The Gilded Age Review

Front

Purpose of the Pendleton Civil Service Act?

Back

To eliminate political patronage by requiring merit-based exams

Answer explanation

The Pendleton Civil Service Act aimed to reduce political patronage by instituting merit-based exams for government jobs, ensuring that positions were filled based on qualifications rather than political connections.

Front

Which innovation most contributed to the growth of railroads and skyscrapers during the Gilded Age?

Back

Bessemer steel process

Answer explanation

The Bessemer steel process revolutionized steel production, making it cheaper and more efficient. This innovation enabled the construction of stronger railroads and skyscrapers, driving urbanization and industrial growth during the Gilded Age.

Front

The “New Immigrants” who arrived between 1880–1920 were primarily - ?

Back

Catholic & Jewish immigrants from Southern & Eastern Europe

Answer explanation

The "New Immigrants" from 1880-1920 were mainly Catholic and Jewish individuals from Southern and Eastern Europe, contrasting with earlier waves of immigrants who were primarily English-speaking Protestants from Northern Europe.

Front

A major cause of nativism during the Gilded Age was - ?

Back

the belief that immigrants were taking jobs from native-born workers

Answer explanation

During the Gilded Age, nativism was fueled by the belief that immigrants were taking jobs from native-born workers, leading to resentment and a push for policies favoring those born in the U.S.

Front

What was one direct effect of the Dawes Act (1887)?

Back

Native Americans were encouraged to assimilate

Answer explanation

The Dawes Act aimed to assimilate Native Americans into American society by promoting individual land ownership, which undermined their communal living and cultural practices, thus encouraging assimilation.

Front

Which factor contributed MOST to rapid urbanization in the late 1800s?

Back

Growth of industry & job opportunities

Answer explanation

The growth of industry in the late 1800s created numerous job opportunities, attracting people to urban areas for work. This influx significantly contributed to rapid urbanization during that period.

Front

Why did labor unions such as the Knights of Labor and AFL form during the late 1800s?

Back

To address poor working conditions & low wages

Answer explanation

Labor unions like the Knights of Labor and AFL formed in the late 1800s primarily to address poor working conditions and low wages, advocating for workers' rights and better labor standards.

Front

Which term describes a person who used ruthless tactics to build wealth but also engaged in philanthropy?

Back

Robber Baron

Answer explanation

The term 'Robber Baron' refers to individuals who used exploitative practices to amass wealth, often at the expense of others, yet some also engaged in philanthropy, contributing to society despite their ruthless methods.

Front

What was the significance of the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882?

Back

It was the first major law to restrict immigration based on nationality

Answer explanation

The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 was significant as it marked the first major law in the U.S. to restrict immigration based on nationality, specifically targeting Chinese laborers and setting a precedent for future immigration laws.

Front

Which photographer exposed the harsh conditions of tenement life in How the Other Half Lives?

Back

Jacob Riis

Answer explanation

Jacob Riis exposed the harsh conditions of tenement life in his book How the Other Half Lives, highlighting the struggles of the urban poor in New York City during the late 19th century.