America's Gilded Age and Industrial Revolution

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Questions and Answers

What was a common outcome for cases brought by the ICC against railroads in the Supreme Court?

The courts favored labor organizations

The railroads often emerged victorious (correct)

The ICC won most cases

The cases were consistently dismissed

Why did the New York Court of Appeals invalidate the law against manufacturing cigars in tenement dwellings?

It violated health codes

It was seen as discriminatory against men

It limited business competition

It deprived workers of economic liberty (correct)

What was the Supreme Court's ruling in United States v.E.C.Knight Co. regarding the Sherman Antitrust Act?

It effectively broke up the sugar monopoly

It could not be used to challenge a manufacturing monopoly (correct)

It could be applied to manufacturing regulations

It was deemed unconstitutional

What was the significant outcome of the Lochner v.New York case?

Work hours regulations were voided based on the right of contract Signup and view all the answers

In what way did the courts impede labor organization using the Sherman Act?

By using injunctions to prohibit strikes Signup and view all the answers

What term was used to describe the body of liberty of contract decisions following the Lochner case?

Lochnerism Signup and view all the answers

What was the reason for the Court overturning Kansas law related to 'yellow-dog' contracts?

It violated personal liberty Signup and view all the answers

What was the rationale behind the Court ruling against state laws requiring the payment of miners in money?

It was considered a violation of individual freedoms Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary cause of the prolonged strike at the McCormick plant in 1886?

A wage reduction announcement Signup and view all the answers

How did the city government of Chicago respond to the conflicts at the McCormick plant during the strike?

They sided with the company Signup and view all the answers

What event triggered the rally in Haymarket Square on May 4, 1886?

The killing of four strikers by police Signup and view all the answers

What was the main consequence of the Haymarket affair for the labor movement?

Demonization of labor organizations as violent Signup and view all the answers

Who were the primary individuals charged in relation to the Haymarket bombing?

Eight anarchists with weak evidence Signup and view all the answers

What was the identity of the person who threw the bomb during the Haymarket rally?

An unidentified individual Signup and view all the answers

What was a primary objective of the Social Gospel movement?

To reform Protestant churches to serve urban poor communities Signup and view all the answers

What was a common background among most of the men accused of plotting the Haymarket bombing?

They were mostly foreign-born Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the perspective of early Protestant preachers regarding wealth?

Wealth is not immoral and should be pursued Signup and view all the answers

Who commuted the sentences of the remaining Haymarket martyrs in 1893?

A pro-labor governor of Illinois Signup and view all the answers

Who were notable figures in the Social Gospel movement?

Walter Rauschenbusch and Washington Gladden Signup and view all the answers

What significant labor event occurred on May 1, 1886?

Demonstrations for an eight-hour workday Signup and view all the answers

What did the Social Gospel movement advocate regarding capitalism?

A more cooperative organization replacing competitive capitalism Signup and view all the answers

What was a reaction of some within American Catholicism during the Social Gospel movement?

Encouragement of support for the labor movement Signup and view all the answers

What historical event coincided with the rapid growth of labor activity in 1886?

Dedication of the Statue of Liberty Signup and view all the answers

What did the Social Gospel movement emphasize about wealth and power?

Freedom and spiritual self-development require equalization of wealth Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant factor in the future of western farming after the Civil War?

Heavy investment in machinery and chemicals Signup and view all the answers

Which labor demographics were primarily involved in California's agricultural work in the late nineteenth century?

Migratory laborers from various countries Signup and view all the answers

What primary factor contributed to the decline of long-distance cattle drives in the mid-1880s?

Enclosure of open range lands with fences Signup and view all the answers

What was the economic focus of California in the late nineteenth century?

Manufacturing and trade from San Francisco Signup and view all the answers

What was the common misconception about the life of cowboys during the golden age of the cattle kingdom?

Their work was a symbol of freedom and romance Signup and view all the answers

Which of these factors did NOT contribute to the reshaping of the cattle industry after the mid-1880s?

Increase in cattle prices Signup and view all the answers

What role did corporations play in California’s agricultural landscape in the late nineteenth century?

They owned large fruit and vegetable farms Signup and view all the answers

How did the cattle drives contribute to the economy of areas like Abilene, Kansas?

They attracted investment and transportation hubs Signup and view all the answers

What were the years from 1873 to 1897 known as due to prolonged economic downturns?

The Great Depression Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following methods was used by businesses to stabilize prices in a highly competitive market?

Establishment of price-fixing pools Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the wave of mergers between 1897 and 1904?

A decrease in the number of corporations Signup and view all the answers

Who was the financier responsible for creating U.S. Steel in 1901?

J.P. Morgan Signup and view all the answers

Which industry was dominated by corporations like U.S. Steel and Standard Oil?

Steel and Oil Signup and view all the answers

What significant factor contributed to the accumulation of wealth by business leaders during this era?

The absence of personal or corporate income taxes Signup and view all the answers

What role did professional managers play in the Pennsylvania Railroad's success?

