Economics Chapter 16: Capital and Labor
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Questions and Answers

Which of the following figures is considered a "robber baron"?

  • Henry George
  • Herbert Spencer
  • Charles Darwin
  • J. D. Rockefeller (correct)
  • Which of the following best describes the "great enigma" of the Gilded Age?

  • The stark contrast between wealth and poverty amidst economic progress (correct)
  • The rapid growth of the US economy despite political corruption
  • The emergence of industrial capitalism and its consequences for labor
  • The rise of social Darwinism and its impact on society
  • Whose book, published in 1879, articulated the growing concern about the relationship between poverty and progress?

  • Mark Twain and Charles Warner
  • Andrew Carnegie
  • Herbert Spencer
  • Henry George (correct)
  • Which of the following figures is NOT listed as following Herbert Spencer in terms of his beliefs?

    <p>J. P. Morgan (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following concepts emphasized the ruthless competition for survival among individuals in a capitalist society?

    <p>Natural selection as applied to society (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What percentage of the nation's wealth did the richest 10% of Americans control by 1900?

    <p>90% (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The phrase "survival of the fittest" applied to society is an concept of which of these figures' writings?

    <p>Herbert Spencer (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following accurately describes the Gilded Age?

    <p>An era marked by unrestrained industrial capitalism and extreme wealth disparities (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the main objective of the Omaha Platform and the larger Populist Movement?

    <p>To promote the interests of farmers and workers against monopolistic capitalism. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following initiatives proposed by the Populists was meant to help farmers?

    <p>The establishment of subtreasuries. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did the preamble of the Populist platform state about the wealth accumulated by a few?

    <p>It criticized their acquisition of wealth as a result of exploitation and theft. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following individuals were crucial figures in the Populist movement, as described in the text?

    <p>Ignatius Donnelly, Mary Lease, James “Cyclone” Davis, and Tom Watson. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the main consequence of the panic of 1893 on the Populist movement?

    <p>The movement gained further credibility as it offered solutions to the economic crisis. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the significance of the Populists' first national convention in Omaha, Nebraska?

    <p>All of the above. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the significance of W.H. Harvey's "Coin's Financial School" in the context of the Populist movement?

    <p>All of the above. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did the Populist movement seek to counter the power of monopolistic capitalism?

    <p>By calling for the expansion of government power to regulate business and protect workers. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the impact of white repression on the Colored Farmers' Alliance?

    <p>It resulted in the suppression of the organization's activities and a significant decline in membership. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary trigger of the Great Railroad Strike of 1877?

    <p>A widespread economic downturn. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What geographical area was affected by the Great Railroad Strike of 1877?

    <p>From Baltimore to St. Louis. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What year did the railroad lines begin cutting workers' wages leading to The Great Railroad Strike of 1877?

    <p>1873 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary reason for the rail lines cutting workers' wages in 1873?

    <p>A decrease in the demand for rail transportation due to the economic downturn. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a true statement about the Great Railroad Strike of 1877?

    <p>The strike resulted in direct government action to regulate the railroad industry. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the central political issue in the 1896 presidential election?

    <p>The continued use of the gold standard (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the main argument advanced by Socialists in the late 19th and early 20th centuries?

    <p>That the government should intervene to regulate the economy and protect workers' rights. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What economic philosophy did William McKinley champion?

    <p>Laissez-faire Capitalism (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the relationship between the Populists and the Socialists?

    <p>The Socialists adopted and expanded upon the Populist movement's goals for economic reform. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to Karl Marx, what was the fundamental conflict in the new industrial economy?

    <p>Between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did the Gold Standard Act of 1900 affect the American economy?

    <p>It restricted the money supply and limited inflation. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the main argument of Oscar Ameringer, a prominent Socialist, regarding the power of trusts?

    <p>The government should own and operate trusts. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these figures is mentioned as a prominent Socialist involved in the movement for social reform?

    <p>Eugene Debs (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the impact of the Great Railroad Strike of 1877 on the American labor movement?

    <p>It convinced workers of the need to organize and form unions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following groups was specifically barred from joining the Knights of Labor?

    <p>Lawyers, bankers, and liquor dealers (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the main reason for the collapse of the national movement for an eight-hour workday in 1886?

    <p>The violent repression of labor protests, particularly the Haymarket Riot. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements accurately describes the American Federation of Labor (AFL)?

    <p>It was a union of craft unions that focused on negotiating better wages and working conditions for skilled workers. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the outcome of the Homestead Strike of 1892?

    <p>The strike was defeated, and the union was destroyed. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role did President Grover Cleveland play in the Pullman Strike of 1894?

    <p>He sent federal troops to break the strike. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary issue that motivated the formation of the Farmers' Alliance in the late 19th century?

