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6.14 Continuity and Change in Period 6

7 min readjanuary 19, 2023

Ashley Rossi

Ashley Rossi

Eshal Warsi

Eshal Warsi

Ashley Rossi

Ashley Rossi

Eshal Warsi

Eshal Warsi

The was a period of great change in the United States, as the country transformed from an agrarian society to an industrial one.

Technology and Capitalism

Large-scale industrial production became the norm, with factories producing goods on a massive scale using new technologies and techniques such as the . This allowed for the mass production of goods at a lower cost, making them more affordable for a wider range of people. Industries such as steel, oil, and railroads grew and prospered during this period,

Industrial growth also led to the rise of big businesses and monopolies, controlled by a small group of wealthy and powerful individuals, known as "" . This period also saw the rise of new forms of labor, such as the growth of the and the rise of the .

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-4JdbWcPdifeq.jpeg?alt=media&token=2ff06854-433e-4ec1-a13d-17fac0d57a5d

Image Courtesy of Wikipedia

Labor Movements

During the , labor movements in the United States began to form and organize as a response to the poor working conditions and low wages in the rapidly growing industrial sector. These movements sought to improve the rights and conditions of workers through collective action and bargaining.

One of the first major labor movements was the , formed in 1866, which aimed to improve wages, reduce working hours, and promote the rights of workers across industries.

Another important was the , formed in 1869, which sought to unite all workers, regardless of skill or occupation, and improve their rights and conditions.

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-g4hgaTGzWP0i.jpeg?alt=media&token=50f05c27-9af4-4b15-95a2-5999372204a2

Image Courtesy of Wikipedia

In 1881, the American Federation of Labor (AFL) was formed, which focused on organizing skilled workers and negotiating with employers for better wages, hours, and working conditions.

These movements faced significant opposition from industrialists and the government, and often faced violent repression. Many strikes and protests were met with force, and leaders of these movements were often arrested and persecuted.

Despite these obstacles, labor movements during the were able to achieve some successes, such as the eight-hour workday and the reduction of working hours, but they were not able to fully achieve their goals of improving working conditions and wages.

Farmers Movements

During the , farmers in the United States faced a number of challenges, including low prices for their crops, high transportation costs, and a lack of access to credit. In response to these challenges, farmers formed a number of organizations and movements to advocate for their rights and interests.

One of the most significant farmer movements during this period was the Grange Movement. Founded in 1867, the Grange aimed to improve the economic and social conditions of farmers through education, cooperative efforts, and political action. The organization also sought to improve transportation and marketing for farmers' products, and to provide mutual aid and support for its members.

Another important farmer movement was the Populist Party, also known as the . Founded in 1891, the Populist Party sought to represent the interests of farmers, laborers, and other marginalized groups in American society. The party advocated for policies such as free coinage of silver, the establishment of a graduated income tax, and the nationalization of railroads.

Both of these movements were not able to fully achieve their goals, but they were able to bring attention to the struggles of farmers during the and raise awareness of the issues they were facing.

Migration

Migrations (both national and international) during this period massively changed the nation in both urban and rural areas. One of the most significant was the movement of people from rural areas to urban centers, as the country transformed from an agrarian society to an industrial one. Many people moved to cities in search of jobs in the rapidly growing industrial sector. This led to the rapid expansion of urban areas and the growth of large, industrial cities such as New York, Chicago, and Pittsburgh.

Another significant migration during this period was the movement of African Americans from the South to the North, known as the . Beginning in the late 19th century and continuing into the 20th century, many African Americans left the South due to a combination of economic, social, and political factors, such as the decline of the agricultural economy, racial violence, and limited opportunities for advancement. They moved to Northern cities in search of better economic opportunities and to escape the discriminatory laws and practices of the South.

