Ch 13: Westward Expansion, Industrialization & Urbanization: Help and Review

1. Westward Expansion: The Homestead Act of 1862 & the Frontier Thesis

Between the mid-1800s and the turn of the 20th century, the American frontier opened and closed abruptly. What factors influenced this land rush, and how did it help shape American history?

2. Expanding the Transcontinental Railroad: History and Impact

After decades of wrangling, plans were finalized for construction of a transcontinental railroad during the Civil War. After completion in 1869, the railroad changed many aspects of American life, for better or worse.

3. Native Americans: Conflict, Conquest and Assimilation During the Gilded Age

In the second half of the 19th century, the federal government attempted to control Native American nations. This led to violent conflicts known together as the Indian Wars. Learn about famous battles, and the attempt to 'civilize' tribes through various policies.

4. Economic Policies During the Second Industrial Revolution

With encouragement from the federal government, the Second Industrial Revolution transformed America from an agrarian nation into an industrial power. The mixed effects of these changes on the American people prompted Mark Twain to dub the period the 'Gilded Age.'

5. American Industry Development in the Gilded Age: Bessemer Process, Scientific Management & New Business Models

American industry was transformed in the Second Industrial Revolution but not just through mechanization. Find out how new methods of management and organization helped the development of big business.

6. Andrew Carnegie and the Robber Barons

The Second Industrial Revolution created enormous wealth for industrialists like Andrew Carnegie. These corporate leaders were sometimes called Robber Barons for their questionable business practices, but they were also well-known for their philanthropy.

7. Frederick Taylor & Management: Maximizing Productivity & Efficiency

Known as the father of scientific management, Frederick Taylor revolutionized management practices. This lesson will discuss the contributions Taylor made to the field of management, most of which are still used today to maximize productivity and efficiency.

8. Labor Conditions During the Second Industrial Revolution

In the period between the Civil War and World War I, the American economy - supported by industry rather than agriculture - boomed. But, not everything glittered in the Gilded Age. Learn about the difficult, dangerous conditions of work during the Second Industrial Revolution.

9. Gilded Age Politics: Political Machines & Civil Service Reform

Refresh your memory of the 'Forgotten Presidents' of the Gilded Age, and learn how Civil Service Reform might have cleaned up the federal government, but not the cities and states. They were the domain of political machines, like Tammany Hall.

10. Labor Unions During the Second Industrial Revolution: Organized Labor vs. Management

Before American businesses had to comply with basic labor laws and safety regulations, workers organized to improve their working conditions. Learn about the early labor unions and their violent clashes with management and government.

11. The Grange and the Populist Party Platform: Goals, History & Definitions

During the Gilded Age of the late 19th century, farm prices fell and the federal government began supporting industry. Farmers first organized the Grange, a social movement that turned political with Farmers' Alliances. The Populist Party emerged to represent agrarian interests at the national level.

12. Immigration in Industrial America and the Rise of Nativism

Between the Civil War and WWI, America experienced a massive third wave of immigration. Learn about where these immigrants came from, where they went and how 'native' Americans responded to them.

13. Urbanization During the Second Industrial Revolution in America: Effects & Problems

After the Civil War, America transformed from a rural nation to an urban nation. Learn where all those people came from and why. Using New York City as an example, you'll see some of the problems of urbanization and the steps they took to improve it.

14. The Social Gospel Movement: Definition and Goals of Urban Reform Movements

Many Americans were desperately poor around the turn of the 20th century. The Social Gospel movement emerged among Protestant Christians to improve the economic, moral and social conditions of the urban working class.

15. Middle Class Opportunities in American Cities During the Second Industrial Revolution

In the late 1800s, a new middle class emerged in America. In this lesson, learn about new opportunities available to these urbanites, including technology, sports and leisure, education and the arts.

16. The Omaha Platform of 1892: Definition & Goals

In 1892, the Populist Party formally outlined their ideology as America's third political party. In this lesson, we'll talk about the Populists and their platform, and see what it meant for American history.

17. Florence Kelley & Jane Addams on Child Labor

In this lesson, we'll discuss Americans Jane Addams and Florence Kelley, who were advocates for many social justice causes, including Child Labor reform.

18. Populist Movement: Definition & Facts

American politics changed a lot between the late 19th and early 20th centuries. At the heart of this change was the Populist movement. We're going to explore the history of this movement, see where it came from, and how it impacted American politics.

19. Pony Express: History, Route & Facts

The Pony Express is one of the fabled institutions of the Old West, but how much do you really know about it? In this lesson, we'll explore the history and significance of the Pony Express.