industrialization and immigration

Gilded Age

A period in U.S. history from 1870 to around 1900 characterized by apparent prosperity but underlying poverty and corruption.

Vertical Integration

A business strategy where a company controls all aspects of production, reducing costs and increasing efficiency.

Horizontal Integration

A business strategy where a company acquires its competitors to dominate a market and reduce competition.

Free Enterprise

An economic system allowing individuals to run businesses with minimal government interference, fostering innovation and growth.

Laissez-faire

An economic philosophy advocating minimal government intervention in business affairs.

Social Darwinism

The belief that only the strongest individuals or businesses will survive in a competitive environment, akin to "survival of the fittest."

Monopoly

Exclusive control over a commodity or service in a market, allowing manipulation of prices.

Gospel of Wealth

The philosophy that wealthy individuals have a responsibility to contribute to society through philanthropy.

Labor Union

An organization of workers formed to protect their rights and interests against employer abuses.

Labor Strike

A work stoppage initiated by a labor union to protest poor working conditions or low pay.

Suppressing the Unions

Tactics used by employers to undermine labor unions, including blacklisting and lockouts.

Karl Marx

A German philosopher whose ideas laid the foundation for modern communism, advocating for worker revolts against capitalism.

Eugene V

A prominent leader of the American Railway Union and advocate for workers' rights.

Great Railroad Strike of 1877

The first nationwide labor strike triggered by wage cuts during an economic recession, leading to violence and state intervention.

Haymarket Riot

A labor protest in Chicago that turned violent, highlighting tensions between workers and authorities.

Homestead Strike

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

Pullman Strike

A nationwide strike in 1894 organized by Eugene Debs, disrupting rail traffic and the economy.

Impact of Union Strikes

Decline in union membership as public perception turned against unions, viewing them as un-American.

American Federation of Labor (AFL)

A union of trade unions advocating for workers' rights while avoiding political involvement.

IWW Wobblies

The International Workers of the World, a radical union formed in 1905 advocating for worker solidarity.

Mary Harris "Mother" Jones

A prominent labor organizer advocating for miners' rights and better working conditions.

Women's Trade Unions League (WTUL)

The first union focused on addressing labor issues specific to women.

Angel Island

An immigration processing center in San Francisco Bay primarily for Asian immigrants, known for harsh treatment.

Ellis Island

An immigration processing center in New York Harbor, welcoming primarily European immigrants.

Nativism

A movement characterized by a strong dislike for immigrants and a desire to limit their presence in the U.S.

Chinese Exclusion Act

A law that significantly restricted Chinese immigration and barred Chinese immigrants from U.S. citizenship.

Gentlemen's Agreement

An informal agreement limiting Japanese immigration in exchange for ending school segregation in San Francisco.

Jacob Riis

A journalist known for exposing the living conditions of the poor in New York City through his writings.

Triangle Shirtwaist Factory

Site of a tragic fire in 1911 that led to reforms in labor laws and building safety codes.

Jane Addams

Founder of Hull House, a settlement house providing services to the poor and advocating for social reform.

Political Machines

Organizations that command support through favors and patronage in exchange for political loyalty.

Boss Tweed

Head of Tammany Hall, known for corruption and manipulation of political power in New York City.

Kickbacks

Illegal payments made to political bosses by contractors in exchange for city contracts.

Graft

The misuse of political influence for personal gain.

Old Immigrants

Immigrants from England and northern Europe before 1880 seeking better opportunities.

New Immigrants

Immigrants from southern and eastern Europe (1880-1924) seeking economic opportunities and escaping persecution.

Americanization

The process of assimilating immigrants into American culture, often at the expense of their original traditions.

U.S

Law that extended citizenship to white persons and people of African descent, excluding Asians.

Plessy v

Supreme Court case that upheld segregation under the "separate but equal" doctrine.

Ida B

An African American journalist and activist known for her anti-lynching campaigns.

Susan B

A women's rights activist who co-founded the National Woman's Suffrage Association.

19th Amendment

Constitutional amendment