Question 1

Why did the money supply become a major political issue, especially for farmers, during the Gilded Age? How did it impact American politics?

Accepted Answer

During the Gilded Age, the money supply became a major political issue, particularly for farmers, due to the deflationary pressures on the economy. As the economy expanded and industrialized, there was a shortage of money in circulation, which led to a decrease in the prices of agricultural products. This had a significant impact on farmers, who relied on selling their crops to make a living. With falling prices, farmers found it increasingly difficult to pay off their debts and make a profit, leading to widespread economic hardship in rural America.

The impact of the money supply issue on American politics was significant. It led to the formation of the Populist Party, which advocated for an increase in the money supply through the coinage of silver, in addition to gold. This movement gained traction among farmers and other rural Americans who were struggling financially. The issue also divided the Democratic Party, with some members supporting the free coinage of silver, while others, particularly in the urban areas, opposed it.

The debate over the money supply and its impact on farmers also influenced the presidential elections of the time. The Populist Party's platform and support for increasing the money supply played a role in shaping the political landscape and influencing the policies of the major parties. Ultimately, the money supply issue during the Gilded Age had a lasting impact on American politics, leading to significant economic and political reforms in the years that followed.

Question 2

Describe politics in the Gilded Age. What were the main issues? What factors influenced voters to be either Republican or Democrat?

Accepted Answer

The Gilded Age, which lasted from the 1870s to the 1890s, was a time of rapid industrialization, economic growth, and political corruption in the United States. The main issues during this time included economic inequality, labor unrest, immigration, and the role of government in regulating business.

One of the main factors that influenced voters to be either Republican or Democrat during the Gilded Age was their stance on economic policies. Republicans generally supported protective tariffs, a gold standard, and limited government intervention in the economy. They were also seen as the party of big business and industrialists. On the other hand, Democrats tended to favor free trade, a silver standard, and government intervention to protect the rights of workers and farmers. They were often supported by labor unions and agrarian interests.

Another factor that influenced voters was the issue of civil service reform and political corruption. The Republican Party was associated with the spoils system, where government jobs were given to political supporters, while the Democratic Party advocated for civil service reform and an end to political patronage.

Additionally, social and cultural factors also played a role in shaping voter preferences. Religion, ethnicity, and regional differences all influenced party affiliation during this time. For example, many Irish and German immigrants tended to support the Democratic Party, while native-born Protestants were more likely to align with the Republican Party.

Overall, the politics of the Gilded Age were characterized by intense partisanship, corruption, and a focus on economic issues. The divide between Republicans and Democrats was largely based on their differing views on economic policies, government intervention, and civil service reform, as well as social and cultural factors.

Question 3

Who were the Mugwumps?

Accepted Answer

A)  a powerful "political ring" based out of Cincinnati, Ohio, that came to influence national politics 
B)  politicians who wanted to ensure that patronage remained in the hands of Democrats at the national level 
C)  a group of Republicans against James Gillespie Blaine who believed in reform and building honest government 
D)  social Darwinists who spread their social and political philosophy throughout the South and engaged in lobbying 
E)  members of a primarily rural organization who fought for the interest of farmers before the birth of Populism 
A)  a powerful "political ring" based out of Cincinnati, Ohio, that came to influence national politics 
B)  politicians who wanted to ensure that patronage remained in the hands of Democrats at the national level 
C)  a group of Republicans against James Gillespie Blaine who believed in reform and building honest government 
D)  social Darwinists who spread their social and political philosophy throughout the South and engaged in lobbying 
E)  members of a primarily rural organization who fought for the interest of farmers before the birth of Populism C

Question 4

Describe how living in an urban environment impacted women's lives.

Accepted Answer

Living in an urban environment has had a

Question 5

Which of the following was an important issue for the People's party in the election of 1896?

