VI. 1869-1896
(AP Historic Periods 6 & 7)
With the Civil War a recent memory, the United States concentrates on the rapid industrialization of the Country. The West, South, and North all experience a new era that includes the growth of urbanization, massive immigration, and the consolidation of "big business" power. By 1890, the Census reveals that the frontier era of American history is over and a new age has dawned.
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TIME PERIODS
Period 6 (1865-1898) Period 7 (1890-1945) AP CHAPTERS Chapter 23. Politics and Paralysis in the Gilded Age, 1869-1896 Chapter24. Industry Comes of Age, 1865-1900 Chapter25. America Moves to the City, 1865-1900 Chapter26. The Great West and the Agricultural Revolution, 1865-1896 - COLLEGE PREP. CHAPTERS 5, 6, 7, & 8 - POLITICAL TIMELINE
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READING GUIDE
OTHER LINKS |
AP Tools for Success
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Themes (Use these to tie evidence together across time periods for easy "complex thinking." TIP-Choose one with which to focus for the year.):
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Historical Thinking Skills (Use these to practice the skills graders are looking for on AP Rubrics.):
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Document Analysis Acronym (Use this when analyzing documents to add the words--actually use the words in responses-- and skills graders are looking for on AP Rubrics.):
C-Context (This is often used as 'H' for Historical Situation.)
A-Audience
P-Point of View (POV)
P-Purpose
A-Audience
P-Point of View (POV)
P-Purpose
Rating the Gilded Age Presidents
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Rate the presidents of this era based on the issues of the day, and those that went, for the most part, ignored. Find out how they stack up against the rest of our presidents below.
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SIMULATION!
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You are President Grover Cleveland, c. 1885. You are the first Democrat to hold office since before the Civil War. Can you successfully handle the issues of the new industrial age? Let's see how your decision-making stands up to the test of time.
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Factors of Industrialization
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In 1800 the United States was a minor country, by 1900 it had become one of the most powerful nations in the world. A number of factors contributed to the rapid industrialization and growth of the United States, transforming the country into a machine civilization. Here we will look up the factors listed and organize them into 3 or 4 groups according to their similarities (your opinion). Then, describe how each of your groupings is similar. These groupings will become an organizational statement used to respond to a prompt later.
Industrialization reshaped the American economy and society, generating new wealth and influence for the business elite. The growth of industries like petroleum refining, steel manufacturing, and electrical power, along with the expansion of railroads, connected even the most remote areas to a national market. This boom created a class of wealthy industrialists and a thriving middle class, while also swelling the ranks of blue-collar workers. The labor driving this transformation came from millions of new immigrants and rural migrants, adding to the country’s diversity. However, it also concentrated immense political power in the hands of a few and left a growing working class in poor conditions, sparking major reform movements across the nation.
Library of Congress |
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Industrialization Created Massive Opportunities. Who Were the Wealthiest Americans of the Industrial Age Who Benefitted Most?
The Game: Monopoly!
Click the Icon Above.
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Have you ever heard the story of the woman who invented the most popular game in American history?
Almost every American knows this classic boardgame. From "The Landlord's Game in 1904 to today's many versions, Monopoly has captured our fascination, and given us hours of joy, frustration, and education. Learn more about the history below. |
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VIa. Doing The DBQ (1979)
Under Construction
To what extent and for what reasons did the policies of the federal government from 1865 to 1900 violate the principles of laissez faire, which advocated minimal government intervention in the economy? Consider with specific reference to the following three areas of policy: railroad land grants, control of interstate commerce, and antitrust activities. pp. 51-59.
To what extent and for what reasons did the policies of the federal government from 1865 to 1900 violate the principles of laissez faire, which advocated minimal government intervention in the economy? Consider with specific reference to the following three areas of policy: railroad land grants, control of interstate commerce, and antitrust activities. pp. 51-59.
VIb. Analyzing & Comparing Documents/SAQ Practice
From the Cengage Learning Teacher's Resource Guide
"Industrialization: Boom or Blight?"
EXCERPTS
Matthew Josephson, The Robber Barons: The Great American Capitalists, 1861–1901 (1934).
"The members of this new ruling class were generally, and quite aptly, called ‘barons,’ ‘kings,’ ‘empire-builders,’ and even ‘emperors.’ They were aggressive men, as were the first feudal barons; sometimes they were lawless; in important crises, nearly all of them tended to act without those established moral principles which fixed more or less the conduct of the common people of the community. At the same time . . . many of them showed volcanic energy and qualities of courage which, under another economic clime, might have fitted them for immensely useful social constructions, and rendered them glorious rather than hateful to their people."
Herbert Gutman, Work, Culture, and Society in Industrializing America (1976).
"In the half-century after 1843 industrial development radically transformed the earlier American social structure, and during this Middle Period…a profound tension existed between the older American preindustrial social structure and the modernizing institutions that accompanied the development of industrial capitalism….In each of these distinctive stages of American society, a recurrent tension also existed between native and immigrant men and women fresh to the factory and the demands imposed upon them by the regularities and disciplines of factory labor."
