The Rise of Industry

In the United States during the late 1800s, a major population trend was the

• movement of people from the farms to the cities 
• sharp decline in the birthrate 
• decline in the yearly number of immigrants 
• mass migration of people from the North to the South

Which geographic factor had the greatest influence on early patterns of industrialization in the United States?

• scarcity of flat land on which to build factories 
• shortages of timber and coal 
• desire of workers to live in mild climates 
• availability of waterpower to operate machines

Supporters of laissez-faire economics believe that government should

• promote collective bargaining and planning 
• abolish private ownership of the means of production 
• refuse to recognize the corporate form of business structure 
• allow business to function without restrictions

The corporation became a popular form of business organization during the post-Civil War period because it

• enabled corporate executives to supervise daily business activities more closely 
• made it possible for business concerns to raise more capital 
• appealed to farmers anxious to increase production 
• encouraged industrial workers to form business cooperatives

Prior to 1880, the number of immigrants to the United States was not restricted mainly because

• industry owners wanted cheap labor 
• the nations of Europe discouraged immigration 
• the United States birthrate was increasing 
• Congress lacked the power to limit immigration

One factor that furthered industrialization in the United States between 1865 and 1900 was the

• development of the airplane 
• expansion of the railroads 
• mass production of automobiles 
• widespread use of steamboats

One effect of monopolies on the United States economy is that they have tended to

• reduce business competition 
• keep prices low 
• give consumers a greater choice in purchasing goods and services 
• lead to a greater variety in the price for a particular product or service

The term “robber barons” is used to describe many industrialists of the late 19th century mainly because they

• made large charitable donations to worthy causes 
• sought to maximize their profits by eliminating competition and exploiting workers 
• attempted to stimulate the economy by keeping the prices of their products as low as possible 
• opposed the entry of poor and uneducated immigrants into the United States

The Interstate Commerce Act and the Sherman Antitrust Act were passed by Congress to

• increase safety in the workplace 
• promote fair hiring practices 
• improve working conditions 
• protect the interests of small businesses

What is the main idea of this cartoon?

• The Standard Oil Company was a harmful monopoly.
• The best way to develop major industries was to form proprietorships.
• Government regulations were strangling the Standard Oil Company
• Foreign competition in the oil industry was hurting American companies