Social

• The Grange – an organisation of farmers promoting agricultural education + advocating for farmers' rights + interests


  1867
• Knights of Labour – One of the largest + most influential US labour organisation, advocating for worker's rights, 8-hour workday, improving working conditions regardless of skill or race


  1869
• Colfax Massacre – Massacre in Colfax, Louisiana where a group of armed white supremacists attacked + killed dozens of African-American freedmen who were defending a courthouse during a disputed election


  1873
• Whiskey Ring Scandal – group of politicians stole money from the government through taxes on whiskey


  1875
• Civil Rights Act – Legislation protecting the rights of African-Americans, guaranteeing equal treatment in public accommodations + prohibiting racial discrimination in jury selection, but was later struck down by Supreme Court


  1875
• Railroad Strike – Nationwide strike by railroad workers protesting against wage cuts, which led to widespread violence + was suppressed by federal troops


  1877
• American Federation of Labour - founded by Samuel Gompers, focused on organising skilled workers in craft unions + advocating for better wages, hours and working conditions through collective bargaining


  1885
• Haymarket Riot – Nationwide strike for 8-hour work days led to violent confrontation, a bomb explosion + police gunfire


  1886
• Post-Civil War Boom – Period of rapid economic growth + industrial expansion following the Civil War, characterised by increased production, urbanisation + technological innovation
• Eugene V. Debs – American labour leader + socialist activist co-founded the Industrial Workers of the World + ran for US Presidency under the Socialist Party
• Cowboys + Cattle ranching


  • Cowboys were cattle herders + drove cattle for shipment to markets
  • Cattle ranching involved raising cattle on large ranches, utilising open range grazing
  • Significant roles in economic + cultural development of the American West