QUESTIONS
Matthew Josephson, The Robber Barons: The Great American Capitalists, 1861–1901 (1934).
"The members of this new ruling class were generally, and quite aptly, called ‘barons,’ ‘kings,’ ‘empire-builders,’ and even ‘emperors.’ They were aggressive men, as were the first feudal barons; sometimes they were lawless; in important crises, nearly all of them tended to act without those established moral principles which fixed more or less the conduct of the common people of the community. At the same time . . . many of them showed volcanic energy and qualities of courage which, under another economic clime, might have fitted them for immensely useful social constructions, and rendered them glorious rather than hateful to their people."
Herbert Gutman, Work, Culture, and Society in Industrializing America (1976).
"In the half-century after 1843 industrial development radically transformed the earlier American social structure, and during this Middle Period…a profound tension existed between the older American preindustrial social structure and the modernizing institutions that accompanied the development of industrial capitalism….In each of these distinctive stages of American society, a recurrent tension also existed between native and immigrant men and women fresh to the factory and the demands imposed upon them by the regularities and disciplines of factory labor."
QUESTIONS
- What does each of these historians see as the most crucial feature of the new industrialization?
- How does each of them see the relationship between industrial capitalism and the moral and cultural values of society?
- How would each of them likely interpret the labor conflicts and strikes of the period—for example, the Haymarket affair and the decline of the Knights of Labor?
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The Brooklyn Bridge: A Symbol of America's Industrialization
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"The masterwork of John Augustus Roebling, the Brooklyn Bridge was built (1869–83) in the face of immense difficulties. The bridge’s 486-metre (1,595-foot) main span was the longest in the world. The towers were built of limestone, granite, and cement. Its deck, supported by four cables, would carry both automobile and pedestrian traffic. The bridge’s opening day, May 24, 1883, was marked by much celebration and was attended by U.S. President Chester A. Arthur. The building of it came to represent a landmark in technological achievement for a generation. Its strength and grace inspired poets, notably Walt Whitman, Hart Crane, and Marianne Moore, and a legion of photographers and painters, including Joseph Stella, John Marin, Berenice Abbott, and Alfred Eisenstaedt. Learn more of the story in the Ted Talk video included here." -Britannica
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Urbanization
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"The 19th century was a period of rapid urbanization, marked by the movement of people from rural areas to cities in search of better economic opportunities. This phenomenon had profound effects on various aspects of society.
Rapid urban development resulted in the expansion of cities and the emergence of new industries. The growth of factories and the rise of industrialization led to job opportunities, attracting large numbers of individuals seeking employment. Cities became centers of commerce, trade, and innovation. However, this unprecedented growth also brought socioeconomic challenges. Overcrowding, inadequate housing, and poor sanitation conditions were prevalent in many urban areas. Disease outbreaks, such as cholera and typhoid, were common due to unsanitary living conditions. These challenges highlighted the need for urban planning, public health measures, and infrastructure development. Furthermore, urbanization had profound social and cultural implications. As people from different backgrounds migrated to cities, diverse communities and neighborhoods emerged, contributing to cultural exchange and new forms of social interaction. Urban areas became melting pots of different ethnicities, religions, and social classes. The industrial working class, comprising factory workers, faced harsh working conditions with long hours and low wages. This led to the rise of labor movements and advocacy for workers’ rights. The urban environment also provided opportunities for women to enter the workforce and participate in social reform movements, such as the suffrage movement. In conclusion, the rapid urbanization of the 19th century had both positive and negative impacts. While it fueled economic growth and innovation, it also brought challenges such as overcrowding, disease, and social inequality. Understanding the effects of urbanization in this era provides valuable insights into the development of modern cities and the ongoing efforts to address urban challenges." From https://19thcentury.us/19th-century-urbanization/ |
"Bandit's Roost," Circa 1890.
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Late 19th and Early 20th Century Immigration
The Late 19th and early 2oth centuries saw the largest number of Immigrants enter the United States in its history. What did this massive migration look like, and what was its impact?
An Animated Map of Immigration.
From 1920 to 2013, 79 million people obtained lawful permanent resident status in the United States. This map visualizes all of them based on their prior country of residence. The brightness of a country corresponds to its total migration to the U.S. at the given time. 1 dot = 10,000 people
Timelines. |
Before Ellis Island, in the 1890s, other places for disembarkation in New York, like Castle Garden above, could be dangerous for new immigrants.
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Living on "Gold Maintain"
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Most of the immigration story tends to focus on the East Coast, where Europe's immigrants came through the "Golden Door," to the United States, Ellis Island, and past the Statue of Liberty. Another story, this on the West Coast, tells of Asians facing a much more difficult and dangerous route to "Gold Mountain." Click below to learn of Fong See's amazing success story.
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Below, Tasting Ellis Island with Max!
