Quiz 7: The Gilded Age
This quiz covers NEW information. To answer the questions, you may use a search engine to answer the questions, or you may borrow a US history textbook from me. The page numbers provided for each question refer to the American Journey textbook.
As always, the quizzes are pass/fail, and you must receive a score of at least 80% to get credit. You may take the quiz as many times as you want.
- 1.
One problem in the Gilded Age was government corruption. Officials in the government could be bribed, and politicians gave their friends jobs rather than qualified candidates. How did the Pendleton Civil Service Act try to limit this corruption? (pg. 182)
- A.
It declared that a government worker should be fired anyone accused of corruption.
- B.
Applicants for jobs had to take a civil service exam to prove they were qualified.
- C.
The President was only allowed to appoint 10% of federal jobs.
Correct Answer
B. Applicants for jobs had to take a civil service exam to prove they were qualified.Explanation
The Pendleton Civil Service Act attempted to limit government corruption by requiring applicants for jobs to take a civil service exam to demonstrate their qualifications. This measure aimed to ensure that positions in the government were filled based on merit rather than through favoritism or bribery. By implementing a standardized exam, the act aimed to create a more transparent and fair process for hiring government workers, reducing the influence of corruption in the selection of candidates for government positions.Rate this question:
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- 2.
The Pendleton Civil Service Act of 1882 was signed into law by which President?
- A.
Chester A. Arthur
- B.
Grover Cleveland
- C.
Benjamin Harrison
- D.
William McKinley
Correct Answer
A. Chester A. ArthurExplanation
The Pendleton Civil Service Act of 1882 was signed into law by Chester A. Arthur. This act was a significant reform in the United States civil service system, as it aimed to reduce political corruption and ensure that government jobs were awarded based on merit rather than political connections. Arthur, who served as the 21st President of the United States from 1881 to 1885, played a crucial role in pushing for and signing this act into law.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Why did Charles Guiteau assassinate President James Garfield on July 2, 1881? (pg. 182)
- A.
He was a southerner upset about the Civil War
- B.
He believed that President Garfield had a silly name not befitting a President.
- C.
He was upset about not being appointed for a job in the federal government in return for his political support.
Correct Answer
C. He was upset about not being appointed for a job in the federal government in return for his political support.Explanation
Charles Guiteau assassinated President James Garfield because he was upset about not being appointed for a job in the federal government in return for his political support. This suggests that Guiteau had expected to be rewarded with a government position for his loyalty and was angered by the perceived betrayal.Rate this question:
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- 4.
How did the Sherman Anti-Trust Act of 1890 limit the power of big businesses? p. 185
- A.
It created a corporate income tax.
- B.
It prevented companies from operating in multiple states.
- C.
The law broke up monopolies into smaller companies order to make businesses more competitive.
- D.
The Sherman Anti-Trust Act increased the power of big businesses by shutting down labor unions.
Correct Answer
C. The law broke up monopolies into smaller companies order to make businesses more competitive.Explanation
The Sherman Anti-Trust Act of 1890 limited the power of big businesses by breaking up monopolies into smaller companies. This was done in order to promote competition and prevent any one company from having too much control over a particular industry. By breaking up monopolies, the act aimed to create a more level playing field for businesses and prevent unfair business practices that could harm consumers or stifle competition.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Which Robber Baron controlled a large percentage of the steel industry in the United States? Hint: He immigrated from Scotland as a child after his father lost his job as a weaver.
Correct Answer
Andrew Carnegie
CarnegieExplanation
Andrew Carnegie, also known as Carnegie, controlled a large percentage of the steel industry in the United States. He immigrated from Scotland as a child after his father lost his job as a weaver. Carnegie became one of the most successful industrialists of his time, building a vast empire in the steel industry. His company, Carnegie Steel Company, became the largest and most profitable steel company in the world. Carnegie's success and wealth made him one of the most prominent Robber Barons of the era.Rate this question:
- 6.
Labor unions help workers unite so that they are not competing against each other for lower wages. But farmers can do the same thing. What were the farmers unions of the late 1800s named? (Hint: search the name of the answers)
- A.
The Farmers Union
- B.
The Grange Movement
- C.
The United Farmers Association
Correct Answer
B. The Grange MovementExplanation
The correct answer is The Grange Movement. The Grange Movement was a farmers' organization that emerged in the late 1800s. It aimed to promote the social and economic needs of farmers and counter the monopolistic practices of railroads and grain elevators. The Grange Movement advocated for cooperative purchasing and marketing, as well as political activism to protect farmers' interests. It played a significant role in addressing the challenges faced by farmers during that time period.Rate this question:
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- 7.
The Populist Party was a short-lived political party in the 1890s made up of farmers, miners, ranchers, and small town businessmen. They were tired of the old politics and hoped to reform the government to make it more fair for average citizens. What were some of the changes they wanted to see? Check all that apply.
- A.
Unlimited coinage of silver to cause deflation and make loans cheaper for farmers.
- B.
An income tax.
- C.
Government takeover of the railroads to benefit everyone.
- D.
The election of US Senators rather than having them appointed by state legislatures.
Correct Answer(s)
A. Unlimited coinage of silver to cause deflation and make loans cheaper for farmers.
B. An income tax.
C. Government takeover of the railroads to benefit everyone.
D. The election of US Senators rather than having them appointed by state legislatures.Explanation
The populist party hoped that all of these reforms would make government more responsive to citizens and would limit the political power of Robber Barons like Rockefeller and JP Morgan.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Who ran as both a Populist Party candidate and a Democratic Party candidate in 1896? He also ran as the Democratic Party candidate in 1900, 1904, and 1908, losing all four elections.
- A.
William McKinley
- B.
Theodore Roosevelt
- C.
William Jennings Bryan
- D.
Jacob Coxey
Correct Answer
C. William Jennings BryanExplanation
William Jennings Bryan ran as both a Populist Party candidate and a Democratic Party candidate in 1896. He also ran as the Democratic Party candidate in 1900, 1904, and 1908, but unfortunately, he lost all four elections.Rate this question:
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- 9.
What fears does the following cartoon express about John D. Rockefeller? Title: "What a Funny Little Government!"
- A.
That Rockefeller was pumping oil out of Washington DC. How could he?!?!
- B.
That John D. Rockefeller had become more powerful than the elected government.
- C.
That John D. Rockefeller had damaged the environment in an oil spill.
Correct Answer
B. That John D. Rockefeller had become more powerful than the elected government.Explanation
The cartoon suggests that John D. Rockefeller had become more powerful than the elected government. This is implied by the title "What a Funny Little Government!" and the statement that Rockefeller was pumping oil out of Washington DC, indicating that he had control over the government and its resources. The cartoon expresses fear and concern about the extent of Rockefeller's power and influence, highlighting the potential imbalance of power between a wealthy individual and the elected government.Rate this question:
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- 10.
What fear does the following cartoon express about John D. Rockefeller's Standard Oil company?
- A.
That the Standard Oil Company was helping employees earn high wages.
- B.
That the Standard Oil Company was mutated from toxic sludge like the Ninja Turtles.
- C.
The Standard Oil Company was strangling the United States government and economy and had grown too large.
Correct Answer
C. The Standard Oil Company was strangling the United States government and economy and had grown too large.Explanation
The cartoon expresses the fear that John D. Rockefeller's Standard Oil company had become too powerful and dominant, symbolized by the image of it strangling the United States government and economy. This suggests concerns about the company's monopoly and control over the market, which could potentially harm competition and the overall economic well-being of the country.Rate this question:
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Jan 04, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Nov 28, 2012Quiz Created by
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