Unit 5 & 6

1.​ Battle of Gettysburg

Who: Northern Union army and the Southern Confederate Army. General Robert E Lee and
General George G. Meade​
When: July 1-3 1863
Where: Southwest of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania​
What: Major battle fought between the Northern Union army and the Southern Confederate
army. Robert E. Lee wanted to invade the North in hopes of discouraging the enemy and
possibly inducing European countries to recognize the Confederacy. Defeatist sentiment was
spreading throughout the North. His push north would lead to an encounter with George G.
Meade’s troops who were moving north from Maryland to Pennsylvania. This would lead to The
two parties battling at the city of Gettysburg. Robert E. Lee ordered Pickett’s Charge in his plan
to break through Union lines and attain a decisive victory on July 3rd - however, it ended in
disastrous defeat for the Confederates. Each day Lee attempted to break the Federalist line at
Gettysburg, but failed each time, leading to the Confederates retreating to Virginia and the
Federalists winning.
Significance: Gettysburg is recognized as the turning point of the war, and included the largest
number of casualties of the entire war. It shattered the Confederate hopes of a quick victory and
boosted morale for the Federalists who, before this, had lost many of the fights they had fought
in. Just a few months after the battle, Lincoln delivered his famous Gettysburg Address, a
powerful speech that redefined the purpose of the war and emphasized the importance of
preserving the Union and the ideals of freedom and equality. This redefined purpose would
eventually lead to increased support for the war, enlistment into the Union army, and the Union
victory in the war.
2.​ Battle of Antietam
Who: Confederate and Federalist armies. General Robert E. Lee and General George B.
McClellan and Thomas (“Stonewall”) Jackson​
When: September 17, 1862
Where: Sharpsburg, Maryland​
What: First major battle to take place on Union soil. Hoping to capture the Federal capital of
Washington, Robert E Lee moved into Maryland. He wanted to influence the approaching
Congressional elections in the North, and impress Europe with a sense of Southern military
power by detaching Maryland from the Union. Robert E. Lee invades Union territory into
Maryland, but is met with a much larger force of McClellan’s troops. After decisive battles at
Antietam Creek and Burnside Bridge, and an unsuccessful counter attack by McClellan, the
battle would end in a tactical draw, as neither side would make advances past one and other.
Significance: The Battle of Antietam was significant because while it is considered a tactical
draw, President Lincoln claims a strategic victory, allowing him to issue the Emancipation
Proclamation, as he was waiting for a military success to issue it. This would declare all slaves
in Confederate territory to be free, which would confirm that the war for the Union must become
a war for freedom, which added moral force, leading to increased enlistments and a politically
and militarily strengthened Union. Not only this, it also halted the Confederate advance into the
North and would lead the Union to claim a substantial victory that would increase their
manpower and support, which would allow them to win the Civil War.
3.​ Battle of Vicksburg
Who: Union Army, led by General Ulysses S. Grant, and the Confederate Army, commanded by
General John C. Pemberton​
When: May 18 to July 4, 1863
Where: Vicksburg, Mississippi​
What: Vicksburg was the last major Confederate stronghold on the Mississippi River. Therefore,
capturing it completed the second part of the Anaconda Plan, a Northern strategy outlined by
the Union army to suppress and weaken the [Link] Mississippi River was the primary
channel for supplies and communication through the South. It was also a major method of
receiving goods for the North. Ulysses S. Grant and his Army of the Tennessee crossed the
Mississippi River and drove the Confederate army of Mississippi (led by Lieutenant General
John C. Pemberton) into the defensive lines surrounding the fortress city of Vicksburg,
Mississippi. General Grant decided to lay siege to the city of Vicksburg for 47 days, fighting a
war of attrition, and eventually wore down the Confederate troops. This resulted in a successful
siege and Confederate surrender. The Union plan for victory was called the “Anaconda Plan” as
it would strangle the Confederacy by cutting it off from external markets and sources of material.
It included blockading Southern coasts and securing control of the Mississippi River.
Significance: The Battle of Vicksburg was significant because it marked a turning point within
the course of the Civil War. The control of the Mississippi river shifting from the Confederacy to
the Union resulted in the Confederacy splitting into two, disrupting communication and supply
lines between the western and eastern Confederate states. This split also virtually isolated the
western Confederate states from the rest of the Confederacy, making it difficult for the
Confederacy to move troops and supplies between the eastern and western theaters of the war.
