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Question 1

What were important advantages of industrialization in late nineteenth century America?

Answer 1

-rapid expansion of industries, railroads, more productivity and economic expansion
-technological innovation
-job opportunities
-growth of cities (urbanization) bc of infrastructure development
-mass production=lower costs more accessible

Question 2

What were important disadvantages of industrialization in late nineteenth century America?

Answer 2

-poor working conditions
-child labor and exploitaition
-environmental damage
-wealth inequality and rise of monopolies
-labor strikes seeking better working conditions

Question 3

regarding industrialization- did the good outweigh the bad?

Answer 3

Industrialization transformed the U.S. into a global economic powerhouse, paving the way for innovations that improved everyday life. industrialization laid the groundwork for modern prosperity, but it came at a high cost, particularly for workers and the environment. Many of the worst abuses were eventually addressed through labor laws.

Question 4

How did urban life in America change during the Gilded Age and Progressive Era?

Answer 4

urban life in America changed dramatically due to rapid industrialization, immigration, and social reform efforts.
-industrial growth, Factories, steel mills, and railroads expanded
- rise of big business and monopolies
-expansion of consumer culture
-political changes include labor movements such as the AFL and strikes
-mass immigration, social reform movements, urbanization and overcrowded tenements, women’s rights

Question 5

What were some issues that both Populists and Progressives wanted the government to address?

Answer 5

Both groups opposed powerful monopolies and trusts that controlled industries and influenced government.
Both groups fought for improved working conditions, an eight-hour workday, and protections against child labor. Populists primarily represented rural farmers and struggled to gain national power, Progressives built on some of their ideas and successfully enacted reforms.

Question 6

Why were the Populists considered failures but the Progressives largely successful?

Answer 6

the populist movement struggled to gain widespread support beyond rural areas and the Populists’ focus on rural issues made it harder to appeal to urban voters, who were more concerned with industrialization and labor rights.The issues Progressives tackled, such as political corruption, industrial regulation, and social reforms, resonated with a broader cross-section of American society, including middle-class urbanites.
Although populists achieved some local victories, they lacked the political and financial backing needed for a lasting national influence. The Populists struggled with their ability to unite across regions and class lines, and their agenda was often seen as too radical.

Progressives were more successful in pushing through practical reforms, including the 16th Amendment (income tax), the 17th Amendment (direct election of Senators), the 18th Amendment (Prohibition), the 19th Amendment (women’s suffrage), and various state-level reforms such as workers’ compensation, child labor laws, and improved public health and education.