APUSH PERIOD 6
Gilded Age:
The Gilded Age, spanning the late 19th century, marked a period of rapid industrialization and economic growth in the United States, but it was also characterized by social inequality, political corruption, and significant cultural changes.
Political Machines, including Tammany Hall:
Political machines, exemplified by Tammany Hall in New York City, were powerful and corrupt political organizations that controlled city politics through patronage, often at the expense of good governance.
Scandals during President Grant’s administration:
President Ulysses S. Grant's administration faced numerous scandals, including financial improprieties and corrupt dealings, leading to a call for civil service reforms to address corruption in government appointments.
Pendleton Civil Service Act of 1883:
The Pendleton Act, enacted in 1883, aimed to reform the civil service by introducing a merit-based system for federal appointments, reducing political patronage, and promoting professionalism in government positions.
Laissez-faire Economic Policy:
The laissez-faire economic policy of the Gilded Age emphasized minimal government intervention in the economy, allowing businesses to operate with limited regulation, contributing to both economic growth and social inequalities.
Carnegie, Rockefeller, Vanderbilt, and Morgan:
Industrial titans like Carnegie, Rockefeller, Vanderbilt, and Morgan were key figures in shaping America's industrial landscape, amassing vast fortunes and influencing economic policies during the Gilded Age.
Robber Barons/Captains of Industry:
The debate over whether industrial leaders were "Robber Barons" exploiting workers and resources or "Captains of Industry" fostering economic growth and innovation reflects differing perspectives on their impact.
Vertical Integration:
Vertical integration, a business strategy employed by industrialists like Carnegie, involved controlling multiple stages of the production process within a single company, increasing efficiency and profitability.
Horizontal Integration:
Horizontal integration, exemplified by Rockefeller, involved acquiring or merging with competitors to dominate a particular industry, often leading to monopolistic practices and antitrust concerns.
New South Concept:
The New South concept aimed at transforming the post-Civil War Southern economy by diversifying industries, promoting industrialization, and moving away from the agrarian traditions of the antebellum South.
Jim Crow and Plessy v. Ferguson:
Jim Crow laws enforced racial segregation in the Southern United States, and the Supreme Court's Plessy v. Ferguson decision in 1896 upheld the constitutionality of "separate but equal" facilities, institutionalizing racial discrimination.
Booker T. Washington:
Booker T. Washington, a prominent African American leader, advocated for vocational and industrial education as a means for black Americans to uplift themselves economically and gain social acceptance.
W.E.B. Du Bois:
W.E.B. Du Bois, a leading African American intellectual and civil rights activist, argued for political and social equality, founding the Niagara Movement and later co-founding the NAACP to combat racial injustices.
Social Darwinism:
Social Darwinism applied Charles Darwin's evolutionary ideas to society, suggesting that societal progress resulted from natural competition, often used to justify social inequalities and laissez-faire economic policies.
Gospel of Wealth:
The Gospel of Wealth, advocated by industrialist Andrew Carnegie, argued that the wealthy had a moral responsibility to use their fortunes for philanthropic purposes and societal betterment.
Inventions:
The Gilded Age witnessed transformative inventions such as the light bulb by Thomas Edison, the telephone by Alexander Graham Bell, and other technological advancements that fueled industrialization.
Immigrants and Industrial Growth:
The influx of immigrants during the Gilded Age provided a vital labor force for growing industries but also led to social tensions, as nativism sentiments rose against these newcomers.
Nativism and “New” Immigrants:
Nativism, fueled by anti-immigrant sentiments, particularly targeted "new" immigrants from Southern and Eastern Europe, leading to discriminatory practices and restrictive immigration laws.
Jane Addams and Settlement Houses:
Social reformer Jane Addams pioneered the establishment of settlement houses, such as Hull House in Chicago, to address the challenges of urban poverty and provide social services to immigrant communities.