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The American Labor Movement
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"The 19th century witnessed a significant transformation in labor practices, driven by the industrial revolution and social changes that reshaped the workforce. Industrialization brought about a shift from traditional agricultural economies to factory-based manufacturing. This resulted in a massive migration of people from rural areas to urban centers, seeking employment opportunities in the growing industries. Technological advancements such as the mechanization of production processes, the development of new machinery, and the use of steam power, greatly increased productivity and output. These innovations led to the rise of mass production and the emergence of factories as the primary sites of labor. The rise of factories also gave birth to a new class of workers, the proletariat, who were predominantly poor and lived in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions. Factory owners, on the other hand, accumulated wealth and power, leading to the widening gap between the rich and the poor. Working conditions during this period were often harsh and dangerous. Long working hours, typically ranging from 12 to 16 hours per day, were the norm. Factory workers endured unsafe work environments, with inadequate safety measures in place. Child labor was prevalent, as children were seen as a cheap source of labor. The formation of trade unions emerged as a response to these challenging working conditions. Workers organized themselves to demand higher wages, better working conditions, and shorter working hours. They sought to protect their rights and improve their living standards through collective bargaining, strikes, and protests. The tension between labor and capital intensified during this period, leading to clashes and conflicts. Governments responded with legislation to regulate labor practices, introducing laws that limited child labor, established minimum wages, and ensured safer working conditions. By the end of the 19th century, industrialization had drastically changed the nature of work and labor relations. The transformation brought both positive and negative consequences, shaping the modern labor landscape we know today." From https://19thcentury.us/19th-century-labor/ |
The Great Railroad Strike of 1877.
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Political Cartoons and a Literary
Renaissance
Renaissance
As urbanization gathered momentum, so did education, literacy, innovation, and publication. New opportunities for writers and artists produced an amazing amount of commentary on life and politics. Most notably, men like Joseph Keppler and Thamas Nast affected the very course of the late-19th century. Below, enjoy some of their work.
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Artist, Joseph Keppler
"Keppler studied art in Vienna. Following the Revolution of 1848, his father emigrated to the United States and settled in Missouri, where Joseph joined him in 1867. Two years later he established his first humorous weekly newspaper in St. Louis. It failed, and in 1870 he founded Puck, a German-language weekly that was also short-lived. Keppler then moved to New York City, and by 1875 he was drawing cover cartoons for Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper. He broke with Leslie in 1876 and founded a second German-language Puck, which was so successful that in 1877 an English-language version was begun. The English version lasted until 1918, 22 years longer than the German. Initially Keppler drew all the cartoons for Puck, and, although later many other artists contributed, his influence remained strong. His cartoon “Forbidding the Banns,” published on behalf of anti-Garfield forces in the Garfield-Hancock presidential campaign of 1880, attracted widespread attention." -Britannica |
Puck, America's first political magazine full of satire and cartoon, thanks to Keppler.
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Keppler's 1892 Cartoon comment on Immigration--perfect for analysis.
Have student's use the CAPP method for analysis and discussion (Context, Audience, Point of View, and Purpose)
Have student's use the CAPP method for analysis and discussion (Context, Audience, Point of View, and Purpose)
Artists Thomas Nast in "Harper's Weekly, A Journal of Civilization"
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"Among the recurring features were the political cartoons of Thomas Nast, who was recruited in 1862 and worked with the Weekly for more than 20 years. Nast was a feared caricaturist and is often called the father of American political cartooning. He was the first to use an elephant as the symbol of the Republican Party. He also drew the legendary character of Santa Claus; his version became strongly associated with the figure, who was popularized as part of Christmas customs in the late nineteenth century." -Wikipedia.
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The drawings that helped take down the Tweed Ring!
Industrialization and African-Americans
Booker T. Washington's "Atlanta Compromise"
One of Washington's best-known works, below.
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Faced with being left behind in an industrializing America, African-Americans debated how best to work toward prosperity and equal rights. Use the links below to learn about the philosophies of two famous Americans.
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W.E.B. DuBois
One of DuBois' best-known works, below.
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The Grange, People's Party, Populists, and Populism: A
Mostly Agrarian Response to Industrialization
The population of the United States had doubled at the end of the 19th century, while the money in supply had stayed the same--deflationary times. In the same period the production of crops in the West had Look at the chart below to help understand the issue. Why do you think farmers supported inflation (adding silver in equal amounts to gold, bimetallism, into the money supply)?