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-kke33hR4vIQz.jpeg?alt=media&token=4da580a1-a750-4b38-bb91-1b087a88534c

Image Courtesy of Wikipedia

There were also migrations of immigrants from Europe and Asia to the United States during the . Many came from Ireland, Germany, and Italy. These immigrants were attracted to the economic opportunities in the United States and to escape poverty and political unrest in their home countries

Migration westward in the United States led to a number of conflicts. One of the most significant conflicts was the displacement of from their ancestral lands. As settlers moved westward, they often took over land that had been traditionally occupied by . The US government, through a policy of forced relocation, treaties, and military campaigns, removed many from their lands and forced them to move to reservations.

Additionally, the migration westward also led to conflicts with other ethnic groups such as the , who were brought to work on the , but faced discrimination and violence once the work was done.

Urban Culture

In the rapidly growing cities of the time, there was a cultural divide between the wealthy elite and the . The wealthy elite lived in opulent homes and enjoyed a lavish lifestyle, while the lived in overcrowded and poor conditions. The wealthy elite frequented exclusive clubs, restaurants, and theaters, and were involved in a wide range of cultural activities such as art, literature, and music.

On the other hand, the had limited access to these cultural activities. They had to make do with the few recreational opportunities available to them, such as saloons, cheap theaters, and vaudeville shows. The also developed its own forms of culture, such as the rise of the and the creation of ethnic and immigrant communities.

Despite the divide, the saw the emergence of some of the first mass consumer cultures in the United States, with the rise of , , and . The growth of the consumer culture led to the rise of new forms of leisure and entertainment, such as amusement parks, baseball, and vaudeville shows.

Gilded Age Movements

One of the most significant cultural movements of the time was the "" literary movement, which was characterized by a focus on realist and naturalist writing, and often dealt with themes of corruption, materialism, and social injustice. Notable writers of this movement include , , and .

Another cultural movement of the time was the "" also known as "art for art's sake" movement. It emerged as a reaction to the materialism and commercialism of the , and advocated for the pursuit of beauty and art for its own sake, rather than for practical or commercial purposes.

In the intellectual sphere, the saw the emergence of the "Darwinian evolution" theory and "" which attempted to apply the principles of natural selection to social and economic issues. This led to the rise of the "Eugenics" movement, which aimed to improve the human race through selective breeding and sterilization.

Corruption

The was a political scandal that involved Credit Mobilier of America, a construction company created by the to build the . The company was found to have bribed members of Congress, including Vice President and Speaker of the House , with stock in the company in order to secure favorable legislation and contracts.

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-JIH9cu5Q1Wnq.jpeg?alt=media&token=74c823c2-fd35-4c90-a5e1-206d41f37a81

Image Courtesy of Wikipedia

, such as in New York City, controlled many city and state governments and were known for their corrupt practices, including bribery and voter fraud. Many big businesses, such as the railroads, also engaged in corrupt practices, such as bribing politicians to gain favorable legislation and contracts. Additionally, the lack of effective regulation allowed for widespread fraud and corruption in the financial sector, leading to several major financial crises.

The Panic of 1893, was one of the worst financial crises in American history, caused by a number of factors including over-speculation in railroads and a deflation of the silver market.

The was a stark departure from the agrarian nation Thomas Jefferson envisioned.

🎥 Watch: AP US History - Gilded Age Review

Key Terms to Review (39)

Aesthetic Movement

: The Aesthetic Movement was an art movement in late 19th-century Britain that rejected Victorian moralism and emphasized beauty over practical or political themes. Its motto was "art for art's sake."

Assembly Line

: The assembly line is a manufacturing process in which parts are added to a product in a sequential manner to create a finished product much faster than with handcrafting-type methods.

Chinese Immigrants

: Chinese immigrants were people from China who moved to the United States, particularly during the mid-19th century due to economic hardships in their homeland and opportunities presented by the California Gold Rush and construction of the Transcontinental Railroad.

Credit Mobilier Scandal

: The Credit Mobilier Scandal was a political scandal in the 1870s where Union Pacific Railroad insiders formed the Credit Mobilier company and then gave or sold shares to influential congressmen. This was done while vastly overcharging for their services, leading to high profits at taxpayer expense.

Darwinian Evolution Theory

: The theory proposed by Charles Darwin suggesting that species evolve over time through a process of natural selection. It is a fundamental concept in biology.

