Two major labor unions grew during the Gilded Age.
The first, the Knights of Labor, took all workers. They favored strikes and boycotting to achieve their goals. It was once a secret organization, but under Presley, the Knights of Labor grew enormously. However, during a strike, several members were killed by police. Later, in a protest at Haymarket Square (against police for murder) the Knights of Labor were joined by several sympathetic anarchists. When police arrived to sort out the trouble, one of the anarchists threw a bomb, killing three policemen and wounding several others. This riot at Haymarket Square destroyed the Knights of Labor as people associated them with killing and bombing.
The second major labor union was the American Federation of Labor, or AFL. This group was small, since they only accepted skilled workers, and no blacks or women. These skilled workers were organized according to craft, forming smaller unions within the larger AFL. The American Federation of Labor favored peaceful bargaining over strikes and boycotts.
Often, when workers went on strike, the employers simply hired different people, ones that didn't belong to a labor union, called strikebreakers. Fights would frequently break out between strikers and strikebreakers.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Reform and Change
Author Mark Twain called this next period in American society the "Gilded Age", because he thought that all the power held in America was in the hands of a few wealthy men.
Indeed, the spoils system caused many scandals. A politician would pretend to befriend immigrants, giving them fuel, food, clothing, and housing. He would also host big events to get himself known. In return for his hospitality, he expected people to vote for the candidates that he supported.
Boss Tweed ran a political organization called Tammany Hall. William Marcy Tweed and his people made millions off the government using the spoils system. He also counted the votes, so he often faked the total to keep his candidates in office.
Mugwumps, a group that wanted reform, rose in the Gilded Age. They were for civil service, the idea that government positions should be given to people with the right skills. Before, politicians gave government positions to their sometimes incompetent friends.
Indeed, the spoils system caused many scandals. A politician would pretend to befriend immigrants, giving them fuel, food, clothing, and housing. He would also host big events to get himself known. In return for his hospitality, he expected people to vote for the candidates that he supported.
Boss Tweed ran a political organization called Tammany Hall. William Marcy Tweed and his people made millions off the government using the spoils system. He also counted the votes, so he often faked the total to keep his candidates in office.
Mugwumps, a group that wanted reform, rose in the Gilded Age. They were for civil service, the idea that government positions should be given to people with the right skills. Before, politicians gave government positions to their sometimes incompetent friends.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Hazards in Work
Immigrants settled in cities because they could find work in factories. These industrial factories required thousands of laborers, working long hours for a small pay. Immigrants were willing to brave the stuffy, dirty, and dangerous factories for little money for six days of work.
Inadequate fire escapes caused many laborers to die, such as in the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory. Machines used to manufacture merchandise was very dangerous, and if you were injured on the job, you received no help from your employer. Managers expected employees to take care of themselves on the job. In many factories, workers became sick from the dust or dirt inside the building.
Desperate laborers formed 'labor unions', getting together and going on strike to improve conditions and wages. Unfortunately, most strikes brought little assistance or improvement to conditions. In fact, since so many workers were available, the value of one worker was very low. In some cases, managers hired thugs to beat the strikers into submission.
Indeed, these factories were terrible for work, and yet many poverty-stricken immigrants relied on these factories to stay alive.
Inadequate fire escapes caused many laborers to die, such as in the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory. Machines used to manufacture merchandise was very dangerous, and if you were injured on the job, you received no help from your employer. Managers expected employees to take care of themselves on the job. In many factories, workers became sick from the dust or dirt inside the building.
Desperate laborers formed 'labor unions', getting together and going on strike to improve conditions and wages. Unfortunately, most strikes brought little assistance or improvement to conditions. In fact, since so many workers were available, the value of one worker was very low. In some cases, managers hired thugs to beat the strikers into submission.
Indeed, these factories were terrible for work, and yet many poverty-stricken immigrants relied on these factories to stay alive.
Living Conditions
Upon arrival, the best housing most immigrants could find, unless they had relatives or friends, already in America, was the tenement. Many tenements were known as dumbbells, large on the top and bottom, and small in the middle. In reality, tenements were just cheaply made apartments divided into rooms.
In most rooms, there were no windows. The floors were weak and unstable. Also, the tenements were fire hazards with no fire escapes. Large families crowded into tiny rooms, often having no place to sleep. There were no bathtubs or running water/lighting for many of the immigrants.
