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Questions and Answers
What factor did NOT contribute to the rapid growth of the U.S. economy by 1900?
What factor did NOT contribute to the rapid growth of the U.S. economy by 1900?
How did railroads contribute to the national economy after the Civil War?
How did railroads contribute to the national economy after the Civil War?
What was one of the key innovations created by railroads?
What was one of the key innovations created by railroads?
Which resources were essential to the industrialization of the United States by 1900?
Which resources were essential to the industrialization of the United States by 1900?
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What role did government policies play in the growth of American industries?
What role did government policies play in the growth of American industries?
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How many patents were granted by the federal government from 1860 to 1890?
How many patents were granted by the federal government from 1860 to 1890?
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What was a consequence of the railroads affecting daily life in America?
What was a consequence of the railroads affecting daily life in America?
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Which industry saw significant growth due to railroad expansion?
Which industry saw significant growth due to railroad expansion?
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What action did Henry Clay Frick take to provoke the Homestead Strike in 1892?
What action did Henry Clay Frick take to provoke the Homestead Strike in 1892?
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What strategy did Frick use to defeat the steelworkers during the Homestead Strike?
What strategy did Frick use to defeat the steelworkers during the Homestead Strike?
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Which union leader directed railroad workers to stop handling Pullman cars during the Pullman Strike?
Which union leader directed railroad workers to stop handling Pullman cars during the Pullman Strike?
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What was a consequence of the Pullman Strike in 1894?
What was a consequence of the Pullman Strike in 1894?
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What ruling did the Supreme Court make in the case of In re Debs (1895)?
What ruling did the Supreme Court make in the case of In re Debs (1895)?
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By 1900, what percentage of American workers belonged to unions?
By 1900, what percentage of American workers belonged to unions?
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What major problem did labor movements face in the late 19th century?
What major problem did labor movements face in the late 19th century?
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What characterizes the regional differences during the Gilded Age?
What characterizes the regional differences during the Gilded Age?
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What was the primary impact of the Granger laws in the 1870s?
What was the primary impact of the Granger laws in the 1870s?
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What technological advancement significantly contributed to the rise of the steel industry?
What technological advancement significantly contributed to the rise of the steel industry?
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Which strategy did Andrew Carnegie employ to dominate the steel industry?
Which strategy did Andrew Carnegie employ to dominate the steel industry?
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What characterized the United States Steel Corporation when it was formed?
What characterized the United States Steel Corporation when it was formed?
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What method did John D. Rockefeller use to achieve dominance in the oil industry?
What method did John D. Rockefeller use to achieve dominance in the oil industry?
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What was the outcome of the Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890?
What was the outcome of the Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890?
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What was the primary purpose of constructing trunk lines after the Civil War?
What was the primary purpose of constructing trunk lines after the Civil War?
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Which railroad company was merged into the New York Central Railroad by Cornelius Vanderbilt?
Which railroad company was merged into the New York Central Railroad by Cornelius Vanderbilt?
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What philosophical belief dominated economic policies in the late 19th century?
What philosophical belief dominated economic policies in the late 19th century?
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How did the Supreme Court's ruling in United States v. E.C. Knight Co. (1895) affect the Sherman Antitrust Act?
How did the Supreme Court's ruling in United States v. E.C. Knight Co. (1895) affect the Sherman Antitrust Act?
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How did the federal government incentivize the development of western railroads?
How did the federal government incentivize the development of western railroads?
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What negative consequence arose from the land grants given to railroads?
What negative consequence arose from the land grants given to railroads?
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What was one factor that allowed Standard Oil to keep its prices low for consumers?
What was one factor that allowed Standard Oil to keep its prices low for consumers?
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Which individual is credited with discovering the process for making high-quality steel?
Which individual is credited with discovering the process for making high-quality steel?
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What significant event occurred on May 10, 1869?
What significant event occurred on May 10, 1869?
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Which group of workers was primarily responsible for building the Central Pacific Railroad?
Which group of workers was primarily responsible for building the Central Pacific Railroad?
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What business approach distinguished Carnegie Steel from its competitors?
What business approach distinguished Carnegie Steel from its competitors?
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What struggle did railroads face during the speculative bubbles of the 1870s and 1880s?
What struggle did railroads face during the speculative bubbles of the 1870s and 1880s?
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What critical issue arose due to the rise of trusts in the late 19th century?
What critical issue arose due to the rise of trusts in the late 19th century?
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What was a common tactic used by railroads to increase profits during the late 19th century?
What was a common tactic used by railroads to increase profits during the late 19th century?