Department Stores

: Large retail establishments that sell a wide variety of goods. They are usually divided into departments such as clothing, home goods, cosmetics, and electronics.

Edith Wharton

: Edith Wharton was a prominent American author and designer during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. She is best known for her novels exploring the social restrictions of upper-class society, such as "The Age of Innocence" which won the Pulitzer Prize.

Eugenics Movement

: The Eugenics Movement was an early 20th-century campaign that sought to improve human populations through selective breeding. It often targeted specific racial or social groups for sterilization or other forms of reproductive control.

German Immigrants

: German immigrants are people who moved from Germany to America, especially during the 19th century due to economic hardships and political unrest in Germany.

Gilded Age

: The Gilded Age (1870s-1900) was a period in US history marked by rapid economic growth, particularly in the North and West. However, it was also characterized by severe social problems, such as inequality and corruption.

Gilded Age Literary Movement

: The "Gilded Age" Literary Movement refers to a period in American literature during the late 19th century, characterized by works that critiqued and satirized the social issues and political corruption of the time. This era was named after Mark Twain's novel, "The Gilded Age: A Tale of Today."

Great Migration

: The Great Migration refers to a period from about 1916-1970 when six million African Americans moved out of rural Southern United States to urban Northeast, Midwest, and West regions. This movement significantly reshaped America’s demographic patterns.

Henry James

: Henry James was an American-British author known for his novels, short stories, and literary criticism. His work often explored themes of consciousness and morality.

Industrialization

: Industrialization is the process by which an economy shifts from primarily agrarian to one based on the manufacturing of goods. Individual manual labor is often replaced by mechanized mass production, and craftsmen are replaced by assembly lines.

Irish Immigrants

: Irish immigrants are people who moved from Ireland to America, especially during mid-19th century due to potato famine in Ireland.

Italian Immigrants

: Italian immigrants are individuals who moved from Italy to America primarily between 1880 and 1920. They faced significant discrimination but also greatly influenced American culture.

James G. Blaine

: A U.S. statesman who served as Speaker of the House, Secretary of State, and was a presidential candidate. He led the Halfbreeds faction of the Republican Party.

Knights of Labor

: The Knights of Labor was an American labor organization established in 1869 that sought to include all laborers into one large union and advocated for broad social reforms.

Labor Movement

: The labor movement refers to the social and political campaign by workers (often organized into unions) for better wages, safer working conditions, and fair treatment from employers. It gained momentum during the Industrial Revolution when factory conditions were often dangerous and exploitative.

Mail-Order Catalogs

: Printed books or booklets listing available merchandise for mail-order purchase from a particular company.

Mark Twain

: Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens) was an influential American writer known for his humor, satire, and keen social commentary. He coined the term 'Gilded Age' with his novel bearing the same name.

National Advertising

: A promotional method where companies spread messages about their products or services across an entire country using mass media channels such as television, radio, newspapers, and internet.

National Labor Union

: The National Labor Union was an American political organization established in 1866 to advocate for improved working conditions, higher wages, and shorter hours for all laborers.

Native American Tribes

: Native American tribes are the indigenous peoples who lived in North America before European colonization. Each tribe has its own unique culture, language, and history.

Oil Industry

: The oil industry includes the global processes of exploration, extraction, refining, transporting (often by oil tankers and pipelines), and marketing petroleum products.

Panic of 1893

: The Panic of 1893 was a serious economic depression in the United States that began due to railroad overbuilding and shaky railroad financing which set off a series of bank failures.

People's Party

: The People's Party, also known as the Populist Party, was a political party in the United States that emerged in the late 19th century. It represented rural and agricultural interests, advocating for things like government control of railroads and currency reform.

Political Machines

: Political machines are organizations led by a single boss or small group that commands enough votes to maintain political control of a city, county, or state.

Railroad Industry

: The railroad industry refers to the business sector involved in the manufacturing, maintenance, and operation of trains and railroads. In the context of US history, it played a significant role in the country's industrialization and westward expansion during the 19th century.

