AP US History Flashcards: Labor In The Gilded Age

What this deck covers

This deck focuses on Labor In The Gilded Age, giving you a quick way to review the definitions, rules, and examples that matter most for AP US History.

How to use these flashcards

Work through these flashcards in short sessions. Try to answer each prompt before flipping the card, then revisit any cards you miss until the explanation feels automatic.

Flashcard 1: What was the primary reason for the Pullman Strike?

Answer: Wage cuts without a decrease in rent in company towns. Workers faced reduced wages while rents remained unchanged.

Flashcard 2: What was the primary economic system that labor unions opposed during the Gilded Age?

Answer: Laissez-faire capitalism. Unions challenged the era's dominant free-market ideology.

Flashcard 3: What was the main function of labor unions in the Gilded Age?

Answer: To negotiate with employers for better terms. Unions served as collective bargaining agents for workers' interests.

Flashcard 4: What was a major criticism of the American Federation of Labor?

Answer: It excluded unskilled workers and minorities. The AFL's narrow membership excluded many working-class people.

Flashcard 5: Identify a major labor-related law passed in the early 20th century.

Answer: The Clayton Antitrust Act. This 1914 act specifically exempted unions from antitrust prosecution.

Flashcard 6: What role did anarchists play in the labor movement during the Gilded Age?

Answer: They were involved in radical actions and influenced perceptions. Anarchist involvement hurt labor's reputation with moderate Americans.

Flashcard 7: Which act was aimed at breaking up monopolies but was used against labor unions?

Answer: The Sherman Antitrust Act. Courts applied antitrust law to break up union 'conspiracies.'

Flashcard 8: What was the primary reason for the Pullman Strike?

Answer: Wage cuts without a decrease in rent in company towns. Workers faced reduced wages while rents remained unchanged.

Flashcard 9: Who was the founder of the American Federation of Labor?

Answer: Samuel Gompers. A key labor leader who emphasized practical 'bread and butter' unionism.

Flashcard 10: Name a tactic used by labor unions to achieve their demands.

Answer: Organizing strikes and boycotts. Work stoppages and consumer boycotts pressured employers economically.

Flashcard 11: Identify a major labor-related law passed in the early 20th century.

Answer: The Clayton Antitrust Act. This 1914 act specifically exempted unions from antitrust prosecution.

Flashcard 12: How did the Gilded Age labor strikes influence public policy?

Answer: They spurred discussions on labor rights and regulations. Labor conflicts forced government to consider workplace regulation.

Flashcard 13: Which labor leader advocated for 'pure and simple unionism'?

Answer: Samuel Gompers. Focused on practical gains rather than political ideology.

Flashcard 14: Which event marked the first major nationwide railroad strike?

Answer: The Great Railroad Strike of 1877. Sparked by wage cuts, it spread across multiple railroad lines.

Flashcard 15: Identify a major consequence of the Haymarket Affair for labor movements.

Answer: Increased suspicion and repression of labor activities. The bombing created lasting anti-union sentiment and government crackdowns.

Flashcard 16: Which sector experienced the most significant labor unrest during the Gilded Age?

Answer: The industrial sector, including railroads and steel. Heavy industry saw the most organized labor resistance.

Flashcard 17: What was a key factor that led to the rise of labor unions during the Gilded Age?

Answer: Industrialization and poor working conditions. Rapid industrial growth created dangerous, exploitative working conditions.

Flashcard 18: What was one effect of the Great Railroad Strike of 1877?

Answer: It highlighted the need for better labor laws and reforms. Demonstrated the need for government regulation of labor relations.

Flashcard 19: What was the outcome of the Haymarket Affair?

Answer: It led to public backlash against labor unions. The bombing incident turned public opinion against organized labor.

Flashcard 20: Which labor organization was known for its use of arbitration?

Answer: The Knights of Labor. The Knights preferred peaceful negotiation over violent confrontation.

Flashcard 21: Which event demonstrated the federal government's stance on labor disputes?

Answer: The intervention in the Pullman Strike. Federal intervention showed government support for business over labor.

Flashcard 22: Name one legislative act that aimed to limit the power of labor unions.

Answer: The Sherman Antitrust Act. Originally anti-monopoly, it was ironically used against labor unions.

