IT's All About Nineteenth Century

Social Darwinism was a theory that applied the principles of evolution to human society. It argued that just as in nature, where only the fittest survive, in society, some individuals were naturally more fit and successful than others. It suggested that the rich were rich because they were more evolved and adapted, while the poor were poor because they were less evolved and less adapted. This explanation justified the social and economic inequalities that existed and opposed the idea of public assistance for the poor.

In the late nineteenth century, social thinkers such as Edward Bellamy, Henry George, and Lawrence Gronlund were alarmed by a fear of class warfare and the growing power of concentrated capital. They saw the rise of industrialization and the accumulation of wealth in the hands of a few as a threat to social stability and equality. They believed that these economic disparities would lead to conflicts between the working class and the capitalist class, and sought to propose plans for change to address these concerns.

Thomas Edison is most famously known for inventing a system for generating and distributing electricity. This invention, known as the electric power distribution system, revolutionized the way electricity was produced and made it accessible to a wider population. Edison's system included the development of the first practical incandescent light bulb, which further contributed to the widespread use of electricity. His contributions in this field greatly impacted industries, homes, and everyday life, making him one of the most influential inventors in history.

Bonanza farms were large-scale agricultural operations that typically covered 3,000 or more acres of land. These farms emerged in the late 19th century in the Great Plains region of the United States. They were characterized by their extensive size and the use of modern machinery and technology. Bonanza farms aimed to maximize productivity and profit by taking advantage of economies of scale. They often specialized in growing cash crops such as wheat or corn. The large size of these farms allowed for efficient production and the ability to take advantage of transportation infrastructure, such as railroad lines, for distribution.

The Dawes Act was a law passed in 1887 that aimed to assimilate Native Americans into mainstream American society. It divided tribal lands into smaller parcels of land, which were then allocated to individual Native American families. The intention behind this division was to encourage private land ownership and farming among Native Americans, with the hope that they would adopt the Western agricultural lifestyle. However, this act ultimately resulted in the loss of a significant amount of tribal land and further marginalized Native American communities.

In the nineteenth century, pools, trusts, and mergers were ways manufacturers sought to control the marketplace. During this time, manufacturers realized that by collaborating and forming agreements, they could eliminate competition and gain more control over prices and production. These practices allowed manufacturers to consolidate their power and dominate the market, ultimately giving them the ability to dictate terms and maximize their profits.

Andrew Carnegie and John D. Rockefeller built up giant corporations that dominated their respective markets. This means that they were successful in establishing and expanding their businesses to the point where they had significant control and influence over their industries. They were able to achieve this through their strategic business practices, innovation, and often aggressive tactics. Their companies became dominant players in their fields, allowing them to amass great wealth and power.

Henry George ran for mayor of New York in 1886 on a Labor ticket. This can be inferred from the question which asks specifically about the candidate who ran for mayor in that year. The other options are not relevant to the question or the given time period.

During the Gilded Age, elections were closely contested affairs. This means that the competition between candidates was intense and the outcomes of elections were often uncertain. This can be attributed to several factors, including the rise of political machines and the influence of money in politics. Additionally, the Gilded Age was marked by significant social and economic changes, which led to a diversity of opinions and interests among voters. As a result, elections were highly competitive and closely fought, with candidates and parties vying for the support of voters.

The Indian victory at Little Bighorn only temporarily delayed the advance of white settlement. This means that while the Indians were successful in their battle at Little Bighorn, it did not completely stop or prevent the ongoing westward expansion of white settlers. The victory may have slowed down the settlement temporarily, but it did not bring an end to it.

Henry George rejected the traditional equation of liberty with ownership of land. He argued that the concentration of land ownership in the hands of a few individuals resulted in social and economic inequality. According to George, true liberty could only be achieved through the equal distribution of land and the elimination of private ownership. He believed that this would lead to greater economic opportunities and social justice for all individuals, rather than just a privileged few.

The Social Gospel movement emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in the United States. It was a Protestant movement that aimed to apply Christian principles to social issues, particularly addressing the problems caused by industrialization and urbanization. The movement called for an equalization of wealth and power, advocating for social justice, labor rights, and the improvement of living conditions for the poor and marginalized. It emphasized the importance of helping the less fortunate and working towards a more equitable society.