The Anaconda plan, a strategy to gradually minimize the Confederacy by establishing a naval
blockade and controlling key waterways, also became closer to being fulfilled with the victory at
Vicksburg. These factors would shift the momentum of the war from favoring the Confederacy to
favoring the Union, giving the Union the upper hand in terms of communication and efficiency
and eventually leading to Union victory in the war.
4.​ Battle of Bull Run (1st)
Who: Union army Led by General Irvin McDowell, and the Confederate Army, led by General
P.G.T Beauregard and Stonewall Jackson​
When: July 21, 1861
But Where: Fought near a little stream called Bull Run. Prince William County, Virginia​
What: First of 2 engagements fought at a small stream called Bull Run. After the secession of
Virginia, there was a general outcry to attack the new capital of the Confederacy, Richmond.
Irvin McDowell advanced to Alexandria. Stonewall Jackson gained recognition at this battle
having stood firm against McDowell’s troops. The fighting would lead to an drastically larger
casualty count for the Union than for the Confederates, though the Union did win the battle.
Significance: The First Battle of Bull Run was significant because it showed the harsh reality of
the war, and spared the Northerners who were expecting a quick and decisive victory. It also
gave southerners a false hope that they could themselves pull off a swift victory. This
encouraged many Southerners to join the Confederacy. This battle also showed the importance
of railroads in the war, as the Confederates were able to quickly move troops by rail to reinforce
their positions, while the Union struggled with transportation. Due to the increased sentiments
caused by this battle, the war effort on both sides would be heightened, leading to the long and
hard struggle of the Civil War.
5.​ Battle of Shiloh
Who: Union Army, led by General Ulysses S. Grant, and the Confederate Army, led by
General Albert Sidney Johnstone and later General PGT Beauregard​
When: April 6-7, 1862
Where: Pittsburgh Landing, Tennessee​
What: After Ulysses S. Grant took Fort Henry and Fort Donelson, Grant aimed to attack the
Memphis and Charleston Railroad and push into Mississippi. At this point General Johnston and
General PGT Beauregard were collecting a force, and, knowing that Union was planning an
offensive, seized the initiative and attacked Grant before reinforcements could arrive at a camp
in Tennessee. The battle was fought in the woods by inexperienced troops on both sides, and
the battle ended with the Union army reoccupying the camp they had lost and with the
Confederates retreating back into Mississippi. Both sides claimed victory, but it was a
Confederate failure, as it was essentially a failed attack which achieved nothing.
Significance: The Battle of Shiloh was significant because it ended the Confederacy’s hopes of
blocking the Union advance into Mississippi and doomed the Confederate military initiative in
the West. Not only this, but the battle also gave the Union army greater control of the Mississippi
River valley, further enforcing their control of the area around the Mississippi river, which would
eventually lead to major victories such as the Battle of Vicksburg, which would solidify complete
Union control over the Mississippi river. Along with this, the Battle saw heavy casualties on both
sides, including the death of Confederate General Johnston, which symbolized the death of a
strong leadership, having a profound impact on the Confederate army. All this would eventually
help the Union gain control of the war and win, through their control of the Mississippi river and
land in the south.
6.​ Battle of Chancellorsville
Who: Confederate army led by General Robert E. Lee and the Union Army, commanded by
General Joseph Hooker. General Stonewall Jackson played a crucial role. ​
When: April 30 to May 6, 1863
Where: Spotsylvania County, Virginia near the village of Chancellorsville​
What: Hooker developed a plan to trap Lee’s army around Fredericksburg. He started his
campaign on April 27 and by April 29, the Federals on Lee’s side of the Rappahannock. Hooker,
though, was unaware of Lee’s movements and Stonewall Jackson attacked Hooker’s flank. This
was due to a risky decision by Lee to divide his army to attack the Union army from two sides.
The Union general would withdraw and Lee’s pressure would force the Union retreat. Jackson
died.
Significance: The Battle of Chancellorsville was significant because of the Confederate victory.
Chancellorsville was considered Robert E. Lee’s “perfect battle” because his decision to divide
his army in the presence of a much larger force showed the strength of the Confederate army.