Flashcard 23: What was the outcome of the Haymarket Affair?

Answer: It led to public backlash against labor unions. The bombing incident turned public opinion against organized labor.

Flashcard 24: Identify a major consequence of the Haymarket Affair for labor movements.

Answer: Increased suspicion and repression of labor activities. The bombing created lasting anti-union sentiment and government crackdowns.

Flashcard 25: What was the primary goal of labor unions during the Gilded Age?

Answer: To improve wages, working conditions, and hours. Labor unions collectively bargained for workers' basic rights and safety.

Flashcard 26: What was the long-term impact of the labor movements of the Gilded Age?

Answer: They laid the groundwork for future labor reforms. Gilded Age struggles established precedents for later worker protections.

Flashcard 27: What was a common feature of company towns related to labor issues?

Answer: Employers controlled housing and essential services. Workers became economically dependent on their employers.

Flashcard 28: Name a tactic used by labor unions to achieve their demands.

Answer: Organizing strikes and boycotts. Work stoppages and consumer boycotts pressured employers economically.

Flashcard 29: Which President ordered federal troops to end the Pullman Strike?

Answer: President Grover Cleveland. Sent federal troops to break the railway strike.

Flashcard 30: Who was a prominent leader of the Knights of Labor?

Answer: Terence V. Powderly. Led the Knights during their period of greatest influence.

Flashcard 31: Who was the founder of the American Federation of Labor?

Answer: Samuel Gompers. A key labor leader who emphasized practical 'bread and butter' unionism.

Flashcard 32: Which labor organization was known for its use of arbitration?

Answer: The Knights of Labor. The Knights preferred peaceful negotiation over violent confrontation.

Flashcard 33: Identify one major labor strike during the Gilded Age.

Answer: The Pullman Strike of 1894. A major railway labor dispute that involved federal intervention.

Flashcard 34: Name one legislative act that aimed to limit the power of labor unions.

Answer: The Sherman Antitrust Act. Originally anti-monopoly, it was ironically used against labor unions.

Flashcard 35: What was one key demand of the labor movement during the Gilded Age?

Answer: The eight-hour workday. Workers sought to reduce the standard 10-12 hour workdays.

Flashcard 36: What was a common tactic used by employers against striking workers?

Answer: Lockouts and hiring strikebreakers. Employers used replacement workers to break union solidarity.

Flashcard 37: Identify one reason for the decline of the Knights of Labor.

Answer: Association with violent strikes like the Haymarket Affair. Public blamed the Knights for radical violence they didn't organize.

Flashcard 38: What was a common tactic used by employers against striking workers?

Answer: Lockouts and hiring strikebreakers. Employers used replacement workers to break union solidarity.

Flashcard 39: What was the common perception of labor strikes by the public during the Gilded Age?

Answer: They were often seen as violent and disruptive. Media coverage often portrayed labor actions negatively.

Flashcard 40: Which organization was founded in 1869 and welcomed all workers?

Answer: The Knights of Labor. An inclusive union that accepted both skilled and unskilled laborers.

Flashcard 41: What role did anarchists play in the labor movement during the Gilded Age?

Answer: They were involved in radical actions and influenced perceptions. Anarchist involvement hurt labor's reputation with moderate Americans.

Flashcard 42: What was the common perception of labor strikes by the public during the Gilded Age?

Answer: They were often seen as violent and disruptive. Media coverage often portrayed labor actions negatively.

Flashcard 43: Which group was excluded from membership in many Gilded Age labor unions?

Answer: African Americans and women. Many unions practiced racial and gender discrimination.

Flashcard 44: What was a significant consequence of the Pullman Strike?

Answer: It disrupted rail traffic and led to federal intervention. Federal troops were deployed to break the strike and restore order.

Flashcard 45: What was one effect of the Great Railroad Strike of 1877?

Answer: It highlighted the need for better labor laws and reforms. Demonstrated the need for government regulation of labor relations.

Flashcard 46: What was a common feature of company towns related to labor issues?

Answer: Employers controlled housing and essential services. Workers became economically dependent on their employers.

Flashcard 47: Which President ordered federal troops to end the Pullman Strike?

Answer: President Grover Cleveland. Sent federal troops to break the railway strike.

