Continuity and Change in Period 6 - AP U.S. History

1. What was the primary purpose of the Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890?

   To prevent monopolies and promote fair competition. First federal antitrust legislation to limit corporate power.

2. What was the main result of the Compromise of 1877?

   Ended Reconstruction and withdrew federal troops from the South. Disputed election settlement ended federal protection of Black rights.

3. Identify one major labor strike that occurred during Period 6.

   The Pullman Strike of 1894. Federal troops ended this railroad workers' strike in Chicago.

4. What was the significance of the Wabash case in 1886?

   It led to federal regulation of railroads. Supreme Court ruled states couldn't regulate interstate commerce.

5. Which technological advancement had a significant impact on the oil industry?

   The drilling of oil wells. Edwin Drake's techniques made oil extraction commercially viable.

6. Identify one key factor that contributed to the rise of tenement housing.

   The rapid influx of immigrants into urban areas. Overcrowding created demand for cheap urban housing.

7. Identify one major social change associated with the rise of industrialization.

   Increased labor force participation by women and children. Factory work drew women and children into wage labor.

8. Identify one major economic trend during the Gilded Age.

   Rapid industrialization. Manufacturing growth transformed American economy and society.

9. What was the purpose of the National Labor Union?

   To unify workers to demand better labor conditions. First national labor federation in American history.

10. Identify one reason for the decline of the Populist Party.

    Absorption of its platform by the Democratic Party. Democrats adopted many Populist reforms, reducing party relevance.

11. What was the primary aim of the Knights of Labor?

    To secure better working conditions for workers. Early labor union welcomed both skilled and unskilled workers.

12. What was the main effect of the Haymarket Affair of 1886 on the labor movement?

    It led to a backlash against labor unions. Violence associated with labor caused public fear of unions.

13. Which group was primarily targeted by the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882?

    Chinese immigrants. First significant restriction on immigration to the United States.

14. Which economic policy did the Gold Standard Act of 1900 establish?

    It established gold as the only standard for redeeming paper money. Ended the bimetallic standard debate in favor of gold.

15. Identify one way the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act of 1883 altered hiring practices.

    It established a merit-based system for federal employment. Ended the spoils system by requiring competitive exams.

16. What was one outcome of the Great Railroad Strike of 1877?

    Increased awareness of labor issues. First nationwide work stoppage revealed labor's growing power.

17. Identify one major environmental consequence of industrialization.

    Increased pollution. Coal burning and waste dumping degraded air and water quality.

18. Which Supreme Court case upheld racial segregation under 'separate but equal'?

    Plessy v. Ferguson (1896). Established legal segregation that lasted until the 1950s.

19. Identify one major effect of the Homestead Act of 1862.

    Encouraged westward expansion by providing land. Provided 160 acres free to settlers who farmed it for five years.

20. Identify one significant characteristic of Gilded Age politics.

    Widespread political corruption. Patronage and graft dominated government despite economic growth.

21. Which invention greatly impacted the steel industry in Period 6?

    The Bessemer process. Enabled mass production of cheaper, stronger steel.

22. What was the main goal of the Populist Party in the late 19th century?

    To advocate for the interests of farmers and laborers. Formed to challenge the power of big business and banks.

23. What was one effect of Jim Crow laws in the South?

    Institutionalized racial segregation. Legal framework enforced racial separation in the South.

24. What was the primary goal of the Interstate Commerce Commission?

    To regulate railroad industry practices. Federal agency enforced transportation regulations and fair rates.

25. Identify one major consequence of the Panic of 1893.

    A severe economic depression. Bank failures and business closures caused massive unemployment.

26. What was the main objective of the American Federation of Labor?

    To focus on higher wages and better working conditions. Craft union focused on immediate economic gains for members.

27. Which innovation significantly impacted transportation in Period 6?

    The invention of the automobile. Henry Ford's assembly line revolutionized personal transportation.

28. What was the primary focus of the Social Gospel movement?

    To apply Christian ethics to social problems. Progressive Christians sought to reform society through faith.

29. What was the impact of the Dawes Act of 1887 on Native American lands?

    It divided tribal lands into individual allotments. Aimed to assimilate Native Americans into white society.

30. Identify one significant change in urbanization during Period 6.

    Rapid growth of cities due to industrialization. Immigration and factory jobs concentrated populations in cities.

31. What was the main purpose of the Morrill Land-Grant Acts?

    To fund agricultural and technical colleges. Federal land grants established practical education institutions.

32. Which amendment to the Constitution abolished slavery?

    The 13th Amendment. Constitutionally prohibited slavery throughout the United States.

33. Which group was primarily assisted by the Freedmen's Bureau?

    Former enslaved African Americans. Federal agency provided aid during Reconstruction transition.

34. What was the purpose of the Interstate Commerce Act of 1887?

    To regulate railroad rates and practices. Created the Interstate Commerce Commission to oversee railroads.

35. Which innovation significantly transformed communication in Period 6?

    The telephone. Alexander Graham Bell's invention revolutionized long-distance communication.

36. Identify one major impact of the transcontinental railroad.

    Facilitated westward expansion and settlement. Connected East and West coasts, spurring economic development.

37. Identify one effect of the mechanization of agriculture in Period 6.

    Increased agricultural productivity. New machinery increased crop yields and farming efficiency.

38. What economic theory was used to justify laissez-faire capitalism in Period 6?

    Social Darwinism. Applied Darwin's 'survival of the fittest' to justify economic inequality.

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