Along with this, the death of General Stonewall Jackson would turn him into a martyr, and
provoke an increase in war support from the Confederate states. But, the loss of Jackson at
Chancellorsville had profound implications for the Confederate war effort. It weakened Lee's
command structure and deprived the Confederacy of a key military leader who had played a
crucial role in several previous Confederate victories. Jackson's absence would be felt in
subsequent battles, including the pivotal clash at Gettysburg. This would eventually lead to the
multiple Confederate losses, including Vicksburg and Gettysburg, which would lead to the
Confederate loss in the civil war.

7.​ Emancipation Proclamation

Who: Abraham Lincoln​
When: January 1, 1863
Where: City of Washington​
What: Just after the Battle of Antietam Lincoln issued his proclamation calling on the revolted
states to return their allegiance before the next year, otherwise their slaves would be declared
free men. On January 1, 1863 the emancipation proclamation freed the slaves of the
Confederate states in rebellion against the Union.
Significance: The Emancipation Proclamation was significant because it added moral force to
the Union cause and strengthened the Union both militarily and politically. The was turned into a
crusade against slavery, effectively making it impossible for European powers to intervene and
try and help the Confederacy as many Southerners were hoping for. European countries had
already outlawed slavery and supporting the Confederacy would go against this sentiment that
they had established And, because of the freedom granted to many black people in the country,
the Union was able to recruit these men to fight in the war for the Union, considerably increasing
their numbers. This would eventually lead to the Union being able to win the Civil War.
8.​ 10% Plan
Who: Abraham Lincoln​
When: December 1863
Where: The United States​
What: The first official Reconstruction policy unveiled by President Lincoln during the Civil War.
It was aimed at shortening the war by offering merciful terms for Confederate states to leave the
Confederacy and rejoin the Union. It allowed Southern states a pathway into reconstruction
once 10 percent of its citizens agreed to swear an oath to the union and agree to abolish
slavery. Radical Republicans were upset by the policy and they expected the South to do more
to gain readmission; and, in response to Lincoln’s plan, Congress passed its own plan which
was the Wade-Davis Bill. It ups the allegiance requirement from 10% to a majority of a state's
voters from 1860 electorate, limits many former Confederates from political participation in state
reconstruction, demands blacks receive not only their freedom but equality before the law, and
imposes a series of other requirements on the states. Lincoln does not sign the Wade-Davis Bill;
his pocket veto means the bill does not pass into law.
Significance: The 10% plan was significant because it aimed to reunify the former Confederate
states with the Union quickly, allowing for the nation to move forward with reconstruction. Its
failure, and the Radical Republicans adamant refusal to support the plan, is significant because
it shows how the Reconstruction process will go after the end of the [Link] follow up bill
proposed by congress (The Wade-Davis bill) shows that even after the war is over and the
Confederacy fails, the process to reunification was going to be difficult. This would lead to
President Andrew Johnson using aspects of the 10% plan (the part where citizens must swear
an oath to the union) in his Reconstruction efforts, which would lead to increased turbulence in
the South which would make it extremely difficult to reintegrate the South into the Union.

9.​ Sherman’s March to the Sea

Who: Union Maj. General William Tecumseh Sherman​
When: November 16-December 21, 1864
Where: Georgia​
What: After seizing Atlanta, Union Maj. General William Tecumseh Sherman embarked on the
scorched-earth campaign intended to cripple the South’s war-making capacity and wound the
Confederate psyche. He hoped to deny Georgia’s resources to the Confederacy and he argued
that the destruction of Georgia’s economic and industrial potential would be proof positive that
the North will prevail in this contest. He marched from Atlanta to the coastal town of Savannah
with . scorched earth
Significance: Sherman’s March to the Sea was significant because of its economic and military
payoff. By being able to destroy nearly all of the Confederate presence in Georgie, Sherman
and his 62,000 men were able to hit the confederate supply chain and substantial war
resources. Not only this, but the destruction of Georgie displayed the might of the Union war
machine. This was an expert use of psychological warfare that destroyed the morale of
Confederates. This would leave a sense of resentment toward the North in the hearts of
Georgians until the 20th century, and it would provide the North with a paramount victory that
would allow them to win the Civil War.
