#AP US History: Gilded Age Study Guide 🚂💰

Hey there, future AP US History rockstar! Let's get you prepped for the exam with this super-focused study guide. We'll break down the Gilded Age, hit the key concepts, and make sure you're feeling confident. Let's do this! 💪

#1. The Gilded Age: An Overview (1870s-1890s)

#What Was It? 🤔

The Gilded Age was a period of rapid industrialization and economic growth in the United States. Think of it as a time of shiny new things (like steel and railroads) but also some serious underlying problems (like inequality and corruption). It's like a fancy cake with some not-so-great ingredients. 🎂

#Key Changes:

• From Farms to Factories: The US transitioned from an agrarian economy to an industrialized one.
• Rise of Big Business: We saw the emergence of powerful industrialists (aka "robber barons") like Carnegie and Rockefeller. 💰
• Growing Inequality: A small group got incredibly rich, while many struggled. 😟
• Labor Movement: Workers began to organize into unions to fight for better conditions. ✊
• Social Reform: Efforts to address problems like child labor and poverty emerged. 💡

#Second Industrial Revolution

• When: Roughly 1871-1914
• What: A period of massive industrial growth fueled by new technologies and industries. It was like the Gilded Age on steroids! 🚀

#Key Features:

• New Industries: Chemicals, electricity, oil, and steel took center stage. 🧪⚡🛢️
• Mass Production: Factories churned out goods like never before. 🏭
• Mechanization: Machines took over many tasks, especially in food and clothing production.
• New Tech: The internal combustion engine and electric motor changed everything. 🚗💡
• Consumer Culture: Mass-produced goods became widely available, creating a culture of consumption. 🛍️

#2. Key Players & Industries...