Robber Barons

: Robber barons is a derogatory term used during America's Gilded Age (late 19th century) for wealthy industrialists who amassed their fortunes through ruthless business practices such as exploiting workers or manipulating markets.

Schuyler Colfax

: Schuyler Colfax (1823-1885) was an American journalist and politician who served as Vice President under Ulysses S. Grant from 1869 to 1873. He also served as Speaker of House before becoming vice president.

Social Darwinism

: Social Darwinism is a theory that applies the concept of "survival of the fittest" from biological evolution to human societies. It suggests that societal progress comes from competition and natural selection among individuals, races, or nations.

Steel Industry

: The steel industry involves processing iron ore into steel - an alloy characterized by high tensile strength and malleability - which is used extensively in construction and other industries.

Tammany Hall

: Tammany Hall was a powerful Democratic Party political machine that played a major role in controlling New York City politics from the 1790s to 1960s. It was known for its patronage system where jobs and favors were given out in return for votes and support.

Technology and Capitalism

: Technology and capitalism refer to the relationship between technological advancements and capitalist economic systems. In a capitalist society, technology often drives economic growth by improving efficiency and productivity.

Transcontinental Railroad

: The Transcontinental Railroad was a 1,912-mile continuous railroad line constructed between 1863 and 1869 across the western United States to connect the Pacific coast at San Francisco Bay with existing Eastern U.S. rail network at Council Bluffs, Iowa.

Union Pacific Railroad

: The Union Pacific Railroad is a freight hauling railroad that was commissioned by Congress in 1862 to build part of the Transcontinental Railroad from Nebraska westward.

Urban Culture

: Urban culture refers to the lifestyle, attitudes, and practices of people living in cities. It often includes elements like diverse populations, vibrant arts scenes, various forms of entertainment, and a fast-paced lifestyle.

Working Class

: The working class refers to individuals who perform physical or manual labor for wages, often in industries such as manufacturing, construction, and agriculture. They are typically characterized by lower levels of education and income.

6.14 Continuity and Change in Period 6

7 min readjanuary 19, 2023

Ashley Rossi

Ashley Rossi

Eshal Warsi

Eshal Warsi

Ashley Rossi

Ashley Rossi

Eshal Warsi

Eshal Warsi

The was a period of great change in the United States, as the country transformed from an agrarian society to an industrial one.

Technology and Capitalism

Large-scale industrial production became the norm, with factories producing goods on a massive scale using new technologies and techniques such as the . This allowed for the mass production of goods at a lower cost, making them more affordable for a wider range of people. Industries such as steel, oil, and railroads grew and prospered during this period,

Industrial growth also led to the rise of big businesses and monopolies, controlled by a small group of wealthy and powerful individuals, known as "" . This period also saw the rise of new forms of labor, such as the growth of the and the rise of the .

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-4JdbWcPdifeq.jpeg?alt=media&token=2ff06854-433e-4ec1-a13d-17fac0d57a5d

Image Courtesy of Wikipedia

Labor Movements

During the , labor movements in the United States began to form and organize as a response to the poor working conditions and low wages in the rapidly growing industrial sector. These movements sought to improve the rights and conditions of workers through collective action and bargaining.

One of the first major labor movements was the , formed in 1866, which aimed to improve wages, reduce working hours, and promote the rights of workers across industries.

Another important was the , formed in 1869, which sought to unite all workers, regardless of skill or occupation, and improve their rights and conditions.

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-g4hgaTGzWP0i.jpeg?alt=media&token=50f05c27-9af4-4b15-95a2-5999372204a2

Image Courtesy of Wikipedia

In 1881, the American Federation of Labor (AFL) was formed, which focused on organizing skilled workers and negotiating with employers for better wages, hours, and working conditions.

These movements faced significant opposition from industrialists and the government, and often faced violent repression. Many strikes and protests were met with force, and leaders of these movements were often arrested and persecuted.

Despite these obstacles, labor movements during the were able to achieve some successes, such as the eight-hour workday and the reduction of working hours, but they were not able to fully achieve their goals of improving working conditions and wages.

