Gilded Age Test

Key Terms and Concepts

• “Gilded Age”: Refers to the late 19th century in American history, characterized by rapid industrialization, economic growth, but also political corruption and stark social inequality. The term was coined by Mark Twain to describe the superficial glitter of wealth that masked deep social problems.

• Captains of Industry vs. Robber Barons: These terms describe powerful business leaders of the era. "Captains of Industry" suggests that they were innovators who helped build the economy. "Robber Barons" criticizes them for exploiting workers, engaging in unethical business practices, and monopolizing industries.

• Business Practices of Cornelius Vanderbilt, Andrew Carnegie, John Rockefeller, JP Morgan:

  • Cornelius Vanderbilt: Made his fortune in railroads and shipping, often employing aggressive tactics to control competition.

  • Andrew Carnegie: Dominated the steel industry and used vertical integration to control all aspects of production, from raw materials to distribution.

  • John Rockefeller: Established Standard Oil and employed horizontal integration, buying out competitors to create a monopoly in the oil industry.

  • JP Morgan: A powerful financier who consolidated industries and banks, helping to form monopolies and trusts.

• The Gospel of Wealth: A belief popularized by Andrew Carnegie, stating that the wealthy had a moral obligation to distribute their wealth for the benefit of society.

• Big Business Relationship with Government: During the Gilded Age, businesses often had close relationships with government officials, sometimes resulting in corruption and favoritism. This included favorable tariffs, subsidies, and minimal regulation.

• Political Machines: Corrupt organizations that controlled local government, often through patronage and manipulation of elections. They gained support from immigrants by providing services in exchange for votes.

• Tammany Hall: A notorious political machine based in New York City, led by figures like Boss Tweed. It became a symbol of political corruption during the Gilded Age.

Immigration and Labor

• European Immigration: Millions of Europeans, mainly from southern and eastern Europe, immigrated to the U.S. during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, seeking better economic opportunities and escaping political or religious persecution.

• Where They Worked: Many European immigrants worked in factories, mines, and on railroads, often in poor conditions.

• How They Lived: Immigrants typically lived in overcrowded, unsanitary tenements in urban areas, facing challenges such as poverty, discrimination, and lack of access to education and healthcare.

• Asian Immigration: Primarily Chinese and Japanese immigrants came to the U.S. in the late 19th century, seeking work in industries such as railroad construction, agriculture, and mining.

• Where They Worked: Many Asian immigrants worked in railroads, agriculture (especially in California), and later in manufacturing and service industries.

• Chinese Exclusion Act: A 1882 law that prohibited Chinese immigration to the U.S. and denied citizenship to Chinese immigrants already in the country, reflecting the racial and economic tensions of the period.

Economic and Social Ideas

• Impacts of Laissez-Faire on Working Conditions: The laissez-faire approach (minimal government interference in business) during the Gilded Age resulted in poor working conditions, long hours, and low wages for many workers, as businesses were not regulated.

• Social Darwinism: A belief that survival of the fittest applies to society and economics, suggesting that the wealthy and successful are naturally superior, while the poor are responsible for their own plight.

Political Movements

• Populist Movement: A political movement in the late 19th century, primarily supported by farmers, that called for government intervention in the economy, the regulation of railroads, a more equitable money supply (such as free coinage of silver), and direct election of senators.

• Theodore Roosevelt's Progressivism: Roosevelt promoted progressive reforms, including trust-busting (breaking up monopolies), conservation of natural resources, and regulation of business practices to protect consumers and workers.

World War I

• U.S. Entry into WWI: The U.S. entered World War I in 1917 due to factors like unrestricted German submarine warfare, the Zimmermann Telegram (a German proposal for a military alliance with Mexico), and a desire to protect American interests and uphold democracy.

• WWI on the Homefront: On the homefront, the U.S. focused on war production, rationing, and propaganda to support the war effort. The government regulated industries, and women and minorities entered the workforce in large numbers.

• U.S. Exit from WWI: The U.S. entered the war later than European powers and had a significant role in turning the tide in favor of the Allies. The U.S. withdrew from the war after the signing of the armistice in November 1918, despite its involvement in negotiations.

Wilson’s 14 Points and the League of Nations

• Wilson’s 14 Points: A set of proposals by President Woodrow Wilson outlining a vision for a just and lasting peace following WWI. The points included open diplomacy, freedom of the seas, self-determination for nations, and the establishment of the League of Nations.

• League of Nations: An international organization established after WWI to promote peace and cooperation. The U.S. did not join, as the Senate rejected the Treaty of Versailles and the League’s covenant, partly due to concerns over foreign entanglements.