Period 6 AMSCO 2015

Period 6 Overview (1865-1898)

• Focused on the economic and urban development of the U.S. post-Civil War to the Spanish-American War.

• U.S. emerged as the largest economy and a potential international power.

Historical Characterizations

• Labeled as the "Second Industrial Revolution" due to advancements in technologies like electricity and petroleum.

• Referred to as the "Railroad Era" for creating a continental network of railroads enhancing large-scale industries.

• Known as the "Gilded Age" highlighting the wealth amassed by industrialists and issues faced by the working class.

Key Concepts

1. Rise of Big Business: Encouraged urbanization, migration, and reshaping of the U.S. economy and identity.

2. Industrial Culture: Created opportunities but also restrictions for immigrants, minorities, and women.

3. Cultural Movements: Emerged alongside political debates regarding economic and social policies.

Chapter 16: The Rise of Industrial America, 1865-1900

• U.S. became the leading industrial power producing more than its rivals by 1900.

Factors for Economic Growth

• Abundant raw materials (coal, iron, oil).

• Large labor supply due to immigration.

• Growing population and advanced transportation networks created largest market for goods.

• Plentiful capital from investors.

• Development of labor-saving technologies and efficient patent systems.

• Supportive government policies facilitating expansion.

Development of Railroads

• Railroads: First big business; mileage increased from 35,000 miles in 1865 to 193,000 miles in 1900.

• Promoted national market, mass production, consumption, and economic specialization.

• Federal government subsidies led to rapid expansion but also corruption and inefficient construction practices.

Transcontinental Railroads

• Built with federal land grants and loans.

• Key companies included Union Pacific and Central Pacific. First completed in 1869 at Promontory Point, Utah.

• Further lines included Southern Pacific and Northern Pacific railroads.

Competition and Consolidation of Railroads

• Speculative risks caused many railroads to face bankruptcy (Panic of 1893).

• J. Pierpont Morgan consolidated bankrupt railroads removing excess competition and stabilizing rates.

• By 1900, a few large systems controlled most railroads.

Industrial Empires

• Transition from small-scale manufacturing to large industry post-Civil War.

• Growth of steel industry initiated by the Bessemer process allowing for large-scale steel production.

• Andrew Carnegie utilized vertical integration, controlling every stage of production.

• Growth of the oil industry dominated by John D. Rockefeller through horizontal integration.

The Antitrust Movement

• Trusts faced scrutiny leading to the Sherman Antitrust Act (1890) aimed at curbing monopolies but initially ineffective.

• Laissez-faire and Social Darwinism supported unchecked capitalist practices.

Technological Innovations

• Inventions (telegraph, typewriter, telephone) revolutionized communication and work efficiency.

• Thomas Edison and George Westinghouse led innovations in electrical systems and lighting.

Chapter 17: The Last West and the New South, 1865-1900

• Focused on the settlement of the West and the transformation of the South after the Civil War.

The Closing of the Frontier

• Homestead Act (1862) promoted Western settlement with land grants leading to environmental and cultural changes.

• Mining and cattle industries boomed but faced challenges leading to the end of the cattle drive era.

Impact on American Indians

• U.S. government policies forced American Indians onto reservations causing cultural decay.

• Conflicts known as Indian Wars resulted in significant losses and the near-extermination of buffalo herds.

Chapter 18: Growth of Cities and American Culture

• Urbanization driven by industrialization and migration, with a power struggle between rich and poor.

Immigration Waves

• "Old" (pre-1880) vs. "New" (post-1890) immigrants, changing the demographic and cultural fabric of American society.

• Restrictive immigration laws emerged, notably the Chinese Exclusion Act (1882).

Reform Movements

• Social Gospel and settlement houses sought to address urban issues.

• Movements highlighted the need for social justice in the face of industrial inequality.

Culture and Arts

• Realism and naturalism in literature reflected societal challenges. Key figures included Mark Twain and Stephen Crane.

• Arts reflected industrial city life through movements like impressionism in paintings.

Chapter 19: The Politics of the Gilded Age

• Political practices of patronage and limited government reflected the economic status quo.

Party Dynamics

• Weak presidential control, with a focus on patronage rather than policy.

• Electoral closeness exemplified party loyalty without substantive governance.

Major Political Issues

• Debates over the currency (gold vs. silver) and tariffs drove party platforms and voter turnout.

The Rise of the Populist Movement

• Reflecting agrarian discontent, this movement called for significant reforms including the direct election of senators and an eight-hour workday.

• The election of 1896 marked a shift in dominance to the Republican party and the end of the Populist movement.