Farmers Movements

During the , farmers in the United States faced a number of challenges, including low prices for their crops, high transportation costs, and a lack of access to credit. In response to these challenges, farmers formed a number of organizations and movements to advocate for their rights and interests.

One of the most significant farmer movements during this period was the Grange Movement. Founded in 1867, the Grange aimed to improve the economic and social conditions of farmers through education, cooperative efforts, and political action. The organization also sought to improve transportation and marketing for farmers' products, and to provide mutual aid and support for its members.

Another important farmer movement was the Populist Party, also known as the . Founded in 1891, the Populist Party sought to represent the interests of farmers, laborers, and other marginalized groups in American society. The party advocated for policies such as free coinage of silver, the establishment of a graduated income tax, and the nationalization of railroads.

Both of these movements were not able to fully achieve their goals, but they were able to bring attention to the struggles of farmers during the and raise awareness of the issues they were facing.

Migration

Migrations (both national and international) during this period massively changed the nation in both urban and rural areas. One of the most significant was the movement of people from rural areas to urban centers, as the country transformed from an agrarian society to an industrial one. Many people moved to cities in search of jobs in the rapidly growing industrial sector. This led to the rapid expansion of urban areas and the growth of large, industrial cities such as New York, Chicago, and Pittsburgh.

Another significant migration during this period was the movement of African Americans from the South to the North, known as the . Beginning in the late 19th century and continuing into the 20th century, many African Americans left the South due to a combination of economic, social, and political factors, such as the decline of the agricultural economy, racial violence, and limited opportunities for advancement. They moved to Northern cities in search of better economic opportunities and to escape the discriminatory laws and practices of the South.

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-kke33hR4vIQz.jpeg?alt=media&token=4da580a1-a750-4b38-bb91-1b087a88534c

Image Courtesy of Wikipedia

There were also migrations of immigrants from Europe and Asia to the United States during the . Many came from Ireland, Germany, and Italy. These immigrants were attracted to the economic opportunities in the United States and to escape poverty and political unrest in their home countries

Migration westward in the United States led to a number of conflicts. One of the most significant conflicts was the displacement of from their ancestral lands. As settlers moved westward, they often took over land that had been traditionally occupied by . The US government, through a policy of forced relocation, treaties, and military campaigns, removed many from their lands and forced them to move to reservations.

Additionally, the migration westward also led to conflicts with other ethnic groups such as the , who were brought to work on the , but faced discrimination and violence once the work was done.

Urban Culture

In the rapidly growing cities of the time, there was a cultural divide between the wealthy elite and the . The wealthy elite lived in opulent homes and enjoyed a lavish lifestyle, while the lived in overcrowded and poor conditions. The wealthy elite frequented exclusive clubs, restaurants, and theaters, and were involved in a wide range of cultural activities such as art, literature, and music.

On the other hand, the had limited access to these cultural activities. They had to make do with the few recreational opportunities available to them, such as saloons, cheap theaters, and vaudeville shows. The also developed its own forms of culture, such as the rise of the and the creation of ethnic and immigrant communities.

Despite the divide, the saw the emergence of some of the first mass consumer cultures in the United States, with the rise of , , and . The growth of the consumer culture led to the rise of new forms of leisure and entertainment, such as amusement parks, baseball, and vaudeville shows.

Gilded Age Movements

One of the most significant cultural movements of the time was the "" literary movement, which was characterized by a focus on realist and naturalist writing, and often dealt with themes of corruption, materialism, and social injustice. Notable writers of this movement include , , and .

Another cultural movement of the time was the "" also known as "art for art's sake" movement. It emerged as a reaction to the materialism and commercialism of the , and advocated for the pursuit of beauty and art for its own sake, rather than for practical or commercial purposes.

In the intellectual sphere, the saw the emergence of the "Darwinian evolution" theory and "" which attempted to apply the principles of natural selection to social and economic issues. This led to the rise of the "Eugenics" movement, which aimed to improve the human race through selective breeding and sterilization.