Bathrooms came in the form of outhouses, where everyone in an apartment, usually around 20 families, shared five toilets, with no toilet paper or running water.
Disease was very common, despite attempts to keep the apartments clean. Until the government stepped in to inspect and improve conditions, immigrants suffered.
In most rooms, there were no windows. The floors were weak and unstable. Also, the tenements were fire hazards with no fire escapes. Large families crowded into tiny rooms, often having no place to sleep. There were no bathtubs or running water/lighting for many of the immigrants.
Bathrooms came in the form of outhouses, where everyone in an apartment, usually around 20 families, shared five toilets, with no toilet paper or running water.
Disease was very common, despite attempts to keep the apartments clean. Until the government stepped in to inspect and improve conditions, immigrants suffered.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Nativism and Ethno-centricity
Nativist actions towards the end of the 19th century started discrimination against the "New" immigrants. Fears that jobs would be taken away spiraled into demands that the government restrict immigration. In 1882, the Chinese Exclusion Act was passed, forbidding all Chinese from arriving in America. For most, Angel Island on the coast of California would be the closest they could get to America. Soon after, Congress extended this Exclusion Act to other Asians. This would not be lifted until the mid 1900's.
Congress also set up quotas limiting the amount of European immigrants arriving in the United States. Small amounts of people were allowed in. These immigrants would face much discrimination and prejudice from Nativists.
Congress also set up quotas limiting the amount of European immigrants arriving in the United States. Small amounts of people were allowed in. These immigrants would face much discrimination and prejudice from Nativists.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Immigrants in Waves
Immigration was the next great portion of American history. News of the gold rush in California started the mass emigration and immigration. Desperate and poor, these new foreign people settled in tenements in all the big cities, looking for work.
The Irish potato famine, caused by a potato fungus, drove thousands of Irish farmers towards America. They arrived in the New York Harbor poor and homeless. Runners looking to help the immigrants found homes and jobs. In reality, they took advantage of the immigrants poor knowledge of English. The homes the immgrants lived in, tenement, were dirty and disorganized, with bad air to breathe. Food was rare and expensive. Many immigrant families lost members due to disease caused by malnutrition and starvation.
The Irish potato famine, caused by a potato fungus, drove thousands of Irish farmers towards America. They arrived in the New York Harbor poor and homeless. Runners looking to help the immigrants found homes and jobs. In reality, they took advantage of the immigrants poor knowledge of English. The homes the immgrants lived in, tenement, were dirty and disorganized, with bad air to breathe. Food was rare and expensive. Many immigrant families lost members due to disease caused by malnutrition and starvation.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Mission: Conquer Sitting Bull
All of the Plains Indian chiefs had surrendured but Sitting Bull, who had fled with a small tribe to the Grandmother Land, or Canada. The United States Government did not want an Indian out of their clutches, so liased with Canada to "turn over" Sitting Bull. This Indian chief returned to a reservation to be hailed as a hero.
When the Transcontinental Railroad was completed, he was invited to make a speech about it at one of the many celebrations. A young army officer was the translator. Knowing that only the officer could understand him, Sitting Bull launched into a speech cursing all white men. He would smile, bow, then throw out a few more insults. The bewildered officer took the stage with his battered translations, of which he had written down a few friendly words, but adding some known Indian words, the audience rose to congratulate Sitting Bull on a speech well-given. In fact, his speech was such a success that a railroad official took Sitting Bull to another city for another speech. Sitting Bull was then invited to join the Wild West Show, where he gave out autographs for coins.
When the Messiah came, asking the Indians to dance the Ghost Dance, Sitting Bull was arrested for participating in this dance. He was killed as they led him away.
When the Transcontinental Railroad was completed, he was invited to make a speech about it at one of the many celebrations. A young army officer was the translator. Knowing that only the officer could understand him, Sitting Bull launched into a speech cursing all white men. He would smile, bow, then throw out a few more insults. The bewildered officer took the stage with his battered translations, of which he had written down a few friendly words, but adding some known Indian words, the audience rose to congratulate Sitting Bull on a speech well-given. In fact, his speech was such a success that a railroad official took Sitting Bull to another city for another speech. Sitting Bull was then invited to join the Wild West Show, where he gave out autographs for coins.