Accepted Answer

A)  reducing government regulation of business 
B)  the repeal of the Chinese Exclusion Act 
C)  federal Indian policy 
D)  preserving the gold standard 
E)  the free coinage of silver 
A)  reducing government regulation of business 
B)  the repeal of the Chinese Exclusion Act 
C)  federal Indian policy 
D)  preserving the gold standard 
E)  the free coinage of silver

Question 6

Middle- and upper-class families in streetcar suburbs spent much of their leisure time

Accepted Answer

A)  together at home playing games or reading books. 
B)  socializing in saloons. 
C)  attending vaudeville shows. 
D)  traveling out West. 
E)  helping those in poverty. 
A)  together at home playing games or reading books. 
B)  socializing in saloons. 
C)  attending vaudeville shows. 
D)  traveling out West. 
E)  helping those in poverty.

Question 7

Which of the following statements accurately summarizes the nature of Gilded Age politics?

Accepted Answer

A)  Presidents tended to be far more powerful than parties during the Gilded Age, transforming the nature of the executive branch. 
B)  New movements and parties failed to arise at any point during the Gilded Age, as it came to be defined by the remarkable existing leadership. 
C)  Elections remained one of the few areas of politics that were untouched by the influence of Big Business. 
D)  Dominated by "special interests," the Gilded Age showed more political corruption than political innovation. 
E)  Gilded Age politicians struck a sharp contrast with leaders of Big Business in that politicians based their decisions on morality alone. 
A)  Presidents tended to be far more powerful than parties during the Gilded Age, transforming the nature of the executive branch. 
B)  New movements and parties failed to arise at any point during the Gilded Age, as it came to be defined by the remarkable existing leadership. 
C)  Elections remained one of the few areas of politics that were untouched by the influence of Big Business. 
D)  Dominated by "special interests," the Gilded Age showed more political corruption than political innovation. 
E)  Gilded Age politicians struck a sharp contrast with leaders of Big Business in that politicians based their decisions on morality alone.

Question 8

Match each description with the item below.
-William Jennings Bryan

Accepted Answer

A) was a government employee who had worked his way out of poverty and became chief spokesperson for reform Darwinism 
B) wrote On the Origin of Species and demonstrated the impact of the concept known as "natural selection" 
C) was inaugurated as president at a time of economic recovery in part due to inflation following a depression 
D) was a New York City painter known for his "spectatorial sensibility," observing the lives of others on the street and through windows 
E) was a president who supported the Half-Breeds, gave an inaugural address passionately defending civil rights, and opposed labor unions and the women's vote
F)was a fiery, evangelical moralist who believed that allowing the masses to become prosperous would benefit every class
G)distanced himself as president from the Stalwarts, surprised many by becoming a civil service reformer, and contracted a kidney disease while in office
H)led march on Washington, D.C., to demand that the federal government provide jobs for the unemployed
I)was part of the Department of Agriculture and founded the Grange following a tour of the southern United States
J)was an attorney and charismatic speaker for the farm protest movement who believed the two political parties were dishonest 
A) was a government employee who had worked his way out of poverty and became chief spokesperson for reform Darwinism 
B) wrote On the Origin of Species and demonstrated the impact of the concept known as "natural selection" 
C) was inaugurated as president at a time of economic recovery in part due to inflation following a depression 
D) was a New York City painter known for his "spectatorial sensibility," observing the lives of others on the street and through windows 
E) was a president who supported the Half-Breeds, gave an inaugural address passionately defending civil rights, and opposed labor unions and the women's vote
F)was a fiery, evangelical moralist who believed that allowing the masses to become prosperous would benefit every class
G)distanced himself as president from the Stalwarts, surprised many by becoming a civil service reformer, and contracted a kidney disease while in office
H)led march on Washington, D.C., to demand that the federal government provide jobs for the unemployed
I)was part of the Department of Agriculture and founded the Grange following a tour of the southern United States
J)was an attorney and charismatic speaker for the farm protest movement who believed the two political parties were dishonest

Question 9

President James A. Garfield was assassinated by a former Union soldier because Garfield publicly opposed civil rights for black Americans.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 10

Politics in the late nineteenth century was dominated by a series of presidents who were far more powerful than the political parties.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 11

Which of the following is true of William Tweed?

