The Gilded Age Quiz

Which goal was shared by both the Knights of Labor and the American Federation of Labor?

• to help large corporations to increase their production

• to introduce new and innovative techniques to factories

• to promote immigration of skilled workers from Asia and Europe

• to organize workers to demand better working conditions

In the late 1800's, which factor directly contributed to the growth of the American steel industry?

• government regulation

• employee ownership

• new production techniques

• the formation of labor unions

The Interstate Commerce Act (1877) and the Sherman Antitrust Act (1890) were efforts by the federal government to-

• regulate aspects of business.

• expand the positive features of the trusts.

• favor big business over small companies.

• move toward government ownership of key industries.

In the late 19th century, critics of big business claimed that monopolies in the United States harmed the economy by-

• unfairly limiting competition.

• decreasing the urban growth rate.

• preventing technological innovation.

• failing to keep pace with European industries.

During the late 1800s, what was a major effect of industrialization on American workers?

• Membership in labor unions declined.

• Workers migrated to rural regions.

• Most factory jobs became service industry jobs.

• Skilled craftsmen were often replaced by unskilled machine operators.

What social issue was raised by the philanthropic activities of many American business leaders during the Gilded Age?

• Should private industries be taken over by worker organizations?

• Were American businesses charging too much for their products?

• Should state governments limit the philanthropic activities of private citizens?

• Was it right for business owners to pay low wages to their workers to finance philanthropic activities?

What was an important benefit of the laissez-fair policies of the federal government in the late 19th century?

• American entrepreneurs were able to invest in their businesses with little government interference.

• American businesses were able to avoid the ups and downs of the business cycle.

• American workers found it easy to organize into labor unions.

• American workers felt secure about the safety of conditions in factories.

During the period from 1865 to 1900, disputes between labor and business owners were sometimes marked by-

• the use of violence by both sides.

• cooperative efforts to resolve differences.

• government support for striking workers.

• negotiations by the federal government.

What was the main purpose of the antitrust legislation passed by Congress?

• to promote corporate consolidation

• to restrict foreign access to American markets

• to protect competition between private businesses

• to reduce the average size of business

The statement "God gave me my money. I believe the power to make money is a gift from God to be developed and used for the good of mankind," was probably said by-

• John D. Rockefeller

• Terrance Powderly

• Samuel Gompers

• Thomas Edison