Value |
Amount of Money in Supply |
Value of Money in Supply |
Prices |
Supporters |
Inflation |
UP |
DOWN |
UP |
Farmers, Populists, Most Democrats, Free Silver Supporters, Silverites |
Deflation |
DOWN |
UP |
DOWN |
Bankers, Most Republicans, Consumers, Goldbugs |
THE DECISIVE ELECTION OF 1896
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In the midst of a depression brought on by the Panic of 1893, William McKinley ran on a Republican platform emphasizing maintenance of the gold standard (and maintaining deflationary policies), while his opponent called for the bimetallic standard of gold and silver (and inflationary policies). Democrat (and candidate claimed by the Populists), William Jennings Bryan, who campaigned vigorously, traveling thousands of miles and delivering hundreds of speeches in support of an inflated currency that would help poor farmers and other debtors (see his Cross of Gold Speech). McKinley remained at home in Canton, Ohio, greeting visiting delegations of Republicans at his front porch and giving carefully prepared speeches promoting the benefits of a gold-backed currency. Prominent Republican industrialist Mark Hanna tapped big businesses for enormous campaign contributions while directing a network of Republican speakers who portrayed Bryan as a dangerous radical and McKinley as “the advance agent of prosperity.” Although Bryan rallied a devoted voter base, sweeping the South and most of the mountain West, McKinley won the election decisively, carrying the North and Pacific West and becoming the first president to achieve a popular majority since 1872. In the Electoral College, McKinley defeated Bryan 271 to 176. The nation had chosen deflation and money backed by gold. Only the Great Depression was going to change this paradigm.
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Did journalist Frank L. Baum write a children's story as an allegory for the battles of Populists and industrialists? Decide for yourself with the link below.
VIc. Analyzing & Comparing Documents/SAQ/MCQ Practice
From the Cengage Learning Teacher's Resource Guide
The Populists: Radicals or Reactionaries?
From the Cengage Learning Teacher's Resource Guide
The Populists: Radicals or Reactionaries?
EXCERPTS
Richard Hofstadter, The Age of Reform (1955).
A view of the Populists as backward-looking and irrational reactionaries
"In the attempts of the Populists . . . to hold on to some of the values of agrarian life, to save personal entrepreneurship and individual opportunity and the character type they engendered, and to maintain a homogeneous Yankee civilization, I have found much that was retrograde and delusive, a little that was vicious, and a good deal that was comic. . . . Such tendencies in American life as isolationism and the extreme nationalism that often goes with it, hatred of Europe and Europeans, racial, religious, and nationalist phobias, resentment of big business, trade-unionism, intellectuals, the Eastern seaboard and its culture—all these have been found not only in opposition to reform but also at times oddly combined with it."
Lawrence Goodwyn, Democratic Promise: The Populist Moment in America (1976).
A view of the Populists as forward-looking and rational
"For the triumph of Populism—its only enduring triumph—was the belief in possibility it injected into American political consciousness.... Tactical errors aside, it was the élan of the agrarian crusade, too earnest ever to be decisively ridiculed, too creative to be permanently ignored, that lingers as the Populist residue.... The creed centered on concepts of political organization and uses of democratic government that—even though in a formative stage—were already too advanced to be accepted by the centralizing, complacent nation of the Gilded Age.... The issues of Populism were large. They dominate our world."
QUESTIONS
What does each of these historians see as the essential character of populism?
Richard Hofstadter, The Age of Reform (1955).
A view of the Populists as backward-looking and irrational reactionaries
"In the attempts of the Populists . . . to hold on to some of the values of agrarian life, to save personal entrepreneurship and individual opportunity and the character type they engendered, and to maintain a homogeneous Yankee civilization, I have found much that was retrograde and delusive, a little that was vicious, and a good deal that was comic. . . . Such tendencies in American life as isolationism and the extreme nationalism that often goes with it, hatred of Europe and Europeans, racial, religious, and nationalist phobias, resentment of big business, trade-unionism, intellectuals, the Eastern seaboard and its culture—all these have been found not only in opposition to reform but also at times oddly combined with it."
Lawrence Goodwyn, Democratic Promise: The Populist Moment in America (1976).
A view of the Populists as forward-looking and rational
"For the triumph of Populism—its only enduring triumph—was the belief in possibility it injected into American political consciousness.... Tactical errors aside, it was the élan of the agrarian crusade, too earnest ever to be decisively ridiculed, too creative to be permanently ignored, that lingers as the Populist residue.... The creed centered on concepts of political organization and uses of democratic government that—even though in a formative stage—were already too advanced to be accepted by the centralizing, complacent nation of the Gilded Age.... The issues of Populism were large. They dominate our world."
QUESTIONS
What does each of these historians see as the essential character of populism?
- How does the holder of each of these viewpoints see the relationship between populism and the new corporate industrial order of the late nineteenth century?
- How would each of these historians likely interpret the fact that populism disappeared as a political force but has remained a strong undercurrent in American political thinking?
- How would each of these historians likely interpret the fact that Populism disappeared as a political force but has remained a strong undercurrent in American political thinking?
MCQ
STIMULUS
Omaha Platform of the Populist Party, 1892.
"We demand the free and unlimited coinage of silver, a graduated income tax, government ownership of railroads, telegraphs, and telephones, and the direct election of Senators. We believe that the fruits of labor belong to those who earn them and that the government should protect the people from the oppression of large corporations."
1. (Causation / Context) Which of the following most directly contributed to the rise of the political ideas expressed in the excerpt?
