#AP US History: Period 6 (1865-1898) - The Gilded Age 🚂

Hey there, future APUSH master! Let's dive into Period 6, a time of HUGE changes in America. Think rapid industrialization, booming cities, and some serious social and political shake-ups. This guide is designed to make sure you're not just memorizing facts, but truly understanding the big picture. Let's get started!

#1. The Rise of Industrial America

#1.1. The Economic Boom 💥

• Key Industries (ROSE):

- **Railroads:** Massive expansion, connecting the country and fueling other industries. - **Oil:** John D. Rockefeller and Standard Oil dominated the industry. - **Steel:** Andrew Carnegie and the Bessemer process made steel production cheaper and more efficient. - **Electricity:** Westinghouse and Edison brought light and power to cities. - **Captains of Industry or Robber Barons?** These entrepreneurs were seen as both innovators and exploiters of labor.

#1.2. Labor and the Rise of Unions ✊

• Early Unions:
  • Knights of Labor: Led by Terrance Powderly, included both skilled and unskilled workers.

- **American Federation of Labor (AFL):** Founded by Samuel Gompers, focused on skilled workers and practical goals like better wages and hours. - **Labor Strikes:** - **Great Railroad Strike of 1877:** Nationwide strike that highlighted the power of labor but also the government's willingness to side with business. - **Homestead Strike (1892):** Steelworkers strike that was brutally suppressed. - **Pullman Strike (1894):** A major railway strike that was also crushed by government intervention. - **Government's Role:** - **Social Darwinism:** The belief that the "fittest" businesses and people should survive, influencing government policy.

Image from Wikipedia: Labor strikes were a common occurrence during this era, highlighting the tensions between workers and business owners.

#2. Social and Cultural Changes

#2.1. Disenfranchisement and Segregation 💔

• Black Reformers:
  • Booker T. Washington: Advocated for economic self-improvement.
  • **W.E.B. ...