APUSH Gilded Age, Imperialism, and Progressivism

Clayton-Bulwer Treaty (1850)

A treaty signed between the United States and Great Britain that stated neither nation would have exclusive control over the trade routes in Central America, particularly concerning the proposed canal.

Homestead Act (1862)

Legislation that granted American settlers 160 acres of land in the West, provided they improved the land by building a dwelling and cultivating crops.

Pacific Railway Act (1862)

A law permitting railroads to acquire land surrounding the routes they constructed, facilitating the expansion of the rail network across the United States.

Haymarket Square Riot (1866)

A violent incident in Chicago arising from a peaceful demonstration advocating for an eight-hour workday, which led to deaths and the execution of several anarchists, highlighting tensions between labor movements and government.

National Grange of the Patrons of Husbandry (1867)

An organization established to support farmers through resource provision and advocacy for Granger Laws, which aimed to regulate railroad and grain storage rates.

Knights of Labor Union (1869)

A labor organization that included all workers regardless of skill level, advocating for social reforms through political means instead of strikes, including calls for an eight-hour workday.

Standard Oil of Ohio (1870)

The dominant oil company founded by John D. Rockefeller that established a monopoly using strategies of vertical and horizontal integration to control the market.

Social Gospel Movement (1870-1920)

A religious reform movement that aimed to improve societal conditions and promote social justice through charitable efforts and advocacy for the poor.

Credit Mobilier Scandal (1872)

A political scandal involving shareholders of the Union Pacific Railroad who formed a fake construction company to embezzle funds from the government.

Comstock Act (1873)

Legislation that prohibited the dissemination of information about birth control and sexual health, reflecting societal attitudes towards sexuality during that era.

The Woman’s Christian Temperance Union (1874)

An organization focused on reducing alcohol consumption and addressing issues related to domestic violence through advocacy and social reform.

Election of 1876

A highly disputed presidential election that culminated in Rutherford B. Hayes being declared the winner by an imbalanced electoral commission, which sparked controversy and debates over electoral fairness.

Munn v. Illinois (1876)

A significant Supreme Court ruling that affirmed the right of states to regulate private industries, specifically concerning grain storage facilities, for the public's welfare.

Great Railroad Strike (1877)

A nationwide strike begun in response to wage cuts and poor working conditions, resulting in violent clashes between strikers and authorities, ultimately leading to federal intervention.

End of Reconstruction (1877)

The conclusion of the Reconstruction era with President Hayes’ withdrawal of federal troops from Southern states, which led to the establishment of Jim Crow laws and the disenfranchisement of African Americans.

Solid South (Post-1877)

The political climate in the Southern United States characterized by Democratic Party dominance and a resurgence of policies emphasizing states' rights and segregation.

Salvation Army (1879)

An organization created to aid the urban poor through social services, such as food distribution and shelter, reflecting a commitment to social reform and charity.

Election of 1880

The presidential election that resulted in the victory of James Garfield, who utilized the spoils system to reward supporters within his political campaign.

Oriental Exclusion Act (1882)

A restrictive immigration law that limited Chinese immigration and denied U.S. citizenship to those already living in the country, reflecting widespread anti-Asian sentiment.

Pendleton Civil Service Act (1883)

Legislation that established the Civil Service Commission to apply merit-based criteria for the selection of government officials, aiming to reduce corruption in government jobs.

Wabash, St. Louis and Pacific RR Co. v. Illinois (1886)

A landmark Supreme Court decision that restricted states' authority to regulate interstate railroads, establishing that such regulation fell under federal jurisdiction.

American Federation of Labor (1886)

A national labor union founded by Samuel Gompers that focused on collective bargaining and representing the interests of skilled workers to improve wages and working conditions.

Dawes Act (1887)

Legislation that aimed to assimilate Native Americans into American society by dividing tribal lands into individual parcels and providing citizenship to those who accepted the terms.

Interstate Commerce Act (1887)

A federal law designed to regulate railroad rates, prohibit discriminatory practices, and establish the Interstate Commerce Commission to enforce these regulations.

Johnstown Flood (1889)

A catastrophic disaster resulting from the failure of a dam, leading to over 2,200 deaths and raising awareness of the negligence of wealthy industrialists towards public safety.