    <p>The declining price of agricultural products. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the significance of the Farmers' Alliance in the development of the Populist movement?

    <p>The Farmers' Alliance provided the organizational foundation for the Populist Party. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the Populist movement's view of the Gilded Age economy?

    <p>The Populist movement believed that the Gilded Age economy benefited only the wealthy at the expense of farmers and workers. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the main goal of the Populist Party's platform?

    <p>To create a more just and equitable economic system for all. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did the Populist movement influence later reform movements?

    <p>The Populist movement paved the way for the Progressive Era reforms. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the significance of the Farmers' Alliance in the context of the Gilded Age?

    <p>It highlighted the widespread economic difficulties faced by farmers during the Gilded Age. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main idea expressed in the quote by William Graham Sumner?

    <p>Individual success is determined by natural selection and competition. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the statement “Wall Street owns the country” (Mary Elizabeth Lease quote) suggest about the Populist movement's view of the political system?

    <p>The Populist movement believed that the government was controlled by wealthy business interests. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did the Republican Party evolve between the Civil War and the Great Depression?

    <p>It became a party of big business and industrial growth. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role did Abraham Lincoln play in the rise of a pro-business agenda in the United States?

    <p>He promoted policies that favored the growth of businesses and corporations. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    The Great Railroad Strike

    A nationwide strike by railroad workers in 1877 in response to wage cuts.

    Wage Cuts

    A reduction in the amount of money workers are paid for their labor.

    Labor Unrest

    Discontent and disturbances among workers due to poor conditions or wages.

    Railroad Industry Impact

    Changes in employment, wages, and working conditions due to economic shifts.

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    Post-Civil War Economy

    Economic structure and conditions in the U.S. following the Civil War.

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    U.S. Steel

    The world's first billion-dollar company formed by J.P. Morgan from 8 steel companies.

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    The Gilded Age

    A period of industrial capitalism marked by stark social inequalities and wealth concentration.

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    Robber Barons

    Wealthy industrialists like Vanderbilt and Rockefeller known for their exploitative practices.

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    Wealth Inequality in 1890

    The wealthiest 1% owned 25% of U.S. assets, indicating a huge gap between rich and poor.

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    Darwin's Theory of Evolution

    The principle of natural selection, published in 1859 by Charles Darwin.

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    Herbert Spencer

    Social philosopher who applied Darwin's theories to society and coined 'survival of the fittest.'

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    H.L. Mencken's View

    Believed societal growth benefits only the strong, suggesting a surrender to natural selection laws.

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    Synthetic Philosophy

    A concept popularized by Spencer, blending philosophy and Darwinian ideas; sold widely in early 1900s.

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    Omaha Platform

    The founding document of the Populist Party adopted in 1892, outlining their political vision and cooperative program.

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    Populist Movement

    A political movement aimed at representing the interests of ordinary people against elites, particularly in the late 19th century.

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    Subtreasuries

    A proposed system of federal warehouses for storing crops, allowing farmers to get loans against stored goods.

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    Monetized Silver

    The policy of backing currency with silver to increase availability of money and help farmers and working-class citizens.

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    Mary Lease

    A prominent female figure in the Populist movement from Kansas known for her fiery speeches.

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    Weaver's Election

    James B. Weaver was the Populist presidential candidate in 1892, receiving over 1 million votes.

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    Panic of 1893

    An economic depression that led to widespread unemployment and strengthened the credibility of the Populist movement.

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    Cyclone Davis

    A southern orator and supporter of the Populist movement who criticized northern capitalists.

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    Lloyd's Wealth Against Commonwealth

    A work that provided populist solutions to societal issues in the 1890s.

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    Populist Congressional Elections 1894

    Populists won six Senate and seven House seats during the 1894 elections.

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    Southern Democrats' Repression

    Used electoral fraud and racism to counter Populist successes.

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    Colored Farmers' Alliance

    A segregated group supporting farmers, peaking at 250,000 members.

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    Marion Butler's Stance

    Advocated for white supremacy, opposing electoral fraud.

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    William Jennings Bryan

    Nebraskan congressman, skilled orator, three-time presidential candidate.

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    Economic Depression in the 1880s

    Farmers suffered from low crop prices and lack of political support.

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    Bryan's Influence in the Democratic Party

    Worked to shift Democratic views on economic issues during his time.

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    Cross of Gold

    Phrase from William Jennings Bryan's speech opposing the gold standard.

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    William McKinley

    Republican president elected in 1896, favored gold standard.

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    Gold Standard Act

    1900 legislation that established the U.S. monetary system on gold.

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    Socialists

    Political group advocating for workers' rights and economic reform.

