultimately represent?

A challenge to industrial capitalism.

How did the Gilded Age contribute to the Progressive Movement?

Corporate abuses and social inequality spurred calls for reforms.

What were some specific demands of the Populist Party?

Graduated income tax, government ownership of railroads, and free silver.

What did the 19th Amendment achieve?

Women's suffrage in 1920.

What did the Keating-Owen Act address?

Child labor laws, although later deemed unconstitutional.

What was the significance of the Progressive reforms?

They expanded federal power over the economy and societal issues.

What economic condition drove the Populist party's formation?

Economic hardships due to overproduction and debt.

What was a key result of the Populist Party's influence?

Changes in political policies, including direct election of senators.

Which elements of the Populist platform were later incorporated into the Progressive Era?

Direct election of senators and progressive income tax.

What was the role of the Federal Reserve Act?

To create a centralized banking system to prevent financial panics.

What reform was aimed at controlling corporate monopolies?

The Clayton Antitrust Act.

What major argument did Bryan make in his speech?

That the gold standard was harming farmers and workers.

What was a popular viewpoint of the Populist rhetoric?

It emphasized anti-corporate and anti-elite sentiments.

What were the consequences of McKinley's victory in 1896?

It marked a key moment in the triumph of big business over Populism.

How did the U.S. involvement in the Spanish-American War change its global standing?

It marked the emergence of the U.S. as a world power.

What societal issues prompted the rise of the Progressive Movement?

Labor injustices, corruption, and public health concerns.

What did the Populist Party ultimately achieve despite its defeat?

It planted the seeds for future reforms in U.S. politics.

What did the term 'Progressive' signify in the context of early 20th century politics?

A movement advocating for reforms to address issues caused by industrialization and corruption.

What were some outcomes of the increased government regulation during the Progressive Era?

Improvements in food safety and labor laws.

What was the aim of the Sherman Antitrust Act before the Clayton Act?

To curb monopolistic practices in business.

What was a major goal of the Populist political agenda?

To empower the common man against economic elites.

What did the direct election of senators signify in U.S. democracy?

An expansion of democratic practices and citizen involvement.

What role did food safety regulations play in the Progressive Era?

To protect consumers from unsafe products.

What change in American society did the Progressive Movement illustrate?

The growing demand for government intervention in economic and social issues.

What was the significance of the Progressive Era in American history?

It laid the foundation for modern regulatory policies and expanded civil rights.

Which tools did Progressives utilize to challenge political corruption?

Initiatives, Referendums, and Recall elections.

What did Upton Sinclair’s 'The Jungle' expose?

The unsanitary conditions of the meatpacking industry.

How did the Progressive Movement address economic inequality?

By advocating for a graduated income tax and business regulations.

What was the core difference between Populists and Progressives?

Populists primarily focused on agrarian issues while Progressives addressed broader social concerns.