US History - Unit 3 Vocab

Front

What was the Gilded Age?

Back

A period (1870s–1900) marked by rapid industrialization, urbanization, and economic growth, but also by corruption and inequality beneath the “golden” surface.

Front

What are monopolies?

Back

Businesses that control entire industries, eliminating competition. This leads to higher prices and abuses of power.

Front

What was the Sherman Anti-Trust Act?

Back

An 1890 law aimed at breaking up monopolies and promoting fair competition; it was the first federal law against monopolies.

Front

What was the significance of the Transcontinental Railroad?

Back

A railroad linking the East and West coasts (completed in 1869). It encouraged settlement, trade, and industrial growth.

Front

What was the Chinese Exclusion Act?

Back

An 1882 law that banned Chinese immigration; it reflected anti-immigrant sentiment and racism in labor markets.

Front

What is the difference between 'New' and 'Old' Immigration?

Back

'Old' (before 1880): Northern/Western Europe (England, Germany). 'New' (after 1880): Southern/Eastern Europe and Asia—often poorer, non-English-speaking. Led to cultural clashes and nativism.

Front

What was Ellis Island?

Back

The main immigration station in New York Harbor (opened in 1892). Millions of European immigrants entered here.

Front

What was Angel Island?

Back

A West Coast immigration station in San Francisco; it mostly processed Asian immigrants and was stricter and more discriminatory than Ellis Island.

Front

What is assimilation?

Back

The process by which immigrants adopt American culture, often encouraged through schools and the 'Melting Pot' idea.

Front

What is collective bargaining?

Back

Negotiation between labor unions and employers for better wages, hours, and working conditions.