Gilded Age // Flashcards
Which billionaires were born?
There was rise in industry. In 1870, John D Rockefeller set up the Standard Oil Company. In 1883 Andrew Carnegie bought the Homestead Works. He became rich.
How did the railroads affect farmers?
By 1900 there were 13,000 miles of track and 4 transcontinental lines. Locomotives powered by steam. Machinery became expensive leading farmers to debt. High shipping costs made some farmers independent, and led others to city.
How were immigrants treated?
In the 1880s 5 million immigrants moved to the US. They had low paid jobs, 60 hour weeks, no benefits etc. Typhoid and cholera suffered. William Boss Tweed was an NY politician who bribed immigrants for the vote.
What changes were made to African Americans?
1870 - Hiram Revels became the Mississippi Senator, an African American. In 1877 the poll tax in Georgia was issued, and literacy tests. Plessy v Ferguson ruled in 1896.
How did the Victorian class develop?
A Victorian class developed with women growing hair long and wearing long silk/satin dresses, and little girls having tea parties to become like their mothers. In middle-upper classes.
What scandals was Grant involved in?
Ulysses S Grant was involved in 4 scandals including the gold conspiracy, salary grab for government officials, and the whiskey ring. Alongside this, he gave friends top positions, they were corrupt and in pursuit of wealth.
Outline the Populist Party.
1873 - economic panic hit farms. Farmers alliances wanted tax revenue and free silver coinage. In 1892 the Populist Party was formed wanting government ownership of railroads, silver coinage, abolition of banks, immigrant reform etc. In 1894 mid terms they gained 1.5 million votes but in 1896 the Democrat politician spoke on silver coinage, causing the Populist Party to decline.
What was the work of the WCTU?
Francis Willard of the WCTU promoted prohibition, with the white ribbon bow representing purity. March 6 1877., Willard first woman to address Illinois state politicians, offering a temperance bill which was rejected. They were largely a WASP movement.
How did Jane Addams help immigrants?
Immigrants took in boarders and worked on garments to make ends meet. In 1889 Jane Addams founded Hull House in Chicago, with public paths, kindergartens, education programs, nurseries etc. Immigrants to help themselves. Hull House also raised issues of sanitation
Who was Ida B Wells?
Ida B Wells came to Chicago in 1893 from Memphis. She was an educator, suing a segregated railroad, and became a journalist. In 1892 3 of her friends were lynched and she wrote about this, scathing.