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What year did Congress first attempt to regulate monopolistic practices with legislation?
What year did Congress first attempt to regulate monopolistic practices with legislation?
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What occurred as a result of a financial panic in 1893?
What occurred as a result of a financial panic in 1893?
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What strategy did J. Pierpont Morgan employ to stabilize the railroad industry?
What strategy did J. Pierpont Morgan employ to stabilize the railroad industry?
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What was the impact of consolidation on the railroad industry by 1900?
What was the impact of consolidation on the railroad industry by 1900?
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How did railroads impact the settlement of the West?
How did railroads impact the settlement of the West?
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Which of the following railroads linked California with the rest of the Union during the Civil War?
Which of the following railroads linked California with the rest of the Union during the Civil War?
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What economic theory was often cited by conservatives to argue against government regulation?
What economic theory was often cited by conservatives to argue against government regulation?
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Which philosopher is known for promoting the application of Darwin's ideas to the marketplace?
Which philosopher is known for promoting the application of Darwin's ideas to the marketplace?
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What responsibility did Andrew Carnegie argue the wealthy had in his article 'Wealth'?
What responsibility did Andrew Carnegie argue the wealthy had in his article 'Wealth'?
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What was a significant effect of the invention of the telegraph?
What was a significant effect of the invention of the telegraph?
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Which invention by Thomas Edison is considered one of his most impactful?
Which invention by Thomas Edison is considered one of his most impactful?
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Who was responsible for developing a transformer for high-voltage alternating current?
Who was responsible for developing a transformer for high-voltage alternating current?
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What role did mail-order companies play in the 19th century?
What role did mail-order companies play in the 19th century?
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What did the Gospel of Wealth argue regarding the rich?
What did the Gospel of Wealth argue regarding the rich?
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How did technological advancements in the 19th century affect markets?
How did technological advancements in the 19th century affect markets?
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What was a characteristic of department stores in the late 19th century?
What was a characteristic of department stores in the late 19th century?
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What was a common belief among Social Darwinists regarding wealth distribution?
What was a common belief among Social Darwinists regarding wealth distribution?
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Which of the following inventions is associated with consumer goods that were widely used by the end of the century?
Which of the following inventions is associated with consumer goods that were widely used by the end of the century?
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How did refrigerated railroad cars impact American consumption habits?
How did refrigerated railroad cars impact American consumption habits?
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What technique did R.H. Macy and Marshall Field popularize in urban shopping?
What technique did R.H. Macy and Marshall Field popularize in urban shopping?
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What percentage of the nation's wealth was controlled by the richest 10 percent of the U.S. population by the 1890s?
What percentage of the nation's wealth was controlled by the richest 10 percent of the U.S. population by the 1890s?
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What was one way the Industrial Revolution impacted the working class in America?
What was one way the Industrial Revolution impacted the working class in America?
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Which individuals are examples of the 'self-made men' myth propagated by Horatio Alger's novels?
Which individuals are examples of the 'self-made men' myth propagated by Horatio Alger's novels?
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What role did industrialization play in the expansion of the middle class?
What role did industrialization play in the expansion of the middle class?
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What was a common characteristic of working conditions in factories during this period?
What was a common characteristic of working conditions in factories during this period?
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What factor contributed to low wages for many workers during the late 19th century?
What factor contributed to low wages for many workers during the late 19th century?
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How did women's roles in the workforce change during the late 19th century?
How did women's roles in the workforce change during the late 19th century?
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Which of the following statements about the income of working-class families in the U.S. around 1890 is accurate?
Which of the following statements about the income of working-class families in the U.S. around 1890 is accurate?
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What does the term 'iron law of wages' refer to?
What does the term 'iron law of wages' refer to?
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What was a significant social implication of industrialization in the late 19th century?
What was a significant social implication of industrialization in the late 19th century?
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What best describes the living conditions of the top 10 percent of wealth holders by the 1890s?
What best describes the living conditions of the top 10 percent of wealth holders by the 1890s?
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How did labor discontent manifest among industrial workers?
How did labor discontent manifest among industrial workers?
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In what type of work were most women employed during the late 19th century?
In what type of work were most women employed during the late 19th century?
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What was a tactic used by employers to suppress union movements during labor conflicts?
What was a tactic used by employers to suppress union movements during labor conflicts?
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Which labor organization was founded first in the United States as a national union?
Which labor organization was founded first in the United States as a national union?
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What event triggered the escalation of the Great Railroad Strike of 1877?
What event triggered the escalation of the Great Railroad Strike of 1877?
