APUSH Gilded Age Flashcards

Study Notes

The Gilded Age

Period between the Civil War and WWI marked by rapid economic growth and the rise of monopolies.
Named after Mark Twain's book, indicating a facade of prosperity masking deeper societal issues, including corruption and class conflict.

Government Support for Railroads

Federal government allocated vast public lands and subsidies to railroads.
Aimed to promote Manifest Destiny, facilitating the connection between the Pacific and Atlantic coasts.
Railroads profited from selling timber and land while providing transportation for military and postal services.
Significant labor contributions came from Irish and Chinese immigrants.

Promontory Point, Utah 1869

Location of the historic meeting of Union Pacific and Central Pacific railroads.
Celebrated with the driving of a gold spike, symbolizing the unification of the east and west rail networks.

Cornelius Vanderbilt

Established a massive railroad empire by eliminating competitors and disregarding public concerns.
Controlled 4,500 miles of track by his death in 1877, linking New York City to the Great Lakes.
Known for philanthropy, with his legacy continued by his son.

Railroad Industrialization

Railways promoted efficient transport of raw materials and finished goods across the nation.
Construction of railroads spurred economic growth, creating jobs and increasing demand for resources.
Urban areas expanded around railway hubs, changing demographic patterns.

Railroad Corruption

Lack of regulation facilitated unethical profit-making practices by railroad companies.
Key scandal involved Union Pacific's Crédit Mobilier, leading to congressional bribery.
Stock inflation and preferential rebates exemplified corruption, prompting limited efforts at state regulation, curtailed by the Wabash case ruling.

Wabash Case 1866

Supreme Court ruling that restricted states' authority to regulate interstate commerce, depriving them of control over railroads.
Resulted in heightened political activism among farmers and the establishment of the Interstate Commerce Commission to oversee railroads.

Interstate Commerce Act 1887

Legislation aimed at curtailing railroad abuses, prohibiting unfair rebates and pooling practices.
Required transparency in rates and prevented discriminatory pricing practices against shippers.

Reasons for Post-War Industrial Expansion

Influx of immigrants provided a vast labor force for emerging industries.
Railroads enabled efficient distribution of raw materials and finished products.
The consolidation of factories and industrial methods increased worker productivity.

Alexander Graham Bell Invents Telephone 1876

Bell’s invention was motivated by a desire to assist those with hearing impairments, leading to the telephone's development.
Transformed business communication, allowing rapid access to information on materials, transportation, and pricing.

Thomas Edison Invents Electric Light 1879

Edison was a prominent inventor whose creations, including the phonograph and motion picture camera, revolutionized daily life.
His development of a practical electric light bulb earned him the nickname "The Wizard of Menlo Park."

Monopolies

Defined as businesses that dominate an industry, limiting competition significantly.
Formed through trusts, which allowed corporations to combine resources and operate collectively, setting prices and production limits.

Description

Test your knowledge of the Gilded Age with these flashcards. This period in American history is characterized by rapid economic growth, monopolies, political corruption, and social unrest. Perfect for AP US History students looking to reinforce their understanding of this pivotal time.