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    Wealth Consolidation

    The concentration of wealth and power in a small elite.

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    Karl Marx

    Philosopher who argued for the class struggle between bourgeoisie and proletariat.

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    Eugene Debs

    American union leader who advocated for workers' rights and socialism.

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    Ownership by the People

    Concept advocating government ownership for the public good.

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    Republican Party Rise

    The Republican Party emerged as an antislavery faction supporting free labor and business.

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    Lincoln's Legal Career

    Abraham Lincoln was a corporate lawyer who promoted pro-business policies during his presidency.

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    Labor Conditions

    Industrial laborers often faced unemployment for one month and worked 60 hours per week.

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    Great Railroad Strike Impact

    The failure of The Great Railroad Strike led workers to see the need for organization into unions.

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    Knights of Labor

    A labor organization that welcomed all workers, including women, but excluded certain professions.

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    Haymarket Square Incident

    A protest at Haymarket Square resulted in violence, associating unions with radicalism.

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    American Federation of Labor

    A conservative labor union focused on skilled workers, emerging after the Knights of Labor.

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    Pullman Strike

    Workers struck over wage cuts, leading to federal intervention and arrests.

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    Farmers' Alliance

    An organization of farmers aimed at restoring economic power against banks and railroads.

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    Cooperatives

    Farmers' cooperatives enabled members to negotiate better prices for their crops and goods.

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    People's Party

    A political party formed by the Farmers' Alliance aiming to address economic grievances.

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    Commercialization of Agriculture

    Shift in farming control to bankers and railroads, impacting farmers' earnings.

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    Social Darwinism

    A belief that individuals and groups are subject to natural selection in social and economic contexts.

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    Labor Strikes and State Response

    Many strikes were met with violence, including support from state militias and private agencies.

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    Study Notes

    Chapter 16: Capital and Labor

    • Introduction:

      • The Great Railroad Strike of 1877
        • Wage cuts triggered widespread strikes from Baltimore to St. Louis.
        • Workers destroyed rail property.
        • State militias intervened, resulting in violence and deaths.
        • Estimated $40 million worth of property damage.
        • The incident was known as "The Great Upheaval" illustrating poor working conditions and worker response.
    • The March of Capital:

      • Industrialization shifted focus from individual skills to mass production.
      • Management gained significant influence and wealth.
      • Long hours and hazardous working conditions were common.
      • Technological advancements lowered production costs.
      • Taylorism (scientific management) became a driving force for efficiency.
    • The Rise of Inequality:

      • The Gilded Age:
        • Characterized by unprecedented economic inequalities.
        • The top 1% of Americans controlled 1/4 of the nation's assets by 1890 (and 90% by 1900).
        • Industrialists like Carnegie, Rockefeller, Vanderbilt amassed massive wealth, creating the term "robber barons".
        • Darwin's theory of natural selection was a influential factor explaining social inequalities
      • Great Merger Movement:
        • Mass consolidation of companies created large corporations
        • Example: The creation of US Steel company.
    • The Labor Movement:

      • The Rise of Labor Unions:

        • Industrial workers faced poor conditions, long hours and low wages.
        • The Knights of Labor was a prominent early union that welcomed all laborers.
        • Violence and conflict during labor strikes were common.
        • The American Federation of Labor (AFL) emerged as a more conservative alternative
      • Key Events and Conflicts:

        • Strikes and protests for better wages and working conditions
        • Violent clashes with Pinkerton agents and state militias.
        • Key Figures: Eugene Debs, important leader in the ARU and unionizing movement.
    • The Populist Movement:

      • Farmers' concerns:
        • Farmers struggled with declining crop prices and rising debt.
        • They organized through the Farmers' Alliance before the Populist Party.
      • Core Policies/Beliefs:
        • The Omaha Platform: A call for federal intervention to alleviate the farmers' problem
        • Demands like the coinage of silver, government regulation, and more equitable distribution of wealth.
      • Political Highlights:
        • William Jennings Bryan: 3-time presidential candidate who ran on the Populist platform and spoke out against the gold standard.
        • Populists gained electoral support but did not win major political change.
        • The Populist movement had a significant impact raising awareness about economic inequalities and labor issues.
    • Socialism:

      • Rise of Socialism.
      • Key Figures: Karl Marx, an influential thinker in socialist beliefs.
      • Socialist leaders spoke out against the concentration of wealth and supported labor movements.
      • Formation of the Socialist Party.

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    Explore the pivotal events in Chapter 16, focusing on the dynamics between capital and labor during the Gilded Age. Examine the Great Railroad Strike of 1877 and its impact on workers’ rights and conditions. Understand the shift towards mass production and the rise of economic inequality as management gained power.

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