10.​Manifest Destiny
Who: John O’ Sullivan ​
When: 1845-1853
Where: United States and territories in the west​
What: Manifest Destiny is the doctrine that the expansion of the United States was justified and
inevitable. Before the Civil War it was used to validate continental acquisitions in the Oregon
Country, Texas, New Mexico, and California.
Significance: Manifest Destiny is significant because it led to the expansion of the United
States and the conflict that would lead to the Civil War. Because of Manifest Destiny, new
territories were being flooded with Americans who wanted the land, and this led to the debate
over if slavery should spread to the territories in the West, which would be one of the most
impactful conflicts that would cause the Civil War. Though this sentiment would teeter down
towards the end of the Civil War, it would lay the foundation for the soon “New Manifest Destiny”
in the 1890s that would lead to the annexation of Hawaii and the acquisition of Spain’s
territories.
11.​Mexican-American War
Who: United States and Mexico, president James K. Polk​
When: 1846-1848
Where: Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, parts of Utah, Nevada,​
What: War between the United States and Mexico stemming from the US’ annexation of Texas
in 1845. After a failed attempt at buying California and New Mexico from Mexico, the fighting
started. The war would end with the US winning and the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.
According to the treaty, which was ratified by both national congresses, Mexico ceded to the US
nearly all the territory now including in the states of New Mexico, Utah, Nevada, Arizona,
California, Texas, and western Colorado for 15 million dollars.
Significance: The Mexican American War was significant because it reopened the
slavery-extension issue, which was largely dormant since the Missouri Compromise. After the
acquisition of the new territories the debate over whether they should be free or slave states
was polarizing, and it would lead to the Compromise of 1850, which would introduce popular
sovereignty. This would eventually lead to the outbreak of the Civil War in 1641, when the
conflicts over slavery would boil over.
12.​Compromise of 1850
Who: Henry Clay, US Congress​
When: 1850
Where: United States. Newly acquired territories : california, new mexico, texas, arizona, utah,
nevada​
What: A series of measures proposed by Henry Clay and passed by the US Congress in an
effort to settle slavery issues. Crisis arose from the request of the territory of California to be
admitted to the Union with a constitution prohibiting slavery. The Compromise consisted of
California being admitted as a free state, areas ceded by Texas becoming recognized as
territories of New Mexico and Utah, and establishing the principle of popular sovereignty, in
which territories can decide for themselves whether they want to be free or slave. Slave trade
was also abolished in DC, and the Fugtive Slave Act would be passed which would require
Northerners to return runaway slaves to their masters.
Significance: The Compromise of 1850 was significant because it would cause the issue of
slavery to fester, and it would cause increased animosity between the North and the South.
Because it introduced popular sovereignty, this would lead to issues like Bleeding Kansas, as
popular sovereignty would cause problems with states choosing whether they want to be free or
slave. Along with this, the Fugitive Slave act would cause the increase of animosity between the
North and the South as the North would feel they were being held responsible for the runaway
slaves. This would all cause sectionalism in the states to increase, which would lead to the
outbreak of the Civil War in 1861.
13.​South Carolina Declaration of Secession
Who: South Carolina ​
When: 1860
Where: South Carolina​
What: The victory of Republican presidential candidate Abraham Lincoln in the 1860 elections
convinced South Carolina legislators that it was no longer in their state’s interest to remain in the
Union. South Carolina declared their secession from the United States with the South Carolina
Declaration of Secession. South Carolina insisted that the Northern states had breached their
constitutional obligation to enforce federal laws like the Fugitive Slave Act.
Significance: The South Carolina Declaration of Secession was significant because it would
start the chain reaction of Southern secession on the onset of the Civil War. In the months after
the South Carolina Declaration of Secession eleven slaveholding states declared their
secession from the Union. This would be the final act to solidify the start of the Civil War, and it
would lead to America’s bloodiest war. After the Union defeated the Confederate army, it also
defeated the secessionist theories of the Constitution, which were ingrained into the psyche of
the Southern people. This would lead to profound sectional differences during the time of
Reconstruction, which would lead to profound changes in the federal system to accompany
them.
14.​Kansas-Nebraska Act
Who: United States Congress, senator Stephen Douglass​
When: May 30, 1854
Where: Kansas and Nebraska​
What: In 1820 the Missouri Compromise had excluded slavery from that part of the Louisiana
Purchase (except Missouri) north of the 36 30 parallel. The Kansas Nebraska Act provided for
the territorial organization of Kansas and Nebraska under the principle of popular sovereignty. It
was written in an effort to arrest the escalating sectional controversy over the extension of
slavery. It overturned the Missouri Compromise of 1820.
