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Unit 6: Period 6: 1865–1898

Development of the Middle Class

Explain why a white-collar middle class grew after 1865, how schools, leisure and shopping shaped it, and how the Gospel of Wealth justified philanthropy.

Topic 6.10 · 11 min read

This lesson comes with the AP United States History plan

In this lesson

  1. 01Why a new middle class appeared
  2. 02Schools and colleges open the way
  3. 03Leisure and consumer culture
  4. 04The Gospel of Wealth
  5. 05Worked examples
  6. 06Where students lose points
  7. 07On the exam

The first units’ lessons are free. The plan opens every lesson, every practice question with worked solutions, your study plan and calendar, for $14.49 a month. Cancel any time.

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