People
Who was Boss Tweed?
Boss Tweed was a corrupt politician who ran Tammany Hall, a powerful political machine in 19th century New York City. He and his associates stole millions of dollars from the city through fraudulent contracts and kickbacks.
Haymarket Strike
The Haymarket Strike was a labor protest in Chicago in 1886 that turned violent. It was sparked by workers demanding an eight-hour workday and better working conditions, and it led to a decline in the popularity of labor unions.
Where did new immigrants come to the United States from?
Southern and Eastern Europe.
What was the Sherman Antitrust Act?
An act that outlawed monopolies and prohibited trusts. It increased competition in the market.
Nativist
A nativist is someone who favors native-born people over immigrants. They often believe that immigrants threaten the country's culture and economy.
Who was Jane Addams?
Jane Addams was a social reformer and activist who founded Hull House, a settlement house in Chicago. She worked to improve the lives of immigrants and the poor, providing them with education, healthcare, and other social services.
Pullman Strike
The Pullman Strike of 1894 was a nationwide railroad strike caused by wage cuts and poor working conditions at the Pullman Palace Car Company. The strike disrupted rail traffic and led to violence.
What was Ellis Island?
A port in New York that gave people access to enter the United States. (let them live/become citizens in America)
What was the Chinese Exclusion Act?
This act banned Chinese laborers from entering into the country for over 10 years.
Monopoly
A monopoly is when a single company or person has complete control over a market. This means they can set prices and limit choices for consumers.
Who was Jacob Riis?
He used his photography and writing to expose the harsh living conditions of the poor in New York City's slums. His book, "How the Other Half Lives," shocked the public and led to significant social reforms.
Homestead Strike
The Homestead Strike of 1892 was a violent labor dispute between Carnegie Steel and its workers. It was caused by wage cuts and poor working conditions, and it led to lives lost.
What were some push and pull factors for immigrants?
Push: Poverty, Political/Religious persecution, lack of employment, war.
Pull: Free Religion, employment, free/cheap land, near by family.
What were two things that kept children from working?
1. Child Labor Laws
2. Mandatory Education
Laissez-faire economics
Laissez-faire economics is an economic system that believes governments should not interfere in business and trade. This means businesses should be free to operate without government regulations.
Who was Andrew Carnegie?
He built the Carnegie Steel Company, which dominated the American steel industry in the late 19th century.
What was Angel Island?
Angel Island was an immigration station in San Francisco Bay, California. It was the primary entry point for immigrants from Asia, particularly China. Unlike Ellis Island on the East Coast, Angel Island was known for its harsh interrogation process and long detentions.
What were Settlement Houses?
Schools that helped immigrants assimilate into American culture.
What was the Meat Inspection Act?
This act makes sure that meat is safe to eat. It stops people from selling meat that is spoiled or has harmful things in it. It also makes sure that the meat is cleaned and processed in a way that keeps it safe.
Muckrakers
A muckraker is a person who exposes corruption and wrongdoing, often in business or government. They dig deep to uncover scandals and bring them to public attention.
Who was John D. Rockefeller?
He founded the Standard Oil Company, which dominated the oil industry and became one of the first big trusts in the United States.
When did immigrants start arriving in the United States?
Late 19th century, after 1870.
Political Machines
An organization that recruits members by offering them things such as, jobs, food, housing support, and etc.
What new regulations came from the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire?
Requirements for fire escapes, sprinkler systems, and emergency exits.
Tenements
Tenements are poorly maintained apartment buildings, often overcrowded and unsanitary, where low-income families live.