Flashcard 48: Which industry was primarily affected by the Homestead Strike of 1892?

Answer: The steel industry. Carnegie's steelworks became a battleground between labor and management.

Flashcard 49: What was the primary focus of the American Federation of Labor?

Answer: To focus on skilled workers and specific labor issues. The AFL prioritized craft-based organizing over broad inclusivity.

Flashcard 50: Who was a prominent leader of the Knights of Labor?

Answer: Terence V. Powderly. Led the Knights during their period of greatest influence.

Flashcard 51: What was a key factor that led to the rise of labor unions during the Gilded Age?

Answer: Industrialization and poor working conditions. Rapid industrial growth created dangerous, exploitative working conditions.

Flashcard 52: Which act was aimed at breaking up monopolies but was used against labor unions?

Answer: The Sherman Antitrust Act. Courts applied antitrust law to break up union 'conspiracies.'

Flashcard 53: Which event demonstrated the federal government's stance on labor disputes?

Answer: The intervention in the Pullman Strike. Federal intervention showed government support for business over labor.

Flashcard 54: Identify one major labor strike during the Gilded Age.

Answer: The Pullman Strike of 1894. A major railway labor dispute that involved federal intervention.

Flashcard 55: Which organization was founded in 1869 and welcomed all workers?

Answer: The Knights of Labor. An inclusive union that accepted both skilled and unskilled laborers.

Flashcard 56: What was one key demand of the labor movement during the Gilded Age?

Answer: The eight-hour workday. Workers sought to reduce the standard 10-12 hour workdays.

Flashcard 57: Which industry was primarily affected by the Homestead Strike of 1892?

Answer: The steel industry. Carnegie's steelworks became a battleground between labor and management.

Flashcard 58: Which event marked the first major nationwide railroad strike?

Answer: The Great Railroad Strike of 1877. Sparked by wage cuts, it spread across multiple railroad lines.

Flashcard 59: What was the primary focus of the American Federation of Labor?

Answer: To focus on skilled workers and specific labor issues. The AFL prioritized craft-based organizing over broad inclusivity.

Flashcard 60: What was a major criticism of the American Federation of Labor?

Answer: It excluded unskilled workers and minorities. The AFL's narrow membership excluded many working-class people.

Flashcard 61: Which social movement was closely linked to labor reform during the Gilded Age?

Answer: The Progressive Movement. Reform movement that addressed workers' rights and industrial conditions.

Flashcard 62: What was the primary economic system that labor unions opposed during the Gilded Age?

Answer: Laissez-faire capitalism. Unions challenged the era's dominant free-market ideology.

Flashcard 63: Which social movement was closely linked to labor reform during the Gilded Age?

Answer: The Progressive Movement. Reform movement that addressed workers' rights and industrial conditions.

Flashcard 64: What type of workers did the American Federation of Labor primarily represent?

Answer: Skilled workers. The AFL organized craft workers rather than all laborers.

Flashcard 65: Which group was excluded from membership in many Gilded Age labor unions?

Answer: African Americans and women. Many unions practiced racial and gender discrimination.

Flashcard 66: What was the main function of labor unions in the Gilded Age?

Answer: To negotiate with employers for better terms. Unions served as collective bargaining agents for workers' interests.

Flashcard 67: What was the long-term impact of the labor movements of the Gilded Age?

Answer: They laid the groundwork for future labor reforms. Gilded Age struggles established precedents for later worker protections.

Flashcard 68: Which labor leader advocated for 'pure and simple unionism'?

Answer: Samuel Gompers. Focused on practical gains rather than political ideology.

Flashcard 69: What role did the media play during labor strikes in the Gilded Age?

Answer: Media often portrayed strikes as violent and chaotic. Newspapers typically sided with business interests against strikers.

Flashcard 70: What type of workers did the American Federation of Labor primarily represent?

Answer: Skilled workers. The AFL organized craft workers rather than all laborers.

Flashcard 71: Identify one reason for the decline of the Knights of Labor.

Answer: Association with violent strikes like the Haymarket Affair. Public blamed the Knights for radical violence they didn't organize.

Flashcard 72: What was the primary goal of labor unions during the Gilded Age?

Answer: To improve wages, working conditions, and hours. Labor unions collectively bargained for workers' basic rights and safety.