All Flashcards
Define the Gilded Age.
A period of rapid industrialization and economic growth in the US (1865-1898) marked by both immense wealth and significant social problems.
What is consumer culture?
A society where purchasing goods and services is a major part of the economy and lifestyle.
What is philanthropy?
The act of donating money or time to charitable causes, often by wealthy individuals.
Define the Gospel of Wealth.
The belief that wealthy individuals have a moral obligation to use their wealth for the benefit of society.
What is scientific charity?
An approach to philanthropy focused on addressing the root causes of poverty, not just providing temporary relief.
Define 'captains of industry'.
Managers who made strategic decisions and oversaw large operations during the Gilded Age.
What was the 'New Woman' movement?
A movement advocating for greater opportunities and rights for women during the Gilded Age.
What is social mobility?
The ability to move up the social ladder, often through economic advancement.
What are settlement houses?
Community centers providing social services to the poor, often staffed by volunteers.
Define 'robber baron'.
A negative term for wealthy industrialists who were perceived to have made their fortunes through exploitation and unethical practices.
Who was Andrew Carnegie?
A wealthy industrialist who popularized the 'Gospel of Wealth', advocating for the rich to use their money for public good.
Who was Madam C.J. Walker?
The first self-made female millionaire, who created hair care products for African American women.
Who was Lillian Dickson?
Managed her family's wholesale grocery business.
Who was Carrie Catt?
A women's suffrage leader who campaigned for the Nineteenth Amendment.
Who was Mary Elizabeth Garrett?
A philanthropist and women's suffrage supporter who helped found Bryn Mawr College and Johns Hopkins Medical School.
What was the significance of increased leisure time during the Gilded Age?
Led to new forms of entertainment like sports and amusement parks, increased travel, and the rise of social clubs.
What impact did department stores have during the Gilded Age?
Transformed shopping into a new experience and contributed to the rise of consumer culture.
What was the impact of mail-order catalogs?
Allowed people to purchase goods from home, expanding consumer access and driving demand.
What was the impact of advertising during the Gilded Age?
Created demand for new products and fueled the growth of consumer culture.
What was the impact of new technologies like the telephone and electric lighting?
Made shopping and communication easier, further boosting consumerism and economic activity.
What was the effect of the rise of managerial positions?
As businesses grew, the need for managers increased, leading to the rise of 'captains of industry'.
What was the impact of the increase in clerical jobs for women?
More women found jobs as stenographers, typists, and bookkeepers, though they faced lower pay and discrimination.
What was the impact of philanthropic efforts during the Gilded Age?
Wealthy individuals donated to charitable causes and established foundations to support education, healthcare, and the arts.
What was the impact of volunteerism during the Gilded Age?
People volunteered in settlement houses and other organizations, providing social services to the poor.
What was the impact of the rise of the middle class?
A growing group of white-collar workers, business owners, and professionals gained economic power.