Populist Party (1890)

A political party created to represent the interests of farmers and laborers, seeking reforms like the public ownership of railroads and a direct election of U.S. senators.

General Federation of Women’s Clubs (1890)

An organization created to mobilize women to address social issues such as labor rights, public health, and environmental concerns through collective action.

National American Woman Suffrage Association (1890)

An organization formed to advocate for women's right to vote, achieving significant milestones despite facing numerous legal and social obstacles.

Sherman Antitrust Act (1890)

Federal legislation aimed to dismantle monopolies and promote competition by prohibiting business practices that restricted free trade.

Wounded Knee Massacre (1890)

The violent slaughter of Lakota Sioux by U.S. Army forces during a confrontation linked to the Ghost Dance movement, marking the end of a significant era of Native American resistance.

McKinley Tariff (1890)

A tariff act that significantly increased duties on imported goods to protect domestic industries from international competition.

Cleveland's Presidency (1885-1889, 1893-1896)

Grover Cleveland’s two non-consecutive terms marked by efforts to address economic inequality and government corruption.

Coxey’s Army (1894)

A march led by Jacob Coxey advocating for government action to provide jobs for the unemployed during the economic downturn, signaling early labor mobilization efforts.

Pullman Strike (1894)

A major nationwide strike originating at the Pullman Company that spiraled into a broader boycott and required federal intervention to restore order.

Plessy v. Ferguson (1896)

A pivotal Supreme Court case that upheld racial segregation laws under the doctrine of 'separate but equal', legally sanctioning discrimination.

Spanish-American War (1898)

A conflict sparked by American involvement in Cuba's struggle for independence, resulting in a quick victory for the U.S. and the acquisition of new territories.

Annexation of Hawaii (1898)

The incorporation of Hawaii into the United States, transitioning it from a republic to a territory despite significant opposition from native Hawaiians.

Teller Amendment (1898)

An amendment added to the declaration of war against Spain, assuring that the U.S. would not annex Cuba post-war.

Filipino Revolt (1899-1902)

An insurrection against American colonial rule in the Philippines following the Spanish-American War, reflecting anti-imperialist sentiments.

Open Door Policy (1899)

A diplomatic policy proposed by Secretary of State John Hay that advocated for equal trade opportunities in China among various foreign nations.

Boxer Rebellion (1900)

An anti-foreign uprising in China aimed at ending colonial influence that led to an international military intervention to suppress the rebellion.

McKinley’s assassination (1901)

The violent act in which President McKinley was murdered by an anarchist, leading to increased security measures for public officials.

Hay-Pauncefote Treaty (1901)

A treaty between the U.S. and Great Britain that allowed the U.S. to construct and control the Panama Canal, effectively nullifying previous agreements.

Platt Amendment (1901)

Legislation embedded in Cuba's constitution granting the U.S. the right to intervene in Cuban affairs and maintain a naval base at Guantanamo Bay.

Insular Cases (1901)

A series of Supreme Court decisions clarifying the status and rights of U.S. territories acquired after the Spanish-American War, addressing constitutional implications.

Pure Food and Drug Act (1906)

A federal law that aimed to ensure the safety and labeling of food and medicinal products, leading to the establishment of the FDA.

Triangle Shirtwaist Company Fire (1911)

A catastrophic industrial disaster that resulted in the deaths of many workers, prompting significant reforms in labor laws and workplace safety regulations.

Standard Oil Decision (1911)

The Supreme Court ruling that ordered the dissolution of Rockefeller's Standard Oil monopoly, citing violations of the Sherman Antitrust Act.

Lawrence Labor Strike (1912)

A significant textile strike in Lawrence, Massachusetts, where workers, primarily women, protested for better working conditions and fair wages.

Leo Frank Case (1913)

The lynching of Jewish businessman Leo Frank in Atlanta, which underscored the racial and social tensions prevalent in America during that era.

Panama Canal completed (1914)

The successful completion of the Panama Canal, overcoming engineering challenges and health hazards during construction, symbolizing American engineering prowess.

Clayton Antitrust Act (1914)

Legislation that aimed to strengthen the provisions of the Sherman Antitrust Act by clarifying and defining illegal business practices.

Jones Act (1916)

A law that restructured the governance of the Philippine Islands, providing for a more democratic framework for local government.