Significance: The Kansas-Nebraska act was significant because it created two new territories,
and allowed for popular sovereignty in those territories. The creation of the two new territories
under the use of popular sovereignty would lead to the Bleeding Kansas affair as disputes
among the people in Kansas over whether the state should be free or slave would lead to
violent clashes between the two groups. This would serve as the point of no return for the
country, and the Kansas Nebraska Act would be the catalyst for the first violent clash between
pro and anti slavery divisions, which would directly lead to the Civil War.
15.​Sumner Brooks Affair
Who: Preston S. Brooks attacked Senator Chales Sumner​
When: May 22, 1856
Where: The Senate chamber​
What: Preston S. Brooks, a South Carolina congressman, brutally attacked Sen. Charles
Sumner of Massachusetts at his desk in the Senate chamber because he had presumably
insulted the Carolinian’s honor in a speech he gave in support of Kansas abolitionists. Preston
Brooks was pro slavery and he attacked Sumner with a walking cane.
Significance: The Sumner Brooks affair was significant because it contributed significantly to
the country’s polarization over the issue of slavery. Having happened after the beginning of
events pertaining to Bleeding Kansas, it showed a very similar violent showcase of conflicting
ideals. This increased the country's sentiments relating to sectionalism and would lead to
increased animosity between the North and the South. This would eventually lead to the Civil
War, when the sectionalism and violent outbreaks would push the country past the point of no
return.
16.​Dred Scott Decision
Who: Dredd Scott , Supreme Court, Chief Justice Roger Taney​
When: Decided: 1857
Where: Supreme Court , America​
What: Legal case in which the US supreme court ruled that Dredd Scott (slave) who had
resided in a free state territory was not thereby entitled to his freedom. It said that African
Americans were not and could never be citizens of the US - thus being unable to sue - and that
the Missouri Compromise was unconstitutional. Chief Justice Roger Taney further ruled that
Congress had no right to ban slavery from a federal territory.
Significance: The Dred Scott Decision was significant because it outraged abolitionists. The
divide between the North and South over slavery grew. This animosity and sectionalism would
eventually lead to the secession of the Southern states from the Union, which would start the
Civil War. The issue for the North was that it effectively meant that slaves would be allowed
anywhere in the United States, if slave owners could take their “property” (slaves) to free states
without penalty.
17.​Free-Soilers
Who: People under the Free-Soil party​
When: 1848-1854
Where: America​
What: Disappointed by the ambivalent position of the Whig Party toward slavery, “Conscience”
Whigs held a convention in 1848, where they were joined by delegates from 17 states from the
Liberty party and the antislavery faction of the New York Democrats. Free Soilers were
members of the Free-Soil party who opposed the extension of slavery into the western
territories. “Their historic slogan was free soil, free speech, free labor, and free men”.
Significance: The Free Soil Party was significant because it was a key part of the growing
anti-slavery movement that culminated in the Republican Party. They advocated federal aid for
internal improvements and urged free government homesteads for settlers. This all would
foreshadow the emergence of the Republican party. This would lead to the election of Abraham
Lincoln, after the creation of the Republican army, which would lead to the Civil War and the
abolition of slavery by Lincoln and his administration.
18.​13th Amendment
Who: Congress, Abraham Lincoln (created the amendment, was dead by the time it was
ratified)​
When: 1865
Where: The United States as a whole​
What: The 13th amendment was an amendment to the Constitution that formally abolished
slavery except as criminal punishment. Because the Emancipation Proclamation only freed
those slaves held in the Confederate States of America, the 13th amendment was necessary to
formally end all slavery in the US.
Significance: The 13th amendment was significant because it was the first of three
Reconstruction Amendments adopted after the Civil War. By having the complete abolition of
slavery in the US, the issues that started the Civil War were officially suppressed and taken care
of. It was also significant because this would lead to the 14th and 15th amendments, to support
the men who were freed after the passing of the 13th amendments, in which they would gain
citizenship and gain the right to vote. This would lead to many of the issues which would plague
the Reconstruction process , such as Black Codes and the creation of the KKK, which would
lead to systemic and societal issues that would bleed into the 20th century.
