Overview
This lecture covers the Gilded Age in America (c. 1880-1910), highlighting its economic growth, social issues, political challenges, and the impact of westward expansion.
The Gilded Age Defined
- The Gilded Age was a period of apparent prosperity in the U.S., with hidden social and economic problems.
- It lasted roughly from 1880 to 1910 and featured rapid industrialization and profit for big businesses.
- The term "gilded" means covered in gold on the outside but not golden throughout.
Westward Expansion and Closing the Frontier
- The frontier closed due to westward migration fueled by the Gold Rush and completion of the Transcontinental Railroad.
- The Transcontinental Railroad connected the U.S. from coast to coast, drastically reducing travel time.
- The Homestead Act (1862) gave 160 acres of land to settlers who would farm it for 5 years.
- Farmers had to adapt to Great Plains conditions, inventing new farming methods and housing.
- The cattle industry boomed due to railroad transport.
- Negative effects included Native American displacement and near extinction of the buffalo.
Policies Toward Native Americans
- Native Americans were forcibly moved to reservations as settlers took more land.
- The Dawes Act aimed to assimilate Native Americans and turn them into farmers.
- Native American cultural practices were suppressed in favor of American customs.
- The American Citizenship Act (1924) finally granted citizenship to Native Americans.
- The Bureau of Indian Affairs managed government relations with Native Americans.
- Indian Territory was established in Oklahoma for resettlement.
Political Issues and Reforms
- Political machines, like Boss Tweed’s in New York, exchanged services for votes, often exploiting immigrants and the poor.
- The spoils system rewarded political supporters with government jobs, leading to corruption.
- The Pendleton Act reformed civil service, making jobs based on merit rather than loyalty.
Agrarian Issues and Populism
- Populism arose to address farmer struggles with low crop prices, high taxes, and economic hardship.
- Populists wanted unlimited coinage of silver, federal ownership of railroads, a graduated income tax, and direct election of senators.
- New farm equipment increased crop production but lowered prices, worsening farmer problems.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Gilded Age — late 19th-century period of economic growth with underlying social issues.
- Transcontinental Railroad — first railroad across the U.S., connecting east and west.
- Homestead Act — law granting land to settlers who farmed it for five years.
- Dawes Act — law aiming to assimilate Native Americans by dividing land and promoting farming.
- Spoils System — practice of rewarding political supporters with government jobs.
- Pendleton Act — reform making civil service positions based on merit.
- Populism — political movement supporting farmers and advocating economic reforms.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the causes and effects of westward expansion and the closing of the frontier.
- Study the goals and outcomes of the Dawes Act and political reforms.
- Prepare to discuss the impact of populism and political machines in future lessons.