Lesson 1: America's Gilded Age Discussion & Quiz

As Americans moved westward in the post-Civil War period, conflict arose over land ownership, management, and
development.
• What actions did the government take to foster development of land?
• What groups were adversely affected, and how did they respond?
• How did the changes in meat processing and the closing of the frontier shape labor systems and the lives of workers
during this time period?
• How did workers respond?
• How did farmers and ranchers adapt to the changes?
• What were the environmental impacts of industrialization during this time period?
• What new business models developed during this time period?
• How did the U.S. government foster the development of industry during the Gilded Age?
• How did industrialization have both positive and negative impacts on society, the environment, government, and
workers?
• What methods were used by industrialists to increase and consolidate their power?
• How did industrialists respond to efforts by workers to form unions?
• Should we view industrialists as “Captains of Industry” or “Robber Barons,” and why?
• How did workers and farmers respond to the changing industrial society?
• Did social critics seek to change Americans’ views on capitalism or to justify accumulation of wealth?
• What role did the Populist Party play in addressing the concerns of farmers and workers?
• How did immigrants respond to urban life?
• What groups challenged their own “place” in American society and how?

Credit Mobilier
• Boss Tweed and the Tweed Ring
• Great Railroad Strike (1877)
• Pullman Strike (1894)
• Civil Service Act (1883)
• Interstate Commerce Commission (1887)
• Sherman Anti-Trust Act
Protection of sugar production on Hawaii
• Open Door policy in China
• missionary work in China
• Rudyard Kipling’s poem “The White Man’s Burden”
• Afred T. Maher’s The Influence of Sea Power upon History
• De Lome Letter
• naval base at Pearl Harbor
• military base at Guantanamo Bay
• explosion of the Maine
• Platt Amendment
• Teller Amendment.

HS.SS.3A - 3A. Evaluate how historical events and developments were shaped by unique circumstances of time and place as well as broader historical contexts.

HS.SS.3B - 3B. Analyze how historical contexts and enduring themes shaped and continue to shape people’s perspectives.

Students will demonstrate knowledge of the Gilded Age through discussion.
Students will demonstrate knowledge of key terms through a vocabulary quiz.

Students will be given a note taking outline

Teacher will discuss concepts with class.

Students will take a quiz on key terms and submit notes.

Chapter 16 Quiz

Chapter 16 Notes