America's industrial society in the 19th century

Traces the history of the Democratic Party from its founding by Thomas Jefferson in 1792, to the end of the nineteenth century, focusing on how issues of the day affected the choices of Democratic presidential candidates and campaigns, as well as election results.

Discusses trade and commerce in the early years of the United States, looking at conditions and practices that led the new government to enact an official set of commerce laws to regulate activities throughout the states.

Examines the history of communication in the United States, particularly the technological advances of the late nineteenth century that improved transmission speed from weeks or months to hours or minutes.

Provides information about the Sherman Antitrust Act, a national law passed in 1890 primarily to defend against the abuse of power by big business.

Examines the economic history of the United States, from the paper money issued during the American Revolution through the rise of big business after the Civil War, and the effort to create a stable monetary system.

Discusses the formation of the Republican Party as a means to abolish slavery, and looks at the subsequent actions of the political party from the election of Abraham Lincoln through the McKinley administration.

Examines the history of the Populist Party in the United States, which was formed in 1892 to represent the needs of working-class citizens and bring about reform in government, big business, and labor laws.

Provides information about labor unions, discussing their formation in the 1800s to ensure better working conditions for workers, and looks at the Noble and Holy Order of the Knights of Labor, the first national union to help the working class, as well as the riot that erupted in 1886 after a clash between unions and the Chicago police.

Explains how industrialization prompted the need for long-distance transportation in nineteenth-century America, and looks at the development of the steam locomotive, cross-country railroads, and the steamship.

Chronicles the development of railroads, steel, and oil as moneymakers in nineteenth-century America, describing their impact on labor practices and everyday life in the U.S.