Economic Inequality in the Gilded Age: Causes and Consequences

Question 1

What was the primary goal of the labor movement during the Gilded Age?

Accepted Answer

To secure better working conditions and fairer wages

Answer

To nationalize major industries

Answer

To restrict immigration

Answer

To establish a socialist government

Question 2

What was the name of the financial crisis that occurred in 1893?

Accepted Answer

The Panic of 1893

Answer

The Panic of 1873

Answer

The Panic of 1907

Answer

The Great Depression

Question 3

What was the main purpose of the Sherman Antitrust Act?

Accepted Answer

To break up large corporations (trusts)

Answer

To establish a minimum wage for workers

Answer

To restrict immigration to the United States

Answer

To give the government control over railroads

Question 4

Which of the following individuals was an advocate for economic reform during the Gilded Age?

Accepted Answer

Henry George

Answer

Andrew Carnegie

Answer

John D. Rockefeller

Answer

J.P. Morgan

Question 5

What was a central aim of the Progressive Movement?

Accepted Answer

To regulate big business and promote economic equality

Answer

To expand the federal government's authority

Answer

To limit the rights of immigrants

Answer

To promote religious fundamentalism

Question 6

Which of these individuals was a key figure in the labor movement during the Gilded Age, advocating for improved working conditions and wages?

Accepted Answer

Samuel Gompers, a labor union leader and founder of the American Federation of Labor

Answer

Andrew Carnegie, a wealthy industrialist and philanthropist

Answer

John D. Rockefeller, a wealthy oil tycoon

Answer

J.P. Morgan, a prominent banker and financier

Question 7

What was a significant consequence of the widening economic gap during the Gilded Age?

Accepted Answer

Increased social unrest and labor strikes due to worker dissatisfaction and poverty

Answer

Expansion of government welfare programs to address widespread poverty

Answer

Rise of philanthropic organizations to provide private aid to the less fortunate

Answer

Strengthening of the middle class, as more workers gained access to higher wages

Question 8

Which of the following was a provision of the Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890, which aimed to reduce the concentration of economic power?

Accepted Answer

Prohibiting large-scale mergers and acquisitions to prevent the formation of monopolies

Answer

Regulating interstate commerce to ensure fair competition and consumer protection

Answer

Establishing a minimum wage to improve the economic situation of low-income workers

Answer

Providing tax breaks for businesses to encourage investment and economic growth

Question 9

What was the main goal of the Populist Party, a political movement that emerged during the Gilded Age to challenge economic inequality?

Accepted Answer

To promote the free coinage of silver, which was seen as a way to inflate the money supply and alleviate debt

Answer

To increase tariffs on foreign goods to protect domestic industries and jobs

Answer

To limit immigration to reduce competition for jobs and resources

Answer

To establish a national bank to regulate the financial system and control the money supply

Question 10

According to the proponents of the Social Gospel movement, what was the underlying cause of social and economic problems?

Accepted Answer

Economic inequality and poverty, which they believed went against Christian values of justice and compassion

Answer

Government policies that favored the wealthy and disadvantaged the poor

Answer

Labor unions, which they saw as threats to business interests and economic stability

Answer

Technological advancements that disrupted traditional livelihoods and social structures

Question 11

Which of these events significantly reduced immigration to the United States during the Gilded Age?

Accepted Answer

The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, which prohibited Chinese immigration based on fear and prejudice

Answer

The Panic of 1893, an economic crisis that led to widespread unemployment and reduced immigration

Answer

The outbreak of World War I, which shifted global migration patterns

Answer

The Great Depression, an economic catastrophe that resulted in reduced economic opportunities and travel

Question 12

Which of the following was a direct consequence of economic inequality during the Gilded Age?

Accepted Answer

Both (A) and (C)

Answer

Increased political instability and social unrest

Answer

Rise of philanthropic organizations

Answer

Decline in social mobility

Question 13

The Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890 primarily aimed to:

Accepted Answer

Break up large corporations and prevent monopolies

Answer

Protect businesses from unfair competition

Answer

Increase government regulation of the economy

Answer

Provide financial aid to struggling workers

Question 14

The Homestead Strike of 1892 was a pivotal event in the history of American labor relations because it:

Accepted Answer

Highlighted the violent suppression of labor strikes by private security forces

Answer

Marked the decline of the American Federation of Labor

Answer

Resulted in a major increase in wages for factory workers

Answer

Led to the formation of the National Labor Relations Board

Question 15

Which of the following technological advancements had a significant impact on the widening wage gap during the Gilded Age?