A. The growth of industrial labor unions in the Northeast
B. Economic difficulties faced by farmers due to falling crop prices and high
railroad rates
C. The passage of the Sherman Antitrust Act
D. The Supreme Court’s decision in Plessy v. Ferguson
2. (Interpretation / Point of View) The ideas expressed in the excerpt reflect the Populist Party’s belief that:
A. Economic inequality could be addressed through active government
regulation
B. Laissez-faire policies would naturally benefit farmers and laborers
C. Political power should remain concentrated in the hands of wealthy elites
D. Gold-backed currency was essential for economic fairness
3. (Comparison / Continuity and Change) The Populist demand for the direct election of Senators is most similar to which Progressive Era reform?
A. The establishment of the Federal Reserve
B. The passage of the 17th Amendment
C. The creation of the Interstate Commerce Commission
D. The introduction of child labor laws
4. (Historical Context / Effect) Which of the following events demonstrates the long-term impact of the Populist platform?
A. The endorsement of William Jennings Bryan by the Populists in 1896
B. The passage of the Sherman Silver Purchase Act in 1890
C. The rise of the Social Gospel movement in northern cities
D. The implementation of Jim Crow laws in the South
STIMULUS
Omaha Platform of the Populist Party, 1892.
"We demand the free and unlimited coinage of silver, a graduated income tax, government ownership of railroads, telegraphs, and telephones, and the direct election of Senators. We believe that the fruits of labor belong to those who earn them and that the government should protect the people from the oppression of large corporations."
1. (Causation / Context) Which of the following most directly contributed to the rise of the political ideas expressed in the excerpt?
A. The growth of industrial labor unions in the Northeast
B. Economic difficulties faced by farmers due to falling crop prices and high
railroad rates
C. The passage of the Sherman Antitrust Act
D. The Supreme Court’s decision in Plessy v. Ferguson
2. (Interpretation / Point of View) The ideas expressed in the excerpt reflect the Populist Party’s belief that:
A. Economic inequality could be addressed through active government
regulation
B. Laissez-faire policies would naturally benefit farmers and laborers
C. Political power should remain concentrated in the hands of wealthy elites
D. Gold-backed currency was essential for economic fairness
3. (Comparison / Continuity and Change) The Populist demand for the direct election of Senators is most similar to which Progressive Era reform?
A. The establishment of the Federal Reserve
B. The passage of the 17th Amendment
C. The creation of the Interstate Commerce Commission
D. The introduction of child labor laws
4. (Historical Context / Effect) Which of the following events demonstrates the long-term impact of the Populist platform?
A. The endorsement of William Jennings Bryan by the Populists in 1896
B. The passage of the Sherman Silver Purchase Act in 1890
C. The rise of the Social Gospel movement in northern cities
D. The implementation of Jim Crow laws in the South
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VId. Analyzing & Comparing Documents/SAQ Practice
From the Cengage Learning Teacher's Resource Guide
Populism
SAQ
EXCERPTS
Richard Hofstadter, The Age of Reform (1955).
"The utopia of the Populists was in the past, not the future. According to the agrarian myth, the health of the state was proportionate to the degree to which it was dominated by the agricultural class, and this assumption pointed to the superiority of an earlier age. The Populists looked backward with longing to the lost agrarian Eden, to the republican America of the early years of the nineteenth century in which there were few millionaires and, as they saw it, no beggars, when the laborer had excellent prospects and the farmer had abundance, when the statesmen still responded to the mood of the people and there was no such thing as their money power. What they meant—though they did not express themselves in such terms—was that they would like to restore the conditions prevailing before the development of industrialism and the commercialization of agriculture."
Lawrence Goodwyn, Democratic Promise: The Populist Moment in America (1976).
"Populism thus can be seen as a moment of triumph, but as a moment of two millionaires promise. It was a spirit of egalitarian hope, expressed in the actions of two million beings—not in the prose of a platform, however creative, and not, ultimately, even in the third party, party, but in a self-generated culture of collective dignity and individual longing… That was Populism in the nineteenth century… The Omaha Platform gave both political and symbolic substance to the people’s movement. But it was the action animating the movement itself that represents the Populist achievement. That idea—at the very heart of the movement culture—was a profoundly simple one: the Populists believed they could work together to be free individually… The Populist essence was less abstract: it was an assertion of how people can act in the name of the idea of freedom. At root, American democracy."
Using the excerpts, answer parts a, b, and c.
a) Briefly explain ONE major difference between Hofstadter and Goodwyn’s historical interpretations of the Populists.
b) Briefly explain events ONE major difference between the period 1865 to 1898 not directly mentioned in the excerpts supports Hofstadter’s argument.
c) Briefly explain how ONE development from the period 1865 to 1898 supports Goodwyn’s interpretation.
EXCERPTS
Richard Hofstadter, The Age of Reform (1955).
