AP US History · Period 6 (1865–1898)39 flashcards

APUSH Period 6 Gilded Age Industrialization

39 flashcards covering APUSH Period 6 Gilded Age Industrialization for the AP-US-HISTORY Period 6 (1865–1898) section.

APUSH Period 6 focuses on the Gilded Age and the rapid industrialization of the United States from 1865 to 1898. This period is defined by the College Board's AP United States History Curriculum Framework, which emphasizes the economic, social, and political transformations that occurred during this time. Key themes include the rise of big business, labor movements, urbanization, and the impact of immigration.

On practice exams, questions about this period often require students to analyze primary sources, compare different historical perspectives, or evaluate the effects of industrialization on various groups. A common pitfall is misinterpreting the significance of events or policies, such as the role of government in regulating businesses or the impact of labor strikes. Students may also overlook the interconnectedness of social changes and economic developments.

A practical tip is to remember that understanding the broader context of events can help clarify their significance, rather than just memorizing dates and facts.

Terms (39)

  1. 01

    What was the primary economic system that characterized the Gilded Age?

    The primary economic system was industrial capitalism, marked by rapid industrialization, the rise of big business, and significant economic growth (College Board AP CED).

  2. 02

    Which technological advancement significantly impacted transportation during the Gilded Age?

    The expansion of the railroad network was a key technological advancement that transformed transportation, facilitating trade and migration (College Board AP CED).

  3. 03

    What was the role of monopolies during the Gilded Age?

    Monopolies dominated various industries, reducing competition and often leading to higher prices and poorer quality for consumers (College Board AP CED).

  4. 04

    How did the Gilded Age affect urbanization in the United States?

    The Gilded Age saw significant urbanization as people moved to cities for industrial jobs, leading to rapid population growth in urban areas (College Board AP CED).

  5. 05

    What was the significance of the Homestead Act of 1862?

    The Homestead Act encouraged westward expansion by providing land to settlers, which contributed to the growth of agriculture and industry in the West (College Board AP CED).

  6. 06

    What was the impact of the Transcontinental Railroad on the economy?

    The Transcontinental Railroad facilitated national markets, reduced transportation costs, and promoted the movement of goods and people across the country (College Board AP CED).

  7. 07

    What labor organization was founded in 1869 and aimed to unite all workers?

    The Knights of Labor was founded in 1869 and sought to unite all workers, advocating for labor reforms and better working conditions (College Board AP CED).

  8. 08

    Which act aimed to curb the power of monopolies during the Gilded Age?

    The Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890 aimed to curb the power of monopolies and prevent anti-competitive practices (College Board AP CED).

  9. 09

    What was the primary goal of the Populist movement during the Gilded Age?

    The primary goal of the Populist movement was to advocate for the interests of farmers and laborers, seeking economic reforms and greater political representation (College Board AP CED).

  10. 10

    What was one major social issue that arose during the Gilded Age?

    One major social issue was labor unrest, characterized by strikes and protests as workers demanded better wages and working conditions (College Board AP CED).

  11. 11

    How did the Gilded Age impact immigration patterns?

    The Gilded Age saw a significant increase in immigration, particularly from Southern and Eastern Europe, as labor demands grew in industrial cities (College Board AP CED).

  12. 12

    What was the significance of the Interstate Commerce Act of 1887?

    The Interstate Commerce Act established the Interstate Commerce Commission to regulate railroad rates and practices, marking a federal effort to control monopolistic practices (College Board AP CED).

  13. 13

    What was the main purpose of the Dawes Act of 1887?

    The Dawes Act aimed to assimilate Native Americans into American society by allotting them individual plots of land and promoting farming (College Board AP CED).

  14. 14

    Which event in 1894 highlighted labor tensions during the Gilded Age?

    The Pullman Strike of 1894 highlighted labor tensions, leading to a nationwide railroad strike and federal intervention (College Board AP CED).

  15. 15

    What was the impact of industrialization on women during the Gilded Age?

    Industrialization provided women with new job opportunities in factories, but often in low-paying and exploitative conditions (College Board AP CED).

  16. 16

    What did the term 'Gilded Age' imply about American society?

    The term 'Gilded Age' implies a superficial glitter of wealth and prosperity that masked social problems such as poverty and inequality (College Board AP CED).

  17. 17

    How did the rise of big business affect small businesses during the Gilded Age?

    The rise of big business often led to the decline of small businesses, as larger companies could undercut prices and dominate markets (College Board AP CED).

