The Gilded Age Review

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What is the Gilded Age?

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The Gilded Age refers to a period in American history from the 1870s to about 1900 characterized by rapid economic growth, industrialization, and a stark contrast between wealth and poverty.

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Who was Henry David Thoreau?

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Henry David Thoreau was an American essayist, poet, and philosopher known for his writings on naturalism and civil disobedience, particularly in his work 'Civil Disobedience'.

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What does Thoreau mean by 'civil disobedience'?

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Civil disobedience is the active, professed refusal to obey certain laws, demands, and commands of a government, based on moral grounds.

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What is the significance of Thoreau's statement about imprisonment?

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Thoreau believed that physical imprisonment does not confine the mind or spirit; he was willing to accept jail time to stand up for his beliefs.

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How does Thoreau compare government to a machine?

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Thoreau compares government to a machine that can be fixed or stopped; he suggests that individuals should not blindly follow it but rather critically assess its function.

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What does Thoreau suggest about the role of individuals in government?

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Thoreau suggests that individuals have a moral duty to resist unjust laws and government actions, rather than passively accepting them.

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What is the concept of 'blind obedience' in Thoreau's philosophy?

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Blind obedience refers to the uncritical acceptance of authority and laws without questioning their morality or justice.

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What does Thoreau believe is not a man's duty?

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Thoreau believes it is not a man's duty to eradicate every wrong, but rather to pursue his own contemplations and act according to his conscience.

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What social issue does overcrowding urban tenements represent?

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Overcrowding urban tenements represent the challenges of rapid urbanization during the Gilded Age, including poor living conditions and lack of adequate housing.

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What role did labor unions play during the Gilded Age?

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Labor unions emerged during the Gilded Age to advocate for workers' rights, better wages, and improved working conditions in response to industrial exploitation.