Summary of US History (1865-1920)

The process where people leave their home country due to negative factors like famine, persecution, or forced military service.

The process where people are attracted to a new country due to positive factors like job opportunities or freedom.

Areas within cities where immigrants from the same country or region cluster together, providing a sense of community and familiar culture.

The period between 1900 and 1910 saw a significant surge in immigration to the United States, with over nine million people arriving.

Ellis Island, located in New York City, was the main processing center for European immigrants arriving in the US, handling a massive influx.

Immigrants arriving in the US were screened medically for infectious diseases to ensure public health.

Most immigrants were admitted to the US with minimal paperwork review, highlighting the lack of extensive immigration regulations at the time.

Immigrants often sought out familiar faces and communities, leading to the formation of ethnic enclaves within American cities.

The period in the 19th century when the US saw a huge increase in urban population due to industrialization.

Prior to the mid-1800s, factories relied on water power from rivers and seaports. However, the invention of the steam engine allowed factories to move away from water sources and into cities.

The shift of factories to urban centers created a large demand for workers. This led to an influx of people seeking jobs in cities, even with low wages and repetitive work.

The unique characteristics of American cities in the late 1800s were largely shaped by the dominant industry that fueled their growth.

Rapid urbanization brought a range of challenges, including housing shortages, poor living conditions, inadequate transportation, and communication issues.

These challenges in urban areas were often rooted in class inequalities, racial divisions, religious differences, and, in some cases, political corruption.

Key innovations like electric lighting, better communication, intracity transportation, and skyscrapers played a crucial role in shaping urbanization at the turn of the 20th century.

Urban growth wasn't uniform. Certain towns blossomed into large cities due to their adoption of new technologies and innovations.

The ability to travel quickly and affordably to work encouraged people to live outside of bustling cities.

The rise of the automobile made suburban living more appealing and accessible for middle-class families.

The magazine Good Housekeeping focused on the home and homemaking, catering to the middle-class woman's desire to create a welcoming environment.

Middle-class women were expected to maintain a comfortable home for their husbands and children.

Women were encouraged to take pride in creating a positive home environment for their families.

Women's colleges began to emerge in the mid-1800s, offering opportunities for higher education and potential careers.

The first women's colleges provided an all-women environment focused on education and community.

While most college-educated women still married, their education opened doors to careers, primarily as teachers, professors, or in social work.

The period following the Civil War witnessed significant economic growth driven by major innovations and entrepreneurial ventures.

These individuals were not just inventors but also shrewd businesspeople who transformed technical innovations into large-scale industries, shaping the American economy.

Andrew Carnegie, a prominent figure in steel production, exemplifies the rise of entrepreneurs during this era.

Carnegie's journey from humble beginnings to wealth highlights the rags-to-riches narrative prevalent in American society, inspiring many to pursue similar aspirations.

Carnegie's success was rooted in his early exposure to the railroad industry and his shrewd investments, particularly in the burgeoning oil fields.

Carnegie's significant financial gains from oil investments provided him with the capital necessary to embark on modernizing the iron and steel industries.

Carnegie's ambition and strategic investments transformed the United States, modernizing the iron and steel industries and propelling industrial growth.

The transformative ideas generated by inventors led to a surge in industrialization, creating a demand for transportation networks to connect the nation's expanding economy.

The steel industry, due to advancements in production and cost, became a cornerstone of the American economy, impacting industries like construction, manufacturing, and others.

The Bessemer and open-hearth processes revolutionized steel production, allowing for large-scale, cost-effective steel manufacturing. This made steel a key element of American industrialization.

Advancements in transportation, communication, and household appliances helped to free up women's time. They could then pursue education, employment, and other activities outside the home.

The demand for steel surged as it became cheaper and more readily available. This led to a significant increase in production and ultimately made the United States the world's leading steel producer.

The advancements in communication technologies, like the telephone, allowed for faster and more efficient spread of information. This played a crucial role in industrial growth and social change.

The widespread adoption of steel throughout various industries, from construction to automobiles, fueled the economic growth of the United States.

The demand for steel increased dramatically, leading to a drop in its price. This made it more accessible to various industries, allowing them to use it in innovative ways.

The steel industry emerged as a foundational industry for the United States, contributing significantly to its economic development and representing its industrial prowess.

The Morrill Acts (1862 and 1890) established land-grant colleges across the US, which were funded by the federal government and offered affordable education. These colleges aimed to provide practical training in various fields such as agriculture, industry, and commerce.

Land-grant colleges, established through the Morrill Acts, offered affordable education, making college accessible for the middle class. This contrasts with expensive private universities (like Harvard and Yale) that catered to the elite.

The rise of industrialization led to a surge in demand for practical skills in fields like agriculture, trade, and industry. This prompted a shift in college curriculum, moving away from traditional liberal arts towards practical courses.

Public school enrollment skyrocketed in the late 19th century, fueled by factors like a growing middle class and working mothers. The expansion also led to changes in school structure, with specialized teachers and larger, more organized schools.

Increased urbanization led to the development of specialized professional schools dedicated to fields like medicine, law, and business. This expansion in higher education reflects the needs of a growing and increasingly complex society.

The rise of industrialization and a need for trained workers caused a shift in the focus of education. Students moved away from traditional liberal arts subjects like rhetoric and philosophy and focused on practical skills for the workforce.

The rise of the industrial economy drastically increased opportunities for middle-class families, especially through education. This solidified their position in society and provided a pathway for advancement.

In the late 19th century, the growth of the middle class and the rise of schools for specific trades (like engineering) provided avenues for social mobility. Unlike the working class, children of the middle class had the opportunity for an education that would solidify their social standing.