terms 12

Question 1

Interstate Commerce Commission

Answer 1

A federal agency created in 1887 to regulate railroads and stop unfair practices, like charging different prices for the same service. It was the first time the government stepped in to control big businesses and protect the public.

Question 2

Sherman Anti-Trust Act

Answer 2

A law passed in 1890 to prevent monopolies and stop businesses from unfairly limiting competition. It was the first federal law to regulate big businesses and promote fair competition in the U.S. economy.

Question 3

American Federation of Labor

Answer 3

A national labor union founded in 1886, which focused on improving wages, working hours, and conditions for skilled workers. Focused on practical economic goals rather than political reforms.

Question 4

Great Railroad Strike

Answer 4

A major railroad worker strike that began in 1877 due to wage cuts, poor working conditions, and economic depression. It spread across the U.S., disrupting rail service and leading to fights between workers and government forces. First major nationwide labor strike in U.S. history.

Question 5

Pullman Strike

Answer 5

A nationwide railroad strike started by workers at the Pullman Company after wage cuts without lowering rent in company-owned housing. It disrupted rail traffic and mail delivery across the U.S. Helped draw attention to workers’ rights and led to Labor Day becoming a national holiday.

Question 6

Chinese Exclusion Act

Answer 6

A federal law that banned Chinese immigration to the U.S. for 10 years and prevented Chinese immigrants already in the country from becoming citizens. Reflected the widespread anti-Chinese sentiment during the Gilded Age.

Question 7

Plessy v. Ferguson

Answer 7

A Supreme Court case that upheld racial segregation laws, ruling that “separate but equal” facilities for Black and white Americans were constitutional.

Question 8

“new” immigration

Answer 8

A wave of immigration to the U.S. from Southern and Eastern Europe, including Italians, Poles, Russians, and Jews, between the 1880s and 1920s. These immigrants often faced cultural and language barriers and settled in urban areas to work in factories.

Question 9

Social Gospel

Answer 9

A religious movement in the late 19th and early 20th centuries that applied Christian principles to address social issues like poverty, inequality, and labor conditions. Emphasized that faith should lead to social justice and community improvement.

Question 10

cult of domesticity

Answer 10

A movement that emphasized the role of women as homemakers and caregivers, focusing on qualities like, purity, submissiveness, and domesticity.