Gilded Age Quiz: Test Your Knowledge with Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What did Mark Twain refer to as the 'Gilded Age'?

A period of agricultural prosperity and wealth distribution

An era of political stability and social equality

A period of extremes with vast fortunes for a few and squalor for many (correct)

A time of great technological advancements in the United States

What transformation occurred in the American economy by 1900?

Rise of small-scale artisan businesses

Increase in the number of mega-farms

Shift from farm-based to factory-based economy (correct)

Transition from manufacturing to agricultural economy

What characterized manufacturing in the Second Industrial Revolution?

Greater focus on employee well-being and satisfaction

Increasing reliance on machines and unskilled labor (correct)

Continued emphasis on skilled artisanal work

Shift towards decentralized small-scale production

How were injured, ill, or dissatisfied workers viewed in the factories of the Second Industrial Revolution?

Easily replaceable due to the influx of immigrants Signup and view all the answers

What effect did innovations in technology, materials, and management have on industry during the Second Industrial Revolution?

Transformed small operations into massive enterprises Signup and view all the answers

Who enjoyed vast fortunes and fabulous mansions during the Gilded Age?

Tycoons like J. P. Morgan Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary source of livelihood for most Americans in the mid-1800s?

Farming Signup and view all the answers

What was the average annual income of a male, non-farm employee in the year 1900?

$483 Signup and view all the answers

How much did the young girl in the cotton mill earn per day according to the photographer Lewis Hine?

48 cents Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the worst industrial accidents in American history that took place in a factory?

Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary reason for the decrease in child labor near the end of the period?

Introduction of 'scientific management' Signup and view all the answers

What was the average workday for industrial employees in 1880?

Ten hours Signup and view all the answers

What was the average annual income of a male immigrant worker in the year 1900?

Less than $483 Signup and view all the answers

How many workers were killed on the job in 1900?

As many as 35,000 Signup and view all the answers

What led to the improvement in working conditions for industrial workers in the mid-1880s?

Formation of labor unions Signup and view all the answers

What was the average annual income of a male, non-farm industrial employee in 1900?

$483 Signup and view all the answers

What event led to the passing of regulations in New York requiring outward-swinging doors and unlocked doors during business hours?

The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary reason for the decrease in child labor during the Second Industrial Revolution?

Expansion of compulsory high school education Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary focus of the labor unions that American workers began organizing in the mid-1880s?

To increase their leverage and improve working conditions Signup and view all the answers

What were the primary challenges faced by industrial laborers in the early 20th century?

Long hours, low pay, and dangerous working conditions Signup and view all the answers

What was the impact of the Second Industrial Revolution on the American economy?

Introduction of white-collar jobs and growth in the middle class Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary reason for the formation of labor unions by American workers?

To increase their leverage and improve working conditions Signup and view all the answers

What led to the creation of a federal department for occupational safety in the United States?

The passing of regulations in New York after the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Impact of Industrialization on American Workers

In 1880, five million Americans were industrial employees, including immigrants, women, and children who were paid less than American men.
The average male, non-farm employee in 1900 made about $483 a year, equivalent to about $13,000 in today's dollars, working six days a week, ten hours a day.
Female immigrants earned less, women might get half that rate, and children were lucky to get a third.
Industrial laborers faced long hours, low pay, and dangerous working conditions with as many as 35,000 workers killed and another million injured on the job in 1900.
The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in 1911 resulted in the death of 146 people, mostly young Jewish and Italian immigrant women.
The fire led to the passing of regulations in New York that required outward-swinging doors and unlocked doors during business hours, ultimately leading to the creation of a federal department for occupational safety.
Industrial workers received almost no protection from the government until the early 20th century, with labor having almost no bargaining power over management.
American workers began organizing labor unions in the mid-1880s to increase their leverage and improve working conditions.
Child labor decreased due to the expansion of compulsory high school education and the introduction of a system called 'scientific management' that aimed to increase factory output.
The Second Industrial Revolution introduced white-collar jobs and growth in the middle class, creating opportunities for skilled workers in designing, fabricating, and overseeing production.
The impact of industrialization was not limited to factory workers, as agricultural laborers faced similar circumstances, whether on their own land, as tenant farmers, or as seasonal employees.
Despite the challenges, working conditions gradually improved in small steps, with the formation of labor unions and the passing of regulations to protect workers.

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Description

Test your knowledge of the Gilded Age with this quiz! Explore the era of extreme wealth and social inequality, and discover the impact of industrialization, immigration, and cultural developments during this pivotal period in American history.

Gilded Age Quiz