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Continuity and Change in Period 6

Chloe Davis

Chloe Davis

8 min read

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Study Guide Overview

This AP US History study guide covers the Gilded Age (1865-1898), focusing on industrialization and its impact, including technological advancements and the rise of big business. It examines the growth of labor movements (e.g., Knights of Labor, AFL) and farmers' movements (e.g., Grange, Populists). Migration and urbanization trends, including the Great Migration, are explored. The guide also discusses urban culture, intellectual and artistic movements (e.g., Social Darwinism, Realism), and political and business corruption. Finally, it provides practice questions and exam tips.

AP US History: The Gilded Age (1865-1898) - Ultimate Study Guide 🚀

Hey there! Let's make sure you're totally ready to ace the APUSH exam. This guide is designed to be your go-to resource, especially the night before the big day. We'll break down the Gilded Age into bite-sized pieces, focusing on what's most important and making connections between different topics. Let's get started!

1. Industrialization & Its Impact

1.1. Technological Transformation

  • Mass Production: Factories used new tech like the assembly line to produce goods on a massive scale, making things cheaper and more accessible. Think of it like a super-efficient, non-stop product-making machine! 🏭
  • Key Industries: Steel, oil, and railroads boomed, becoming the backbone of the American economy. These industries fueled each other's growth, creating a powerful cycle of industrial expansion.

1.2. Rise of Big Business

  • "Robber Barons": A few wealthy individuals controlled huge businesses and monopolies. These guys were powerful and often ruthless. 💰
  • New Labor Forms: The working class grew, and so did the labor movement, as workers sought better conditions and wages. ✊
Gilded Age Industrialization

Caption: Industrial growth led to massive factories and new forms of labor.

Key Concept

Industrialization was the driving force of the Gilded Age, transforming the US economy and society. It led to both progress and significant social problems.

2. Labor Movements

2.1. Early Unions

  • National Labor Union (1866): Aimed for better wages, shorter hours, and worker rights. Think of them as the first big attempt to unite workers. 🤝
  • Knights of Labor (1869): Tried to unite all workers, regardless of skill. They wanted a more inclusive labor movement. 🧑‍🤝‍🧑

2.2. The AFL

  • American Federation of Labor (1881): Focused on skilled workers and collective bargaining. They were more strategic and focused on practical gains. 💼

2.3. Challenges & Achievements

  • Opposition: Faced strong resistance from industrialists and the government. Many strikes were met with violence. 😠
  • Successes: Achieved some gains like the eight-hour workday. It was a tough fight, but they made progress! 💪
Labor Movement

Caption: Labor movements fought for better...

Question 1 of 17

What technological innovation dramatically increased the production of goods in factories during the Gilded Age? 🏭

The cotton gin

The assembly line

The telegraph

The steam engine