APUSH Gilded Age/ Progressive Reforms

Causes of Westward Expansion

economic opportunities, manifest destiny, escape from religious persecution, land acquisition.

Native American issues

broken treaties, forced assimilation policies, reservation system.

Farmers' issues

overproduction, high railroad rates, debt, formation of organizations like The Grange and Farmer's Alliance.

Plessy v Ferguson

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

Industrialists

Andrew Carnegie, John D. Rockefeller, J.P. Morgan; known for monopolistic practices.

Laissez-faire economics

belief in minimal government intervention in economic affairs, arguments for its benefits and criticisms.

Social Darwinism

application of Darwin's theory of natural selection to society, justifying inequality and laissez-faire policies.

Gold standard vs silver coinage

debate over monetary policy and its impact on inflation and economic stability.

Trusts/holding companies

consolidation of businesses into large corporations, often leading to monopolies.

Labor Unions

organizations advocating for workers' rights, such as the Knights of Labor and American Federation of Labor.

Growth of Infrastructure

expansion of railroads, construction of roads, impact on national economy.

Environmental issues

concerns over industrial pollution, depletion of natural resources, and conservation efforts.

Immigrant Issues

discrimination, poor working conditions, ethnic enclaves.

“Old” vs “New” Immigrants

Old: Northern and Western Europe, New: Southern and Eastern Europe, Asia

Nativism

belief in protecting native-born citizens' interests against immigrants

Urban growth

overcrowding, sanitation issues, lack of infrastructure.

Settlement Houses

community centers providing social services and education to immigrants, led by figures like Jane Addams.

Political bosses

leaders of political machines, wielding significant influence over local politics through patronage and corruption.

Political Machines

organizations that controlled political parties in urban areas, providing services in exchange for votes.

Populist Party

political movement representing farmers and laborers, advocating for reforms such as bimetallism and government regulation of railroads.

William Jennings Bryan

Democratic politician and orator, known for his support of free silver and populism.

Progressivism

reform movement aiming to address social, economic, and political issues through government intervention and social activism.

Conservationist movement

efforts to preserve natural resources and establish national parks, led by figures like Teddy Roosevelt and John Muir.

African American Issues

challenges such as segregation, disenfranchisement, and violence; leaders like Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. Du Bois.

African American issues

challenges such as segregation, disenfranchisement, and violence; leaders like Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. Du Bois.

Women’s issues

suffrage movement, advocating for women's rights to vote and participate in politics.