Accepted Answer

A)  He founded the Populist party and, like many populists at the time, used his influence to cut down on the number of contracts between business leaders and politicians. 
B)  He was a prominent figure in Chicago who put an end to the patronage system, causing many party bosses in other areas to remove it as well. 
C)  He founded the Greenback party and used his platform to cut back significantly on the number of immigrants allowed into American cities. 
D)  He was the mayor of Kansas City and, due to his corruption, did little to bring structure, stability, and services to the city's communities. 
E)  He controlled the Tammany Hall ring in New York City, and like other party bosses, used a "machine" or network of neighborhood activists and officials to govern. 
A)  He founded the Populist party and, like many populists at the time, used his influence to cut down on the number of contracts between business leaders and politicians. 
B)  He was a prominent figure in Chicago who put an end to the patronage system, causing many party bosses in other areas to remove it as well. 
C)  He founded the Greenback party and used his platform to cut back significantly on the number of immigrants allowed into American cities. 
D)  He was the mayor of Kansas City and, due to his corruption, did little to bring structure, stability, and services to the city's communities. 
E)  He controlled the Tammany Hall ring in New York City, and like other party bosses, used a "machine" or network of neighborhood activists and officials to govern.

Question 12

What were the effects of urban growth during the Gilded Age? What problems did it create?

Accepted Answer

During the Gilded Age, urban growth had

Question 13

Mugwumps were centered in

Accepted Answer

A)  the land grant colleges across the country. 
B)  the agricultural colleges of the South. 
C)  the Far West and major universities. 
D)  the Midwest and small colleges. 
E)  large cities and major universities in the Northeast. 
A)  the land grant colleges across the country. 
B)  the agricultural colleges of the South. 
C)  the Far West and major universities. 
D)  the Midwest and small colleges. 
E)  large cities and major universities in the Northeast.

Question 14

In the election of 1892, what political party emerged to champion the interests of rural Americans in the South and West?

Accepted Answer

A)  the Farmers' Alliance 
B)  Democrats 
C)  the People's party 
D)  Republicans 
E)  the Greenback party 
A)  the Farmers' Alliance 
B)  Democrats 
C)  the People's party 
D)  Republicans 
E)  the Greenback party

Question 15

Why was the Supreme Court decision in Munn v. Illinois significant to understanding the power of government to regulate industry?

Accepted Answer

A)  It was a ruling that lasted for a century and denied the right of state and local governments to regulate industry. 
B)  It upheld the sweeping power of the federal government to regulate any industry in any fashion it saw fit. 
C)  It denied the federal government any power to regulate any industry, as Big Business was seen as untouchable. 
D)  It upheld the right of state and local governments to regulate industry essential to the public interest. 
E)  It decided that all government regulatory power over industry rested with city and town governments. 
A)  It was a ruling that lasted for a century and denied the right of state and local governments to regulate industry. 
B)  It upheld the sweeping power of the federal government to regulate any industry in any fashion it saw fit. 
C)  It denied the federal government any power to regulate any industry, as Big Business was seen as untouchable. 
D)  It upheld the right of state and local governments to regulate industry essential to the public interest. 
E)  It decided that all government regulatory power over industry rested with city and town governments.

Question 16

In what way was Gilded Age politics different from American politics today?

Accepted Answer

A)  During the Gilded Age, the payment of dues to join a party was unheard of, and members tended to lack much loyalty to their party, often moving from one to the other. 
B)  During the Gilded Age, bribery in politics was nonexistent because the federal government had put strict rules and punishments in place to deter potential offenders. 
C)  During the Gilded Age, the role of the federal government far surpassed that of state governments due to the movement beyond sectional differences after the Civil War. 
D)  During the Gilded Age, there were few potential immigrant voters, which led organizers to focus solely on gaining the votes of long-established, aristocratic families. 
E)  During the Gilded Age, most political activity was focused on the state and local levels, with the federal government an insignificant force in the daily lives of most citizens. 
A)  During the Gilded Age, the payment of dues to join a party was unheard of, and members tended to lack much loyalty to their party, often moving from one to the other. 
B)  During the Gilded Age, bribery in politics was nonexistent because the federal government had put strict rules and punishments in place to deter potential offenders. 
C)  During the Gilded Age, the role of the federal government far surpassed that of state governments due to the movement beyond sectional differences after the Civil War. 
D)  During the Gilded Age, there were few potential immigrant voters, which led organizers to focus solely on gaining the votes of long-established, aristocratic families. 
E)  During the Gilded Age, most political activity was focused on the state and local levels, with the federal government an insignificant force in the daily lives of most citizens.

