Give Me Liberty Chapter 18 Apush

Chapter 18 of Eric Foner's Give Me Liberty! delves into the profound transformations that reshaped American life between 1877 and the early 20th century. This period, often dubbed the Gilded Age and Progressive Era, witnessed rapid industrialization, urbanization, and immigration, creating immense wealth for some while leaving others struggling. Understanding this chapter is crucial for APUSH students as it lays the foundation for grasping the complexities of modern America.

From Reconstruction's End to the Rise of Industrial America

The chapter opens by highlighting the end of Reconstruction in 1877, marking a shift in national focus from civil rights to economic development. The South, though still grappling with the legacy of slavery, was increasingly integrated into the national economy, primarily as a supplier of raw materials like cotton. However, the promise of a "New South" built on industrialization remained largely unfulfilled, as the region remained impoverished and dependent on agriculture.

• The Westward Expansion: Simultaneously, the nation was rapidly expanding westward, fueled by railroad construction and government policies that encouraged settlement. The Homestead Act of 1862 offered free land to settlers, attracting migrants from the East and Europe. This westward expansion, however, came at a devastating cost to Native American populations, who were forcibly removed from their ancestral lands.
• The Rise of Industrial Giants: The late 19th century witnessed the rise of industrial giants like Andrew Carnegie (steel) and John D. Rockefeller (oil). These entrepreneurs amassed enormous fortunes through innovative business practices, but their methods were often criticized for being ruthless and exploitative.
• Technological Innovations: This era was also marked by rapid technological advancements. The invention of the telephone, electric light bulb, and internal combustion engine transformed communication, manufacturing, and transportation, driving economic growth and altering daily life.

The Gilded Age: Wealth and Inequality

The term "Gilded Age," coined by Mark Twain, aptly describes this era of immense wealth and deep inequality. While a small percentage of the population enjoyed unprecedented prosperity, the vast majority of Americans struggled with poverty, long working hours, and unsafe conditions.

• The Concentration of Wealth: The gap between the rich and poor widened dramatically. Industrialists lived lavishly in opulent mansions, while factory workers toiled for meager wages in dangerous factories. This concentration of wealth led to growing social tensions and demands for reform.
• The Gospel of Wealth: Some industrialists, like Carnegie, attempted to justify their wealth through the "Gospel of Wealth," arguing that the wealthy had a responsibility to use their fortunes for the benefit of society. However, this philanthropy did little to address the systemic inequalities that created such vast disparities in wealth.
• Social Darwinism: The prevailing ideology of Social Darwinism, which applied Darwin's theory of evolution to human society, further reinforced the existing social order. Social Darwinists argued that the wealthy were simply more fit to succeed and that government intervention to alleviate poverty would interfere with the natural process of evolution.

The Transformation of Work and Labor

The rapid industrialization of the late 19th century transformed the nature of work and labor. Factories became larger and more impersonal, and workers were increasingly subjected to strict discipline and monotonous tasks.

• The Growth of the Wage-Earning Class: More and more Americans became wage earners, working for someone else rather than owning their own farms or businesses. This shift created a new class of workers who were dependent on their employers for their livelihoods.
• Working Conditions: Working conditions in factories were often dangerous and unhealthy. Workers faced long hours, low wages, and a lack of safety regulations. Child labor was also widespread, with children as young as eight years old working in factories and mines.
• The Rise of Labor Unions: In response to these harsh conditions, workers began to organize into labor unions to fight for better wages, shorter hours, and safer working conditions. The Knights of Labor and the American Federation of Labor (AFL) were two of the most prominent labor unions of the era.

The Farmers' Revolt

While industrial workers faced their own set of challenges, farmers also struggled during the late 19th century. Falling crop prices, high interest rates, and unfair railroad practices led to widespread discontent among farmers.

• The Populist Movement: This discontent culminated in the Populist movement, a political movement that sought to address the grievances of farmers and workers. The Populists advocated for a range of reforms, including government regulation of railroads, a graduated income tax, and the free coinage of silver.
• The Grange: The Grange, or Patrons of Husbandry, was an organization founded in 1867 to advance methods of agriculture, as well as to promote the social and economic needs of farmers in the United States.
• The Farmers' Alliances: The Farmers' Alliances were similar to the Grange, but were more politically active. They played a key role in the formation of the Populist Party.

The Progressive Era: Reform and Regulation

The Progressive Era, which began in the late 19th century and lasted until World War I, was a period of widespread social and political reform. Progressives sought to address the problems created by industrialization, urbanization, and immigration, and to create a more just and equitable society.

• Muckrakers: Muckrakers, investigative journalists who exposed corruption and social problems, played a key role in galvanizing public support for reform. Ida Tarbell's exposé of Standard Oil and Upton Sinclair's The Jungle, which revealed the unsanitary conditions in meatpacking plants, are two of the most famous examples of muckraking journalism.
• Political Reforms: Progressives advocated for a range of political reforms, including the direct election of senators, the initiative, referendum, and recall, and women's suffrage. These reforms aimed to make government more responsive to the needs of the people.
• Economic Reforms: Progressives also sought to regulate big business and protect consumers. The Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890 was intended to break up monopolies, but it was not effectively enforced until the Progressive Era. The Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906 and the Meat Inspection Act of 1906 were passed in response to public outrage over unsanitary food and drug practices.
• Social Reforms: Progressives also addressed a range of social problems, including poverty, child labor, and prostitution. Settlement houses, like Hull House in Chicago, provided services to poor immigrants and working-class families.

