Chapter 16 Chapter Review Questions
1. The American economy thrived because of federal involvement, not the lack of it. How did the federal government actively promote industrial and agricultural development in this period?
High tariffs which prevented competition, granted land to Railroad companies, removed Indians for farmers and mining company

2. Why were railroads so important to America’s second industrial revolution? What events demonstrate their influence on society and politics as well as the economy?
Spurred by private investment and massive grants of land and money by federal, state, and local governments, the number of miles of railroad track in the US tripled between 1860 and 1880 and tripled again by 1920, opening vast new areas to commercial farming and creating truly national market for manufactured goods, essential elements of a modern industrial economy. The railroads created five transcontinental lines and four time zones throughout the nation.

3. Why did organized efforts of farmers, workers, and local reformers largely fail to achieve substantive change in the Gilded Age?
In order to achieve substantive change in the Gilded Age, farmers, workers, and local reformers sought to bring up protests and strikes; however, the government would respond with force in attempt to prevent further labor difficulties and keep the focus on local corporations. Unions were crushed by big industrialists with force rather than to seek compromise, which effected the efforts of farmers, workers, and local reformers to make a change in the era.

4. Describe the involvement of American family farmers in the global economy after 1870 and its effects on their independence.
After 1870, the depression struck. This meant that the goods the farmers produced would be at a lower price, and since there was no farmers insurance, families could easily lose their farms. There was no stability or security owning a farm.

5. According to The Gilded Age by Mark Twain and Charles Dudley Warner, the era’s slogan was “Get rich, dishonestly if we can, honestly if we must.” Explain how this was true of the politics of the era.
Money and power was the only drive for Americans at this time. Large companies would buy out other small companies to make trusts which would then monopolize the industry and destroy competition. Government workers at this time would also try to take as much advantage for their industries as possible. Think of political cartoons as well.