1. The Gilded Age Introduction November 2014

2. When? Following Reconstruction 1876-1900… Gilded: Covered with gold, but less attractive underneath ( Twain) On the surface: great progress… beneath the surface…. Great hardships… price paid for the progress

3. Political Theme: Power and Politics: Republicans in Control Republican Vision: Reconstruction of the south 1865-1877 Protective Tariff on many products Contrast: Laissez faire ( lack of regulation of business) AND Federal government support of industry

4. Seward’s Icebox?

5. Political and Economic Themes: America and The World Increasing role for the US in Asia, Treaties with other countries: refueling, coal stations, Treaty of Kanagawa: ( Japan) Burlingame Treaty: China Alaska purchased from Russia

6. Economic Railroads!!!!!! Year round, all weather Government Support: loans, subsidies, cheap land State governments: bonds: BOOM Private companies raise Lots of money Corporations formed: Public support/no regulation

7. Political and Economic Republicans support tariffs, rr, big business, minimal regulation, business success to create jobs Democrats support lower tariffs, consumers, increased competition for lower prices, regulations to protect workers from long hours, dangerous conditions…

8. Populist/Democrat Point of View

9. WXT Union Pacific ( from Nebraska, west) and Central Pacific ( from West Coast… East) Met in Promontary Point, Utah in 1869

10. Price of Progress? 3,000 Irish workers, 10,000 Chinese, $1-2 per day Huge feat: but dangerous and deadly 1889: 22,000 RR workers killed or injured