US History Period 6: 1865-1898

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Questions and Answers

Explain how government policies during the Gilded Age, such as subsidies for transportation and communication systems, contributed to the economic growth of the United States.

Government subsidies for transportation and communication systems opened new markets in North America, facilitating the movement of goods and people, thereby stimulating economic growth and expansion.

What were the main characteristics of the ‘Gilded Age’ economy and what were the major factors behind its development?

The Gilded Age economy was characterized by a focus on consumption, marketing, and business consolidation, driven by large-scale production, technological innovation, and pro-growth government policies, resulting in significant economic growth.

Describe how the industrial workforce expanded in the late 19th century, and discuss the consequences of this expansion.

The industrial workforce expanded through both domestic and international migration, leading to increased diversity in the labor force and downward pressure on wages. It also contributed to a rise in child labor.

What were the key economic and social differences between the North and the South in the late 19th century?

The North experienced significant industrialization, while the South remained largely agricultural, with a reliance on sharecropping and tenant farming systems. These differences led to economic disparities and social tensions between the regions. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the concept of “conspicuous consumption” and how it impacted American society in the Gilded Age.

Conspicuous consumption refers to the extravagant spending by wealthy individuals to demonstrate their status and wealth. It highlighted the growing gap between the rich and the poor, and contributed to the rise of consumerism in the United States. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the relationship between the rise of big business and the expansion of U.S. influence overseas.

As big businesses in the United States sought new markets and resources, they increasingly looked outside U.S. borders, leading to American expansionism in the Pacific, Asia, and Latin America. Signup and view all the answers

How did the development of monopolies affect the American economy and society in the late 19th century?

Monopolies led to consolidation of wealth and power in the hands of a select few, diminishing competition and contributing to economic inequalities. They also raised concerns about corporate control and the potential for manipulation of the market. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the main issues that labor and management clashed over during the Gilded Age, and explain why these conflicts arose.

Labor and management clashed primarily over wages, working conditions, and the control of labor processes. These conflicts emerged due to the growing inequalities between workers and employers, and the lack of government regulation of labor practices. Signup and view all the answers

What were the main factors that led to the reduction of American Indian populations and the threat to native cultures in the late 19th century?

The completion of transcontinental railroads, U.S. military actions, the destruction of the buffalo, the confinement of American Indians to reservations, and assimilationist policies all contributed to the reduction of American Indian populations and the threat to native cultures. Signup and view all the answers

How did the competition for land in the West contribute to conflict?

The competition for land in the West led to violent conflict among white settlers, Indians, and Mexican Americans due to differing claims and goals for the territory. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the U.S. government's approach to American Indian resistance.

The U.S. government typically responded to American Indian resistance with military force, eventually dispersing tribes onto small reservations and hoping to assimilate them, aiming to end their tribal identities. Signup and view all the answers

What were some key economic issues that dominated Gilded Age politics?

Key economic issues in Gilded Age politics included tariffs, currency, corporate expansion, and laissez-faire economic policy, sparking calls for reform. Signup and view all the answers

How did corruption in government during the Gilded Age fuel public demand for reform?

Corruption in government, particularly as it related to big business, fueled public demand for reform, leading to calls for increased popular control and changes to local, state, and national governments. Signup and view all the answers

What role did racist and nativist theories play in the Gilded Age?

Racist and nativist theories, as well as Supreme Court decisions like Plessy v. Ferguson, were used to justify violence and discrimination, leading to local and national policies of segregation. Signup and view all the answers

How did cultural and intellectual movements of the Gilded Age both support and challenge the social order?

Cultural and intellectual arguments justified the success of those at the top of the socioeconomic structure, but some leaders argued that the wealthy had an obligation to help the less fortunate, challenging aspects of the social order. Signup and view all the answers

What were some examples of how groups challenged the dominant corporate ethic and capitalism in the Gilded Age?

Critics of the dominant corporate ethic and capitalism offered alternative visions of a good society through movements like utopianism and the Social Gospel. Signup and view all the answers

Describe two ways in which the economic changes of the late 19th century impacted farmers.

Farmers faced the challenges of mechanized agriculture, relying more heavily on the evolving railroad system for transportation and distribution. They also confronted the growing power of corporations in agricultural markets, leading to attempts to resist corporate control through local and regional organizations. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how the Populist Party emerged as a response to the economic and social changes of the late 19th century.

The Populist Party formed in response to the economic instability in the farming sector and the growing influence of corporations. The party called for government intervention to address these issues and promote greater economic fairness. Signup and view all the answers

What were some of the major tensions that arose between conservationists and corporate interests during this period?

Conservationists advocated for public control over natural resources like land and water, while corporate interests sought to exploit these resources for profit. This led to conflicts over the expansion of national parks and other conservation measures. Signup and view all the answers

Explain two ways in which urban areas reflected the social divisions of the late 19th century.

Cities were characterized by stark class divisions, with wealthy elites residing in affluent neighborhoods while working-class populations lived in crowded and often impoverished areas. Cities also exhibited racial and ethnic segregation, with immigrants and minorities often facing discrimination and limited opportunities. Signup and view all the answers

How did immigrants and women attempt to navigate the challenges of industrialization and urban life?

Immigrants sought to adapt to American culture while preserving their own heritage. Women, along with some African Americans, found new career opportunities despite widespread prejudice. Many also participated in organizations that promoted intellectual and social reform. Signup and view all the answers

What role did political machines and settlement houses play in assisting immigrants and the urban poor?

Political machines provided social services to immigrants and the poor in exchange for political support. Settlement houses helped immigrants adapt to the new language, customs, and urban environment. Signup and view all the answers

Identify one example from the text of how the United States experienced increased migration from Asia in the late 19th century.

The text mentions increased migrations from Asia, which contributed to the growth of urban populations and the development of new boomtowns in the West. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how the growth of corporations in agriculture and economic instability in the farming sector impacted rural communities in the late 19th century.

Corporate control over agricultural markets eroded the independence of farmers, leading to economic anxieties and social unrest. These changes contributed to the emergence of the Populist movement, which sought to address the concerns of rural communities. Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Gilded Age

A period marked by industrial growth, consumption, and business consolidation in the U.S.

Monopolies

Corporations that gain exclusive control over a market, often limiting competition.