Accepted Answer

The invention and implementation of the assembly line in manufacturing

Answer

The development of the cotton gin

Answer

The widespread use of the steam engine

Answer

The invention of the telephone

Question 16

Which of the following concepts provides a key framework for understanding the impact of economic inequality in the Gilded Age?

Accepted Answer

Social Darwinism, which viewed economic success as a result of individual fitness and competition

Answer

Laissez-faire, which emphasized limited government intervention in the economy

Answer

Utilitarianism, which focused on maximizing overall happiness and well-being

Answer

Marxism, which analyzed the class struggle and exploitation under capitalism

Question 17

Which policy favored by the government during the Gilded Age contributed to the widening wealth gap?

Accepted Answer

Tariffs protecting American industries

Answer

Subsidies for small businesses

Answer

Progressive taxation

Answer

Free trade with other countries

Question 18

What was the primary goal of the Knights of Labor?

Accepted Answer

To promote worker safety and fair wages

Answer

To establish a national bank

Answer

To support Prohibition

Answer

To restrict immigration

Question 19

Which constitutional amendment addressed economic inequality by allowing the government to levy an income tax?

Accepted Answer

16th Amendment

Answer

13th Amendment

Answer

14th Amendment

Answer

15th Amendment

Question 20

What was the impact of the Haymarket Riot on public opinion?

Accepted Answer

It sparked widespread fear and hostility towards labor movements

Answer

It led to widespread support for labor unions

Answer

It increased public sympathy for the wealthy

Answer

It had no significant impact on public opinion

Question 21

Which of the following individuals was a vocal critic of economic inequality and proposed a system of land taxes to redistribute wealth during the Gilded Age?

Accepted Answer

Henry George, an economist and social reformer

Answer

Andrew Carnegie, a wealthy industrialist who believed in philanthropy

Answer

John D. Rockefeller, a powerful oil tycoon who opposed government intervention

Answer

Samuel Gompers, a labor leader and founder of the American Federation of Labor

Question 22

What was a significant impact of economic inequality on American society during the Gilded Age?

Accepted Answer

Growing social unrest and the rise of labor movements

Answer

Improved living standards for all Americans

Answer

Reduced the gap between the rich and the poor

Answer

Strengthened the emerging middle class

Question 23

What was a key demand of the labor movements during the Gilded Age?

Accepted Answer

Improved wages, better working conditions, and recognition of unions

Answer

Lower taxes for the affluent

Answer

Government regulation of businesses

Answer

Increased immigration restrictions

Question 24

Which historical period in the United States is widely recognized as a time of significant economic inequality?

Accepted Answer

The Gilded Age

Answer

The Great Depression

Answer

The Industrial Revolution

Answer

The New Deal

Question 25

How does economic inequality potentially affect economic growth?

Accepted Answer

It can hinder economic growth by limiting consumer spending and reducing investment

Answer

It can stimulate economic growth by promoting innovation and entrepreneurship

Answer

It has no significant impact on economic growth

Answer

It always leads to economic recession

Question 26

Who was a prominent advocate for social reforms during the Gilded Age?

Accepted Answer

Jane Addams

Answer

Andrew Carnegie

Answer

John D. Rockefeller

Answer

Thomas Edison

Question 27

What was the primary objective of the Interstate Commerce Act passed in 1887?

Accepted Answer

To regulate and control the railroad industry

Answer

To dismantle and break up monopolies

Answer

To protect workers' rights and safety

Answer

To increase tariffs and promote domestic industries

Question 28

Which of the following is NOT considered a key economic indicator of the Gilded Age?

Accepted Answer

Stagnant wages and limited economic mobility

Answer

Rapid industrialization and economic growth

Answer

Extensive urbanization and population shifts

Answer

Massive immigration and labor influx

Question 29

Which challenge was NOT typically faced by labor unions during the Gilded Age?

Accepted Answer

Technological innovation and automation

Answer

Strong opposition and resistance from employers

Answer

Government suppression and legal restrictions

Answer

Internal divisions and conflicts within unions

Question 30

What was the significant impact of the Haymarket Affair on the labor movement during the Gilded Age?

Accepted Answer

It led to a widespread crackdown on labor unions and activists

Answer

It directly resulted in the formation of the American Federation of Labor

Answer

It marked the beginning of the Progressive Era and its reform agenda

Answer

It had no significant or lasting impact on the labor movement

Question 31

Who emerged as a prominent advocate for social and economic reforms during the Gilded Age?

Accepted Answer

Eugene V. Debs

Answer

Andrew Carnegie

Answer

John D. Rockefeller

Answer

William Jennings Bryan

Question 32

Which economic theory provided justification for the laissez-faire policies of the Gilded Age?

