Gilded Age: wider debates

Question 1

African American wider debate [2]

Answer 1

• Seen as a time of restriction/regression, especially in South
• Others argue there were distant economic, cultural & educational gains

Question 2

Native Americans wider debate [2]

Answer 2

• Some argue NA’s made gains during this period, e.g. Navajo tribe
• Navajo was minority example and most historians support view that during this period NA’s lost their independence

Question 3

Women’s wider debate [2]

Answer 3

• Historians claiming progress focus on political development of the Temperance movement & suffrage campaigns
• Others highlight solid continuities in socio-cultural and economic aspects affected most women

Question 4

Workers wider debate [2]

Answer 4

• Some argue there was a distant improvement with union growth e.g. KOL
• However counter argument explores the limited nature of reforms by gov, who has a close alliance with big businesses leaders- seen in Pullman Strike 1894