19.​14th Amendment
Who: US Congress, under president Andrew Johnson​
When: 1868
Where: America​
What: The 14th amendment granted citizenship and equal civil and legal rights to African
Americans and slaves who had been emancipated after the Civil War. It prohibited the states
from depriving any person of “life, liberty, or property, without due process of law” and from
denying anyone within a state’s jurisdiction equal protection under the law.
Significance: The 14th amendment is significant because it defines citizenship, and allows
people born in the US to be citizens no matter what the state you live in says. This reinforced
the idea of Federal law being more powerful and important than state law. This is significant
because it allowed the black men who were freed from slavery by the 13th amendment to have
the rights and liberties of being a citizen of the US. This would lead to many of the issues which
would plague the Reconstruction process , such as Black Codes, the creation of the KKK, and
Jim Crow Laws, which would lead to systemic and societal issues that would bleed into the 20th
century
20.​15th Amendment
Who: Congress, ratified under Ulysses S. Grant​
When: 1870
Where: America​
What: Amendment to the constitution that guaranteed that the right to vote could not be denied
based on “race, color, or previous condition of servitude.” It effectively enfranchised African
American men while denying the right to vote to women of all colors.
Significance: The 15th amendment was significant because it allowed the encouragement of
African Americans to vote. This led to many African Americans even being elected into office,
which led to many changes positive towards the African American community. But this also led
to many of the issues which would plague the Reconstruction process , such as Black Codes,
the creation of the KKK, Jim Crow Laws, and many of the efforts by several states to enact
measures as poll taxes, literacy tests, and grandfather classes to stop black men from voting,
which would lead to systemic and societal issues that would bleed into the 20th century. Along
with this, this amendment would encourage the women’s suffrage movement, as seeing other
people gain the right to vote would encourage women to also fight for their right to vote.

21.​Gilded Age
Who: Robber barons (wealthy industrialists) and the working class, as well as, to a lesser
degree, politicians of the United States​
When: 1870s-1890
Where: America​
What: A period of gross materialism and blatant political corruption in US history during the
1870s. The great burst of industrial activity and corporate growth that characterized the Gilded
Age was presided over by entrepreneurs who became known as the “captains of industry” and
“robber barons”. They grew rich from the monopolies they created in steel, petroleum, and
transportation industries (Andrew Carnegie, D. Rockefeller). The creation of political machines
was also characteristic of the Gilded Age, which is a party organization headed by a single boss
or small autocratic group that commands enough votes to maintain political administrative
control of a city, county, or state. It was known as the gilded age due to the fact that the
economic growth and industrialization led to it looking great on the outside, while there existed
great corruption and inequality on the inside. Additionally, while the lower class did see a rise in
their income, there was a growth in the wealth disparity between the wealthy and working
classes in the United States due to the wealthy class seeing a much more rapid burst of growth
in their wealth.
Significance: The Gilded Age was significant because it was a period of economic growth as
the United States began to lead the world in industry due to innovation and exponentially
increased production of goods during this [Link] monopolies and political corruption during
this time helped usher in progressivism, which would help fix these problems by incorporating
things such as labor unions and holding the government accountable. These ideals would
become characteristic of the next era of American society, in which the ideas of progression and
reform would bear fruit to increased rights for the working class and the increased living
standard of the general population.
22.​Plessy vs. Ferguson
Who: US Supreme Court, Homer Plessy​
When: May 18, 1896
Where: Supreme Court​
What: Legal case in which the US Supreme Court advanced the “separate but equal” doctrine
for assessing the constitutionality of racial segregation laws. It began when Homer Plessy, a
1/8th black ⅞ white man, purchased a rail ticket for travel within Louisiana and took a car
reserved for white passengers. After refusing to move to a car for African Americans, he was
arrested and charged w/ violating the Separate Car Act.
