Chapter 19 InQuizitive

America's prosperity and the promise of political and religious freedom attracted waves of new immigrants. What percentage of urban residents in major cities were foreign born at the beginning of the twentieth century?

30 percent

Identify some of the elements that shaped the political climate during the Gilded Age, as well as how they contributed to the political stalemate.

Politics was dominated by party bosses who used political machines and patronage to turn out voters. The two major parties avoided issues that could negatively affect the party because neither party was politically dominant during this period. The Republican and Democratic parties were nearly equal in political strength. National political parties exercised more power because of the central role that politics played in the lives of most Americans. Voter participation in the political process was very high.

Put the following events of the Gilded Age in chronological order.

Prez Hayes attempts... The Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act... Sen. Blaine of Maine... The Mugwumps... Dem. Cleveland prez...

The following events occurred as part of the financial debate between advocates of "sound money" policies and supporters of an expansion of the money supply. Put the events in chronological order to illustrate how the money question became the most important political issue of the late nineteenth century.

Sherman Silver purchase act People's party platform of 1892 Panic of 1893 Prison Cleavon convincing Congress to return the nation's money supply solely gold standard by repealing the Sherman Silver purchase act Democratic nomination of the Pro Silver Brian as its presidential candidate McKinley inaugurated as president

In the post-Civil War era, what were some of the circumstances that contributed to the difficult economic conditions for farmers in the South and the Great Plains?

The decline in the money supply made it difficult to pay off their debts. They had to buy manufactured goods protected by tariffs while simultaneously selling their crops on the open market. The development of national and international market economies forced farmers to pay high shipping and storage fees. Increased competition from national and international producers increased the food supply while lowering food prices.

In what ways did the emergence of new scientific theories influence the rise of cultural forces such as realism?

The facts offered by science influenced a less romantic perspective of human life. Science generated a newfound focus on the value of things that could be observed and calculated, including their everyday surroundings.

Analyze the painting below. A painting of two men boxing in a ring surrounded by spectators. The paintings features are blurry and muddled, and the palette is very dark except for the two boxing men. Click on the image to enlarge. What does George Bellows's Stag at Sharkey's reveal about life in the early twentieth century?

The realist emphasis on closely observing everyday reality grew out of the scientific spirit. Art depicted the realities of everyday life, not romanticized versions of it. Spectator sports were popular.

What role did saloons play in urban life, and what types of customers usually frequented these destinations?

They provided an environment for men to engage in political discussion. They served as social clubs for working men. They provided refuge for the homeless.

Sherman Anti-Trust Act

This passed in 1890 to prohibit companies from establishing monopolies in their industries.

Speaking of campaign contributions to members of Congress, a California railroad tycoon said, "If you have to pay money to have the right thing done, then it is only just and fair to do it." This quotation illustrates which of the following aspects of Gilded Age politics?

Corruption was a regular feature of American politics. The wealth of "robber barons" allowed them to buy favors from legislators and government officials.

True False: The Granger movement subsided and was largely replaced by the Farmers' Alliances as the latter focused more on political action and increasing the power of farmers nationally, in addition to the social and educational functions of the Granger movement.

True The Farmers' Alliances served as a way for farmers to address the issues of "chronic indebtedness, declining crop prices, and devastating droughts" in a way that the Granger movement had not been able to do. Ultimately, it served to amplify the voices of farmers across the nation in Congress and in numerous state legislatures.

old immigrants

generally Protestants and Roman Catholics mainly from northern and western Europe

new immigrants

generally practiced Judaism, Roman Catholicism, and Eastern Orthodox religions seen by some as seeking to make money and then return to their home country mainly from southern and eastern Europe

Business magnates like John D. Rockefeller exercised absolute control over some industries through monopolies, much like the way royalty in some European nations controlled entire kingdoms. Click on the features in the political cartoon below that allude to this monarchical power.

globe in right hand, sitting on oil drum, crown on head

In his book Dynamic Sociology, Frank Ward focuses his attention on the - and its various functions for human interaction and adaptation. Ward argued that humans, like animals, compete with one another, but also have the ability to - with each other and plan for future events. They are not simply idle subjects of -, but play an active role in "shaping and directing social change." Ward directly challenged Spencer's - by claiming that cooperation, not competition, would advance society, and his ideas came to be called -.

human brain collaborate evolutionary forces Social Darwinism Reform Darwinism

John Sloan's 1911 painting Wet Night on the Bowery illustrates which of the following changes in turn-of-the-century American culture? This scene of early twentieth-century life in New York City captures people of all walks of life converging on a rainy night: a smartly dressed society woman (left), a prostitute (center), and drunks stumbling about further down the block. Running overhead is the elevated train, while an electric trolley gleams from the wet street. Click on the image to enlarge.

the growth of urbanism the shift from romanticism to realism in American art and culture the impact of the scientific spirit on all aspects of American culture

Why did millions of Americans migrate from the country to the city during the Gilded Age?

New industries in the cities created abundant job opportunities that attracted many individuals who sought work. A reduced demand for farm labor pushed many rural workers to find work in the city. Many migrants sought to escape the monotony of the countryside and experience the cultural excitement of the city.

What were some of the duties and responsibilities of party bosses?

Party bosses distributed contracts to financial supporters and government jobs to loyal members of their ring. Party bosses provided financial assistance to the needy. Party bosses organized campaign workers.

Bland-Allison Act

Passed in 1878, it expanded the nation's money supply through an increase of silver coins.

Developments in - allowed people to live farther from work as railways and -provided easier access to downtown workplaces. An expanding - took advantage of these commuter trains and trolleys and lived in quieter neighborhoods or -. Poor, working-class city dwellers, especially immigrants and -, did not have the means to live in these suburban areas.

transportation streetcars middle class "streetcar suburbs" African Americans

Identify some of the types of people who consistently voted for the Democratic party.

southern whites northern Catholics new immigrants

bankers, moneylenders

supported a "sound money" monetary policy that focused on restricting the money supply

farmers, debtors, ranchers

supported the expansion of the money supply

While voter participation was high during the Gilded Age, the two parties often had few substantive differences on the issues. Instead, ethnic, religious, and geographic divisions were often the key factors that determined party loyalty. Identify some of the types of people who consistently voted for the Republican party.

African Americans Americans of British Protestant ancestry Union Civil War veterans those who wished to restrict the sale of alcoholic beverages

True False: The growth of cities, and its associated problems like overcrowding, were confined to the Northeast and Midwest.

False

President Cleveland's veto of Congress' attempt to provide seeds to Texas farmers was a testament to his devotion to the spoils system.

False This 1887 veto represented Cleveland's philosophy of limiting the role of government in social and economic situations; it was not an attempt to compensate party loyalists. Mainstream politicians' failure to use government funds to support struggling farmers helped give rise to new political movements.

How did the Granger movement seek to help farmers across the South and the Great Plains alleviate some of the hardships caused by a shrinking money supply?

It helped farmers organize, develop "cooperatives," and reduce storage and transportation fees. It helped establish Granger laws that provided additional protections to small farmers.

Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act

It imposed a system of competitive tests for the attainment of federal jobs.

McKinley Tariff Act

It protected American businesses from foreign competitors and encouraged domestic companies to raise their prices.

Objections to Darwin's book were rooted in the - of Europeans and Americans who embraced a - interpretation of the Bible. Intense - emerged from Darwin's idea of the - of evolution. To many, Darwin's arguments seemed to suggest that the universe was not controlled by the hand of God, and they feared that his ideas would lead to -.

religious devotion literal debate "trial and error" atheism