The Gilded Age: Wealth & Industry
Who wrote the Gospel of Wealth?
Andrew Carneige
He argued that the rich should use their money to benefit society.
What labor union, led by Samuel Gompers, focused on skilled workers?
The American Federation of Labor (AFL)
It pushed for higher wages, shorter hours, and better conditions.
From what two regions of Europe did most new immigrants come from in late 1800s?
Southern and Eastern Europe
Immigrants came from places like Italy, Poland, and Russia.
What 1862 law gave settlers 160 acres of land if they improved it?
The Homestead Act
It encouraged westward migration and farming.
What idea claimed that the wealthy were successful because they were the “fittest” in society?
Social Darwinism
Supporters believed economic success came from natural superiority, which was used to justify inequality and big business power.
What is the business strategy where a company controls every step of production?
Vertical Integration
Carnegie used it to control mines, railroads, and factories.
What 1886 labor protest in Chicago turned violent and hurt the Knights of Labor?
The Haymarket Riot
A bomb exploded, and the public blamed labor radicals.
What New York immigration station processed millions of newcomers?
Ellis Island
It was the main entry point for European immigrants.
What 1876 battle is also known as “Custer’s Last Stand”?
The Battle of Little Bighorn
Sioux and Cheyenne warriors defeated Custer’s forces.
What 1883 law created civil service exams to reduce corruption?
The Pendleton Act
It made many government jobs based on merit.
What is the name for the business structure Rockefeller used to dominate the oil industry?
A trust
Trusts allowed multiple companies to be run by one board.
What 1894 strike against a railroad car company was ended when federal troops were sent in?
The Pullman Strike
Workers protested wage cuts & the government claimed the strike interfered with mail delivery.
What type of overcrowded apartment building became common in cities and was shaped with narrow air shafts that made it look like a dumbbell from above?
Dumbbell tenements
These buildings were designed to fit more people into small urban lots, but the air shafts quickly filled with trash and did little to improve ventilation, leading to unhealthy living conditions.
What 1887 law divided tribal lands and pushed Native Americans toward farming?
The Dawes Act
It aimed to force assimilation by breaking up reservations.
What major economic issue dominated the Election of 1896?
The debate over gold vs. silver
Populists and Democrats wanted silver; Republicans supported gold.
What 1887 law was created to regulate railroad rates?
The Interstate Commerce Act
It created the ICC, the first federal regulatory act
What political party formed by farmers pushed for silver coinage and railroad regulations?
The Populist Party
It represented farmers interests and challenged big business and the gold standard.
What political machine controlled New York City politics under Boss Tweed?
Tammany Hall
It used patronage and corruption to maintain power.
What Native American religious movement promised the return of the buffalo?
The Ghost Dance
It spread hope among Native communities but alarmed U.S. authorities.
Who used political cartoons to expose corruption in Tammany Hall?
Thomas Nast
His cartoons helped bring down Boss Tweed.
What Supreme Court case ruled that states could not regulate interstate commerce?
Wabash v. Illinois (1886)
It limited state power and led to federal regulation instead.
What 1892 strike at Carnegie Steel turned violent when Pinkerton agents were brought in?
The Homestead Strike
It became one of the most violent labor conflicts of the era and weakened unions.
What reform movement, led by women like Jane Addams, created settlement houses to help immigrants?
The Settlement House Movement
Addams founded Hull House to provide education and social services.
What 1890 event marked the end of Native American armed resistance?
The Wounded Knee Massacre
U.S. troops killed hundreds of Lakota, ending major conflicts.
What Supreme Court case upheld racial segregation under “separate but equal”?
Plessy v. Ferguson
It legalized segregation until Brown v. Board overturned it.