Question 17

What was the significance of William Jennings Bryan's "cross of gold" speech in which he famously said, "You shall not crucify mankind upon a cross of gold"?

Accepted Answer

A)  Bryan's speech came to represent his "front-porch campaign" in which he allowed other Republicans to do much of the talking and adopted a strictly middle-of-the-road approach in order to retain the votes of "goldbugs." 
B)  The Republicans were so moved by Bryan's speech that they threw their support behind him, ushering in a new era in which there were few major philosophical differences between parties and it was more about the candidate. 
C)  Bryan's speech guaranteed that the Populists would go on to win the presidential election of 1896, thereby officially marking the end of the traditional two-party system in the United States for much of the next century. 
D)  In agreeing to continue to back Bryan, despite the scandal that was the focus of his speech, Democrats openly showed that they prized party loyalty above all else and would ignore public opinion in terms of elections. 
E)  Aware of the high stakes of the election due to the depression, Democrats who had supported Cleveland were alienated by Bryan's positions in the speech, dismissed him as a socialist, and nominated their own candidate. 
A)  Bryan's speech came to represent his "front-porch campaign" in which he allowed other Republicans to do much of the talking and adopted a strictly middle-of-the-road approach in order to retain the votes of "goldbugs." 
B)  The Republicans were so moved by Bryan's speech that they threw their support behind him, ushering in a new era in which there were few major philosophical differences between parties and it was more about the candidate. 
C)  Bryan's speech guaranteed that the Populists would go on to win the presidential election of 1896, thereby officially marking the end of the traditional two-party system in the United States for much of the next century. 
D)  In agreeing to continue to back Bryan, despite the scandal that was the focus of his speech, Democrats openly showed that they prized party loyalty above all else and would ignore public opinion in terms of elections. 
E)  Aware of the high stakes of the election due to the depression, Democrats who had supported Cleveland were alienated by Bryan's positions in the speech, dismissed him as a socialist, and nominated their own candidate.

Question 18

What was one reason why the Democratic convention in 1896 held in Chicago was one of the greatest turning points in American political history?

Accepted Answer

A)  Cleveland emerged as stronger than ever due to his success in quickly responding to and curbing the depression of 1893, setting a precedent for future presidents. 
B)  The economic issues of everyday people were largely forgotten, as candidates focused solely on how best to support Big Business in their speeches and campaigns to the public. 
C)  Promises made to African Americans and immigrants for the first time became the central focus of a presidential election, as they were considered the most influential block of voters. 
D)  The Democratic Party was fractured, and the Silverite, largely rural delegates surprised the party leadership and the "Gold Democrats," or "goldbugs," by capturing control of the convention. 
E)  For the first time since the Civil War, the Democrats developed a unified platform that would go on to earn them votes in all areas of the country and secure them a presidential victory. 
A)  Cleveland emerged as stronger than ever due to his success in quickly responding to and curbing the depression of 1893, setting a precedent for future presidents. 
B)  The economic issues of everyday people were largely forgotten, as candidates focused solely on how best to support Big Business in their speeches and campaigns to the public. 
C)  Promises made to African Americans and immigrants for the first time became the central focus of a presidential election, as they were considered the most influential block of voters. 
D)  The Democratic Party was fractured, and the Silverite, largely rural delegates surprised the party leadership and the "Gold Democrats," or "goldbugs," by capturing control of the convention. 
E)  For the first time since the Civil War, the Democrats developed a unified platform that would go on to earn them votes in all areas of the country and secure them a presidential victory.

