Questions and Answers
What significant event is associated with the Great Railroad Strike of 1877?
What is Scientific Management?
The introduction of industrialism, assembly lines, mass production.
Who is Cyrus McCormick?
A businessman who utilized mass production and production managers with his reapers.
What does the term 'Visible Hand' refer to?
Signup and view all the answers
What was J.P. Morgan known for?
Signup and view all the answers
Who is Henry George?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a 'robber baron'?
Signup and view all the answers
Who was Cornelius Vanderbilt?
Signup and view all the answers
Who is John D. Rockefeller?
Signup and view all the answers
What was Andrew Carnegie known for?
Signup and view all the answers
What is Social Darwinism?
Signup and view all the answers
Who was William Graham Sumner?
Signup and view all the answers
What was the Knights of Labor?
Signup and view all the answers
What was the Haymarket Riot?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the American Federation of Labor?
Signup and view all the answers
What happened during the Homestead Strike of 1892?
Signup and view all the answers
What was the Pullman Strike of 1894 about?
Signup and view all the answers
Who was Eugene Victor Debs?
Signup and view all the answers
What was the Farmer's Alliance?
Signup and view all the answers
What did the Populist Party spring from?
Signup and view all the answers
What was the Omaha Platform of 1892?
Signup and view all the answers
What was the Panic of 1893?
Signup and view all the answers
What is 'Free Silver'?
Signup and view all the answers
Who was William Jennings Bryan?
Signup and view all the answers
Who won the presidential election of 1896?
Signup and view all the answers
What was the Socialist Party of America known for?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Labor Strikes and Movements
- The Great Railroad Strike of 1877 marked a significant labor uprising, stemming from the railroad financial crisis, affecting cities from Baltimore to St. Louis.
- The Knights of Labor was an inclusive union allowing both skilled and unskilled workers, including women, aiming for broad labor reforms.
- Heightened labor tensions led to pivotal events like the Haymarket Riot, where a bomb explosion resulted in the deaths of seven policemen.
- The Homestead Strike of 1892 involved workers who occupied Andrew Carnegie's steel mill to protest harsh working conditions.
- The Pullman Strike in 1894 arose when workers protested wage cuts while living costs remained unchanged.
Economic Theories and Practices
- Scientific Management introduced efficiency in factories through assembly lines and mass production techniques.
- Social Darwinism suggested that economic success was a marker of superiority, leading to a belief that assistance to the weak would weaken society.
- Notable economist Henry George authored "Progress and Poverty" in 1879, analyzing the interplay of wealth and inequality.
Key Figures in Industry
- Cyrus McCormick revolutionized agriculture by applying mass production to his reapers, leading to significant profit increases.
- J.P. Morgan was crucial in forming the United States Steel Corporation, a notable early monopoly combining eight companies.
- Cornelius Vanderbilt built immense wealth through railroads and shipping, becoming a prominent business tycoon.
- John D. Rockefeller dominated the oil industry, establishing a massive industrial and philanthropic legacy.
- Andrew Carnegie spearheaded the expansion of the American steel industry, greatly influencing industrial growth.
Labor Organizations
- The American Federation of Labor emerged after the Haymarket Riot, positioning itself as a more conservative alternative to the Knights of Labor.
- Eugene Victor Debs, a key labor leader and Socialist Party candidate, played a vital role in advocating for workers' rights through union activities.
Political Movements
- The Populist Party originated from the Farmer's Alliance, emphasizing reforms to support farmers and challenge the capitalist system.
- The Omaha Platform of 1892 called for increased federal control, including nationalizing railroads and expanded government loans to alleviate economic struggles.
- The Panic of 1893 triggered a severe economic depression, escalating the need for reform and alternative political solutions.
Monetary Policies
- The Free Silver movement advocated for the coinage of silver to counter the gold standard, aiming to increase money supply and aid economic recovery.
- William Jennings Bryan secured the 1896 Democratic presidential nomination as well as support from the Populist Party, representing a pivotal force in advocating for monetary reform.
- William McKinley won the 1896 election, enforcing the gold standard, which had significant implications for the economy and future monetary policy.
Cultural Terms
- "Robber baron" referred to wealthy industrialists like Rockefeller and Carnegie, often criticized for their monopolistic practices and exploitation of workers.
- The "Visible Hand" concept described the emerging managerial class facilitating communication and responsibility between workers and owners in growing industries.
- William Graham Sumner championed the notion that helping the weak was detrimental to societal progress, aligning with Social Darwinist beliefs.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
This quiz explores significant labor movements in the United States, including pivotal strikes such as the Great Railroad Strike of 1877 and the Pullman Strike of 1894. It also delves into economic theories that influenced labor practices, including Scientific Management and Social Darwinism. Test your knowledge on these critical events and concepts that shaped labor history and economic thought.