Tenements and Jacob Riis:
Journalist Jacob Riis exposed the harsh living conditions in urban tenements through his work, notably the book "How the Other Half Lives," shedding light on the need for housing reform.
Social Gospel:
The Social Gospel movement sought to apply Christian ethics to social issues, emphasizing the importance of social justice, charity, and reform in addressing the problems of industrial society.
Chinese Exclusion Act and Geary Act:
The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 and the Geary Act of 1892 restricted Chinese immigration to the United States, reflecting growing anti-Chinese sentiment and labor competition fears.
Railroad Expansion:
Railroad expansion was a transformative force in the Gilded Age, connecting distant regions, facilitating economic growth, and contributing to westward expansion.
Battle of Little Bighorn:
The Battle of Little Bighorn in 1876 was a significant conflict between U.S. forces and Native American tribes, resulting in a rare victory for the Native Americans led by Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse.
Wounded Knee:
The Wounded Knee massacre in 1890 marked the tragic end of Native American resistance, as U.S. troops suppressed the Sioux uprising, underscoring the harsh treatment of indigenous peoples.
Dawes Severalty Act:
The Dawes Severalty Act of 1887 aimed to assimilate Native Americans into mainstream American society by allotting them individual land plots, leading to the erosion of tribal land ownership.
Boarding Schools for Indians:
Boarding schools for Native American children were established to forcibly assimilate them into Euro-American culture, often resulting in the loss of native languages and cultural practices.
Cattle Drive:
Cattle drives, common in the late 19th century, involved the herding of cattle over long distances to railheads, facilitating their transportation to markets.
Interstate Commerce Act:
The Interstate Commerce Act of 1887 was the first federal legislation to regulate railroad rates and ensure fair business practices in the transportation industry.
Sherman Anti-Trust Act:
The Sherman Anti-Trust Act of 1890 was a landmark piece of legislation aimed at preventing monopolistic practices and promoting fair competition in business.
Knights of Labor:
The Knights of Labor, a labor union founded in 1869, advocated for workers' rights, including the eight-hour workday and social reforms, but declined after the Haymarket Square incident.
American Federation of Labor:
The American Federation of Labor (AFL), led by Samuel Gompers, focused on practical labor issues and organizing skilled workers, becoming a significant force in the American labor movement.
Samuel Gompers:
Samuel Gompers, a key figure in the labor movement, served as the founding president of the American Federation of Labor (AFL) and advocated for workers' rights throughout his career.
Eugene Debs:
Eugene Debs, a prominent labor leader and socialist, founded the American Railway Union and later became a five-time presidential candidate, advocating for workers' rights and social justice.
Great Railroad Strike of 1877:
The Great Railroad Strike of 1877 was a nationwide labor protest by railroad workers against wage cuts, resulting in significant social and economic disruptions.
Haymarket Square:
The Haymarket Square incident in 1886, marked by a labor protest and a subsequent bombing in Chicago, led to legal actions against labor activists and influenced labor movements.
Homestead Strike:
The Homestead Strike of 1892 at a Carnegie Steel plant in Pennsylvania was a significant labor conflict, illustrating the tensions between workers and management during the Gilded Age.
Pullman Strike:
The Pullman Strike of 1894 was a nationwide railroad strike against the Pullman Company, disrupting rail traffic and highlighting issues of worker exploitation.
The Grange:
The Grange, officially known as the Patrons of Husbandry, was an agrarian organization that advocated for farmers' economic and political interests during the Gilded Age.
Populist Party:
The Populist Party, formed in the 1890s, represented the interests of farmers and laborers, advocating for economic reforms such as bimetallism and increased government intervention.
William Jennings Bryan’s Cross of Gold Speech:
William Jennings Bryan's Cross of Gold Speech in 1896 was a pivotal moment in American politics, advocating for bimetallism and criticizing the gold standard, influencing the Democratic Party's stance.