"The utopia of the Populists was in the past, not the future. According to the agrarian myth, the health of the state was proportionate to the degree to which it was dominated by the agricultural class, and this assumption pointed to the superiority of an earlier age. The Populists looked backward with longing to the lost agrarian Eden, to the republican America of the early years of the nineteenth century in which there were few millionaires and, as they saw it, no beggars, when the laborer had excellent prospects and the farmer had abundance, when the statesmen still responded to the mood of the people and there was no such thing as their money power. What they meant—though they did not express themselves in such terms—was that they would like to restore the conditions prevailing before the development of industrialism and the commercialization of agriculture."
Lawrence Goodwyn, Democratic Promise: The Populist Moment in America (1976).
"Populism thus can be seen as a moment of triumph, but as a moment of two millionaires promise. It was a spirit of egalitarian hope, expressed in the actions of two million beings—not in the prose of a platform, however creative, and not, ultimately, even in the third party, party, but in a self-generated culture of collective dignity and individual longing… That was Populism in the nineteenth century… The Omaha Platform gave both political and symbolic substance to the people’s movement. But it was the action animating the movement itself that represents the Populist achievement. That idea—at the very heart of the movement culture—was a profoundly simple one: the Populists believed they could work together to be free individually… The Populist essence was less abstract: it was an assertion of how people can act in the name of the idea of freedom. At root, American democracy."
Using the excerpts, answer parts a, b, and c.
a) Briefly explain ONE major difference between Hofstadter and Goodwyn’s historical interpretations of the Populists.
b) Briefly explain events ONE major difference between the period 1865 to 1898 not directly mentioned in the excerpts supports Hofstadter’s argument.
c) Briefly explain how ONE development from the period 1865 to 1898 supports Goodwyn’s interpretation.
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The Last Western Frontier
Native-Americans in the Era of Industrialization
SIMULATION!
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You are Lt. Colonel George A. Custer, c. 1876. You are tasked with forcing Native-Americans to return to their reservation. Let's see how your decision-making stands up to the test of time.
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The Dawes Act
How did humanitarians hope to assimilate Native-Americans into American society? Click below.
How did humanitarians hope to assimilate Native-Americans into American society? Click below.
A Walk in Two Worlds: Zitkála-Šá
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Helen Hunt Jackson's book, A Century of Dishonor, helped encourage a desire to improve the condition of Native-Americans. The resulting goal of assimilation of Native-Americans into American society had mixed results. Read the story of Red Bird (Zitkala-Sa) to determine if assimilation helped or hurt her and her people.
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VIe. Analyzing & Comparing Documents/SAQ,
MCQ, and LEQ Practice
From the Cengage Learning Teacher's Resource Guide
Was the West Really Won?
MCQ, and LEQ Practice
From the Cengage Learning Teacher's Resource Guide
Was the West Really Won?
EXCERPTS
Frederick Jackson Turner, The Significance of the Frontier in American History (1893).
"The existence of an area of free land, its continuous recession, and the advance of American settlement westward explain American development.... This perennial rebirth, this fluidity of American life, this expansion westward with its new opportunities, its continuous touch with the simplicity of primitive society, furnish the forces dominating American character.... In this advance, the frontier is the outer edge of the wave—the meeting point between savagery and civilization...."
Richard White, The Middle Ground (1991).
"[The West] is not a traditional world either seeking to maintain itself unchanged or eroding under the pressure of whites. It is a joint Indian-white creation.... The real crisis came... when Indians ceased to have power to force whites onto the middle ground. Then the desire of whites to dictate the terms of the accommodation could be given its head.... Americans invented Indians and forced Indians to live with the consequences."
QUESTIONS
Frederick Jackson Turner, The Significance of the Frontier in American History (1893).
"The existence of an area of free land, its continuous recession, and the advance of American settlement westward explain American development.... This perennial rebirth, this fluidity of American life, this expansion westward with its new opportunities, its continuous touch with the simplicity of primitive society, furnish the forces dominating American character.... In this advance, the frontier is the outer edge of the wave—the meeting point between savagery and civilization...."
Richard White, The Middle Ground (1991).
"[The West] is not a traditional world either seeking to maintain itself unchanged or eroding under the pressure of whites. It is a joint Indian-white creation.... The real crisis came... when Indians ceased to have power to force whites onto the middle ground. Then the desire of whites to dictate the terms of the accommodation could be given its head.... Americans invented Indians and forced Indians to live with the consequences."
QUESTIONS
- What does each of these historians understand to be the essential characteristics of the West?
- How does White's assessment differ from Turner's view of the frontier as a "meeting point between savagery and civilization"?
- How would each of these historians interpret the Plains Indian wars and the confinement of Indians on reservations?
SAQ
Frederick Jackson Turner, The Significance of the Frontier in American History (1893).
"The existence of an area of free land, its continuous recession, and the advance of American settlement westward explain American development.... This perennial rebirth, this fluidity of American life, this expansion westward with its new opportunities, its continuous touch with the simplicity of primitive society, furnish the forces dominating American character.... In this advance, the frontier is the outer edge of the wave—the meeting point between savagery and civilization...."
Richard White, The Middle Ground (1991).
