Untitled Flashcard Set

Before the Civil War

Although industrialization began before the Civil War, there were many more changes coming!

Before the Civil War most Americans lived on _____farms___________.  As industrialization began, people moved to work in western  _____territories________ and the city’s factories,                     

Gross National Product -_____The total value of all goods and services produced by a country (expanded dramatically)._________________________________________                          5

Natural Resources

Because America had vast natural resources such as ____coal_____________, ___iron________________, ______oil___________, and ___timber_, water, petroleum________________

American industries had a huge advantage.  These crucial resources were very valuable_for them.

Large number of western settlers allowed these resources to be extracted ___more efficiently/cheaply_____________, and growing numbers of trains allowed them to be 

_____transported to business____ quickly.                            6

A Large Workforce

In the years after the Civil War the US ___population_______

grew tremendously.

This was good for the economy because it meant more _______workers____________________ and more ___consumers______________.

The two causes for this population growth was 

a) _____massive immigration___ and

b)___large families__

The large workforce supported  industrialization! 7

Free Enterprise

Another thing that helped American industrialization was the system of free enterprise.

There was an opportunity to make lots of money__________, especially in the manufacturing and transportation industries.

Entrepreneurs - ___People who risk capital (money) to create and run a business.

8

Free Enterprise

Laissez-faire - __idea of minimal (very little) government interference (rule) in business and the economy.

At this time, laissez-faire was popular in the US

For example: government did not try to control workers wages or prices , few rules and regulation, low taxes._

Laissez-faire is not always good______________. 

The _______free enterprise system allowed American business grow strong

The government created conditions that encouraged industrialization by allowing free enterprise: opportunity for profit with little government influence

9

New Inventions

New inventions were key to American industrialization.  They created new ___industries________, and ______improved productivity___________.  For example:

Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone_________

Thomas Edison invented many things, perhaps most importantly the electric light bulb_____________________.

His electrical company Edison Electric light company________ dramatically changed the US.

Other new inventions made industry more productive, so prices ___decreased__________. (Good)    11

Railroads

Railroads played a huge role in America becoming a industrial superpower_.

It started with the Pacific Railway Act - ___It authorized the construction of the First Transcontinental Railroad.______

Seven years later, it resulted in the _____completion of the Transcontinental Railroad_______________________, a rail line across the continent  12

Land Grant System

In order to encourage the building of new railroads, the ____federal government_____________ gave (for free) huge amounts of land___________ to railroad companies.  

This made the building of railroads more affordable (“do-able”)                           

                                                                                         14

Robber Barons

With so much money being passed out by the federal government, there was a lot of corruption___________________ (dishonest business practices)

For example, bribery and unfair business tactics______________ was common.

The wealthy entrepreneurs became known as robber barons.

Robber baron -___A business leader who uses unfair or unethical practices to become wealthy.

_______________________________________ 15

This is part of how the US became a world power!!!!!!!!!!!

What are the 5 reasons for the impressive industrialization of the United States?

1.____Abundant natural resources_____________________________________     

2.____large, growing workforce_________________________________

3._______Innovations and new inventions__________________________________   

 4.___Development of transportation systems, especially railroads

___________________________________

5.____Laissez-faire government policies and free enterprise system

______________________________________The Problems of Inner Cities

Rapid Urban Growth

• Massive immigration led to rapid urbanization, with cities expanding quickly to accommodate new populations.

• The influx of immigrants and rural residents created significant challenges for city infrastructure and services.

Major Issues Faced

• Crime: Increased population density contributed to higher crime rates, straining law enforcement resources.

• Violence: Social tensions and competition for jobs often resulted in violent confrontations among different groups.

• Disease: Overcrowded living conditions facilitated the spread of diseases, leading to public health crises.

• Pollution: Industrial activities and inadequate waste management resulted in severe pollution, affecting air and water quality.

• Overcrowding: Many families lived in cramped tenements, leading to poor living conditions and social unrest.

Political Machines: Definition and Function

Understanding Political Machines

• Political machines were informal political groups focused on gaining and maintaining power, often through corrupt practices.

• They operated primarily in urban areas, where they could exert significant influence over local governments.

Characteristics of Political Machines

• Corruption: Political machines were notorious for their corrupt practices, including bribery and graft.

• Graft: Defined as money obtained through dishonest means, often involving kickbacks and bribes to secure contracts or votes.

Support Base of Political Machines

• Immigrants were a primary support base for political machines, as they provided essential services that improved their lives.

• Political machines built loyalty among immigrants by delivering jobs, infrastructure, and community services, regardless of the means used.

Immigration and Urbanization

European Immigration

• Major sources included Italy, Greece, Russia, and Serbia, driven by poverty, political tyranny, and war.

• Immigrants sought better living conditions and opportunities in the U.S., facilitated by the promise of land and democracy.

