Gilded Age Review Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What characteristics define the Gilded Age?

The defining characteristics of the Gilded Age included individualism, urbanization, new values, art, and forms of entertainment.

How did the growth/expansion of railroads impact America?

The railroads created a tremendous demand for goods and labor and established a huge national market.

Explain the impact of industrialization on life in urban areas.

Industrialization significantly affected living conditions, work opportunities, and social dynamics in urban areas.

Identify positives and negatives of 'Big Business'.

Positives of Big Business include economic growth and job creation; negatives include monopolies and poor labor conditions. Signup and view all the answers

What conditions led to the creation of labor unions?

Workers earned little money, worked long hours, and faced poor working conditions. Signup and view all the answers

How did Laissez-Faire government policies allow for powerful monopolies?

Laissez-Faire policies allowed businesses to operate with little or no government interference. Signup and view all the answers

Was Andrew Carnegie's philanthropy enough to make up for paying workers low wages?

This question invites debate; some say philanthropy does not compensate for poor pay, while others believe in the importance of charitable giving. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Populists seek economic and political equality?

Populists aimed for reforms that would address the economic disparities and political corruption affecting the working class. Signup and view all the answers

How did scientific discoveries and technological innovations affect the economic development of the U.S.?

Discoveries like electricity and innovations such as the telephone, oil, and steel propelled economic growth and industrialization. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the optimism of the immigrants seeking new life in America.

Immigrants were optimistic about opportunities for economic advancement, freedom, and a better life. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Americans leave rural areas and move to urban centers?

Americans moved to urban centers for job opportunities, better living standards, and access to services. Signup and view all the answers

How did 'Political Machines' benefit and harm their communities/cities?

Political machines organized communities but also engaged in corruption, leading to mixed consequences. Signup and view all the answers

How did the Transcontinental Railroad and Homestead Act contribute to the closing of the frontier?

They facilitated westward expansion, promoting settlement and development in previously uninhabited lands. Signup and view all the answers

Why did America seek to assimilate American Indians and immigrants into American culture?

To promote national unity and eliminate cultural differences deemed as obstacles to progress. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Characteristics of the Gilded Age

Era of rapid economic and population growth in the U.S. post-Civil War and post-Reconstruction.
Defined by individualism, urbanization, new cultural values, innovation in arts, and various entertainment forms.

Impact of Railroads on America

Railroads created significant demand for goods and labor, stimulating economic growth.
Established a national market, facilitating trade and commerce across states.

Impact of Industrialization on Urban Life

Shifted populations from rural areas to cities, leading to urban overcrowding.
Led to changes in living conditions, often resulting in poor housing and sanitation.

Positives and Negatives of Big Business

Positives: Economic growth, job creation, technological advancements.
Negatives: Exploitation of workers, monopolistic practices, wealth inequality.

Conditions Leading to Labor Unions

Workers faced low wages, long hours, and poor working conditions, prompting collective action for better rights.

Laissez-Faire Policies and Monopolies

Minimal government intervention in business allowed monopolies to thrive, reducing competition and consumer choice.

Andrew Carnegie's Philanthropy and Labor Practices

Carnegie's philanthropic efforts raised questions about the ethics of wealth distribution versus the impact of low wages on workers' lives.

Populist Movement Goals

Seek economic and political equality for farmers and laborers, advocating for reforms to address inequality.

Impact of Scientific Discoveries on Economic Development

Innovations such as electricity, the telephone, oil, and steel fueled industrial growth and transformed everyday life.

Immigrants' Optimism in America

Immigrants were motivated by prospects of better life, opportunities for work, and the promise of freedom.

Migration from Rural Areas to Urban Centers

Economic opportunities, industrial jobs, and improved living standards in cities attracted rural residents.

Influence of Political Machines

Political machines organized support for political parties, providing both assistance and corruption in urban governance.

Role of the Transcontinental Railroad and Homestead Act

The railroad facilitated westward expansion and settlement, while the Homestead Act provided land to encourage farming.

Assimilation of American Indians and Immigrants

Efforts to integrate diverse groups into American culture aimed to unify the nation and suppress cultural differences.

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Description

This quiz focuses on the defining characteristics of the Gilded Age, including individualism, urbanization, and new cultural values. It highlights significant developments, such as the expansion of railroads, that influenced American society in the late 19th century. Prepare to test your knowledge about this transformative period in U.S. history.