  18. 18

    What was the role of philanthropy during the Gilded Age?

    Philanthropy became prominent as wealthy industrialists donated to causes such as education and the arts, often as a means to improve their public image (College Board AP CED).

  19. 19

    What was the outcome of the 1896 Supreme Court case Plessy v. Ferguson?

    The outcome upheld the principle of 'separate but equal,' legitimizing racial segregation in public facilities (College Board AP CED).

  20. 20

    What was one major environmental impact of industrialization during the Gilded Age?

    Industrialization led to significant environmental degradation, including pollution and deforestation, as industries expanded (College Board AP CED).

  21. 21

    How did the government respond to labor strikes during the Gilded Age?

    The government often sided with business interests, using military force or legal injunctions to suppress labor strikes (College Board AP CED).

  22. 22

    What was the main focus of the American Federation of Labor (AFL)?

    The AFL focused on skilled labor and sought to improve wages, hours, and working conditions through collective bargaining (College Board AP CED).

  23. 23

    What was the significance of the 1890 Census in relation to the frontier?

    The 1890 Census declared the frontier closed, marking a shift in American identity and the start of new challenges for expansion (College Board AP CED).

  24. 24

    What was the impact of the Sherman Silver Purchase Act of 1890?

    The Sherman Silver Purchase Act aimed to increase the money supply by mandating the purchase of silver, but it contributed to economic instability (College Board AP CED).

  25. 25

    What was one reason for the rise of nativism during the Gilded Age?

    Nativism rose due to fears that immigrants would take jobs and undermine American culture, leading to discrimination and restrictive immigration policies (College Board AP CED).

  26. 26

    Which event marked a significant turning point in labor relations in 1886?

    The Haymarket Affair in 1886 marked a turning point, as it associated labor movements with violence and led to a backlash against unions (College Board AP CED).

  27. 27

    What was the purpose of the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882?

    The Chinese Exclusion Act aimed to restrict immigration from China, reflecting growing nativist sentiments and racial prejudice (College Board AP CED).

  28. 28

    How did the Gilded Age influence the role of women in the workforce?

    The Gilded Age expanded women's roles in the workforce, particularly in factories, although they often faced lower wages and poor working conditions (College Board AP CED).

  29. 29

    What was the significance of the Pullman Company during the Gilded Age?

    The Pullman Company was significant for its role in the Pullman Strike, which highlighted labor issues and the federal government's response to labor unrest (College Board AP CED).

  30. 30

    What was one major economic challenge faced during the Gilded Age?

    One major economic challenge was the frequent economic depressions, such as the Panic of 1893, which caused widespread unemployment and hardship (College Board AP CED).

  31. 31

    What was the primary purpose of the National Labor Union, founded in 1866?

    The primary purpose of the National Labor Union was to advocate for the rights of workers and promote labor reforms, including an eight-hour workday (College Board AP CED).

  32. 32

    How did the rise of industrialization affect the agricultural sector?

    Industrialization led to increased mechanization in agriculture, which improved productivity but also displaced many farm workers (College Board AP CED).

  33. 33

    What was one effect of the economic policies during the Gilded Age?

    Economic policies favored business interests, leading to wealth concentration and widening economic inequality (College Board AP CED).

  34. 34

    What was the impact of the Women's Christian Temperance Union during the Gilded Age?

    The Women's Christian Temperance Union played a significant role in promoting social reforms, including temperance and women's suffrage (College Board AP CED).

  35. 35

    What was the significance of the 1898 Treaty of Paris?

    The Treaty of Paris in 1898 marked the end of the Spanish-American War and resulted in the U.S. acquiring territories like Puerto Rico and Guam (College Board AP CED).

  36. 36

    What was the main goal of the Progressive movement that emerged after the Gilded Age?

    The main goal of the Progressive movement was to address the social and political issues that arose from industrialization, including corruption and inequality (College Board AP CED).

  37. 37

    How did the Gilded Age influence American culture?

    The Gilded Age influenced American culture by promoting consumerism, entertainment, and the arts, reflecting the era's economic prosperity (College Board AP CED).

  38. 38

    What was the significance of the Social Gospel movement during the Gilded Age?

    The Social Gospel movement emphasized social justice and the need to address societal issues through Christian ethics, influencing reform efforts (College Board AP CED).

  39. 39

    What was one major technological innovation in manufacturing during the Gilded Age?

    One major technological innovation was the introduction of assembly line production, which increased efficiency and reduced costs in manufacturing (College Board AP CED).