Question 19

Which of the following statements accurately describes the experiences of many working-class women in Gilded Age America?

Accepted Answer

A)  Few working-class women, whether married or single, experienced any leisure time at all, as venues such as the cinema were far too expensive and limited to members of the upper class. 
B)  Many married working-class women worked and had little leisure time regardless, but finding fellowship with other women on the street while tending to other responsibilities was common. 
C)  Married working-class women had far more opportunities for recreation and leisure than married working-class men, as the vast majority of them were forced to remain home during the workday. 
D)  A number of working-class women ran for political office, which led to a widespread sense of camaraderie and hope among them and contributed to improving working conditions. 
E)  Most working-class women had left the cities with their families and, thus, experienced a loss of leisure time, as they were forced to work long hours on family farms. 
A)  Few working-class women, whether married or single, experienced any leisure time at all, as venues such as the cinema were far too expensive and limited to members of the upper class. 
B)  Many married working-class women worked and had little leisure time regardless, but finding fellowship with other women on the street while tending to other responsibilities was common. 
C)  Married working-class women had far more opportunities for recreation and leisure than married working-class men, as the vast majority of them were forced to remain home during the workday. 
D)  A number of working-class women ran for political office, which led to a widespread sense of camaraderie and hope among them and contributed to improving working conditions. 
E)  Most working-class women had left the cities with their families and, thus, experienced a loss of leisure time, as they were forced to work long hours on family farms.

Question 20

How did immigration to America change in the latter half of the nineteenth century, and what was the response to that change?

Accepted Answer

In the latter half of the nineteenth cen

Exam 19: Political Stalemate and Rural Revolt

Why did the money supply become a major political issue, especially for farmers, during the Gilded Age? How did it impact American politics?

Describe politics in the Gilded Age. What were the main issues? What factors influenced voters to be either Republican or Democrat?

Who were the Mugwumps?

Describe how living in an urban environment impacted women's lives.

Which of the following was an important issue for the People's party in the election of 1896?

Middle- and upper-class families in streetcar suburbs spent much of their leisure time

Which of the following statements accurately summarizes the nature of Gilded Age politics?

Match each description with the item below. -William Jennings Bryan

President James A. Garfield was assassinated by a former Union soldier because Garfield publicly opposed civil rights for black Americans.

Politics in the late nineteenth century was dominated by a series of presidents who were far more powerful than the political parties.

Which of the following is true of William Tweed?

What were the effects of urban growth during the Gilded Age? What problems did it create?

Mugwumps were centered in

In the election of 1892, what political party emerged to champion the interests of rural Americans in the South and West?

Why was the Supreme Court decision in Munn v. Illinois significant to understanding the power of government to regulate industry?

In what way was Gilded Age politics different from American politics today?

What was the significance of William Jennings Bryan's "cross of gold" speech in which he famously said, "You shall not crucify mankind upon a cross of gold"?

What was one reason why the Democratic convention in 1896 held in Chicago was one of the greatest turning points in American political history?

Which of the following statements accurately describes the experiences of many working-class women in Gilded Age America?

How did immigration to America change in the latter half of the nineteenth century, and what was the response to that change?

The Collision of Cultures

Englands Colonies

Colonial Ways of Life

From Colonies to States

The American Revolution

Strengthening the New Nation

The Early Republic

The Emergence of a Market Economy

Nationalism and Sectionalism

The Jacksonian Era

The South, Slavery, and King Cotton

Religion, Romanticism, and Reform

Western Expansion

The Gathering Storm

The War of the Union

The Era of Reconstruction

Business and Labor in the Industrial Era

The New South and the New West

Seizing an American Empire

The Progressive Era

America and the Great War

A Clash of Cultures

The Reactionary Twenties

25

The Second World War

The Cold War and the Fair Deal

Cold War America

A New Frontier and a Great Society

Rebellion and Reaction

Conservative Revival

Twenty-First-Century America

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