Gilded Age Flashcard

Front

What role did Thomas Edison play in the modern age of electricity?

Back

He developed electrical generators, light bulbs, and the first commercial power system.

Answer explanation

Thomas Edison significantly advanced the modern age of electricity by developing electrical generators, light bulbs, and the first commercial power system, which laid the foundation for widespread electrical use.

Front

What were political machines?

Back

Powerful organizations that controlled local city governments.

Answer explanation

Political machines were powerful organizations that dominated local city governments, often using patronage and corruption to maintain control and influence over political processes.

Front

How did Tammany Hall increase its control?

Back

By helping Irish immigrants gain political power

Answer explanation

Tammany Hall increased its control by helping Irish immigrants gain political power, which allowed them to influence elections and policies, solidifying Tammany's dominance in New York City politics.

Front

What was a common issue with political machines like Tammany Hall?

Back

They were full of corruption

Answer explanation

Political machines like Tammany Hall were notorious for their corruption, engaging in bribery and manipulation to maintain power and control over political processes, making 'They were full of corruption' the correct choice.

Front

popularized Bessemer process, controlled the steel industry

Back

Carnegie

Answer explanation

Andrew Carnegie popularized the Bessemer process, which revolutionized steel production, allowing for mass production and lower costs. He became a dominant figure in the steel industry, making him the correct answer.

Front

What did Andrew Carnegie do with most of his fortune before he died?

Back

He gave away almost 90% of it

Answer explanation

Andrew Carnegie was known for his philanthropy, giving away almost 90% of his fortune to various causes, including libraries and education, before he died. This choice reflects his belief in using wealth for the greater good.

Front

What was a common issue faced by Irish immigrants in America?

Back

Discrimination for being Catholic

Answer explanation

Irish immigrants often faced discrimination for being Catholic, particularly in a predominantly Protestant America. This prejudice affected their social integration and access to jobs and housing.

Front

What was the transcontinental railroad?

Back

A railroad line connecting the east and west coasts of the United States

Answer explanation

The transcontinental railroad was a significant infrastructure project that connected the east and west coasts of the United States, facilitating trade and travel across the country. This makes the first answer choice correct.

Front

What did the Dawes Act do to the tribal lands of Native Americans?

Back

Broke them up into individual plots

Answer explanation

The Dawes Act aimed to assimilate Native Americans by breaking up tribal lands into individual plots, promoting private land ownership and reducing communal land holdings.

Front

What technique was used by farmers to deal with periods of drought on the Great Plains?

Back

Dry farming

Answer explanation

Farmers on the Great Plains used dry farming techniques to conserve moisture in the soil during droughts. This method involves minimal tillage and planting crops that require less water, making it effective in arid conditions.