The American Yawp Ch. 18

Summary

The video discusses the industrial revolution of the late 19th century, highlighting conflicts between the wealthy elite and workers. It describes the Great Railroad Strike of 1877 and the rise of scientific management led by Frederick Taylor. Key figures like Rockefeller, Carnegie, and Morgan are mentioned, along with the theory of Social Darwinism. The struggles of workers and farmers, the formation of the American Federation of Labor, and the Populist Party's efforts to combat corporate dominance are also covered, leading to the Progressive movement's push for business regulation.

Takeaways

• 🚂 The Great Railroad Strike of 1877 saw violent confrontations between strikers and the National Guard.
• 💡 The late 19th century saw rapid industrial development in the United States, driven by electricity, mass production, and standardized parts.
• 📈 The rise of scientific management, led by Frederick Taylor, aimed to maximize worker efficiency through precise measurement and scripting of tasks.
• 💼 New business leaders like Collis Huntington, Cornelius Vanderbilt, J.D. Rockefeller, Andrew Carnegie, and J.P. Morgan dominated their respective industries.
• 💰 By 1900, the wealthiest 10% of Americans controlled 90% of the nation's assets.
• 🧬 Social Darwinism, influenced by Charles Darwin and Herbert Spencer, justified the social hierarchy by claiming the wealthy were the 'most fit.'
• 🚜 Farmers and workers felt increasingly undervalued and exploited, leading to strikes and the rise of labor unions like the American Federation of Labor.
• 🌾 The Farmer's Alliance evolved into the Populist Party, advocating for federal government intervention to support farmers and regulate industries.
• 🗣️ William Jennings Bryan's 1896 presidential campaign, known for his 'cross of gold' speech, represented the interests of farmers and workers.
• 🏛️ The Progressive movement emerged from the Populist influence, leading to government regulation of business to protect workers and farmers.

Q & A

What were the main conflicts during the late nineteenth century in the United States?

The main conflicts were between the emerging wealthy class and the workers and farmers. This was characterized by violent confrontations between strikers and authorities such as police officers, soldiers, or paid guards.

How did the industrial development in the United States during this era affect the production capabilities of companies?

The industrial development, marked by the advent of electricity, mass production through assembly lines, and the use of standardized parts, allowed companies to produce more goods more efficiently with fewer workers.

Who were some of the key figures in the rise of scientific management and what was their contribution?

Frederick Taylor was a key figure who introduced principles of scientific management, which involved timing workers' actions, measuring their steps, and scripting their actions to maximize efficiency.

How did the United States' industrial production compare to the rest of the world by the early 20th century?

By the turn of the 20th century, the United States manufactured more goods than any other nation and by 1913, it generated approximately one-third of the entire world's industrial production.

Which industries and individuals were particularly successful during this era of industrial growth?

In railroads, Collis Huntington and Cornelius Vanderbilt were successful. J.D. Rockefeller dominated the oil industry, Andrew Carnegie the steel industry, and J.P. Morgan was prominent in banking.

What was the economic disparity between the top 10% and the rest of the population in America around 1900?

By 1900, the top 10% of wealthy individuals in America controlled as much as 90% of the nation's assets, indicating a significant economic disparity.

How did the theory of Social Darwinism influence the societal views of the time?

Social Darwinism, influenced by Charles Darwin and Herbert Spencer, argued that the 'survival of the fittest' should apply to humans, with those at the top of the social order considered the most fit, justifying their success at the expense of others.

What were the working conditions like for workers during this period and why were they striking?

Workers often worked 60-hour weeks with low wages and quality of life, facing dangerous working environments where efficiency was prioritized over safety, which led them to strike due to feeling undervalued.

What was the American Federation of Labor and how did it differ from the Knights of Labor?

The American Federation of Labor (AFL) was a more moderate organization that rose after the Knights of Labor lost credibility. It was open only to white, male, skilled workers and did not advocate for collective ownership of factories.

How did farmers respond to their increasing dependence on railroads and banks?

Farmers organized cooperatives known as the Farmer's Alliance and later evolved into the Populist Party, which aimed to represent farmers' interests and advocated for government regulation and support.

What were the main demands of the Populist Party during their 1892 national convention?

The Populist Party demanded the nationalization of railroads and telegraph systems, government-managed warehouses that would loan money to farmers using crops as collateral, and the coinage of silver to create inflation to help farmers pay back debts.

Who was William Jennings Bryan and what was his stance during the 1896 Presidential election?

William Jennings Bryan was a successful Populist candidate who ran for President in 1896. He was known for his fiery speech opposing the gold standard and advocating for the interests of laborers and the masses.

What was the outcome of the 1896 Presidential election and its implications for the future?

The Republican candidate William McKinley won the election, campaigning on the gold standard and pro-business philosophies. However, the influence of the Populists would later contribute to the development of the Progressive movement, which focused on governmental regulation of business.