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First Transcontinental Railroad
The building of the First Transcontinental Railroad is a historic achievement in American infrastructure, connecting the eastern and western United States and creating economic growth and expansion. This project revolutionized transportation and trade, leading the way for further development in the American West. -
Patent of the Telephone
Alexander Graham Bell's patent of the telephone completely revolutionized communication, forever changing how people connect and communicate far distances. This invention not only revolutionizes interpersonal communication but also sets the foundation for the modern telecommunications industry, changing the way societies interact and conduct business worldwide. -
The Great Railroad Strike
The Great Railroad Strike was one of the largest labor uprisings in U.S. history. It exposed the issues between laborers and powerful railroad companies during the Gilded Age. As workers protested horrible working conditions and unfair labor practices, the strike was seen by many and helped start protections for worker's rights and labor reform. -
Haymarket Affair
The Haymarket Affair in Chicago started the Haymarket Riot. This was a huge conflict between labor demonstrators and law enforcement that started during a peaceful rally in support of the eight-hour workday. This tragic event caused many injuries and casualties, and showed the escalating conflict between labor unions and industrialists, starting debates over labor rights and the role of government in mediating labor disputes -
Eiffel Tower
The completion of the Eiffel Tower in Paris is a symbol of ingenuity and technological innovation during the Gilded Age. As the tallest man-made structure of its time, this landmark shows the imagination of the time, showing progress and France's engineering abilities to the world. -
Sherman Antitrust Act
The passage of the Sherman Antitrust Act is a huge moment in U.S. economic history, as the government takes action to stop monopolistic business practices and promote fair competition in the marketplace. This legislation shows the growing concerns over the concentration of economic power in the hands of corporate giants and also shows the government's role in regulating business conduct to help consumer interests and preserve market competition. -
Homestead Strike
The Homestead Strike at the Carnegie Steel Company's Homestead Mill in Pennsylvania turned into one of the most violent labor conflicts in American history. As workers fight with Pinkerton agents hired by mill management, the strike shows the conflicts between labor and capital during the Gilded Age, and the challenges they face in securing fair wages and working conditions. -
Plessy v. Ferguson
The Supreme Court's ruling in Plessy v. Ferguson establishes the "separate but equal" doctrine. This legalizes racial segregation in public facilities and institutionalizes racial discrimination in American society. This decision supports racial inequality and injustice, deepening divisions in racial conflicts and encouraging discriminatory practices that follow well beyond the Gilded Age.