APUSH Period 6 Vocab.

Gilded Age

A period in US history from the 1870s to about 1900 characterized by rapid economic growth, industrialization, and the expansion of railroads, marked by social issues such as inequality and corruption.

urbanization

The process of population movement from rural to urban areas, leading to the growth of cities and changes in social and economic structures.

monopolies

Exclusive control of a commodity or service in a market, often leading to reduced competition and higher prices.

Social Darwinism

The belief that social and economic success is determined by natural selection, justifying inequality and imperialism.

conspicuous consumption

The practice of purchasing and using goods to display wealth and social status, often seen as a response to economic growth.

unions

Organizations formed by workers to protect their rights and interests, often advocating for better wages, working conditions, and hours.

New South

A term used to describe the economic and social changes in the Southern United States after the Civil War, emphasizing industrialization and modernization.

Tenant farming

A system of agriculture where farmers work land owned by someone else in exchange for a share of the crops produced.

conservation

The practice of protecting and managing natural resources and the environment to prevent depletion and ensure sustainability.

preservation

The act of maintaining and protecting natural areas and resources from human impact, often to keep them in their original state.

Populist Party

A political party in the United States that emerged in the late 19th century, advocating for the interests of farmers and laborers, promoting issues like monetary reform and regulation of railroads.

political machines

Organizations that used patronage and bribery to maintain control over political parties and influence local government.

Settlement house

an institution in urban areas that provided education, social services, and support for immigrants and the urban poor.

Transcontinental railroad

A rail network that connected the eastern United States to the western territories, facilitating commerce and migration across the continent.

reservation

a designated area of land set aside for Native American tribes, often resulting in the displacement of their original territories.

assimilation

the process by which individuals or groups adopt the cultural traits of another group, often leading to the loss of their original culture.

Laissez-faire

an economic philosophy advocating minimal government intervention in the economy, allowing businesses to operate freely.

Plessy vs. Ferguson

a landmark Supreme Court case in 1896 that upheld the constitutionality of racial segregation under the "separate but equal" doctrine.

Socialists

political advocates for social ownership and democratic control of the means of production, seeking to reduce income inequality.

Jane Addams

a prominent social reformer and co-founder of Hull House, which provided social services and education to immigrants and the poor in Chicago.

Gospel of Wealth

a philosophy that promoted the idea that the wealthy have a moral obligation to distribute their fortunes for the benefit of society, famously associated with Andrew Carnegie.

Capitalism

an economic system characterized by private ownership of the means of production and the pursuit of profit.

Mexican-American

refers to individuals of Mexican descent living in the United States, often associated with cultural, social, and political movements.

Educational institutions

that provide formal instruction and training to individuals, fostering knowledge and skills for personal and professional development.

Holding companies

business entities that own shares in other companies to control them without directly managing their operations.

Trusts

legal arrangements where a fiduciary holds assets for the benefit of beneficiaries, often used to reduce competition and regulate markets.

Corporations

business organizations that are legally recognized as separate entities from their owners, allowing for limited liability and easier access to capital.

Social Gospel

a religious movement that aimed to apply Christian ethics to social problems, particularly issues of social justice, poverty, and labor rights.

Utopianism

a philosophical and social movement advocating for the creation of ideal communities and societies, often emphasizing equality and communal living.