Labor Struggles and Social Reform in Post-Civil War America

Following the Civil War, the American economy grew rapidly, leading to increased production and a demand for workers. Between 1900 and 1910, nearly nine million immigrants arrived seeking better lives but faced harsh conditions, long hours, and low wages. Dangerous jobs, such as railway work and mining, resulted in numerous casualties. Workers had limited rights, and strikes were often suppressed. Social reformers and journalists, like Lewis Hine and Upton Sinclair, highlighted these issues, eventually prompting government action to protect workers.

What was a major factor driving the rapid expansion of the American economy after the Civil War?

• The discovery of gold in California

• The rise of the automobile industry

• Increased production rates and demand for workers

• The end of World War I

What was a common experience for many immigrants who came to America between 1900 and 1910?

• They were given free land by the government

• They found immediate wealth and prosperity

• They were primarily involved in the technology sector

• They faced harsh working conditions and low wages

Which group of workers had one of the most dangerous jobs in the early 20th century?

• Office clerks

• Railway workers

• Teachers

• Textile workers

What was a significant issue faced by workers in the early 1900s regarding their rights?

• They had too many holidays

• There were no legal protections for unions

• They were overpaid for their work

• They had too much job security

How did companies typically respond to workers organizing strikes?

• They increased wages

• They ignored the strikes

• They provided better working conditions

• They often broke strikes with hired police or government troops

Who was a notable figure that exposed the horrors of child labor?

• Lewis Hine

• Andrew Carnegie

• Upton Sinclair

• Henry Ford

What was the impact of exposes by journalists and reformers on worker conditions?

• They resulted in the establishment of government agencies to protect workers

• They had no significant impact

• They caused a decrease in immigration

• They led to the closure of many factories