Gilded Age Review

History: Gilded Age

100

The Gilded Age in the U.S. roughly spanned from:

1870s to early 1900s

200

The term "Gilded Age" comes from:

 Mark Twain

300

Which was NOT a characteristic of the Gilded Age?

Equal distribution of wealth

400

What business practice involves buying out competitors?

Horizontal integration. 

500

The Sherman Antitrust Act was intended to:

Prevent monopolies

Key Figures and Things

100

Name two prominent industrialists of the Gilded Age.

• Andrew Carnegie
• John D. Rockefeller
• J.P. Morgan
• Cornelius Vanderbilt

200

What was the Pendleton Act of 1883? (Civil Service Act). 

The Pendleton Act of 1883 was a federal law that established the civil service system, requiring government jobs to be awarded on merit rather than political affiliation.

300

Explain "horizontal integration" vs. "vertical integration."

• Horizontal integration: Buying out or merging with competitors in the same industry
• Vertical integration: Controlling all aspects of production, from raw materials to finished products

400

Describe the main ideas of the Populist Party platform.

• Government ownership of railroads and telegraphs
• Free and unlimited coinage of silver
• A graduated income tax
• Direct election of U.S. Senators
• An eight-hour workday

500

How did the Gilded Age influence the Progressive Era?

• Highlighting social and economic issues that needed reform
• Inspiring muckraking journalism to expose corruption
• Motivating political leaders to address wealth inequality
• Encouraging labor reforms and workers' rights movements
• Sparking interest in trust-busting and regulating big business

Political Issues

100

What was the "Spoils System" and how did it impact American politics?

• The Spoils System: A practice where a political party, upon winning an election, gives government jobs to its supporters as a reward for working toward victory.
• Impact: It led to widespread corruption and inefficiency in government, as many officials were appointed based on political loyalty rather than merit or qualifications.

200

Different perspectives on industrialists' legacy might include... (negatives vs. positives)

• Positive: Job creation, economic growth, technological innovation, philanthropy
• Negative: Exploitation of workers, environmental damage, political corruption, wealth inequality

300

What message is conveyed by a political cartoon?

• Satire: The use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to criticize people's vices or failings, particularly in the context of contemporary politics and other topical issues.
• Role in political cartoons: Satire allows cartoonists to critique powerful figures or institutions, highlight social issues, and provoke thought or action in a memorable and often humorous way

400

Political cartoons typically convey messages such as...

• Criticism of government policies or actions
• Commentary on social or economic issues
• Exposure of corruption or hypocrisy
• Highlighting of inequalities or injustices
• Promotion of specific political viewpoints or ideologies

500

Impact of corruption in Gilded Age politics:

• Undermined public trust in government institutions
• Led to inefficient allocation of resources and public funds
• Allowed powerful business interests to influence legislation and policy
• Resulted in the neglect of social issues and the needs of common citizens
• Sparked reform movements and calls for greater government accountability

Random

100

Name two significant inventions of the Gilded Age. 

• Telephone (1876): Revolutionized long-distance communication
• Light bulb (1879): Extended productive hours and improved quality of life

200

How did the invention of the light bulb impact daily life and industry?

• People could work longer hours
• Improved safety in factories and mines

300

Who was Lewis Hine?

• Hine was hired by the National Child Labor Committee in 1908 to document child labor practices
• His photographs provided visual evidence of dangerous and exploitative working conditions

400

Who is Andrew Carnegie?

1. Built a vast steel empire
2. Became one of America's wealthiest individuals
3. Employed vertical integration in his business practices

500

What is Sherman Antitrust Act?

A landmark piece of legislation aimed at limiting monopolies and promoting competition in business.

Movements and events

100

What was the Knights of Labor?

• The Knights of Labor was one of the first major labor organizations in the United States, founded in 1869.

200

Describe the key events of the Haymarket Riot.

• Haymarket Riot (May 4, 1886):
  • Occurred during a labor demonstration in Chicago's Haymarket Square
  • Began as a peaceful rally in support of workers striking for an 8-hour workday
  • An unknown person threw a dynamite bomb at police, who then opened fire
  • Resulted in deaths of both police officers and civilians

300

Explain what happened during the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire.

• Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire (March 25, 1911):
  • Occurred in a New York City garment factory
  • Fire spread rapidly due to flammable materials and poor safety conditions
  • Many workers, mostly young immigrant women, were trapped due to locked doors and inadequate fire escapes
  • 146 workers died, many jumping from high floors to escape the flames

400

How did the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire impact labor laws and workplace safety regulations?

• Formation of the New York State Factory Investigating Commission
• Passage of numerous new factory safety laws in New York and other states
• Improved fire safety regulations, including requirements for sprinkler systems and fire drills
• Strengthened building codes and occupancy limits
• Enhanced enforcement of existing labor laws
• Increased support for labor unions and workers' rights movements

500

Compare and contrast the long-term effects of the Haymarket Riot and the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire on the American labor movement.

Haymarket Riot:

• Initially setback the labor movement due to anti-anarchist and anti-immigrant sentiment
• Contributed to the rise of more moderate labor unions like the American Federation of Labor

Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire:

• Strengthened the progressive movement and women's rights advocacy
• Helped shift public opinion in favor of government regulation of business

Both events:

• Contributed to the long-term growth and development of the American labor movement
• Demonstrated the need for government intervention in workplace conditions