Important Dates:
1882: Chinese Exclusion Act
1887: Interstate Commerce Act
1896: William Jennings Bryan’s Cross of Gold Speech
Gilded Age:
The Gilded Age, spanning the late 19th century, marked a period of rapid industrialization and economic growth in the United States, but it was also characterized by social inequality, political corruption, and significant cultural changes.
Political Machines, including Tammany Hall:
Political machines, exemplified by Tammany Hall in New York City, were powerful and corrupt political organizations that controlled city politics through patronage, often at the expense of good governance.
Scandals during President Grant’s administration:
President Ulysses S. Grant's administration faced numerous scandals, including financial improprieties and corrupt dealings, leading to a call for civil service reforms to address corruption in government appointments.
Pendleton Civil Service Act of 1883:
The Pendleton Act, enacted in 1883, aimed to reform the civil service by introducing a merit-based system for federal appointments, reducing political patronage, and promoting professionalism in government positions.
Laissez-faire Economic Policy:
The laissez-faire economic policy of the Gilded Age emphasized minimal government intervention in the economy, allowing businesses to operate with limited regulation, contributing to both economic growth and social inequalities.
Carnegie, Rockefeller, Vanderbilt, and Morgan:
Industrial titans like Carnegie, Rockefeller, Vanderbilt, and Morgan were key figures in shaping America's industrial landscape, amassing vast fortunes and influencing economic policies during the Gilded Age.
Robber Barons/Captains of Industry:
The debate over whether industrial leaders were "Robber Barons" exploiting workers and resources or "Captains of Industry" fostering economic growth and innovation reflects differing perspectives on their impact.
Vertical Integration:
Vertical integration, a business strategy employed by industrialists like Carnegie, involved controlling multiple stages of the production process within a single company, increasing efficiency and profitability.
Horizontal Integration:
Horizontal integration, exemplified by Rockefeller, involved acquiring or merging with competitors to dominate a particular industry, often leading to monopolistic practices and antitrust concerns.
New South Concept:
The New South concept aimed at transforming the post-Civil War Southern economy by diversifying industries, promoting industrialization, and moving away from the agrarian traditions of the antebellum South.
Jim Crow and Plessy v. Ferguson:
Jim Crow laws enforced racial segregation in the Southern United States, and the Supreme Court's Plessy v. Ferguson decision in 1896 upheld the constitutionality of "separate but equal" facilities, institutionalizing racial discrimination.
Booker T. Washington:
Booker T. Washington, a prominent African American leader, advocated for vocational and industrial education as a means for black Americans to uplift themselves economically and gain social acceptance.
W.E.B. Du Bois:
W.E.B. Du Bois, a leading African American intellectual and civil rights activist, argued for political and social equality, founding the Niagara Movement and later co-founding the NAACP to combat racial injustices.
Social Darwinism:
Social Darwinism applied Charles Darwin's evolutionary ideas to society, suggesting that societal progress resulted from natural competition, often used to justify social inequalities and laissez-faire economic policies.
Gospel of Wealth:
The Gospel of Wealth, advocated by industrialist Andrew Carnegie, argued that the wealthy had a moral responsibility to use their fortunes for philanthropic purposes and societal betterment.
Inventions:
The Gilded Age witnessed transformative inventions such as the light bulb by Thomas Edison, the telephone by Alexander Graham Bell, and other technological advancements that fueled industrialization.
Immigrants and Industrial Growth:
The influx of immigrants during the Gilded Age provided a vital labor force for growing industries but also led to social tensions, as nativism sentiments rose against these newcomers.
Nativism and “New” Immigrants:
Nativism, fueled by anti-immigrant sentiments, particularly targeted "new" immigrants from Southern and Eastern Europe, leading to discriminatory practices and restrictive immigration laws.
Jane Addams and Settlement Houses:
Social reformer Jane Addams pioneered the establishment of settlement houses, such as Hull House in Chicago, to address the challenges of urban poverty and provide social services to immigrant communities.
Tenements and Jacob Riis:
Journalist Jacob Riis exposed the harsh living conditions in urban tenements through his work, notably the book "How the Other Half Lives," shedding light on the need for housing reform.
