Immigration, Urbanization, Political changes 6b. The Gilded Age Immigration, Urbanization, Political changes

Key Concept The emergence of an industrial culture in the United States led to both greater opportunities for, and restrictions on immigrants, minorities and women

Old immigrants Before the Civil War most immigrants came from Western and Northern Europe The characteristics of the Old Immigrants Educated Could speak English Skilled in a profession Mostly Protestant Could assimilate easily in society

New immigrants During the Civil War the number of immigrants grew greatly and the people were coming from Southern and Eastern Europe Characteristics of the New Immigrants Mostly poor No skills Uneducated Could not speak English Jewish, Catholic and Orthodox Could not assimilate easily

Rise of Nativists Backlash movement of citizens opposed to the high number of immigrants.

Americanization Some groups worked to Americanize the new immigrants. Hull House in Chicago Jane Addams Early community center to provide classes and child care. Social Gospel Protestant movement Salvation Army was born from this concept

Despite Widespread social prejudices Immigrants to the cities sought both to “Americanize” and to maintain their own culture. Many minorities were able to take advantage of new career opportunities

Urbanization Most of the new immigrants located in ethnic neighborhoods in the inner city. Stayed close to their point of entry.

Cities were not prepared for such rapid Growth Did not have enough affordable housing with led to the building of bell tenements. Building was a result of the use of electricity and steel. Cities grew upward. No building codes or public services. Result was a poor quality of living in the urban areas.

Growth of cities Led to an enormous gap between the very wealthy and the very poor. Some enjoyed extravagant “conspicuous consumption” Others lived in relative poverty

Focus Point Watch and discuss “Cities” episode from the series International and internal migrations increased both urban and rural populations, but gender, racial, ethnic, religious, and socioeconomic inequalities abounded, inspiring some reformers to attempt to address these inequities. Watch and discuss “Cities” episode from the series The Story of US

Cities Reflected divided social conditions among classes, races, ethnicities, and cultures. Economic opportunities provided by the factories overcame the hardships. New businesses proliferated.

Growth of Political Machines The Gilded Age was a period of vast government corruption on both the national and local level. Most infamous was the Credit Mobilier scandal of the Grant Administration. Political machines sprang up in urban areas to provide social services in exchange for political support.

These Organizations Originally began as social clubs for wealthy powerful businessmen. Began to control elections and the political direction of their location. These organizations operated outside the law. Did not run for office themselves, but controlled those that did. Most famous of these was Tammany Hall of New York City led by William B. Tweed.

As the transcontinental railroad was built More settlers moved west Encouraged by the economic opportunities provided by the government. (Homestead Act) US military became involved to protect the settlers. Buffalo herds were destroyed American Indians moved to reservations Assimilationist policies led to reduction of American Indians. The native culture and identity was threatened.

Dawes Act Read and discuss a portion of the Dawes Act. What was this legislation intended to do? Did it accomplish that task? When was the policy of assimilation eliminated?

Key Concept 6.3 Focus Point The “Gilded Age” witnessed new cultural and intellectual movements in tandem with political debates over economic and social policies. Focus Point Gilded Age politics was intimately tied to big business and focused nationally on economic issues – tariffs, currency, corporate expansion, and laissez-faire economic policy – that engendered numerous calls for reform

Corruption in government Especially related to big business Public demanded increased popular control and reform of local, state, and national governments. Intensity ranged from minor changes to major overhauls of the capitalist system.

Violence Occurs Popularity of prominent racist and nativist theories Supreme Court decision in Plessy v. Ferguson Local and national policies of discrimination and segregation.

Effects of new cultural and intellectual movements Cultural and intellectual arguments justified the success of those at the top of the socioeconomic structure. (Henry George) Some leaders argued that the wealthy had some obligation to help the less fortunate. (Gospel of Wealth)

Women and African Americans Challenged their “place” in society Called for political, social, and economic equality.