unit 6 key terms

These flashcards cover key concepts, events, and figures from the Gilded Age and early Progressive Era, emphasizing economic and political reforms.

Gilded Age

Period after the Civil War (1865-1900) characterized by rapid industrialization, economic growth, urbanization, wealth inequality, and political corruption.

Industrialization

Expansion of factories, railroads, steel, and coal industries, creating jobs but increasing inequality and poor working conditions.

Railroad Monopolies / Trusts

Powerful railroad companies and trusts that controlled markets and prices, negatively affecting farmers and small businesses.

Andrew Carnegie

Industrialist who dominated the steel industry using vertical integration, a key figure in Gilded Age industrialization.

John D. Rockefeller

Industrialist who controlled the oil industry using horizontal integration and trusts, symbolizing monopoly power.

Laissez-Faire Capitalism

Policy of minimal government regulation of business, allowing monopolies to grow and inequality to expand.

Political Corruption

Includes practices like the spoils system and patronage, leading to public distrust in government.

Pendleton Civil Service Act

1883 law that established merit-based hiring for federal jobs to reduce corruption associated with patronage.

Interstate Commerce Act

1887 law that was the first federal regulation of railroads, requiring reasonable rates and prohibiting rebates.

Sherman Antitrust Act

1890 law aimed to limit monopolies and trusts; although initially weak, it represented a step towards reform.

Populist Party / People's Party

Political party formed in 1891 representing farmers and laborers, advocating for social and economic reforms.

Omaha Platform

The official platform of the Populist Party established in 1892, focusing on addressing economic inequality and corporate influence.

Farmers' Alliances

Organizations of farmers that advocated for economic reforms; served as a precursor to the Populist Party.

Falling Crop Prices / Debt

Economic pressures from overproduction and competition that led farmers into debt, contributing to the rise of the Populist movement.

Railroad Monopolies / High Shipping Costs

High shipping fees imposed by monopolies on farmers, which spurred demands for government regulation.

Gold Standard vs. Free Silver Debate

Controversy between those advocating for free silver to aid debt-ridden farmers and those supporting the gold standard favored by creditors.

Panic of 1873

Economic downturn triggered by bank failures, which had a negative impact on farmers and workers and fueled reform movements.

Panic of 1893

A severe depression that increased unemployment and farm crises, leading to a rise in support for the Populist Party.

Election of 1892

Election where Populist candidate James B. Weaver won 22 electoral votes, illustrating the potential influence of third-party candidates.

Election of 1896 / William Jennings Bryan

The election that saw the fusion of Populists with Democrats, resulting in Bryan's defeat and a decline of the Populist Party.

William McKinley

Republican president supporting the gold standard and pro-business policies, who defeated Bryan in the 1896 election.

Jim Crow Laws / Disenfranchisement

Legalized segregation and suppression of voters in the South, impacting multi-racial coalitions like the Populists.

Pullman Strike 1894

National railroad strike where federal troops sided with businesses, highlighting the challenges for labor movements.

Immigration / Urbanization

Increased immigration fueled industrial workforce growth, leading to crowded cities, tenement living conditions, and ethnic tensions.

Settlement Houses / Jane Addams

Social reform efforts addressing urban poverty and aiding immigrants, central to Gilded Age reform movements.

Labor Unions / Knights of Labor / AFL

Organizations advocating for workers' rights related to wages, hours, and working conditions, sometimes colluding with Populists.

Social Gospel Movement

Religious initiative promoting social reform aimed at helping the urban poor and advocating for social justice.

Credit Mobilier Scandal

Corruption scandal involving a construction company overcharging the government, exposing corruption in railroad contracts.

Sherman Silver Purchase Act

1890 law that required the government to purchase silver, aiming to appease farmers but causing economic instability.

Voting Restrictions / Poll Taxes / Literacy Tests

Methods employed in the South to disenfranchise Black voters, undermining potential Populist coalitions.

16th Amendment

Amendment establishing a federal income tax, aligned with Populist demands for economic reform.

17th Amendment

Amendment mandating the direct election of U.S. senators, fulfilling a key Populist goal for increased political representation.

Progressive Era Reforms

Implementations of many Populist ideas in the early 20th century, including income tax and regulation measures.