"[The West] is not a traditional world either seeking to maintain itself unchanged or eroding under the pressure of whites. It is a joint Indian-white creation.... The real crisis came... when Indians ceased to have power to force whites onto the middle ground. Then the desire of whites to dictate the terms of the accommodation could be given its head.... Americans invented Indians and forced Indians to live with the consequences."
1. Briefly explain one characteristic of the West as described by
Turner.
2. Briefly explain one characteristic of the West as described by
White.
3. Briefly explain one way in which White’s view of the West differs
from Turner’s idea of the frontier as a "meeting point between
savagery and civilization."
Frederick Jackson Turner, The Significance of the Frontier in American History (1893).
"The existence of an area of free land, its continuous recession, and the advance of American settlement westward explain American development.... This perennial rebirth, this fluidity of American life, this expansion westward with its new opportunities, its continuous touch with the simplicity of primitive society, furnish the forces dominating American character.... In this advance, the frontier is the outer edge of the wave—the meeting point between savagery and civilization...."
Richard White, The Middle Ground (1991).
"[The West] is not a traditional world either seeking to maintain itself unchanged or eroding under the pressure of whites. It is a joint Indian-white creation.... The real crisis came... when Indians ceased to have power to force whites onto the middle ground. Then the desire of whites to dictate the terms of the accommodation could be given its head.... Americans invented Indians and forced Indians to live with the consequences."
1. Briefly explain one characteristic of the West as described by
Turner.
2. Briefly explain one characteristic of the West as described by
White.
3. Briefly explain one way in which White’s view of the West differs
from Turner’s idea of the frontier as a "meeting point between
savagery and civilization."
MCQs
STIMULUS
Frederick Jackson Turner, The Significance of the Frontier in American History (1893)
"The existence of an area of free land, its continuous recession, and the advance of American settlement westward explain American development… this expansion westward with its new opportunities, its continuous touch with the simplicity of primitive society, furnish the forces dominating American character… In this advance, the frontier is the outer edge of the wave—the meeting point between savagery and civilization.”"
Richard White, The Middle Ground (1991)
"[The West] is not a traditional world either seeking to maintain itself unchanged or eroding under the pressure of whites. It is a joint Indian-white creation… The real crisis came… when Indians ceased to have power to force whites onto the middle ground. Then the desire of whites to dictate the terms of the accommodation could be given its head… Americans invented Indians and forced Indians to live with the consequences."
1. (Context / Causation) Which of the following most directly contributed to the westward expansion described by Turner?
A. Industrialization in the Northeast
B. The availability of free land through government policies such as the
Homestead Act
C. The decline of Southern agriculture after the Civil War
D. The rise of urban political machines in the late 19th century
2. (Interpretation / Point of View) White’s perspective on the West differs from Turner’s because:
A. White emphasizes mutual influence between Native Americans and
settlers, while Turner emphasizes the transformation of Americans
through the frontier.
B. White argues that the West was a place of inevitable American triumph,
while Turner sees it as negotiated.
C. White focuses on industrial development, while Turner focuses on
agriculture.
D. White presents the West as a site of cultural simplicity, while Turner
presents it as a complex political space.
3. (Historical Connection / Consequence) Based on these excerpts, which of the following events would Turner and White likely interpret differently?
A. The California Gold Rush
B. The Plains Indian Wars and confinement of Native Americans to
reservations
C. The completion of the Transcontinental Railroad
D. The establishment of Yellowstone National Park
STIMULUS
Frederick Jackson Turner, The Significance of the Frontier in American History (1893)
"The existence of an area of free land, its continuous recession, and the advance of American settlement westward explain American development… this expansion westward with its new opportunities, its continuous touch with the simplicity of primitive society, furnish the forces dominating American character… In this advance, the frontier is the outer edge of the wave—the meeting point between savagery and civilization.”"
Richard White, The Middle Ground (1991)
"[The West] is not a traditional world either seeking to maintain itself unchanged or eroding under the pressure of whites. It is a joint Indian-white creation… The real crisis came… when Indians ceased to have power to force whites onto the middle ground. Then the desire of whites to dictate the terms of the accommodation could be given its head… Americans invented Indians and forced Indians to live with the consequences."
1. (Context / Causation) Which of the following most directly contributed to the westward expansion described by Turner?
A. Industrialization in the Northeast
B. The availability of free land through government policies such as the
Homestead Act
C. The decline of Southern agriculture after the Civil War
D. The rise of urban political machines in the late 19th century
2. (Interpretation / Point of View) White’s perspective on the West differs from Turner’s because:
A. White emphasizes mutual influence between Native Americans and
settlers, while Turner emphasizes the transformation of Americans
through the frontier.
B. White argues that the West was a place of inevitable American triumph,
while Turner sees it as negotiated.
C. White focuses on industrial development, while Turner focuses on
agriculture.
D. White presents the West as a site of cultural simplicity, while Turner
presents it as a complex political space.
3. (Historical Connection / Consequence) Based on these excerpts, which of the following events would Turner and White likely interpret differently?
