INDUSTRIALIZATION (Late 1800s)
What role did natural resources play in late 19th-century industrialization?
Abundant coal iron oil and timber fueled factories railroads and steel production
What was one major social consequence of rapid industrial growth?
Urbanization led to overcrowded cities and poor living conditions
What does the term “Gilded Age” suggest about American society?
Wealth and progress masked deep social and economic problems
What was the main goal of the Progressive Movement?
To reform capitalism and address social and economic problems
How did the 16th Amendment strengthen federal power?
It allowed the federal government to collect income tax
How did railroads encourage rapid industrial growth?
They connected markets lowered transportation costs and encouraged mass production
How did industrialization increase economic inequality?
Wealth concentrated among industrialists while workers earned low wages
How did political machines gain power in cities?
They provided jobs and services in exchange for votes
How did Progressives seek to regulate big business?
Through antitrust laws and federal agencies
Why is the Progressive Era considered only partially successful?
It failed to address racial inequality and segregation
Why did immigration contribute to industrialization?
Immigrants provided cheap labor for factories and mines
Why were labor unions formed during the Gilded Age?
To improve wages hours and working conditions
Why was corruption common in Gilded Age politics?
Weak regulation and close ties between business and government
What role did muckrakers play in progressivism?
They exposed corruption and social problems to the public
How did World War I limit Progressive reforms?
Focus shifted from reform to national security
How did new technology accelerate industrialization?
Innovations like electricity and mechanization increased efficiency and output
What was a negative environmental effect of industrialization?
Pollution from factories and railroads damaged air and water
How did the Sherman Antitrust Act attempt to address monopolies?
It made trusts illegal though it was weakly enforced at first
How did Progressives expand democracy?
Through reforms like the direct election of senators
In what way did Progressivism reduce state power?
Federal agencies began regulating areas once controlled by states
Why was the US government generally supportive of industrial growth?
Laissez-faire policies allowed businesses to grow with little regulation
How did monopolies affect competition?
They eliminated competition and controlled prices
Why did many Americans lose faith in government during this era?
Corruption and favoritism toward big business
Why was conservation important to Progressives like Theodore Roosevelt?
To protect natural resources from overuse by corporations
Overall how successful was the Progressive Movement by 1920?
It expanded federal power and reforms but left major social issues unresolved