When the Messiah came, asking the Indians to dance the Ghost Dance, Sitting Bull was arrested for participating in this dance. He was killed as they led him away.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Homesteaders, miners, and immigrants
The United States was rising as the Transcontinental Railroad was being built. Homesteaders eagerly claimed land west as miners and prospectors flocked to California in search of riches. America was strong and unified once more ready to expand.
Waves of Chinese flooded American shores, bringing on the wrath of American nativists. However, these immigrants were hired as laborers to work on the transcontinental railroad, providing the necessity of long hours as well as little pay.
America’s spirit as a rising power and strong industry would bring wealth in the many years to come.
Waves of Chinese flooded American shores, bringing on the wrath of American nativists. However, these immigrants were hired as laborers to work on the transcontinental railroad, providing the necessity of long hours as well as little pay.
America’s spirit as a rising power and strong industry would bring wealth in the many years to come.
Scandal on the tracks
Thomas Durant, head of Credit Mobilier company, realized that physically building the railroad was what earned the real money. So, he created Credit Mobilier, and built tracks of railroad, charging Union Pacific Railroad Company $50,000 for each mile of track his workers laid.
In reality, it only cost him $30,000 to lay each mile of track, and the $20,000 difference all went into his pocket, making him a very wealthy man.
In this way, Thomas Durant and other men grew rich off the railroad.
Durant’s schemes were discovered, which created the Credit Mobilier scam.
In reality, it only cost him $30,000 to lay each mile of track, and the $20,000 difference all went into his pocket, making him a very wealthy man.
In this way, Thomas Durant and other men grew rich off the railroad.
Durant’s schemes were discovered, which created the Credit Mobilier scam.
Economy grows as railroad lengthens
The United States’ great new idea to expand westward by building the transcontinental railroad has worked in their favor. Starting in 1869 people could jump on a train to go coast to coast. This connection of the railroad also opened up another track onto the country’s financial fund by opening up more opportunities.
Allowing people to travel west faster has allowed people to spend less time traveling and more time working. All of this works to the government’s favor in which they are able to collect more taxes and it allows them to let more people into the country. Then, if more people come into the country than more jobs can be filled causing the total economy to soar through the roof.
Now since this railroad has given a boost to the economy the United States can now do more great things like this. In turn it will allow the hopes of the Manifest Destiny to be a little closer.
Allowing people to travel west faster has allowed people to spend less time traveling and more time working. All of this works to the government’s favor in which they are able to collect more taxes and it allows them to let more people into the country. Then, if more people come into the country than more jobs can be filled causing the total economy to soar through the roof.
Now since this railroad has given a boost to the economy the United States can now do more great things like this. In turn it will allow the hopes of the Manifest Destiny to be a little closer.
Railroad tunnels through people's emotions
The transcontinental railroad which was finished in 1869 has affected many people whether it is positively or negatively. These people include settlers, Native Americans, and immigrants who mainly live in the central and western United States. The railroad is giving some jobs, taking away some people’s homes, and allowing more space for others.
This new railroad is great for immigrants because it is allowing the country to let more of them in. It also allows them to get jobs either out west or on the railroad itself. The Irish and Chinese were big on working with this cross country railroad.
Settlers are also happy about this railroad because it is allows them to get across the country out west quicker and safer. They used to have to take a train to Iowa, then take a boat across the Missouri River, and finally take stagecoaches the rest of the way. The time was cut in half with the railroad and then they were free to look for gold or new jobs.
The Native Americans were affected negatively by the railroad because it went right through their land, destroying their homes. Then, since the railroad allowed people to migrate away from the east coast some people settled near their land and killed their buffalo. Without the buffalo, the Native Americans struggle to survive because they used the buffalo for everything.
There were many effects on the people living or coming to the United States because of the transcontinental railroad. Native Americans were affected negatively and settlers and immigrants were affected positively. Mixed emotions led to be a problem for some time to come.
This new railroad is great for immigrants because it is allowing the country to let more of them in. It also allows them to get jobs either out west or on the railroad itself. The Irish and Chinese were big on working with this cross country railroad.
Settlers are also happy about this railroad because it is allows them to get across the country out west quicker and safer. They used to have to take a train to Iowa, then take a boat across the Missouri River, and finally take stagecoaches the rest of the way. The time was cut in half with the railroad and then they were free to look for gold or new jobs.
