Chapter 14 American History

Credit Mobilier was a construction company that was used for manipulation.

The Interstate Commerce Act was a law that granted the federal government the authority to regulate and oversee railroad activity. It was passed in 1887 in response to public concerns about unfair business practices and discrimination by railroads. The act established the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC), which was the first regulatory agency in the United States. The ICC's main role was to ensure fair rates, prohibit discriminatory practices, and prevent monopolies in the railroad industry. By giving the federal government the power to supervise railroad activity, the Interstate Commerce Act aimed to promote fair competition and protect the interests of both consumers and businesses.

Andrew Carnegie owned the largest steel company until 1901. He was a Scottish-American industrialist and philanthropist who founded the Carnegie Steel Company, which eventually became the largest and most profitable steel company in the world. Carnegie played a significant role in the expansion of the American steel industry and his company dominated the market during this time period. His success and wealth made him one of the richest individuals in history.

John D. Rockefeller owned the Standard Oil Company and is considered the richest man of all time in terms of net worth. He built his fortune through the oil industry, establishing a monopoly in the late 19th century. Rockefeller's business practices, including vertical integration and ruthless competition, allowed him to dominate the oil market and accumulate immense wealth. His success and wealth made him a prominent figure in American business history.

Mother Jones, also known as Mary Harris Jones, led a children's march for child working conditions and lived to 100 years old. She was a prominent labor and community organizer who fought for the rights of workers, particularly children, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Jones was known for her activism and dedication to improving working conditions, and her long life is a testament to her resilience and commitment to social justice.

Social Darwinism is the theory used in business that applies the principles of biological evolution to explain competition and survival of the fittest in a social context. It suggests that societies and businesses evolve through competition, with the strongest and most successful individuals or organizations surviving and prospering, while the weaker ones are left behind. This theory justifies the idea of laissez-faire capitalism and supports the notion that success and wealth are a result of natural selection and individual merit.

The Bessemer Process was a method used to convert iron into steel. It involved blowing air through molten iron to remove impurities and increase the carbon content, resulting in a stronger and more durable material. This process revolutionized the steel industry and played a crucial role in the industrialization of many countries.

George M. Pullman led an industrial experiment with a controlled town or environment.

The railroad companies abused their land grants. This means that they did not use the land granted to them by the government for its intended purpose, such as building railroads. Instead, they may have used the land for personal gain or neglected to fulfill their obligations. This abuse of land grants was a common issue during the time of railroad expansion in the United States.

The Sherman Anti-Trust Act was created to prevent monopolies in substantial businesses. It was enacted in 1890 and aimed to promote fair competition and protect consumers from unfair business practices. The act prohibits any contract, combination, or conspiracy that restrains trade or commerce among states or with foreign nations. It was a significant step in regulating and controlling the power of large corporations, ensuring a more level playing field for businesses and preventing the concentration of economic power in the hands of a few.

Steel was used for a variety of purposes including railroad tracks, barbed wire, farm machines, bridges, and skyscrapers. Its strength and durability made it an ideal material for constructing long stretches of railroad tracks, fencing with barbed wire, and machinery used in agriculture. Additionally, steel's structural integrity allowed for the construction of large and sturdy bridges and skyscrapers. Therefore, all of the options mentioned were main uses for steel.

Electricity was first used for powering anything from fans to printing-presses and time-saving appliances. This answer suggests that electricity was initially utilized for various purposes, including providing power to mechanical devices such as fans and printing presses, as well as enabling the use of time-saving appliances.

The most efficient way to extract Black Gold was by using a steam engine drill. This technology allowed for faster and more effective drilling, resulting in increased productivity and extraction rates. The steam engine provided the necessary power to operate the drill, making the process more efficient compared to using large manual drills or simply digging for it.

The Bessemer Process involved injecting air into molten iron to remove impurities. This process, developed by Sir Henry Bessemer in the 19th century, allowed for the mass production of high-quality steel. By blowing air through the molten iron, the impurities such as carbon, silicon, and manganese were oxidized and removed as slag. The result was a purer form of iron that could be further processed into steel. This innovation revolutionized the steel industry and played a crucial role in the Industrial Revolution.

The Age of Railroads refers to the period when railroads played a significant role in transportation and economic development. The given answer, 1880 - 1900, falls within this time frame and is therefore correct. During this period, railroads expanded rapidly, connecting different regions, facilitating trade and migration, and contributing to industrialization. The completion of the First Transcontinental Railroad in 1869 marked the beginning of this era, and by the early 20th century, railroads had become a dominant mode of transportation in many parts of the world.

The two main findings that helped to bring about the Industrial Revolution were oil and the Bessemer Process. Oil played a crucial role as a source of energy for various industries, powering machinery and providing fuel for transportation. The Bessemer Process, on the other hand, revolutionized steel production by enabling the mass production of high-quality steel at a lower cost. These two advancements were instrumental in driving the rapid industrialization and technological advancements during the Industrial Revolution.

The lightbulb and the typewriter were two extremely important inventions of the time. The lightbulb revolutionized the way people illuminated their homes and workplaces, providing a safer and more efficient alternative to traditional lighting methods. The typewriter, on the other hand, greatly improved the speed and accuracy of writing and document creation, making it an essential tool for businesses and individuals alike. These inventions had a significant impact on society and paved the way for further advancements in technology.

During the depression following the Panic of 1893, 600 banks and 15,000 businesses closed. This indicates a significant economic downturn, as a large number of financial institutions and businesses were unable to sustain their operations. The closure of banks and businesses would have resulted in job losses, further exacerbating the economic hardship experienced during this period. The high number of closures highlights the severity of the depression and its impact on the economy.