Accepted Answer

Classical liberalism

Answer

Social Darwinism

Answer

Keynesian economics

Answer

Marxism

Question 33

Which significant event marked the end of the Gilded Age?

Accepted Answer

Progressive Era

Answer

Panic of 1893

Answer

Spanish-American War

Answer

World War I

Question 34

During the Gilded Age, which of the following cultural movements reflected the social and economic disparities of the time?

Accepted Answer

Realism

Answer

Impressionism

Answer

Transcendentalism

Answer

Neoclassicism

Question 35

Which of the following is NOT a factor that contributed to the widening wealth gap during the Gilded Age?

Accepted Answer

Increased regulation by the federal government

Answer

Industrialization and technological advancements

Answer

Lax antitrust enforcement

Answer

The rise of large corporations

Question 36

The Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890 aimed to:

Accepted Answer

Prevent monopolies and foster competition

Answer

Provide financial assistance to low-income families

Answer

Establish a national minimum wage

Answer

Regulate working conditions in factories

Question 37

Which labor movement emerged during the Gilded Age to advocate for workers' rights?

Accepted Answer

American Federation of Labor (AFL)

Answer

National Urban League

Answer

National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)

Answer

American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)

Question 38

The Homestead Strike of 1892 was a significant event in labor history due to its:

Accepted Answer

Violent suppression by hired security forces

Answer

Implementation of a minimum wage

Answer

Peaceful resolution through collective bargaining

Answer

Establishment of an industry-wide union

Question 39

Which of the following is a consequence of economic inequality during the Gilded Age?

Accepted Answer

Rise in social tensions and unrest

Answer

Improvement in working conditions

Answer

Accelerated economic growth

Answer

Reduced government intervention

Question 40

The concept of 'social Darwinism' during the Gilded Age implied that:

Accepted Answer

Economic success was determined by individual merit and competition

Answer

Government intervention was necessary to reduce economic inequality

Answer

Charity was the most effective solution to poverty

Question 41

Which of the following individuals was a prominent advocate for wealth redistribution during the Gilded Age?

Accepted Answer

Henry George

Answer

J.P. Morgan

Answer

John D. Rockefeller

Answer

Andrew Carnegie

Question 42

A key provision of the Progressive Era's income tax was:

Accepted Answer

Graduated rates, with higher taxes for higher incomes

Answer

Exemption for low-income earners

Answer

Flat rate for all income levels

Question 43

The long-term impact of economic inequality during the Gilded Age includes:

Accepted Answer

Ongoing debates on income distribution and economic justice

Answer

Unlimited economic growth

Answer

Elimination of poverty

Question 44

Which factor served as a driving force behind the widening wealth gap during the Gilded Age in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Rapid industrialization and technological advancements

Answer

Strong government regulation

Answer

Emergence of powerful labor unions

Question 45

What was a key consequence of the rapid economic growth during the Gilded Age?

Accepted Answer

Significant concentration of wealth among a privileged elite

Answer

Expansion of the middle class

Answer

Reduced income disparity between the rich and the poor

Question 46

What was a primary objective of the Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890?

Accepted Answer

To dismantle large corporations and prevent the formation of monopolies

Answer

To regulate labor relations

Answer

To stimulate government spending

Question 47

Who was a prominent figure associated with the Populist Party?

Accepted Answer

William Jennings Bryan

Answer

John D. Rockefeller

Answer

Andrew Carnegie

Question 48

Which of the following consequences arose from the rapid growth of cities during the Gilded Age?

Accepted Answer

Increased urban poverty and overcrowding

Answer

Improved housing conditions for the working class

Answer

Enhanced cultural opportunities for the entire population

Answer

Reduced environmental pollution

Question 49

What was a central argument advanced by advocates of the Social Gospel movement in addressing economic inequality?

Accepted Answer

Christian principles necessitate social justice and economic equality

Answer

Government intervention is the only means to reduce economic inequality

Answer

Economic inequality is an inherent and unavoidable aspect of society

Question 50

Which reform implemented during the Progressive Era aimed to address economic inequality?

Accepted Answer

Establishment of minimum wage laws

Answer

Increased banking regulations

Answer

Abolition of slavery

Answer

Higher tariffs on imported goods

Question 51

What was a major shortcoming of the reforms enacted during the Progressive Era in tackling economic inequality?

Accepted Answer

They failed to address the underlying causes of economic inequality

Answer

They faced strong opposition from powerful business interests

Answer

They were too radical and destabilized the economy