The Native Americans were affected negatively by the railroad because it went right through their land, destroying their homes. Then, since the railroad allowed people to migrate away from the east coast some people settled near their land and killed their buffalo. Without the buffalo, the Native Americans struggle to survive because they used the buffalo for everything.
There were many effects on the people living or coming to the United States because of the transcontinental railroad. Native Americans were affected negatively and settlers and immigrants were affected positively. Mixed emotions led to be a problem for some time to come.
Monday, November 5, 2007
Disaster on the American Indian Nation
The Transcontinental Railroad has provided many good and bad things to the United States. Among the bad were the effects it had on the American Plains Indians.
The railroad tore through their lands, scaring away the buffalo, the life of the Plains Indians. In one speech at Promontory Point, Utah, Chief Sitting Bull cursed the Americans, saying they had ruined his life, property, and livelihood.
Clearly, the Indians had no sympathy whatsoever for any of the Americans, a thought supported by the massacre of the Indian folk at Wounded Knee.
For a more complete history of the Plains Indians, please read Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee.
The railroad tore through their lands, scaring away the buffalo, the life of the Plains Indians. In one speech at Promontory Point, Utah, Chief Sitting Bull cursed the Americans, saying they had ruined his life, property, and livelihood.
Clearly, the Indians had no sympathy whatsoever for any of the Americans, a thought supported by the massacre of the Indian folk at Wounded Knee.
For a more complete history of the Plains Indians, please read Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee.
Economic Boost
The United States’ great new idea to expand westward by building the transcontinental railroad has worked in their favor. Starting in 1869 people could jump on a train to go coast to coast. This connection of the railroad also opened up another track unto the country’s financial fund by opening up more opportunities.
Allowing people to travel west faster has allowed people to spend less time traveling and more time working. All of this works to the government’s favor in which they are able to collect more taxes and it allows them to let more people into the country. Then, if more people come into the country than more jobs can be filled causing the total economy to soar through the roof.
Now since this railroad has given a boost to the economy the United States can now do more great things like this. In turn it will allow the hopes of the Manifest Destiny to be a little closer.
Allowing people to travel west faster has allowed people to spend less time traveling and more time working. All of this works to the government’s favor in which they are able to collect more taxes and it allows them to let more people into the country. Then, if more people come into the country than more jobs can be filled causing the total economy to soar through the roof.
Now since this railroad has given a boost to the economy the United States can now do more great things like this. In turn it will allow the hopes of the Manifest Destiny to be a little closer.
Effects of the Railroad
The transcontinental railroad which was finished in 1869 has affected many people whether it is positively or negatively. These people include settlers, Native Americans, and immigrants who mainly live in the central and western United States. The railroad is giving some jobs, taking away some people’s homes, and allowing more space for others.
This new railroad is great for immigrants because it is allowing the country to let more of them in. It also allows them to get jobs either out west or on the railroad itself. The Irish and Chinese were big on working with this cross country railroad.
Settlers are also happy about this railroad because it is allows them to get across the country out west quicker and safer. They used to have to take a train to Iowa, then take a boat across the Missouri River, and finally take stagecoaches the rest of the way. The time was cut in half with the railroad and then they were free to look for gold or new jobs.
The Native Americans were affected negatively by the railroad because it went right through their land, destroying their homes. Then, since the railroad allowed people to migrate away from the east coast some people settled near their land and killed their buffalo. Without the buffalo, the Native Americans struggle to survive because they used the buffalo for everything.
There were many effects on the people living or coming to the United States because of the transcontinental railroad. Native Americans were affected negatively and settles and immigrants were affected positively. Mixed emotions led to be a problem for some time to come.
This new railroad is great for immigrants because it is allowing the country to let more of them in. It also allows them to get jobs either out west or on the railroad itself. The Irish and Chinese were big on working with this cross country railroad.
Settlers are also happy about this railroad because it is allows them to get across the country out west quicker and safer. They used to have to take a train to Iowa, then take a boat across the Missouri River, and finally take stagecoaches the rest of the way. The time was cut in half with the railroad and then they were free to look for gold or new jobs.
