Industrial Era Overview

Industrial Era

Period of rapid industrialization and urbanization in the late 19th century in the United States.

Monopolists

Rockefeller, Carnegie, and Vanderbilt who used integration methods to dominate industries.

Horizontal Integration

Business growth by acquiring similar companies in the industry's supply chain.

Vertical Integration

Business expansion by acquiring companies operating before or after them.

Exploitation of the Worker

Harsh conditions, low wages, and long hours faced by workers during the Industrial Era.

Labor Unions

Emerging to advocate for workers' rights and better conditions, leading to conflicts.

Wealth Gap

Widening disparity between rich and poor, fueling social unrest.

Roosevelt V. Taft

Republican presidents with differing approaches during the Progressive Era.

Washington and Dubois

African American leaders advocating for racial equality with different strategies.

Imperial Era

American expansionism and territorial acquisitions in the late 19th century.

Spanish-American War

Conflict between the U.S and Spain, resulting in territorial gains.

Land Gains

Expansion of U.S influence and resources through territorial acquisitions.

American Foreign Policy Goals

Driven by economic interests and desire for global influence.

WW1

Global conflict involving major powers, including the U.S.

Neutrality

Initial stance of President Wilson to avoid entanglement in European conflicts.

Causes of American Entrance Into WW1

Factors leading to U.S involvement in WW1, including economic ties with allies.

Impact of the Versailles Treaty

Imposed penalties on Germany, contributing to economic instability and resentment.

Wilson's Struggle With Congress

Challenges faced by Wilson in gaining congressional support for his post-war vision.

1920's

Decade of economic prosperity, cultural change, and social experimentation in America.

Mass Production

Techniques pioneered by Henry Ford, revolutionizing industries like automobiles.

Laissez-Faire

Policies favoring minimal government intervention in business affairs.

1930's

Decade dominated by the Great Depression, causing widespread economic hardship.

Causes of the Crash

Factors like over-speculation and lack of regulation leading to the stock market crash.

Hoovervilles

Shantytowns housing the unemployed during the Great Depression.

New Deal

FDR's programs aimed at addressing the Great Depression through relief and reform.

Criticisms from the Left

Critiques of Roosevelt's New Deal from those desiring more radical reforms.

Rise of Totalitarianism and Cults

Rise of regimes like Hitler's Germany and Mussolini's Italy promoting nationalist agendas.