They oversaw the company's vast operations. Signup and view all the answers

Which competitive strategy did businesses pursue to avoid cutthroat competition?

Dominating entire industries Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant change in hunting practices among Indian groups in the eighteenth century?

A shift towards mounted hunting due to the introduction of horses Signup and view all the answers

Which tribes coalesced into significant groups in the Great Plains due to the use of horses?

Cheyenne, Comanche, Crow, Kiowa, and Sioux Signup and view all the answers

What impact did the migration of Indians removed from the East have on existing tribes?

It sparked persistent warfare over hunting grounds Signup and view all the answers

What was President Ulysses S. Grant's policy regarding Native Americans in the West announced in 1869?

A 'peace policy' Signup and view all the answers

What strategy did Civil War generals use to undermine the Indian economy?

Destroying villages, horses, and buffalo Signup and view all the answers

What was the estimated buffalo population in 1800 before significant hunting pressure?

Thirty million Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the Nez Percé Indians' pursuit across the Far West?

They surrendered and were removed to reservations Signup and view all the answers

What did Sitting Bull imply with his statement about the last buffalo falling?

It was a significant loss symbolizing despair for the Sioux Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

America's Gilded Age (1870-1890)

Industrial Society: The Civil War fostered a mature industrial society in the US.
Economic Impact on Freedom: The Gilded Age's economic growth affected American freedom, creating social divisions and debates about the role of government in protecting individual liberty.
Reform Movements: Reformers addressed issues like labor conflicts, Native American violence, white supremacy in the South, and political corruption. They examined how social conditions affected freedom and the national government's role in defining and protecting liberty.
Westward Transformation: The West experienced significant economic and social changes during the Gilded Age.
Political System Effectiveness: The Gilded Age political system faced questions about its effectiveness in addressing the nation's evolving needs.

The Second Industrial Revolution

Causes of Growth: Abundant natural resources, a growing labor force, a large market for goods, and readily available capital drove explosive economic growth. Government policies, such as high tariffs protecting American industry, and land grants to railroads, also played key roles.
Railroads' Role: Railroads connected the nation's markets, opening up new regions for commerce and farming, and standardizing time zones.

The Industrial Economy

Massive Growth: Industrial production dramatically increased, transforming the nation. Factories increased production and employed many workers.
Shift from Agriculture to Industry: By 1880, most Americans worked for wages rather than owning farms or businesses.
Urbanization: Millions of people moved from rural areas to industrial cities, fueling urbanization and creating new industrial hubs like New York and Chicago. Rapid industrial growth created a new working class.

Competition and Consolidation

Economic Volatility: Economic growth was intertwined with periods of downturn, marked by falling prices and a series of economic depressions.
Business Practices: Companies employed various methods to survive intense competition, from pooling and trusts to developing innovative management strategies and forming large corporations controlling entire industries.

Workers' Freedom

Unevenly Distributed Growth: Economic growth did not benefit all workers equally. A small minority of skilled workers saw economic independence through technical skill
Economic Insecurity: Many workers faced economic insecurity, losing jobs in depressions or having their wages reduced.
Labor Movement: Labor reform movements arose to address issues such as unsafe working conditions, long hours, low pay, and the lack of workers' rights. Examples like the Knights of Labor and the Haymarket Affair highlighted the struggles and the political conflict surrounding these issues.

Application of Evolutionary Theory: Ideas from Darwin's theory of evolution were applied to social and economic issues.
Justification for Inequality: Proponents of social Darwinism argued that poverty and economic inequality were natural occurrences due to different levels of fitness or capabilities. The resulting social hierarchy was seen as something inevitable and deserving.
Critique of Government Intervention: Social Darwinists generally opposed government intervention in the economy, viewing social aid, or attempts to improve the conditions of the less well-off as counterproductive and potentially harmful to society.

Wealth Inequality: A huge gap formed between the wealthy and the working poor.
Labor Conflicts: Strikes and labor unrest were common as workers struggled for better wages and working conditions.

Religious Responses to Social Issues: Churches and religious groups began addressing social problems with new approaches to religious faith.
Protestant Reform: Protestant groups sought to influence social and political issues through Christian values. The Social Gospel Movement was an important part of this movement.

The West

Incorporation of the West: The West was incorporated into the national economy, spurred by railroads and the need for resources.
Immigration and Settlement: Thousands migrated to the West, many encountering conflict.

Labor and Politics

Political Power of Labor: Labor organizations attempted to increase their political power.
Corruption and Political Machines Corruption and political machines were prevalent in cities, affecting many aspects of public life in the nation.
Political Reform Movements: Reform efforts attempted to address the needs of the common citizen and the lack of governmental accountability.

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Description

Explore the complexities of America's Gilded Age from 1870 to 1890. This quiz delves into industrial society, reform movements, and the economic and social transformations that shaped the nation. Discover how these elements influenced freedom and the effectiveness of the political system during this pivotal era.