The Native Americans were affected negatively by the railroad because it went right through their land, destroying their homes. Then, since the railroad allowed people to migrate away from the east coast some people settled near their land and killed their buffalo. Without the buffalo, the Native Americans struggle to survive because they used the buffalo for everything.
There were many effects on the people living or coming to the United States because of the transcontinental railroad. Native Americans were affected negatively and settles and immigrants were affected positively. Mixed emotions led to be a problem for some time to come.
Friday, November 2, 2007
Transcontinental Railroad- "Shaping America"
The railroads shaped America in many ways. In 1830, there was twenty-three miles of railroad in the United States of America. In 1839 the mileage of railroad tracks was 15,000. During the next seven decades, the miles of railroad being constructed a year was about 2,500. The expansion of the rail road system had a profound effect on America and its people.
In 1858, it took three weeks to travel west from St. Louis, Missouri. Since there was no railroad west of the Mississippi River, most shipments of supplies from the east were carried by wagon trains.
One of the most important reasons for building the railroad was to move raw material and finished goods in a cheap and profitable way. The most important railroad during this time period was the Transcontinental Railroad. In the 1860's, the California Gold Rush was slowing down and gold was found in Nevada. Collis Hunttington, Mark Hophins, Charles Crocker and Leland Stanford (the "Big Four") were some of the riches and powerful businessmen in California. They went west looking for gold. They did not find any but they became richer by selling supplies to the men looking for gold. Ted Judah persuaded them that railroads would allow them to do business in Nevada. The "Big Four" supplied Judah with money to make the railroad. The new railroad company called the Central Pacific. In 1862, the Pacific Railroad Act was passed by Congress. The Act designated the 32nd parallel as the initial transcontinental route and gave large grants of land for the right of way. The act was an effort to aid in the construction of the railroad and telegraph line from the Missouri River. The legislation allowed the Union Pacific and the Central Pacific companies to construct their lines.
There were several reasons for building the transcontinental railroad. It took too long to go to California from St. Louis. It was dangerous to travel westward due to Indian attacks and robbers. It took to long to get supplies from the east to the west. Last, manifest destiny, which is the belief that Americans had a right to take over the entire North American continent, took the country. It was the American people's right to expand and take over land. The promise of rich land in the west made many Americans travel west in the hope of a better and richer life. This idea that the country would stretch from sea to sea was the perfect climate for railroad expansion.
In 1858, it took three weeks to travel west from St. Louis, Missouri. Since there was no railroad west of the Mississippi River, most shipments of supplies from the east were carried by wagon trains.
One of the most important reasons for building the railroad was to move raw material and finished goods in a cheap and profitable way. The most important railroad during this time period was the Transcontinental Railroad. In the 1860's, the California Gold Rush was slowing down and gold was found in Nevada. Collis Hunttington, Mark Hophins, Charles Crocker and Leland Stanford (the "Big Four") were some of the riches and powerful businessmen in California. They went west looking for gold. They did not find any but they became richer by selling supplies to the men looking for gold. Ted Judah persuaded them that railroads would allow them to do business in Nevada. The "Big Four" supplied Judah with money to make the railroad. The new railroad company called the Central Pacific. In 1862, the Pacific Railroad Act was passed by Congress. The Act designated the 32nd parallel as the initial transcontinental route and gave large grants of land for the right of way. The act was an effort to aid in the construction of the railroad and telegraph line from the Missouri River. The legislation allowed the Union Pacific and the Central Pacific companies to construct their lines.
There were several reasons for building the transcontinental railroad. It took too long to go to California from St. Louis. It was dangerous to travel westward due to Indian attacks and robbers. It took to long to get supplies from the east to the west. Last, manifest destiny, which is the belief that Americans had a right to take over the entire North American continent, took the country. It was the American people's right to expand and take over land. The promise of rich land in the west made many Americans travel west in the hope of a better and richer life. This idea that the country would stretch from sea to sea was the perfect climate for railroad expansion.
Humanities History
Welcome to the Humanities History Blog Site!
Our mission is to educate the various Americans about aspects of the American history. We will update regularly. If you have any questions, feel free to email me at anar.humanities@gmail.com
We will respond as soon as possible. Thank you!
Enjoy!
Our mission is to educate the various Americans about aspects of the American history. We will update regularly. If you have any questions, feel free to email me at anar.humanities@gmail.com
We will respond as soon as possible. Thank you!
Enjoy!
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