APUSH AMSCO CHAPTER 14 - domainedemanville

AMSCO APUSH Chapter 14: The Rise of Industrial America

Chapter 14 of the AMSCO APUSH review book delves into the dramatic transformation of the United States during the late 19th century, often called the Gilded Age. This era saw rapid industrial expansion, significant technological innovation, and profound social changes, leading to both immense wealth and widespread inequality. Understanding this period is critical for success on the APUSH exam.

Key Themes in AMSCO Chapter 14

Industrial Growth and Technological Innovation

The period from 1865 to 1900 witnessed unprecedented industrial growth, fueled by factors like abundant natural resources, a growing labor supply, and innovative technologies. The railroad boom, for example, transformed transportation and created national markets. Steel production soared, driven by inventions like the Bessemer process. The expansion of electricity, including Thomas Edison's light bulb, revolutionized factories and homes. Learn more about these transformative inventions on Wikipedia's section on US industrial history.

The Rise of Big Business

As industries grew, so did the scale of businesses. Entrepreneurs like Andrew Carnegie (steel) and John D. Rockefeller (oil) built massive corporations. They used strategies like horizontal and vertical integration to control their respective industries. This era also saw the emergence of trusts and monopolies, raising concerns about economic power and unfair competition.

Labor and the Labor Movement

The rapid industrialization created a large working class, often facing difficult and dangerous conditions. Low wages, long hours, and unsafe workplaces were common. Workers responded by forming labor unions, such as the Knights of Labor and the American Federation of Labor. These unions sought to improve working conditions and wages through collective bargaining and, sometimes, strikes. Labor unrest, including events like the Haymarket Riot, highlighted the tensions between labor and capital.

Immigration and Urbanization

Industrial growth attracted millions of immigrants to the United States, primarily from Southern and Eastern Europe. These "new immigrants" often faced discrimination and lived in crowded urban areas. Cities experienced rapid growth, leading to challenges such as poverty, sanitation problems, and political corruption. This era also saw the rise of political machines, which provided services to immigrants in exchange for political support.

Government Regulation and Reform

The rise of big business and the problems associated with industrialization led to growing calls for government regulation. The Interstate Commerce Act (1887) and the Sherman Antitrust Act (1890) were early attempts to regulate railroads and monopolies, respectively. These laws, however, were often weak and ineffective in their early years. apso inmates

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the main causes of industrial growth in the late 19th century?

Abundant natural resources, a growing labor supply, technological innovation, and government policies that favored business growth.

Who were some of the key figures in the rise of big business?

Andrew Carnegie (steel), John D. Rockefeller (oil), J.P. Morgan (finance), and Cornelius Vanderbilt (railroads).

What were the goals of the labor movement during this period?

Improved working conditions, higher wages, shorter hours, and the right to organize and bargain collectively.

What were the challenges faced by immigrants in the late 19th century?

Discrimination, poverty, crowded living conditions, and difficulty assimilating into American society.

What were the main goals of the government regulation efforts during the Gilded Age? apush 2012 exam

To regulate railroads, monopolies, and other large businesses to prevent unfair competition and protect the public interest.

Summary

AMSCO APUSH Chapter 14 provides a comprehensive overview of the Gilded Age, a period of immense industrial growth and social change. Understanding the key themes of industrial growth, the rise of big business, labor unrest, immigration, and government regulation is crucial for succeeding on the APUSH exam.