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
Rise of Big Business: Encouraged urbanization, migration, and reshaping of the U.S. economy and identity.
Industrial Culture: Created opportunities but also restrictions for immigrants, minorities, and women.
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.