AP US History: Gilded Age
The Gilded Age in United States history is the late 19th century, from the 1870s to about 1900. If you have a history exam concerning the gilded age, then this quiz is for you.
- 1.
In the period from 1865 to 1900, the United States Government aided the development of the West by
- A.
Maintaining free and unlimited coinage of silver
- B.
Offering low-interest loans to businesses
- C.
Granting land to railroad companies
- D.
Providing price supports for farm products
Correct Answer
A. Maintaining free and unlimited coinage of silverExplanation
During the period from 1865 to 1900, the United States Government aided the development of the West by maintaining free and unlimited coinage of silver. This policy allowed for the easy conversion of silver into currency, which in turn stimulated economic growth and facilitated trade in the western regions. The availability of silver coinage provided a medium of exchange, making it easier for businesses and individuals to conduct transactions and contribute to the development of the West.Rate this question:
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- 2.
The Federal Trade Commission, the Interstate Commerce Commission, and the Federal Communications Commission are similar in that each
- A.
Represents the interests of big businesses
- B.
Is specifically provided for in the United States Constitution
- C.
Has the power to formulate and enforce regulations
- D.
Must get approval from the states to carry out national laws
Correct Answer
C. Has the power to formulate and enforce regulationsExplanation
The correct answer is that each of these agencies has the power to formulate and enforce regulations. The Federal Trade Commission, the Interstate Commerce Commission, and the Federal Communications Commission are all regulatory agencies in the United States. They are responsible for creating and enforcing rules and regulations to ensure fair competition, protect consumers, and regulate industries such as trade, transportation, and communications. These agencies have the authority to investigate and take legal action against businesses that violate these regulations.Rate this question:
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- 3.
“Prices and wages should be determined by the marketplace.” The author of this statement would most probably support
- A.
Government ownership of utilities
- B.
Minimum-wage laws
- C.
Wage and price controls
- D.
Laissez-faire capitalism
Correct Answer
D. Laissez-faire capitalismExplanation
The author of the statement believes that prices and wages should be determined by the marketplace, which indicates a preference for laissez-faire capitalism. Laissez-faire capitalism promotes minimal government intervention in the economy, allowing the market forces of supply and demand to determine prices and wages. This approach emphasizes individual freedom and limited government interference in economic affairs, aligning with the author's viewpoint.Rate this question:
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- 4.
After the Civil War, one way business leaders tried to eliminate competition was by
- A.
Forming monopolies or trusts
- B.
Developing overseas markets
- C.
Increasing the prices of their products
- D.
Paying high wages to their workers
Correct Answer
A. Forming monopolies or trustsExplanation
After the Civil War, business leaders sought to eliminate competition by forming monopolies or trusts. By consolidating multiple companies under one entity, they could control the market and eliminate competition. This allowed them to set prices, control production, and maximize their profits. Forming monopolies or trusts was a strategy used to gain power and dominance in the market, ultimately reducing competition and increasing their own influence and control.Rate this question:
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- 5.
During the latter half of the 19th century, many business organizations in the United States combined into large corporations because
- A.
Income levels for workers would be improved
- B.
Government intervention in economic affairs would decline
- C.
Income levels for workers would be improved government intervention in economic affairs would decline efficiency in production methods could be increased
- D.
Economic possibilities outside the United States could be explored
Correct Answer
A. Income levels for workers would be improvedExplanation
During the latter half of the 19th century, many business organizations in the United States combined into large corporations because income levels for workers would be improved. This can be explained by the fact that as businesses grew larger and more profitable, they were able to provide better wages and benefits to their employees. By consolidating resources and increasing efficiency, these corporations were able to generate higher profits, which in turn allowed them to pay their workers higher wages. This was seen as a positive outcome for workers who were able to earn more money and improve their standard of living.Rate this question:
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- 6.
A major way in which the United States has practiced "economic nationalism" has been to
- A.
Implement protective tariffs to help American industry
- B.
Establish social welfare programs to aid the poor
- C.
Pass legislation outlawing most monopolies
- D.
Require industry to provide safe working conditions for employees
Correct Answer
A. Implement protective tariffs to help American industryExplanation
The United States has practiced "economic nationalism" by implementing protective tariffs to help American industry. Protective tariffs are taxes imposed on imported goods, making them more expensive and less competitive compared to domestic products. By implementing these tariffs, the United States aims to protect and support its own industries by making foreign goods less attractive to consumers. This policy promotes the growth and competitiveness of American industries, which in turn supports the overall economy.Rate this question:
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- 7.
In response to the demands of farmers and small business owners, Congress enacted laws in the late 19th century that
- A.
Supported the organization of farm cooperatives
- B.
Regulated the activities of railroads and trusts
- C.
Provided direct payments to farmers to help them buy modem machinery
- D.
Dropped tariff rates to the lowest point in the century
Correct Answer
B. Regulated the activities of railroads and trustsExplanation
The correct answer is "regulated the activities of railroads and trusts". In the late 19th century, there was a growing concern about the power and influence of railroads and trusts, which were seen as monopolistic and unfair to farmers and small business owners. In response to these concerns, Congress enacted laws to regulate the activities of these industries, aiming to promote fair competition and protect the interests of farmers and small business owners. These regulations aimed to prevent abuses of power and ensure a more level playing field in the economy.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Nativism in the late 19th century was motivated primarily by
- A.
Hostility toward immigrant workers
- B.
The need to reduce overcrowding in western states
- C.
Cultural conflicts with Native American Indians
- D.
The migration of African Americans to northern cities
Correct Answer
A. Hostility toward immigrant workersExplanation
The correct answer is hostility toward immigrant workers. During the late 19th century, there was a rise in nativism, which was a belief in protecting the interests and culture of native-born Americans. Many native-born Americans felt threatened by the influx of immigrants, particularly from Southern and Eastern Europe, who were seen as taking away jobs and resources. This led to a growing hostility towards immigrant workers and a push for restrictive immigration policies.Rate this question:
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Mar 21, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Mar 28, 2016Quiz Created by
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