APUSH: Economic Developments Flashcards
Commercial Revolution (1492-1750)
A period of European economic expansion, colonialism, and mercantilism
Mercantilism
Economic theory - The colonies exist for the benefit of the mother country, Gold + silver, buying goods
British-1690s-1750s-Salutary Neglect
Unofficial British policy where rules/ laws were loosely enforced on Americans
Britain’s New Colonial Policy (after salutary neglect) (1763-1776)
After the French and Indian War, Great Britain’s economy was in shambles. Britain began enforcing strict laws and tariffs (Stamp Act, Tea Act) to aid their financial state. Years of Salutary Neglect made the colonists used to self governance and the new policy made them realize they did not need to depend on GB to function - main cause of Revolutionary war
Hamilton’s Financial Plan (1789-1797)
Main Points:
1. Federal Government assumes states debts through the creation of the National Bank
2. Taxes - Whiskey Tax (led to the Whiskey Rebellion)
3. Government bonds
Market Revolution (1800-1860)
Rapid increase in transportation and technology
Introduction of new goods from around the world
Factory labor and industry
2nd Great Awakening: Triggered by the Market Revolution - Protestant movement that said God offers salvation for all who look for it
Clay’s American System (1800-1860)
3 Main Points
1. Protective Tariffs to encourage people to buy domestic goods
2. National Bank
3. Government funded “Internal improvements”/infrastructure - railroads, canals, etc
Rise of Big Business (1860-1900)
Extreme gap in the distribution of wealth, new technology and inventions boosted industrial production, introduction of robber barons
Transcontinental Railroads (1860-1900)
Increase in trade and connection between states, booming agricultural industry, facilitated the speedy transportation of raw materials and finished goods from coast to coast, increase in immigration for labor opportunities
consolidation (1860-1900)
Several businesses from a large cooperation, allowed for the creation of monopolies and millionaires
Social Darwinism (1860-1900)
An economic theory that supported the “survival of the fittest” and “natural selection” mindset promoted by Charles Darwin
Gospel of Wealth (1889)
A book written by Andrew Carnegie, a robber baron and steel industry leader, that expressed the belief that it was the responsibility of the wealthy to distribute their wealth among the lower class for the greater good
Laissez Faire Economics
A hands off approach to economics, the government allowed the flow of commerce to happened with little interference, free market capitalism, supported by ideals of Social Darwinism
Panic of 1893
Banks closing, manufacturers shut down -> responsibility of the bankruptcy of the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad
Agrarian Revolt (1860-1900)
Industrial and agricultural revolt in which farmers advocated for free coinage of silver and more regulation on railroads ->that led to the better treatment of farmers and their businesses, began the formation of the Populist party
Populism (1860-1900)
Named “The People’s Party”, seek to end the oppression of the people and work against the abuse done by the elite
World War One (1914-1918)
Global conflict, Allies v. Central
US entered late for economic opportunity after previous soft involvement (supporting allied through $$$)
Increase in manufacturing jobs -> increase in GDP
Progressivism (1900-1920)
Movement in the late 1800s, increase democracy in America by curving the power of corporations, fought to end corruption is business, worked for equal rights for women + other minority groups that had been left behind in the industrial revolution
Progressivism - Trusts
A way to create monopolies and eliminate competition
Anti-Trust Law
Federal law that regulated businesses to increase competition (competition = lower prices)