Significance: Plessy vs Ferguson is significant because it reinforced the idea of “separate but
equal”. It gave constitutional sanction to laws designed to achieve racial segregation by means
of separate but equal facilities and services for African Americans and whites. This would serve
as a controlling judicial precedent through history, which would further outrage over civil rights,
and spark new movements to get rid of the “separate but equal” laws. It would eventually lead to
Brown vs Board of Education of Topeka in 1954 which would overturn the ruling of Plessy vs
Ferguson
23.​Social Darwinism
Who: Charles Darwin, White Man’s Burden (Rudyard Kipling), William Graham Sumner​
When: 19th and 20th centuries
Where: America​
What: The theory that individuals, groups, and peoples are subject to the same Darwinian laws
of natural selection as plants and animals. According to the theory the weak were diminished
and their cultures delimited while the strong grew in power and cultural influence over the weak.
Significance: Social Darwinism was used to support laissez-faire capitalism and political
conservatism. It allowed for industries in the US to thrive without government interference
because of “survival of the fittest”. It also led to the sustaining belief of Anglo-Saxon or Aryan
cultural and biological superiority. This would eventually lead to the US controlling many of
Spain’s territories after the Spanish-American War in 1898, including Cuba and the Philippines,
justifying it under the pretense that they were uncivilized and unfit to rule themselves.
24.​Populist Party
Who: Coalition of agrarian reformers that advocated a wide range of economic and political
legislation in the 19th century​
When: 19th century
Where: America​
What: Throughout the 1880s, local political action groups known as Farmers’ Alliances sprang
up among Midwesterners and Southerners, who were discontented because of crop failures,
falling prices, and poor marketing and credit facilities. Although it won some significant regional
victories, the alliances generally proved politically ineffective on a national scale. Thus, in 1892
their leaders organized the Populist, or People’s, Party, and the Farmers’ Alliances melted away.
They demanded an increase in the circulating currency, a graduated income tax, government
ownership of railroads, a tariff for revenue only, the direct election of US senators, and other
measures designed to strengthen political democracy and give farmers economic parity with
business and industry.
Significance: The Populist Party was significant because of its central goals. It received
support from unions like the Knights of Labor. It was a sign of change and progressivism, as the
goals of the Populist Party was for reform and the betterment of the people of America,
specifically the working class (farmers). By advocating for change and reform within America
economically and politically, the Populist Party set the stage for the Progressivism movement in
the early 1900s that would allow for many changes and improvements to be made for the
American working class both politically and economically.
25.​Old and New Immigrants
Who: Immigrants coming into America​
When: Old: Early 19th century - New: 1890s-WW1
Where: From Northern and Western Europe, lived in the north east.​
What: Old immigrants were immigrants from Northern and Western Europe, often Protestants,
who came to the United States earlier in the nineteenth century and often settled in rural areas.
New Immigrants were immigrants from Southern and Eastern Europe, often Roman Catholics or
Greek or Roman Orthodox, who came during the 1890s-WW1 and often settled in “ethnic
neighborhoods” of cities and in tenements. These immigrants flooded cities, faced prejudice,
changed the religious scene, and were feared by labor unions for their ability to be hired
specifically to end strikes.
Significance: The Old and New immigrants were significant because of their effect on the
popular opinion of immigration. The Irish and Catholic “Old immigrants” would lead to the
creation of nativism in America. This would lead to the formation of anti-immigrant societies,
most notably the “know nothing” party, who pushed anti-immigration reforms. “New Immigrants”
had a similar effect on their time period. They faced similar discrimination as the “Old
Immigrants”, but this was because of their use in the labor force. Due to the increased
manufacturing capacity of the country, the increased wartime production demand, the “New
Immigrants” moved in influx into the work demand. Both of these sets of immigrants would
cause increased animosity towards immigrants from American natives which would lead to laws
like the Chinese Exclusion act in 1882 and the creation of various labor unions during the
Progressive era of America.
26.​Robber Barons
Who: Successful industrialists and financiers who were also deemed to be ruthless or unethical
in their practices, such as John D. Rockefeller and Andrew Carneggie​
When: 19th century - the term appeared first as early as 1870
Where: United States ​
What: Robber baron was a term for one of the powerful 19th century American industrialists and
financiers who made fortune by monopolizing huge industries through the formation of trusts,
engaging in unethical business practices, exploiting workers, and paying little heed to their
customers or competition. They were also referred to as “captains of industry” as many attribute
the explosive growth of American capitalism during this period to the pursuit of success and
material wealth these men displayed. These men included people such as Andrew Carnegie
and D. Rockefeller, who monopolized the steel and oil, respectively.