A. The California Gold Rush
B. The Plains Indian Wars and confinement of Native Americans to
reservations
C. The completion of the Transcontinental Railroad
D. The establishment of Yellowstone National Park
LEQ
PROMPT
Evaluate the extent to which the American West from 1865 to 1900 was shaped more by opportunity and expansion than by conflict and dispossession.
In your essay, be sure to:
PROMPT
Evaluate the extent to which the American West from 1865 to 1900 was shaped more by opportunity and expansion than by conflict and dispossession.
In your essay, be sure to:
- Develop a clear thesis that addresses both parts of the question.
- Use specific historical evidence to support your argument.
- Analyze cause, consequence, continuity, or change over time.
- Synthesize evidence from different contexts or time periods when appropriate.
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WILD WEST GAMBLING
The game of the frontier saloon was not Hold 'em or Omaha, or even poker--It was Faro. Click below to play some Faro!
The game of the frontier saloon was not Hold 'em or Omaha, or even poker--It was Faro. Click below to play some Faro!
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After "cleaning up" the infamous "Cow Town" of Dodge City, lawman Wyatt Earp went to Tombstone, Arizona to get rich on silver, deal some Faro, and, of course, get involved in the most famous shoot-out of the Old West (at the OK Corral). In this great scene from the movie Tombstone, Wyatt secures a dealership at the local saloon using his methods!.
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1900 House
Could your family live without electricity, electronics, privacy, and all the trappings of their modern life? Watch the episodes from the BBC's "1900 House" to see what happens to a modern family living as if it were 1900.
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Episode List:
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VIf. SAQ/MCQ Practice
From the Cengage Learning Teacher's Resource Guide
The Effect of the Industrial Revolution/Urbanization on Women and African-Americans
From the Cengage Learning Teacher's Resource Guide
The Effect of the Industrial Revolution/Urbanization on Women and African-Americans
SAQ
Explain how urbanization and the Industrial Revolution affected women, African Americans, and other minority groups in the United States between 1865 and 1920.
Part A: Briefly describe one impact of urbanization on women or African Americans/other minorities.
Part B: Briefly describe one impact of the Industrial Revolution on women or African Americans/other minorities.
Part C: Briefly explain one similarity or difference in how urbanization and industrialization affected these groups.
MCQs
STIMULUS
"During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many African Americans left the rural South for Northern cities, while women increasingly sought work in urban factories and offices. Immigrants settled in ethnic neighborhoods, and all groups often faced low wages, long hours, and poor living conditions."
1. Which of the following best explains a direct consequence of the trends described in the passage?
A. African Americans and immigrants primarily gained political power in Northern cities.
B. Women and minority groups experienced both economic opportunity and exploitation in urban
labor markets.
C. Urbanization eliminated racial and gender discrimination in employment.
D. Industrialization led to the decline of ethnic communities in Northern cities.
2. Which historical development most directly contributed to the migration patterns described in the passage?
A. The Homestead Act (1862) encouraging western settlement
B. The expansion of factories and industrial jobs in Northern cities
C. The establishment of sharecropping in the South
D. The passage of the 19th Amendment
3. Which of the following best explains a challenge faced by women, African Americans, and immigrants in urban areas during this period?
A. They were largely excluded from public education and literacy programs.
B. They were required to serve in the military to gain citizenship.
C. They faced low wages, long hours, and discrimination in housing and employment
D. They were forced to relocate back to rural areas due to federal mandates.
Explain how urbanization and the Industrial Revolution affected women, African Americans, and other minority groups in the United States between 1865 and 1920.
Part A: Briefly describe one impact of urbanization on women or African Americans/other minorities.
Part B: Briefly describe one impact of the Industrial Revolution on women or African Americans/other minorities.
Part C: Briefly explain one similarity or difference in how urbanization and industrialization affected these groups.
MCQs
STIMULUS
"During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many African Americans left the rural South for Northern cities, while women increasingly sought work in urban factories and offices. Immigrants settled in ethnic neighborhoods, and all groups often faced low wages, long hours, and poor living conditions."
1. Which of the following best explains a direct consequence of the trends described in the passage?
A. African Americans and immigrants primarily gained political power in Northern cities.
B. Women and minority groups experienced both economic opportunity and exploitation in urban
labor markets.
C. Urbanization eliminated racial and gender discrimination in employment.
D. Industrialization led to the decline of ethnic communities in Northern cities.
2. Which historical development most directly contributed to the migration patterns described in the passage?
A. The Homestead Act (1862) encouraging western settlement
B. The expansion of factories and industrial jobs in Northern cities
C. The establishment of sharecropping in the South
D. The passage of the 19th Amendment
3. Which of the following best explains a challenge faced by women, African Americans, and immigrants in urban areas during this period?
A. They were largely excluded from public education and literacy programs.
B. They were required to serve in the military to gain citizenship.
C. They faced low wages, long hours, and discrimination in housing and employment
D. They were forced to relocate back to rural areas due to federal mandates.
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