Individualism Gilded is something covered in gold but made of a much cheaper material underneath. Individualism was made popular by Horatio Alger who wrote over 100 rags to riches novels (poor person moves/immigrates to the big city and becomes successful). Individualism inspired the idea people could succeed no matter how many obstacles they faced.
Social Darwinism The idea of applying Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution to human society. Darwin believed plants and animals naturally evolved over the years by natural selection. Natural selection is the process that those species that cannot adapt to their environment will die out. Those that can will live on and thrive. Social Darwinism argued human society evolved through competition with one another and society progressed and improved only because only the fittest/strongest people survived. Survival of the fittest.
Social Darwin Influence Laissez-Faire economics (freedom from government intervention in business). Competition in business was proof that businesses that could not adapt to the changing times would be eliminated. John D. Rockefeller was a strong believer and argued the success of his Standard Oil companies was “merely the working of the laws of nature and the laws of God.” Andrew Carnegie was a strong believer and created the Gospel of Wealth. Philosophy that wealthy people had a responsibility to use their fortunes to help progress society. Also known as philanthropy.
Popular Culture Realism became a popular new movement in art and literature that attempted to capture or portray people realistically instead of idealizing them as hero’s. Photography and painters attempted to capture people in realistic images. Saloons were popular with men in the cities Amusement parks like Coney Island, NY Sporting events (Baseball, Football, Basketball).
Public Education Public schools were crucial in whether immigrant children would grow up to be successful in the U.S. Immigrant children went through a process called Americanization. They learned about American culture, American History and learned to speak American English. Children would attend grammar school from ages 7-13 (elementary and middle school) for basic education. Then would go to vocational or technical schools (high school) to prepare for specific trades/jobs. Women and African-Americans did not have equal opportunities for getting an education. Booker T. Washington started the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. A school system for African-Americans. The creation of Public libraries helped educate city people. A big supporter was Andrew Carnegie who donated millions to cities to build public libraries.
Segregation Discrimination towards African-Americans was not only in the South. African-Americans were barred from many public places in the North. Jim Crow Laws-Southern laws that enforced segregation. (illegal to ride in white train cars, eat in white restaurants, etc.). Plessy V. Ferguson ruled segregation was not unconstitutional because the 14 th Amendments equal protection clause. Court ruled “separate but equal. African-American schools, restaurants, sports teams, bathrooms, etc. were far from equal to white facilities. Jim Crow laws in the south led to more discrimination and eventual violence.
African-American Leaders Booker T. Washington believed African- Americans should not fight for civil rights and instead concentrate on education. Educated African-Americans with respectable jobs would naturally lead to equality between whites and blacks. W.E.B Du Bois believed in African-Americans demanding their rights, especially the right to vote. He represented the new younger African-Americans born after the civil war.