After the Civil War, cowboys became symbols of a life of freedom on the open range. Cowboys were known for their independent and adventurous lifestyle, herding cattle across vast open spaces. They represented the spirit of the American West and embodied the ideals of individualism, self-reliance, and ruggedness. Cowboys became iconic figures in popular culture, symbolizing the untamed frontier and the pursuit of freedom and opportunity.

The correct answer is "were indicative of the corruption in the Grant administration." The Crédit Mobiler and the Whiskey Ring were both involved in corrupt activities during the Grant administration. Crédit Mobiler was a construction company involved in a scandal where they overcharged the Union Pacific Railroad for construction costs. The Whiskey Ring was a group of distillers and government officials who conspired to evade taxes on whiskey. Both of these scandals highlighted the corruption and cronyism that plagued President Grant's administration.

Republican economic policies during this time period favored the interests of eastern industrialists and bankers. These policies were characterized by a push for industrialization and economic growth, which aligned with the goals and interests of the industrialists and bankers in the eastern part of the country. This support included protective tariffs, subsidies, and other measures that benefited these groups and helped them to expand their businesses and accumulate wealth. The policies were less focused on the needs and concerns of other groups such as southern sharecroppers, national consumers, midwestern farmers, and western silver mine owners.

The Civil Service Act was a merit system for federal employees. This act was passed in 1883 and aimed to reform the spoils system, which allowed political appointments based on loyalty rather than qualifications. The Civil Service Act established a system where federal employees were selected based on their skills and abilities, rather than political connections. This act helped to professionalize the federal workforce and ensure that positions were filled by qualified individuals.

In "How the Other Half Lives," Jacob Riis focused on the wretched conditions of New York City slums. This can be inferred from the fact that the book discusses the lives of the less fortunate rather than the wealthy. Riis aimed to shed light on the harsh living conditions, poverty, and overcrowding in the slums, in order to bring attention to the social issues and advocate for reform.

Walter Rauschenbusch insisted that freedom and spiritual self-development required an equalization of wealth and power and that unbridled competition mocked the Christian ideal of brotherhood.

Workers generally did not welcome the Court's decisions on industry. The Court's decisions, such as in the case of Lochner v. New York, often favored businesses and limited the rights and protections of workers. Workers, particularly those in labor unions, often fought against these decisions and advocated for better working conditions and protections.

Thorstein Veblen coined the term "conspicuous consumption" to describe the act of wealthy individuals spending money on extravagant and unnecessary goods or experiences in order to display their wealth and social status. Mrs. Bradley Martin's costume ball exemplifies this concept as it involves a lavish and extravagant event where attendees spend a significant amount of money on elaborate costumes and decorations purely for the purpose of showing off their wealth and social standing.

Charles Darwin did not deal with the subject of America's poor in a literary way. Darwin was a naturalist and biologist known for his theory of evolution and his work on the origin of species. While his work had significant implications for understanding human society, he did not specifically focus on the subject of poverty in America. On the other hand, Edward Bellamy, Jacob Riis, Mathew Smith, and Henry George were all authors who wrote about or addressed the issue of America's poor in their literary works.

The correct answer is "it underscored the tensions produced by the rapid industrialization of the time." The Great Strike of 1877 was a significant event because it highlighted the social and economic tensions arising from the rapid industrialization during that period. The strike was sparked by wage cuts in the railroad industry and quickly spread across the country, involving thousands of workers. This unrest exposed the growing divide between labor and management, as well as the harsh working conditions and inequality faced by workers. It served as a wake-up call for the need to address these issues and improve working conditions during a time of rapid industrial growth.

Henry George argued in Progress and Poverty that poverty sprang from a denial of justice. According to George, the unequal distribution of land and resources resulted in economic injustice, leading to poverty. He believed that the root cause of poverty was not a lack of money or poor character, but rather the systemic denial of justice in society. Additionally, George also criticized the corruption of the political machine, which further exacerbated poverty.

The correct answer is "evolved from the British philosopher Herbert Spencer." This is because Social Darwinism, which argues that evolution is a natural process in human society and that government should not interfere, was indeed influenced by Herbert Spencer's ideas. Spencer's concept of "survival of the fittest" and his belief in individualism and laissez-faire economics were key components of Social Darwinism in America.