Key Takeaways: 1865-1898 1. Large-scale production due to technological advances, improvements in railroads and transpor- tation, and the opening of new markets led to the rise of industrialism and capitalism during this era. Business leaders such as Cornelius Vanderbilt, Andrew Carnegie, and John D. Rockefeller amassed huge fortunes. Aggressive financial methods caused multiple economic downturns and financial panics. 2. Due to the rise of big business, many groups, such as farmers and labor unions, called for stronger governmental protections to regulate the economy and safeguard the rights of workers. The gov- ernment often sided with business, however, as evidenced by federally supported strikebreaking. 3. Migration increased, both to and within the United States. Cities became areas of economic growth that attracted African Americans and migrants from Asia and Europe. Multiple ethnic groups vied for control of the western frontier, and cultural tensions continued nationwide. 4. New intellectual and cultural movements arose during this period, often dubbed the Gilded Age. One view, called Social Darwinism, attempted to justify a wealthy elite class as natural and inevi- table. Another view, known as the Gospel of Wealth, urged big business and the wealthy to help the less fortunate. 5. Debates intensified over citizens' rights, especially in relation to gender and race. The Supreme Court case Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) marked a major setback for African Americans, as it upheld racial segregation and ended some of the progress made in the decades following the Civil War. African American reformers continued to strive for political and social equality in the face of esca- lating violence and discrimination.

Key Takeaways: 1865-1898 1. Large-scale production due to technological advances, improvements in railroads and transpor- tation, and the opening of new markets led to the rise of industrialism and capitalism during this era. Business leaders such as Cornelius Vanderbilt, Andrew Carnegie, and John D. Rockefeller amassed huge fortunes. Aggressive financial methods caused multiple economic downturns and financial panics. 2. Due to the rise of big business, many groups, such as farmers and labor unions, called for stronger governmental protections to regulate the economy and safeguard the rights of workers. The gov- ernment often sided with business, however, as evidenced by federally supported strikebreaking. 3. Migration increased, both to and within the United States. Cities became areas of economic growth that attracted African Americans and migrants from Asia and Europe. Multiple ethnic groups vied for control of the western frontier, and cultural tensions continued nationwide. 4. New intellectual and cultural movements arose during this period, often dubbed the Gilded Age. One view, called Social Darwinism, attempted to justify a wealthy elite class as natural and inevi- table. Another view, known as the Gospel of Wealth, urged big business and the wealthy to help the less fortunate. 5. Debates intensified over citizens' rights, especially in relation to gender and race. The Supreme Court case Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) marked a major setback for African Americans, as it upheld racial segregation and ended some of the progress made in the decades following the Civil War. African American reformers continued to strive for political and social equality in the face of esca- lating violence and discrimination.