Corruption

The was a political scandal that involved Credit Mobilier of America, a construction company created by the to build the . The company was found to have bribed members of Congress, including Vice President and Speaker of the House , with stock in the company in order to secure favorable legislation and contracts.

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-JIH9cu5Q1Wnq.jpeg?alt=media&token=74c823c2-fd35-4c90-a5e1-206d41f37a81

Image Courtesy of Wikipedia

, such as in New York City, controlled many city and state governments and were known for their corrupt practices, including bribery and voter fraud. Many big businesses, such as the railroads, also engaged in corrupt practices, such as bribing politicians to gain favorable legislation and contracts. Additionally, the lack of effective regulation allowed for widespread fraud and corruption in the financial sector, leading to several major financial crises.

The Panic of 1893, was one of the worst financial crises in American history, caused by a number of factors including over-speculation in railroads and a deflation of the silver market.

The was a stark departure from the agrarian nation Thomas Jefferson envisioned.

🎥 Watch: AP US History - Gilded Age Review

Key Terms to Review (39)

Aesthetic Movement

: The Aesthetic Movement was an art movement in late 19th-century Britain that rejected Victorian moralism and emphasized beauty over practical or political themes. Its motto was "art for art's sake."

Assembly Line

: The assembly line is a manufacturing process in which parts are added to a product in a sequential manner to create a finished product much faster than with handcrafting-type methods.

Chinese Immigrants

: Chinese immigrants were people from China who moved to the United States, particularly during the mid-19th century due to economic hardships in their homeland and opportunities presented by the California Gold Rush and construction of the Transcontinental Railroad.

Credit Mobilier Scandal

: The Credit Mobilier Scandal was a political scandal in the 1870s where Union Pacific Railroad insiders formed the Credit Mobilier company and then gave or sold shares to influential congressmen. This was done while vastly overcharging for their services, leading to high profits at taxpayer expense.

Darwinian Evolution Theory

: The theory proposed by Charles Darwin suggesting that species evolve over time through a process of natural selection. It is a fundamental concept in biology.

Department Stores

: Large retail establishments that sell a wide variety of goods. They are usually divided into departments such as clothing, home goods, cosmetics, and electronics.

Edith Wharton

: Edith Wharton was a prominent American author and designer during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. She is best known for her novels exploring the social restrictions of upper-class society, such as "The Age of Innocence" which won the Pulitzer Prize.

Eugenics Movement

: The Eugenics Movement was an early 20th-century campaign that sought to improve human populations through selective breeding. It often targeted specific racial or social groups for sterilization or other forms of reproductive control.

German Immigrants

: German immigrants are people who moved from Germany to America, especially during the 19th century due to economic hardships and political unrest in Germany.

Gilded Age

: The Gilded Age (1870s-1900) was a period in US history marked by rapid economic growth, particularly in the North and West. However, it was also characterized by severe social problems, such as inequality and corruption.

Gilded Age Literary Movement

: The "Gilded Age" Literary Movement refers to a period in American literature during the late 19th century, characterized by works that critiqued and satirized the social issues and political corruption of the time. This era was named after Mark Twain's novel, "The Gilded Age: A Tale of Today."

Great Migration

: The Great Migration refers to a period from about 1916-1970 when six million African Americans moved out of rural Southern United States to urban Northeast, Midwest, and West regions. This movement significantly reshaped America’s demographic patterns.

Henry James

: Henry James was an American-British author known for his novels, short stories, and literary criticism. His work often explored themes of consciousness and morality.

Industrialization

: Industrialization is the process by which an economy shifts from primarily agrarian to one based on the manufacturing of goods. Individual manual labor is often replaced by mechanized mass production, and craftsmen are replaced by assembly lines.

Irish Immigrants

: Irish immigrants are people who moved from Ireland to America, especially during mid-19th century due to potato famine in Ireland.

Italian Immigrants

: Italian immigrants are individuals who moved from Italy to America primarily between 1880 and 1920. They faced significant discrimination but also greatly influenced American culture.

