Industrialism/Progressive Era Flashcards
Social Darwinism
Philosophy/belief that a system of unrestrained competition will ensure the survival of the fittest. (Mostly applied to businesses & socially)
Social Gospel
A movement based on the belief that Christians have a responsibility to help improve working conditions and alleviate poverty.
Progressivism
A (20th century) movement seeking to return control of the government to the people, to restore economic opportunities & to correct injustices in American life.
Bessemer Process
A cheap and efficient process for making steel, developed around 1850.
Americanization
A movement whereby immigrants in the US were induced to assimilate American speech, ideals, traditions, and ways of life. (Be more like US)
Sherman Antitrust Act
A law that was intended to prevent the creation of monopolies by making it illegal to establish trusts that interfered with free trade.
Political Machines
An organized group that controls a political party and offers services to voters and businesses in exchange for political & financial support (votes & $).
Urbanization
Refers to the growth of cities - the increasing number of people that live in urban areas.
Upton Sinclair’s “The Jungle”
Book written in 1906 & depicts the sickening work conditions of working class. (notably in the meat packing industry).
John D. Rockefeller
He was a co-founder of the Standard Oil Company, which dominated the oil industry and was the first U.S. business trust.
He became the world’s richest man and the first American worth more than a billion dollars. Adjusting for inflation, he is often regarded as the richest person in history.
Monopoly
A process by which companies buy out all its competitors & gain complete control over its industry’s production, wages, & prices.
Nativism
Prejudice against foreign-born people- in favor of native born people.
Free-Enterprise
The economic system in which private businesses and individuals control the means of production.
(Same as = Capitalism in which trade, industry and the means of production are controlled by private owners with the goal of making profits in a market economy.)
Populism
A 19th century political movement demanding that people have a greater voice in government and seeking to advance the interests of farmers & laborers.
What contributed to the Industrial Boom of 19th century?
A. Expansion of Industry/Technology (steel, factories, telegraph, telephone, etc.)
B. Expansion of Railroads (automobiles, ability to travel & transport goods)
C. Big Business & Labor (Oil, Steel, Factories)
What were the goals of the Progressive movement?
- Protecting Social Welfare
- Moral Improvement
- Economic Reform
- Fostering Efficiency
How did political machines operate?
It uses political patronage and sometimes corruption to stay in power. The machine controls law enforcement and often judges. (Government gives businesses “favors” in exchange for votes & $).
Robber Baron vs. Captain of Industry
Robber barons became a derogatory term applied to wealthy and powerful 19th-century American businessmen .
Debate remains whether John D. Rockefeller was a “robber baron” or a “captain of industry”. Rockefeller was criticized for his success and the means by which he attained it (robber baron). Although, in actuality, he brought order to a chaotic economic system (captain of industry).
Industrial Revolution - Industrialism
The Industrial Revolution was the transition to new manufacturing processes in the period from about 1760 to sometime between 1820 and 1840.
