The Gilded Age, Progressivism, and World War I Impact

Unit 6: The Gilded Age and Industry

1. The Gilded Age and Industry

On the one hand, there were poor conditions as a consequence of industrialization, specifically regarding harsh working environments. Industrialization also helped America become a primary destination for European immigrants. By the end of the 1890s, rapid industrialization led to significant social problems.

2. Progressivism and Theodore Roosevelt

This era saw the tragic Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire and a peak in immigration. A key peculiarity of this period was the attempt by politicians to regain control of the country.

Progressivism primarily affected the middle classes, who felt threatened by both the upper and lower classes. They sought to restore power to institutions, starting at the state level.

• Senate Reform: Previously, industrialists influenced the selection of state legislators sent to the Senate. During the Progressive era, the Senate became directly elected by the people (a Reform Movement, not a revolution).

Theodore Roosevelt (1900–1908) was a pivotal figure who helped "fix" institutions controlled by business interests. He introduced several measures to bridge the gap between the upper, lower, and business classes, while actively working to regulate monopolies and natural resources, such as mining and railway tycoons.

Woodrow Wilson was responsible for helping to restore order globally after World War I. As a member of the Democratic Party, he expanded upon Roosevelt’s policies and focused on the welfare of ordinary Americans.

3. World War I (1914–1918)

Until 1917, when the United States officially entered the war, the nation profited from the conflict. While debating intervention, officials cited the Monroe Doctrine, arguing it was not an American war. The U.S. eventually declared war after Germany sank the Lusitania.

In 1918, the Russian Revolution occurred. The war impacted U.S. history in two primary ways:

• Economic Consolidation: The U.S. profited by providing contenders with weapons and food, which led to the consolidation of agribusiness.
• Overexpansion: This growth eventually contributed to the Great Depression.

Furthermore, sending soldiers to Europe created labor shortages, which opened positions for new workers. When the war began, immigration slowed; previously, the influx of immigrants had contributed to lower wages.