James G. Blaine

: A U.S. statesman who served as Speaker of the House, Secretary of State, and was a presidential candidate. He led the Halfbreeds faction of the Republican Party.

Knights of Labor

: The Knights of Labor was an American labor organization established in 1869 that sought to include all laborers into one large union and advocated for broad social reforms.

Labor Movement

: The labor movement refers to the social and political campaign by workers (often organized into unions) for better wages, safer working conditions, and fair treatment from employers. It gained momentum during the Industrial Revolution when factory conditions were often dangerous and exploitative.

Mail-Order Catalogs

: Printed books or booklets listing available merchandise for mail-order purchase from a particular company.

Mark Twain

: Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens) was an influential American writer known for his humor, satire, and keen social commentary. He coined the term 'Gilded Age' with his novel bearing the same name.

National Advertising

: A promotional method where companies spread messages about their products or services across an entire country using mass media channels such as television, radio, newspapers, and internet.

National Labor Union

: The National Labor Union was an American political organization established in 1866 to advocate for improved working conditions, higher wages, and shorter hours for all laborers.

Native American Tribes

: Native American tribes are the indigenous peoples who lived in North America before European colonization. Each tribe has its own unique culture, language, and history.

Oil Industry

: The oil industry includes the global processes of exploration, extraction, refining, transporting (often by oil tankers and pipelines), and marketing petroleum products.

Panic of 1893

: The Panic of 1893 was a serious economic depression in the United States that began due to railroad overbuilding and shaky railroad financing which set off a series of bank failures.

People's Party

: The People's Party, also known as the Populist Party, was a political party in the United States that emerged in the late 19th century. It represented rural and agricultural interests, advocating for things like government control of railroads and currency reform.

Political Machines

: Political machines are organizations led by a single boss or small group that commands enough votes to maintain political control of a city, county, or state.

Railroad Industry

: The railroad industry refers to the business sector involved in the manufacturing, maintenance, and operation of trains and railroads. In the context of US history, it played a significant role in the country's industrialization and westward expansion during the 19th century.

Robber Barons

: Robber barons is a derogatory term used during America's Gilded Age (late 19th century) for wealthy industrialists who amassed their fortunes through ruthless business practices such as exploiting workers or manipulating markets.

Schuyler Colfax

: Schuyler Colfax (1823-1885) was an American journalist and politician who served as Vice President under Ulysses S. Grant from 1869 to 1873. He also served as Speaker of House before becoming vice president.

Social Darwinism

: Social Darwinism is a theory that applies the concept of "survival of the fittest" from biological evolution to human societies. It suggests that societal progress comes from competition and natural selection among individuals, races, or nations.

Steel Industry

: The steel industry involves processing iron ore into steel - an alloy characterized by high tensile strength and malleability - which is used extensively in construction and other industries.

Tammany Hall

: Tammany Hall was a powerful Democratic Party political machine that played a major role in controlling New York City politics from the 1790s to 1960s. It was known for its patronage system where jobs and favors were given out in return for votes and support.

Technology and Capitalism

: Technology and capitalism refer to the relationship between technological advancements and capitalist economic systems. In a capitalist society, technology often drives economic growth by improving efficiency and productivity.

Transcontinental Railroad

: The Transcontinental Railroad was a 1,912-mile continuous railroad line constructed between 1863 and 1869 across the western United States to connect the Pacific coast at San Francisco Bay with existing Eastern U.S. rail network at Council Bluffs, Iowa.

Union Pacific Railroad

: The Union Pacific Railroad is a freight hauling railroad that was commissioned by Congress in 1862 to build part of the Transcontinental Railroad from Nebraska westward.

Urban Culture

: Urban culture refers to the lifestyle, attitudes, and practices of people living in cities. It often includes elements like diverse populations, vibrant arts scenes, various forms of entertainment, and a fast-paced lifestyle.

Working Class

: The working class refers to individuals who perform physical or manual labor for wages, often in industries such as manufacturing, construction, and agriculture. They are typically characterized by lower levels of education and income.


© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.


© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.