APUSH Unit 6 & 7B Notes: The Gilded Age, Progressivism, and America on the World Stage (1865–1920)

This study guide incorporates APUSH historical thinking skills (cause and effect, continuity and change, and comparison) and connects themes across time to prepare for even the most difficult multiple-choice exams.

I. The Rise of Industrial America (1865–1900)

Theme: Economic Development & Industrialization

• Continuity & Change: The U.S. shifted from a rural agrarian economy to an urban industrial one.

• Cause & Effect: Railroads, mechanization, and corporate monopolies led to unprecedented economic growth, but also exploitation of labor and farmers, leading to calls for government regulation.

II. The Populist Movement & Farmers’ Revolt (1890s)

Theme: Political Change & Economic Reform

• Comparison: While agrarian movements (like the Granger Movement & Farmers’ Alliances) had existed earlier, the Populists sought a radical restructuring of the economy, unlike previous farmer-led protests.

• Cause & Effect: Railroad monopolies, debt, and the gold standard pushed farmers into a national political movement, leading to the Populist Party’s rise in the 1890s and the eventual adoption of some of its policies during the Progressive Era and the New Deal.

1. Farmers’ Economic Hardships & Industrial Exploitation

• Overproduction of crops led to price drops → Farmers could not make enough money to survive.

• Debt cycle worsened as farmers had to mortgage land to afford new technology but still couldn’t compete.

• High freight rates & grain storage fees: Railroad companies & grain elevators (controlled by monopolies) charged high prices, forcing farmers to pay more to transport goods.

• Gold Standard (tight money supply) worsened deflation → Fewer dollars in circulation meant harder-to-repay debts.

2. The Rise of the Populist Party (1892): A National Political Movement

The Populist Party (People’s Party) was formed in 1892 by farmers, laborers, and reformers who sought to curb the power of big business and advocate for the common man.

A. The Omaha Platform (1892): Key Political & Economic Reforms

The Populist platform was one of the most radical of its time, calling for:

🔹 Economic Policies (Opposing Corporate Control & Monopolies)

• Free coinage of silver ("bimetallism") → Wanted to increase the money supply, causing inflation to help debtors.

• Graduated income tax → Tax the wealthy at higher rates.

• Government ownership of railroads, telegraphs, and banks → End corporate exploitation of farmers.

• Postal Savings Banks → A government-run banking system to protect farmers & workers from predatory lenders.

🔹 Political Reforms (Expanding Democracy & Direct Participation)

• Direct election of U.S. senators (achieved with the 17th Amendment in 1913).

• Initiative, Referendum, & Recall → Allowed citizens to propose laws, vote on them directly, and remove corrupt politicians.

🔹 Labor Reforms (Appealing to Industrial Workers)

• 8-hour workday (won by Progressives later).

• Stronger labor protections & unions to protect industrial workers.

🔹 Anti-Corporate & Anti-Elite Rhetoric

• Opposed political corruption and attacked the banking elite, railroad monopolies, and industrial tycoons.

• Criticized laissez-faire capitalism → Called for federal intervention to protect ordinary Americans.

3. The Election of 1892 & Growing Political Influence

• Populist presidential candidate James B. Weaver won 1 million votes (8.5%), an impressive showing for a third-party movement.

• Gained seats in Congress & state legislatures, particularly in the South & West.

4. The Election of 1896: Populists & the Silver Debate

A. William Jennings Bryan & the "Cross of Gold" Speech (1896)

• Bryan (Democrat-Populist candidate) supported "free silver" → Argued that the gold standard was crushing farmers and workers.

• His famous “Cross of Gold” speech electrified the Democratic National Convention → "You shall not crucify mankind upon a cross of gold!"

• Democrats absorbed many Populist ideas, effectively ending the Populist Party as an independent force.

B. Republican William McKinley (Pro-Business, Gold Standard)

• McKinley’s campaign (funded by big business) outspent Bryan 5 to 1.

• McKinley won, marking the defeat of Populism and the dominance of big business-friendly Republicans.

• Significance: The election confirmed the shift toward corporate-driven politics and the decline of agrarian political power.

5. The Legacy of the Populist Movement

🔹 Many Populist ideas were later adopted by the Progressive Era (1900–1920) and the New Deal (1930s).
🔹 Direct election of senators (17th Amendment, 1913), progressive income tax (16th Amendment, 1913), and railroad regulation (Interstate Commerce Act, 1887) were all Populist-inspired.
🔹 The defeat of the Populists showed that industrial capitalism had triumphed over agrarian America.

III. The Progressive Era & Roosevelt’s Presidency (1901–1909)

Theme: Expanding the Role of Government in Business & Society

• Comparison: Unlike Gilded Age laissez-faire policies, Progressives sought increased government intervention to regulate business, protect consumers, and expand democracy.

• Cause & Effect: The corporate abuses of the Gilded Age, labor unrest, and social inequality led to Progressive reforms that expanded federal power over the economy and society.

1. Key Progressive Reforms

🔹 Economic Reforms (Breaking Up Monopolies & Regulating Business)

• Clayton Antitrust Act (1914): Strengthened the Sherman Antitrust Act & protected labor unions from being considered monopolies.

• Federal Reserve Act (1913): Created a centralized banking system to prevent financial panics.

🔹 Social & Labor Reforms

• Meat Inspection Act (1906) & Pure Food and Drug Act (1906): Inspired by Upton Sinclair’s The Jungle, ensured food safety.

• Child labor laws (Keating-Owen Act, 1916) → Later ruled unconstitutional but set the stage for reforms.

• 8-hour workday victories in some industries.

🔹 Expanding Democracy (Political Reforms)

• Initiative, Referendum, Recall → Allowed citizens to directly influence laws and remove corrupt officials.

• Women’s suffrage movement gained momentum (achieved with the 19th Amendment in 1920).

IV. Imperialism & America’s Rise as a World Power (1890–1914)

Theme: Expansion of U.S. Influence Through Military & Economic Means

• Comparison: The U.S. shifted from isolationism to aggressive interventionism.

• Cause & Effect: Industrialization demanded new markets → U.S. expanded influence in Latin America, the Pacific, and Asia.

1. Key Imperialist Actions

🔹 Annexation of Hawaii (1898): Overthrew Queen Liliuokalani, mainly for sugar and Pearl Harbor naval base.
🔹 Spanish-American War (1898): U.S. gained Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines after a quick victory.
🔹 Philippine-American War (1899–1902): Brutal suppression of Filipino independence movement.

2. Roosevelt’s Foreign Policy ("Big Stick Diplomacy")

• Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine (1904): Asserted U.S. right to intervene in Latin America to maintain stability.

• Panama Canal (1904–1914): U.S. backed Panama’s independence from Colombia to build the canal.

• Great White Fleet (1907–1909): Sent U.S. battleships on a world tour to showcase military power.

Key Takeaways

✅ The Populist Party emerged as a major challenge to industrial capitalism, but its defeat signaled the dominance of big business.
✅ Progressive reforms built upon Populist demands, expanding government regulation of business and democracy.
✅ Imperialism marked a turning point as the U.S. expanded globally, using military and economic power to assert dominance.