Immigration and Urbanization

The late 19th and early 20th centuries witnessed a massive wave of immigration to the United States. Millions of immigrants from Europe, Asia, and Latin America came to America seeking economic opportunities and religious freedom.

• Push and Pull Factors: Push factors, such as poverty, famine, and religious persecution, drove immigrants from their home countries. Pull factors, such as economic opportunities and the promise of freedom, attracted them to America.
• The Immigrant Experience: Immigrants often faced discrimination and prejudice upon arriving in America. They were often forced to live in overcrowded and unsanitary tenements and to work in low-paying jobs.
• Nativism: Nativism, the belief that native-born Americans were superior to immigrants, gained popularity during this period. Nativists sought to restrict immigration and to assimilate immigrants into American culture.
• Urban Growth: Immigration fueled the rapid growth of cities. Cities became centers of industry, commerce, and culture, but they also faced problems such as poverty, crime, and pollution.

American Imperialism

The late 19th century also marked a period of American expansionism and imperialism. The United States acquired new territories in the Pacific and the Caribbean, and it asserted its influence in Latin America.

• Motives for Imperialism: Several factors motivated American imperialism, including economic interests, strategic considerations, and a belief in American exceptionalism.
• The Spanish-American War: The Spanish-American War of 1898 marked a turning point in American foreign policy. The United States acquired Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines from Spain, and it established a protectorate over Cuba.
• The Open Door Policy: The Open Door Policy, which was announced in 1899, aimed to ensure that the United States had equal access to trade with China.
• The Roosevelt Corollary: The Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine, which was announced in 1904, asserted the right of the United States to intervene in the affairs of Latin American countries to maintain stability.

Key Individuals and Groups

• Andrew Carnegie: A Scottish immigrant who became a steel magnate and philanthropist.
• John D. Rockefeller: The founder of Standard Oil, who controlled a vast oil empire.
• Eugene V. Debs: A socialist leader who ran for president several times.
• Ida B. Wells: An African American journalist and activist who fought against lynching.
• Booker T. Washington: An African American educator who advocated for vocational training.
• W.E.B. Du Bois: An African American intellectual and activist who advocated for civil rights.
• The Knights of Labor: An early labor union that sought to unite all workers.
• The American Federation of Labor (AFL): A labor union that focused on skilled workers.
• The Populist Party: A political party that advocated for the interests of farmers and workers.

APUSH Exam Tips for Chapter 18

• Understand the key themes: Be able to explain the causes and consequences of industrialization, urbanization, immigration, and imperialism.
• Know the important individuals and groups: Be familiar with the key figures and organizations that shaped this era.
• Analyze primary source documents: Practice analyzing primary source documents from this period, such as political cartoons, speeches, and letters.
• Connect the past to the present: Consider how the events and ideas of this era continue to shape American society today.
• Be prepared to write essays: Be ready to write essays on topics such as the impact of industrialization, the rise of the Populist movement, and the causes of American imperialism.

Conclusion

Chapter 18 of Give Me Liberty! provides a comprehensive overview of the Gilded Age and Progressive Era. This period was a time of immense change and transformation, marked by rapid industrialization, urbanization, immigration, and social and political reform. Understanding this chapter is essential for APUSH students as it provides a foundation for understanding the complexities of modern America. The struggles and triumphs of this era continue to resonate today, shaping our debates about wealth inequality, labor rights, and the role of government.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What were the main causes of industrialization in the late 19th century? Industrialization was driven by factors like abundant natural resources, technological innovation, a growing labor supply fueled by immigration, and government policies that favored business growth.
• How did the Populist movement attempt to address the problems faced by farmers? The Populists advocated for policies such as government regulation of railroads, the free coinage of silver to increase the money supply, a graduated income tax, and direct election of senators, all aimed at empowering farmers and challenging corporate power.
• What were the key differences between Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. Du Bois? Washington advocated for vocational training and gradual progress for African Americans through economic self-reliance, while Du Bois demanded immediate civil rights and higher education opportunities for the "talented tenth" of the Black community.
• In what ways did the Progressive Era address the problems of the Gilded Age? The Progressive Era saw reforms aimed at curbing corporate power, protecting consumers, improving working conditions, and expanding democracy through initiatives like women's suffrage and direct election of senators.
• What were the main reasons behind American imperialism in the late 19th century? American imperialism was motivated by economic desires for new markets and resources, strategic military considerations, a belief in American exceptionalism and the "white man's burden" to civilize other nations, and competition with European powers for global influence.
• What was the impact of immigration on American cities during the Gilded Age? Immigration fueled rapid urban growth, created diverse communities, and contributed to economic expansion. However, it also led to overcrowding, poverty, ethnic tensions, and nativist sentiments.
• How did the role of the government change during the Progressive Era? The government's role expanded as it began to regulate businesses, protect consumers and workers, conserve natural resources, and provide social services, marking a shift from laissez-faire policies to greater intervention in the economy and society.
• What were the limitations of the Progressive Era reforms? Despite its achievements, the Progressive Era largely ignored the concerns of African Americans and other minority groups. Many reforms were also limited in scope and enforcement, and some were even used to justify discriminatory practices.
• How did the Spanish-American War contribute to American imperialism? The Spanish-American War resulted in the United States acquiring territories like Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines, marking a significant expansion of American influence and control in the Pacific and Caribbean.
• What was the significance of muckrakers during the Progressive Era? Muckrakers played a crucial role in exposing corruption, social injustices, and unsanitary conditions, galvanizing public opinion and creating momentum for Progressive reforms. Their investigative journalism brought public attention to issues that needed to be addressed.