Gilded Age

Question 1

Period in US History in the late 19th century, from about 1870 to 1900. Term came to use in 1920s after a Mark Twain novel that satirized an era of social problems masked by gold gilding. Overlaps Reconstruction, and is followed by the Progressive Era.

Answer 1

Gilded Age

Question 2

Political faction of Republican party in late 19th century; moderate right-wing group, opponents of Stalwarts. Main issue that divided Half-Breeds and Stalwarts was political patronage; half-breeds favored civil service reform and merit system.

Answer 2

Half Breed

Question 3

Opposite faction of Half-Breeds; led by US Senator Roscoe Conkling. Supported Grant as president and opposed civil service reform.

Answer 3

Stalwarts

Question 4

Article written by Andrew Carnegie in June 1889 that said that new upper class of self made (rich) men were obliged to be philanthropic.

Answer 4

Gospel of Wealth

Question 5

Post Civil War strategy of appealing to voters by recalling the passions and hardships of war. Used mostly by Radical Republicans

Answer 5

Bloody Shirts

Question 6

Widely used in the South from Reconstruction to the 1930s. Sharecroppers and tenant farmers who didn’t own their land could buy supplies, food, etc. using credit of their cotton crop.

Answer 6

Crop-Lien System

Question 7

Also called a progressive assembly; manufacturing process in which parts are added to the product as it moves from workstation to workstation until the assembly is complete.

Answer 7

Assembly Line

Question 8

Large partnerships formed by competing companies to strengthen their control over the market without violating anti-monopoly law.

Answer 8

Trust

Question 9

Theory that people, groups, and races are subject to the same laws of natural selection that Charles Darwin had observed in plants and animals

Answer 9

Social Darwinism

Question 10

Policy of minimum governmental interference in the economic affairs of individuals and society.

Answer 10

Laissez-faire Capitalism

Question 11

Era of widespread social activism and political reform across the US from the 1890s-1920s (followed Gilded Age);

Answer 11

Progressive

Question 12

Self-made steel tycoon; one of the wealthiest businessmen of 18th century, who later dedicated his life to philanthropy. Originally from Scotland. Sold his business in 1901 and spent rest of his life helping others.

Answer 12

Andrew Carnegie

Question 13

Founder of Standard Oil Company; become one of the world’s wealthiest men and major philanthropist (donated over $500 million during his lifetime). US Supreme Court found Standard Oil in violation of anti-trust laws and forced it to dissolve.

Answer 13

John D. Rockefeller

Question 14

American engineer and industrialist. Designed the Pullman sleeping car, and founded a company town for those who manufactured it. He also hired African-American men to staff the cars, called Pullman porters, who were known for providing elite service.

Answer 14

George Pullman

Question 15

German born editorial cartoonist; considered “Father of the American cartoon”. Instrumental in bringing down Boss Tweed political machine.

Answer 15

Thomas Nast

Question 16

The steel industry was dominated by this company. The owner invested in technological advancements that greatly sped up the steelmaking process. Steel mills expanded, resulting in a larger work force of unskilled laborers.

Answer 16

Carnegie Steel

Question 17

Carnegie Steel was sold in 1901 to the United States Steel Corporation, which was set up by Pierpont Morgan. It sold for $480 million; Carnegie got $226 million in the sale. It produced 66% of America’s steel and 30% of the world’s steel.

Answer 17

U.S. Steel

Question 18

A derogatory term for unscrupulous and unethical businessmen in the late 19th/early 20th centuries

Answer 18

Robber Baron

Question 19

Exists when a single person or enterprise is the only supplier of a particular commodity. Rockefeller, Morgan and Carnegie all held one over their respective industries during the Gilded Age.

Answer 19

Monopoly

Question 20

18th President
He chose non-politicians for his cabinet members (to avoid controversy)
Relied on army & legislation to enforce federal law in the South; fought voter discrimination; arrested klansmen
Promised to work toward “the proper treatment of the original occupants of this land – the Indians.” (200 battles were fought with Native American tribes during his presidency.)
Widespread corruption and nepotism during his presidency
He was a beloved war hero, but not a good president. He did not run for a 3rd term.

Answer 20

Ulysses S. Grant

Question 21

19th President
He had been successful governor of Ohio; argued for equal rights for all
He was elected as part of an agreement – removal of troops from the South – ending reconstruction
Wanted to end the spoils system (unsuccessful)
Native American policy – focused on assimilation into white culture (many tribes did not want to be moved to reservations)
Granted the army power to pursue bandits on the Texas border, even if it meant crossing into Mexico

Answer 21

Rutherford B. Hayes

Question 22

20th President
Advocated civil service reforms; fought against the spoils system
He believed that the key to improving the lives of African Americans was through education provided by the federal government. (He did not receive support.) He did appoint several African Americans to prominent positions.
Promoted freer trade (especially within the western hemisphere).
Shot by Charles J. Guiteau (a disgruntled office seeker)
Died after 11 weeks in intensive care

Answer 22

James A. Garfield

Question 23

21st President
Signed the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act into law (positions would be based on merit)
Signed the Immigration Act of 1882 (excluded mentally ill, intellectually disabled, criminals, or any other persons possibly dependent upon public assistance).
Signed the Chinese Exclusion Act which banned Chinese immigrants for 10 years
He was diagnosed with Brights’ disease; news of the illness was released
He was not elected to a second term

Answer 23

Chester A. Arthur