Social Gospel:
The Social Gospel movement sought to apply Christian ethics to social issues, emphasizing the importance of social justice, charity, and reform in addressing the problems of industrial society.
Chinese Exclusion Act and Geary Act:
The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 and the Geary Act of 1892 restricted Chinese immigration to the United States, reflecting growing anti-Chinese sentiment and labor competition fears.
Railroad Expansion:
Railroad expansion was a transformative force in the Gilded Age, connecting distant regions, facilitating economic growth, and contributing to westward expansion.
Battle of Little Bighorn:
The Battle of Little Bighorn in 1876 was a significant conflict between U.S. forces and Native American tribes, resulting in a rare victory for the Native Americans led by Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse.
Wounded Knee:
The Wounded Knee massacre in 1890 marked the tragic end of Native American resistance, as U.S. troops suppressed the Sioux uprising, underscoring the harsh treatment of indigenous peoples.
Dawes Severalty Act:
The Dawes Severalty Act of 1887 aimed to assimilate Native Americans into mainstream American society by allotting them individual land plots, leading to the erosion of tribal land ownership.
Boarding Schools for Indians:
Boarding schools for Native American children were established to forcibly assimilate them into Euro-American culture, often resulting in the loss of native languages and cultural practices.
Cattle Drive:
Cattle drives, common in the late 19th century, involved the herding of cattle over long distances to railheads, facilitating their transportation to markets.
Interstate Commerce Act:
The Interstate Commerce Act of 1887 was the first federal legislation to regulate railroad rates and ensure fair business practices in the transportation industry.
Sherman Anti-Trust Act:
The Sherman Anti-Trust Act of 1890 was a landmark piece of legislation aimed at preventing monopolistic practices and promoting fair competition in business.
Knights of Labor:
The Knights of Labor, a labor union founded in 1869, advocated for workers' rights, including the eight-hour workday and social reforms, but declined after the Haymarket Square incident.
American Federation of Labor:
The American Federation of Labor (AFL), led by Samuel Gompers, focused on practical labor issues and organizing skilled workers, becoming a significant force in the American labor movement.
Samuel Gompers:
Samuel Gompers, a key figure in the labor movement, served as the founding president of the American Federation of Labor (AFL) and advocated for workers' rights throughout his career.
Eugene Debs:
Eugene Debs, a prominent labor leader and socialist, founded the American Railway Union and later became a five-time presidential candidate, advocating for workers' rights and social justice.
Great Railroad Strike of 1877:
The Great Railroad Strike of 1877 was a nationwide labor protest by railroad workers against wage cuts, resulting in significant social and economic disruptions.
Haymarket Square:
The Haymarket Square incident in 1886, marked by a labor protest and a subsequent bombing in Chicago, led to legal actions against labor activists and influenced labor movements.
Homestead Strike:
The Homestead Strike of 1892 at a Carnegie Steel plant in Pennsylvania was a significant labor conflict, illustrating the tensions between workers and management during the Gilded Age.
Pullman Strike:
The Pullman Strike of 1894 was a nationwide railroad strike against the Pullman Company, disrupting rail traffic and highlighting issues of worker exploitation.
The Grange:
The Grange, officially known as the Patrons of Husbandry, was an agrarian organization that advocated for farmers' economic and political interests during the Gilded Age.
Populist Party:
The Populist Party, formed in the 1890s, represented the interests of farmers and laborers, advocating for economic reforms such as bimetallism and increased government intervention.
William Jennings Bryan’s Cross of Gold Speech:
William Jennings Bryan's Cross of Gold Speech in 1896 was a pivotal moment in American politics, advocating for bimetallism and criticizing the gold standard, influencing the Democratic Party's stance.
Important Dates:
1882: Chinese Exclusion Act
1887: Interstate Commerce Act
1896: William Jennings Bryan’s Cross of Gold Speech