Significance: Robber barons were significant because they were the “antecedents” of the
organized crime that emerged in the United States during the Prohibition era. They
revolutionized many of the unethical and sleazy business practices that would be utilized by
politicians and bootleggers alike. This is seen in organized crime associations led by gangsters
such as Al Capone, and in political organizations such as the political machines in which local
officials elected by the backing of political machines would dispense favors to supporters and
snag lucrative contracts in their cities. Not only this, but robber barons were significant in their
lasting effect on the socio-economic state of America. Their practices would lead to many
anti-trust laws that would make the monopolization of many industries illegal and the creation of
many labor unions that would fight for worker rights unendingly past the 19th century and into
the 20th.
27.​Vertical Integration
Who: Andrew Carnegie pioneered the use of vertical integration​
When: 19th century
Where: United States - Carnegie started in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania ​
What: A form of business organization and entrepreneurial method in which all stages of
production of a good, from the acquisition of raw materials to the retailing of the final product,
are controlled by one company.
Significance: Vertical integration helped grow business, and it was perfected by Robber Barons
like Andrew Carnegie to control every step of the industrial production process. This would lead
to complete control over a certain market. This would lead to the mistreatment of many workers,
and the reduction of competition within the market. This would lead to many labor unions being
created like the Knights of Labor and the American Federation of Labor. Along with this, many
antitrust laws would be made, including the Sherman Antitrust act, which would be the first
Federal act that outlawed monopolistic business practices.
28.​Horizontal Integration
Who: John D. Rockefeller pioneered the use of Horizontal Integration and was a master of the
technique​
When: 19th century - Rockefeller began in 1870
Where: United States - Rockefeller was based in Cleveland, Ohio​
What: A company attempts to control a single stage of production of a single industry
completely, which lets it take advantage of economies of scale but results in reduced
competition. Rockefeller’s Standard Oil company utilized this method to consolidate the oil
industry as the industry very suddenly boomed. (barons buy or merge with competition to create
a monopoly)
Significance: Horizontal Integration helped grow business, and it was perfected by Robber
Barons like John D. Rockefeller. This would lead to considerable control over a certain market.
This would lead to the mistreatment of many workers, and the reduction of competition within
the market. This would lead to many labor unions being created like the Knights of Labor and
the American Federation of Labor. Along with this, many antitrust laws would be made, including
the Sherman Antitrust act, which would be the first Federal act that outlawed monopolistic
business practices.
29.​Chinese Immigration Act (Chinese Exclusion)
Who: Chinese immigrants, American legislature, passed under President Chester A. Arthur.​
When: 1882
Where: America​
What: Federal law that was the first major federal legislation to explicitly suspend immigration
from a specific nationality. Prohibited Chinese laborers from entering the country. Many
Americans on the West Coast attributed declining wages and economic ills to Chinese workers.
Although the Chinese composed only 0.002 percent of the nation's population, Congress
passed the Chinese Exclusion Act to placate worker demands and assuage concerns about
maintaining white "racial purity."
Significance: The Chinese Immigration Act was significant because it represented the outcome
of years of racial hostility and anti-immigrant agitation by white Americans. This would also lead
to the increase of nativism in America, which would lead to the creation of the “know nothing”
party and increased discrimination towards immigrants coming into America to join the
workforce. It set a precedent for later restrictions against immigration of other nationalities, such
as the Immigration Act of 1924. Moreover, it represented the first time an entire race was used
to be excluded from the United States.
30.​Sherman Antitrust Act
Who: US Congress, signed under president Benjamin Harrison​
When: 1890
Where: America​
What: First legislation enacted by the US congress to curb concentrations of power that
interfere with trade and reduce economic competition. It outlaws all combinations that restrain
trade between states or with foreign nations. It makes illegal all attempts to monopolize any part
of trade commerce in the United States. It outlaws monopolistic business practices, prohibiting
activities that restrict interstate commerce and competition in the marketplace
Significance: The Sherman Antitrust Act was the first law in the U.S to outlaw trusts. Moreover,
it forced large corporations to be unable to monopolize their industries, to the corporations’
dissatisfaction. Laid the groundwork for future antitrust acts like Clayton and established the first
example of government intervention in an anti-competitive market, a crucial shift from their usual
“laissez-faire” policy in which they would leave the economy and its constituents to themselves.