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Which group was known for advocating direct confrontation methods such as strikes and boycotts?
Which group was known for advocating direct confrontation methods such as strikes and boycotts?
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What was the main goal of the Knights of Labor under the leadership of Terence V. Powderly?
What was the main goal of the Knights of Labor under the leadership of Terence V. Powderly?
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What caused the decline in membership of the Knights of Labor following the Haymarket Riot?
What caused the decline in membership of the Knights of Labor following the Haymarket Riot?
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What was a key method used by the American Federation of Labor to achieve its goals?
What was a key method used by the American Federation of Labor to achieve its goals?
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Which of the following tactics was NOT employed by employers to counter union activities?
Which of the following tactics was NOT employed by employers to counter union activities?
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What social issue did the National Labor Union advocate for in addition to higher wages?
What social issue did the National Labor Union advocate for in addition to higher wages?
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What approach did the Knights of Labor favor for resolving labor disputes?
What approach did the Knights of Labor favor for resolving labor disputes?
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Which statement is true regarding the impact of federal and state governments during labor conflicts before 1900?
Which statement is true regarding the impact of federal and state governments during labor conflicts before 1900?
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How did the Great Railroad Strike of 1877 end?
How did the Great Railroad Strike of 1877 end?
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Which of the following factors contributed to the success of the American Federation of Labor?
Which of the following factors contributed to the success of the American Federation of Labor?
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What was one of the chief victories of the National Labor Union?
What was one of the chief victories of the National Labor Union?
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Study Notes
Industrialization in the US (1865-1900)
- By 1900, the US was the world's leading industrial power, outpacing Great Britain, France, and Germany in manufacturing.
- Economic growth averaged around 4% annually.
- Abundant natural resources (coal, iron ore, copper, lead, timber, oil) fueled industrialization.
- A large labor supply, including immigrants (hundreds of thousands annually between 1865 and 1900) fueled industrial output.
- A large population and a developed transportation system created a massive domestic market.
- Access to capital was plentiful, with European and American investors fueling economic growth.
- Technological advancements and a robust patent system boosted productivity.
- Friendly government policies favored private enterprise (protecting property, subsidizing railroads, protective tariffs) and limited government regulation.
Rise of Railroads
- Railroad mileage increased dramatically after the Civil War, expanding fivefold in 35 years (35,000 miles in 1865 to 193,000 in 1900).
- Railroads created a national market, supporting mass production, consumption, and specialization.
- Railroad construction spurred growth in other industries like coal and steel.
- Railroads standardized time across the US in 1883.
- The railroad industry helped develop modern corporations and complex business structures.
- Consolidations into "trunk lines" improved efficiency in the 1860s-1880s.
- "Commodore" Cornelius Vanderbilt was a key figure in the consolidation of railroads.
- Federal government subsidies (loans and land grants) were vital to western railroad development.
- Land grants were significant, exceeding those of the Homestead Act by potentially three times.
- Corruption and problems with land grants and loans were also a concern.
- Transcontinental railroads, completed in 1869 and later, connected the Atlantic and Pacific coasts.
- Significant players included the Union Pacific and Central Pacific on the first transcontinental.
- Competition and overbuilding became problematic in the 1870s and 1880s resulting in mismanagement and fraud.
- Practices like rebates and pools hurt smaller customers and led to consolidation.
- Bankers like J. Pierpont Morgan took control of bankrupt railroads consolidating 7 giant systems by 1900.
- Consolidation created a more efficient but less competitive system dominated by powerful figures.
- Early attempts at railroad regulation were largely unsuccessful until the Progressive Era.
Industrial Empires
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Steel industry emerged as a key sector after the Civil War, spurred by new steel-making processes.
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Andrew Carnegie played a pivotal role in the steel industry using vertical integration.
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Carnegie Steel dominated steel production by 1900.
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United States Steel, formed by J.P. Morgan, became the first billion-dollar corporation (1900), controlling most of the US steel industry.
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Rockefeller's Standard Oil controlled 90% of oil refineries by 1881 through horizontal integration.
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Trusts (combinations of competitors under a single corporate umbrella) became common in various industries.
Antitrust Movement
- Trusts faced increasing scrutiny in the 1880s due to public concerns and opposition by prior generations of wealth.
- The Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890 prohibited monopolies and restraints of trade in commerce.
- However, initial court rulings limited the Act's effectiveness, especially the decision in U.S. v. E.C. Knight Co. (1895).
- More effective enforcement came later.
