Topic 1.2 (Labor Unions) Quiz

Which of the following best describes a factor contributing to the rize of labor unions in the United States during the Gilded Age?

• Many workers thought they worked too few hours for too much money.

• Companies were over-regulated and over-taxed.

• Americans perceived that there was a growing gap between the wealthy and the poor.

• Agriculture was becoming the main sector of the U.S. economy.

Which statement most accurately articulates the main idea being expressed in this 1883 cartoon?

• Most workers in the United States can become business owners if they try.

• Industrial capitalists have achieved wealth through their own hard work.

• Social classes arise from the natural differences in the abilities of individuals.

• Capitalists gain wealth by exploiting the working class.

The problem shown in this cartoon was addressed during the late-19th century primarily by the:

• organization of workers into labor unions.

• implementation of the Populist Party platform.

• elimination of child labor.

• increase in immigrant workers.

This song, popularized by the Industrial Workers of the World, best reflects which of these ideas?

• With hard work and determination, anyone can become wealthy.

• If someone you work with is being mistreated, it's best to mind your own business.

• If workers band together through unions, they can negotiate better pay and working conditions.

• Good things come to those who respect authority and do as they are told.

This labor union, under the guidance of its founder Samuel Gompers, focused on collective bargaining and strikes as a tactic, and sought legitimacy by allowing only skilled white male workers.

• The Industrial Workers of the World (IWW)

• The American Federation of Labor (AFL)

• The Knights of Labor (KoL)

• The United Mine Workers (UMW)

What is the main idea being expressed in this cartoon?

• Labor is gaining power over big business.

• Most Americans support the labor movement.

• Industrial capitalists had unfair advantages over labor.

• Government should support the expansion of railroads.

Which of the following labor protests was an attempt by railway workers (led by Eugene V. Debs) to obtain better pay and conditions?

• Ludlow Massacre

• Haymarket Massacre

• Homestead Strike

• Pullman Strike

This map shows the number of Local Assemblies organized by the American Federation of Labor (AFL) from the years 1869 to 1896. Which of the following inferences is best supported by the data presented on this map?

• Union membership was far more prevalent on the West Coast than on the East Coast

• Areas that were less industrialized had higher rates of union membership

• Union membership was higher in areas with a longer-established industrial presence

• Areas with colder climates had more favorable conditions for union organizing

A 'strike' occurs when

• A worker meets with his boss to try to negotiate higher pay, leveraging his rare talents.

• An employee quits her job because she is dissatisfied, finding a better job elsewhere.

• All workers in a workplace collectively agree to stop working until demands are met.

• An employee hits the boss in the face with a krabby patty.

Which of the following is NOT true concerning the labor movement during the Gilded Age?

• Moving from agricultural to industrial life made many workers feel they were now less than 'free', leading them to conclude that they should take actions to fight for their freedom.

• In general, the effort to win union representation for workers in various industries was a peaceful process that seldom ever resulted in violence.

• Widespread conflict between big business owners and workers attempting to unionize led many at the time to think that there was a 'second Civil War' going on.

• While Gilded Age labor unions did lay the groundwork for future successes, they did not succeed in achieving their immediate goals at the time.