Asian Immigration

• Primarily from China and Japan, motivated by political unrest and economic hardship.

• Asian immigrants faced harsher conditions at Angel Island compared to European immigrants at Ellis Island, including discrimination and lengthy detentions.

Nativism and Its Impact

• Nativism emerged as a reaction against immigrants, fueled by fears of job competition and cultural differences.

• The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 exemplified institutionalized discrimination, significantly reducing Chinese immigration and increasing hostility towards Asian communities.

Factors Contributing to Industrialization

Economic and Social Changes

• The Industrial Revolution created a demand for labor, attracting both immigrants and native-born Americans to urban areas.

• New building types (skyscrapers, tenements) and transportation methods (streetcars, subways) transformed urban landscapes.

Role of Natural Resources

• Abundant natural resources such as coal, iron, oil, and timber provided a foundation for industrial growth.

• Efficient extraction and transportation of these resources were facilitated by a growing workforce and railroads.

Innovations and Free Enterprise

• New inventions, like the telephone and electric light bulb, revolutionized industries and improved productivity.

• The laissez-faire approach allowed businesses to thrive with minimal government interference, fostering a culture of entrepreneurship.

The Impact of Railroads

• The Pacific Railway Act initiated the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad, linking the nation and facilitating commerce.

• Railroads enabled the efficient transport of goods and resources, contributing to economic integration and the establishment of standardized time zones.

• 1. Individualism

Brief Explanation:

A social theory emphasizing personal freedom and independence over collective or government control. It advocates for individuals to make their own choices, pursue their goals, and take responsibility for their own success or failure.

Key Points:

• Each person has the power and responsibility to shape their own destiny.

• Success ("Rags to Riches") is possible at any moment with the right ideas, effort, and determination.

• Encourages self-reliance, innovation, and personal decision-making.

Additional Notes:

• Promotes the idea that society benefits when individuals are free to compete and innovate.

• Critics argue that it can neglect social inequalities and the need for social safety nets.

2. Social Darwinism

Brief Explanation:

A belief that applies Darwin’s evolutionary ideas—such as natural selection and survival of the fittest—to human societies. It suggests that the strongest, most adaptable, and wealthiest individuals or groups naturally succeed, while the weak fall behind.

Key Points:

• Inspired by Charles Darwin and Herbert Spencer.

• Justifies social inequality as natural and inevitable.

• Advocates for minimal government intervention believe that competition drives societal progress.

• Often linked to notions of philanthropy, where the wealthy are seen as naturally superior but also responsible for helping the less fortunate.

Additional Notes:

• It has historically opposed social reforms that aimed to help the poor or disadvantaged.

• Critics argue it promotes inequality and neglects social responsibility.

3. Gospel of Wealth

Brief Explanation:

A philosophy popularized by Andrew Carnegie stating that the wealthy have a moral obligation to help improve society by donating their wealth to social causes, education, and public institutions.

Key Points:

• Wealth should be used responsibly to uplift the less fortunate.

• Philanthropy is a duty of the rich to foster social progress.

• Carnegie believed wealth was a trust to be managed for the betterment of society.

Additional Notes:

• Led to many philanthropic efforts, including libraries, schools, and cultural institutions.

• Promotes the idea that capitalism benefits society when the wealthy give back.

4. Reform Darwinism

Brief Explanation:

A belief that societal progress can be actively guided through government policies and human effort, rather than relying solely on natural selection.

Key Points:

• Advocates for social reforms, education, and laws to improve society.

• Emphasizes that humans and governments can shape and direct social evolution.

• Lester Frank Ward was a key proponent, emphasizing the importance of social planning and reform.

Additional Notes:

• Supports active intervention to reduce inequality and improve living standards.

• Contrasts with Social Darwinism’s laissez-faire approach.

5. Social Gospel

Brief Explanation:

A religious movement that encouraged applying biblical principles to address social issues, especially helping the poor and working classes through charity, social justice, and moral reform.

Key Points:

• Promoted the idea that Christianity should inspire social activism.

• Advocated for better working conditions, poverty relief, and social justice.

• Jane Addams was a prominent leader, founding settlement houses like Hull House to serve the urban poor.

Additional Notes:

• Focused on moral responsibility to care for the disadvantaged.

• Influenced social reform movements and policies aimed at reducing inequality.

6. Americanization

Brief Explanation:

The process of teaching immigrant and minority children English, American history, and workplace habits, with the goal of integrating them into American society.

Key Points:

• Aimed to promote cultural assimilation and social mobility.

• Public schools played a crucial role in this process.

• Important figures include Booker T. Washington, who founded the Tuskegee Institute to promote education for African Americans.

Additional Notes:

• Emphasized vocational training, punctuality, and discipline.

• Critics argue that it can suppress cultural identities and promote cultural dominance.

• African Americans benefited from institutions like Tuskegee, which promoted self-sufficiency and education.