Laissez-Faire Capitalism
- Laissez-faire, meaning "let it be," was the dominant economic philosophy emphasizing limited government intervention.
- Economists like Adam Smith advocated minimal government regulation.
Social Darwinism and Gospel of Wealth
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Social Darwinism applied Darwin's theory of natural selection to the business world, justifying the concentration of wealth.
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Social Darwinist thinkers stressed that the "fittest" would succeed economically, benefitting everyone.
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Critics argued that it justified social inequalities and racial intolerance.
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The Gospel of Wealth emphasized the religious duty to use wealth for philanthropic purposes
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Figures like John D. Rockefeller and Andrew Carnegie exemplified this belief through charity and philanthropy.
Technology and Innovations
- Significant technological advancements in communications (telegraph, transatlantic cable), transportation (railroads), and consumer products improved productivity and daily life.
- Key inventors like Samuel Morse (telegraph) and Cyrus Field (improved transatlantic cable) revolutionized communication.
- Other inventions included the typewriter, telephone, cash register, calculating machines, Kodak camera, fountain pen, safety razor (late 19th century).
- Edison's Menlo Park lab, a significant milestone in scientific research, emphasized team work amongst engineers and inventors leading to mass application of innovation.
- Thomas Edison invented the phonograph, an improved incandescent lamp, dynamo, mimeograph machine, and the motion picture camera.
- George Westinghouse developed the air brake and transformer.
Marketing Consumer Goods
- Mass production led to the development of marketing strategies, such as the rise of department stores and mail-order catalogues.
- Department stores like Macy's and Marshall Field's along with mail-order companies (Sears, Roebuck and Montgomery Ward) broadened access to consumer products.
- Packaging and branding (Kellogg and Post) became significant.
- Refrigeration and canning revolutionized food distribution and consumption.
Impact of Industrialization
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Industrial growth significantly improved the standard of living but widened economic/class divisions.
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Top 10% of wealth controlled over 90% of the nation's wealth.
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The "Horatio Alger myth" presented a hopeful vision of upward mobility, but the reality was more complex.
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Statistics showed a white, Anglo-Saxon, Protestant male bias in entrepreneurial success.
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Industrialization created a growing middle class, due administrative roles being created by large corporations and demand for accountants, clerks and salespeople.
Wage Earners
- Two-thirds of working Americans were wage earners, working long hours.
- Supply and demand heavily influenced wages, particularly with many immigrants competing for jobs.
- "Iron law of wages" (David Ricardo) argued that wages would only increase the working population and not lead to improvement in their quality of life.
- Real wages rose, but they still fell short of supporting a middle-class lifestyle for large portions of the working population.
Working Women
- 1 in 5 women were wage earners, most were young and unmarried, with only 5% of married women working.
- Women's employment was primarily in home-related industries (textiles, garments, food processing)
- Increased demand for clerical workers opened up opportunities for women (secretaries, bookkeepers, typists, telephone operators).
Labor Discontent
- Industrial workers faced monotonous tasks and dangerous conditions.
- Labor unrest included striking, quitting, and changing jobs frequently.
Struggle of Organized Labor
- Labor conflicts increased as workers and management clashed.
- Management tactics included lockouts, blacklisting, yellow-dog contracts, hiring private guards, and obtaining court injunctions.
- Management fostered anti-union sentiment and often enjoyed government support in labor disputes before 1900.
- Conflicts arose between union leaders advocating political action vis a vis proponents for direct confrontation tactics.
Key Labor Events
- Great Railroad Strike of 1877: significant labor conflict resulting in violence and federal intervention.
- National Labor Union focused on a broad social agenda and advocating for an 8-hour workday, but fell due to economic issues.
- The Knights of Labor, a second national labor organization, advocated for broad worker reforms, but lost popularity after the Haymarket riot.
- Many were alarmed by the incident and the violence that occurred.
- The American Federation of Labor (AFL), led by Samuel Gompers, had a narrower focus on economic goals and organized skilled workers, achieving significant membership by 1901 but struggles persisted until the 20th century.
- Homestead Strike (1892): a pivotal strike in the steel industry, showing management strength.
- Pullman Strike (1894): demonstrated the national power of unions and the use of injunctions by the government against workers.
Regional Differences
- Industrial growth was concentrated in the Northeast and Midwest due to larger populations, capital, and transportation networks.
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Description
Explore the transformative period of industrialization in the United States from 1865 to 1900. This quiz covers the economy, technological advancements, and the rise of railroads that contributed to making the US the leading industrial power by 1900. Test your knowledge on how resources, labor, and policies shaped this dynamic era.
