Question 1

By the end of the Gilded Age, the values of a metropolitan and industrial America had triumphed over those of a rural and agrarian America. What evidence supports this statement?

Accepted Answer

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Question 2

What was one reason why the Democratic convention in 1896 held in Chicago was one of the greatest turning points in American political history?

Accepted Answer

The Democratic convention in 1896 held in Chicago was one of the greatest turning points in American political history because the fractured Democratic Party was surprised by the Silverite, largely rural delegates who captured control of the convention, despite the party leadership and the "Gold Democrats," or "goldbugs." This split in the party would lead to a split in the Democratic vote in the general election, ultimately giving the Republican candidate, William McKinley, the win.

Question 3

Compare social Darwinism and reform Darwinism. What were the basic assumptions of each movement?

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Question 4

One of the causes of the 1893 depression was failure of

Accepted Answer

The failure of the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad was a major cause of the 1893 depression. This failure was significant because it was the first major railroad company to go bankrupt during the depression, which led to a panic in the financial markets and a loss of confidence in other companies. This, in turn, led to a chain reaction of bankruptcies and failures across many industries.

Question 5

Describe the Election of 1896, including the key issues and candidates. As part of your response, be sure to address the significance of this election for populism in America.

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Question 6

How did immigration to America change in the latter half of the nineteenth century, and what was the response to that change?

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Question 7

During the 1896 campaign, William Jennings Bryan

Accepted Answer

During the 1896 presidential campaign, William Jennings Bryan was known for his vigorous and unprecedented national speaking tour, where he traveled extensively across the country to give speeches advocating for his platform, including the free silver movement. This approach was in stark contrast to the traditional "front-porch campaign" style that was common at the time.

Question 8

Describe politics in the Gilded Age. What were the main issues? What factors influenced voters to be either Republican or Democrat?

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Question 9

Following the 1893 depression, Coxey's Army

Accepted Answer

Coxey's Army, led by Jacob Coxey, was a group of unemployed workers who marched on Washington, D.C. in 1894 to demand government jobs for the unemployed. They believed that the government should create jobs for the unemployed by building public works projects, such as roads and highways.

Question 10

Which of the following was an important issue for the People's party in the election of 1896?

Accepted Answer

The free coinage of silver was one of the main issues for the People's party in the election of 1896. They believed that the unlimited coinage of silver would increase the money supply, which would help farmers and other debtors who were struggling with high levels of debt. This policy was known as bimetallism and was in contrast to the gold standard, which was supported by many eastern bankers and industrialists. The issue of the gold standard vs. bimetallism was a major dividing line in the election, with the Democratic candidate William Jennings Bryan taking up the cause of the silverites.

Question 11

Describe how living in an urban environment impacted women's lives.

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Question 12

Which of the following accurately describes Cleveland's response to the depression of 1893?

Accepted Answer

Cleveland's response to the depression of 1893 was marked by conservatism, as he believed in laissez-faire economics and rejected calls for government intervention in the economy. He saw the depression as a natural part of the business cycle and believed that the economy would eventually recover on its own without government interference. This led him to take a hands-off approach to the depression, which many blamed for making the economic crisis worse.

Question 13

The People's party (the Populists) supported which candidate in the election of 1896?

Accepted Answer

The Populists supported William Jennings Bryan in the election of 1896. The party, which was formed to represent the interests of farmers and laborers and challenge the dominant two-party system, believed Bryan would fight for their economic concerns, such as the regulation of railroads and the free coinage of silver. However, Bryan was ultimately defeated by Republican candidate William McKinley.

Question 14

Describe the "urban culture" and discuss its growth in the later part of the nineteenth century. How did life in the big city reflect the changes and challenges of urbanization?

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Question 15

Discuss the status of the American economy as the nineteenth century came to an end. Be sure to include the issues of currency and the tension between the silverites and the goldbugs.

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Question 16

What was the significance of William Jennings Bryan's "cross of gold" speech in which he famously said, "You shall not crucify mankind upon a cross of gold"?

Accepted Answer

William Jennings Bryan's "cross of gold" speech was significant because it highlighted his strong opposition to the gold standard and support for the free coinage of silver, which was a key issue of the time. This stance alienated many conservative Democrats who supported the gold standard, leading to a split within the party.

Question 17

How did farmers respond to the economic and political challenges of the last few decades of the nineteenth century? As part of your response, be sure to address how this response may have changed between the 1870s and 1890s.

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Question 18

Match each description with the item below.
-William Jennings Bryan

Accepted Answer

William Jennings Bryan was known for his evangelical moralism and belief in prosperity for the masses, which he thought would benefit all classes.

Question 19

What was one of the main reasons for McKinley's presidential victory?

Accepted Answer

One of the main reasons for William McKinley's victory in the presidential election was that William Jennings Bryan, his opponent, struggled to gain support from factory workers in the cities. McKinley's campaign, which was heavily backed by business interests, appealed to the urban and industrial population, securing him significant support in key states.

Question 20

Describe the relationship among urbanization, immigration, and boss politics. In what ways did all three grow simultaneously and influence one another?

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Quiz 19: Political Stalemate and Rural Revolt