Immigration
What was Ellis Island? Where was it located?
Immigration station of the East coast in New York City.
Define a political machine?
A political machine is a political organization in which a central party boss and other leaders control a group of supporters, often by providing jobs, social services, and favors to voters in exchange for their political loyalty and votes.
Define a captain of industry?
the head or owner of a large, successful industrial firm, particularly one viewed as a positive leader who contributed to society through innovation, job creation, economic growth, and philanthropy
What does industrialization mean
business leader who used unethical or exploitative methods to accumulate wealth and power.
What does urban mean? What does rural mean?
City. Country
What was Angel Island? Where was it located?
Immigration station on the West coast (California)
What crime(s) did Boss Tweed commit in New York City?
Boss Tweed's main crime was embezzlement and political corruption, resulting in the theft of millions of dollars from New York City taxpayers through the Tammany Hall political machine he controlled.
What is a monopoly?
the exclusive possession or control of the supply of or trade in a commodity or service.
What invention allowed people to work longer hours? Who made it?
Light bulb. Thomas Edison
What was the Bessemer Process
Decreased the time it took to produce steel.
Describe the living and working conditions of immigrants during the Gilded Age.
Answers will vary.
What was the patronage/ spoils system?
Patronage, also known as the spoils system, is the practice of a political victor rewarding political supporters with government jobs or contracts, rather than selecting the most qualified individuals.
Define Robber Baron?
business leader who used unethical or exploitative methods to accumulate wealth and power.
What does urbanization mean?
the increase in the proportion of people living in towns and cities. Urbanization occurs because people move from rural areas (countryside) to urban areas (towns and cities).
What was the Homestead Act?
provided that any adult citizen, or intended citizen, who had never borne arms against the U.S. government could claim 160 acres of surveyed government land. Claimants were required to live on and “improve” their plot by cultivating the land.
What was the Chinese Exclusion Act?
Forbade Chinese immigrants from gaining citizenship.
What was the Pendleton Civil Service Act?
The act mandates that most positions within the federal government should be awarded on the basis of merit instead of political patronage.
What does laissez faire mean in terms of government?
A hands off approach by the government in business.
Why were labor unions formed during the Gilded Age?
To promote better working conditions, wages, hours, etc.
What was the Transcontinental Railroad? Why was it so important?
Railroad that connected the east coast to the west coast. Allow for faster transportation of goods and information.
What characteristics made it easier for "Old" immigrants to assimilate into American culture than "New" immigrants
"Old" immigrants were typically white, Protestant, could read, knew more English, had a specific trade.
Who exposed Boss Tweed for his crimes? How did he do it and why was it successful?
Thomas Nast. He exposed him through political cartoons. Most people could not read, but everyone could analyze a photo.
Provide two examples of a captain of industry/robber baron during the Gilded Age. Explain which category each person would belong in.
Answers will vary.
What was the primary reason for factory owners to prefer unskilled workers over skilled workers during the Industrial Revolution?
Unskilled workers were less expensive to hire and train for repetitive specialized tasks.
Who coined the term "Gilded"Age? What was its significance?
Mark Twain. Gilded was meant to showcase how on the outside the U.S. seemed golden but on the inside things were not great.