Industrialization and Big Business
Why did the U.S. experience rapid industrialization after 1870?
Abundant resources, new technology, railroads, cheap labor, and investment capital.
Why did immigrants come to the United States during the Gilded Age?
Job, higher wages, and escape from poverty or persecution.
What is political patronage?
Giving government jobs to political supporters instead of qualified workers.
What was the main goal of the Progressive Movement?
To fix social, political, and economic problems caused by industrialization
Did economic growth improve living standards?
Living standards improved, but benefits were uneven.
How did railroads contribute to economic growth?
They connected markets, lowered costs, and encouraged industry and expansion.
What were working conditions like in factories during the Gilded Age?
Long hours, low pay, unsafe conditions, and child labor
What was the purpose of the Pendleton Act?
It created civil service exams to reduce corruption
Who were muckrakers?
Journalists who exposed corruption and social problems.
Why was industrialization both positive and negative?
It created jobs and wealth but also poverty, unsafe work, and inequality.
What is vertical integration?
Controlling all stages of production.
What did labor unions mainly fight for?
Higher wages, shorter hours, and safer working conditions.
What was the Sherman Antitrust Act designed to do?
Limit trusts and monopolies
Name one major Progressive reform.
Food and Drug Act, child labor laws, or workplace safety laws.
How successful was the Progressive Movement by 1920?
Many reforms passed, but racial inequality remained.
What is horizontal integration?
Buying out competitors to dominate an industry
Why was the Homestead Strike important?
It showed the government usually supported business over workers
Why is the period called the "Gilded Age"?
Because wealth hid poverty, inequality, and corruption.
How did Progressives support regulating business?
To protect consumers and workers and reduce monopolies.
Why did federal government power increase during this period?
It began regulating business and protecting workers and consumers.
Why were monopolies controversial?
They reduced competition, raised prices, and increased inequality
What major problems existed in growing cities?
Overcrowding, pollution, poor sanitation, disease, and slums.
How did big businesses influence politics?
Through campaign donations, lobbying, and bribery.
Why did Progressives support regulating businesses?
To protect consumers and workers and reduce monopolies
To what extent did Progressives weaken big business?
They limited some abuses but did not end monopolies or capitalism.