Chapter 8 Hour 7th American History

The term "Gilded Age" was coined by Mark Twain to describe the post-Reconstruction era in the United States. This period, which occurred from the late 19th century to the early 20th century, was characterized by rapid industrialization, economic growth, and technological advancements. However, beneath the surface of prosperity and progress, there were also significant social and economic inequalities, political corruption, and exploitation of workers. The term "gilded" refers to the idea that the era appeared golden and prosperous on the outside, but was actually marked by significant problems and disparities.

In 1886, France accepted the Statue of Liberty as a gift. The Statue of Liberty was a symbol of friendship between France and the United States and was given to commemorate the centennial of the American Declaration of Independence. The statue was designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and its construction was completed in France before it was disassembled and shipped to the United States. It was then reassembled on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, where it stands as a symbol of freedom and democracy.

The correct answer is "Low cost apartment buildings designed to house as many families as the owner could pack in." This description accurately reflects the living conditions in a tenement apartment, as they were typically cheap and overcrowded housing options during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Tenement apartments often lacked proper sanitation, ventilation, and basic amenities, making them difficult and uncomfortable places to live.

From 1870 to 1920, immigration from eastern Europe experienced a consistent and steady increase in numbers. This means that the number of immigrants coming from eastern Europe grew steadily with each passing decade during this time period.

A quarter of a million Chinese immigrants came to the United States to work for American railroad companies. This is because during the 19th century, Chinese laborers were recruited to work on the construction of railroads, particularly in the western parts of the country. They played a significant role in connecting the east and west coasts of the United States through the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad.

This statement most briefly describes political divisions because it highlights the competition among different groups for control and the movement of immigrants into new places. This suggests that political divisions arise from the conflicts and power struggles between different groups and the influx of new populations into certain areas.

Many immigrants supported political machines because political machines helped many immigrants find work. Political machines were often involved in providing job opportunities and assistance to immigrants, which made them attractive to those seeking employment and a better life. The support from political machines allowed immigrants to secure employment, earn a living, and improve their socio-economic conditions.

The correct answer is eliminate unfair practices by powerful railroad companies. The Interstate Commerce Act was enacted in 1887 to regulate the railroad industry and prevent unfair practices such as rate discrimination and monopolistic behavior. It aimed to create a fair and competitive environment in the industry by prohibiting practices that gave certain companies an unfair advantage over others. The Act also established the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) to oversee and enforce these regulations.

The correct answer is "favoring native born Americans over immigrants." This answer suggests that Navist groups supported policies and ideologies that prioritized the interests and rights of native-born Americans over those of immigrants. These groups may have advocated for stricter immigration policies, protection of jobs and resources for native-born Americans, and the preservation of American culture and values.

Munn vs. Illinois is the correct answer because it was a landmark Supreme Court case in 1877 that established the principle that states have the power to regulate businesses operating within their borders. In this case, the Supreme Court upheld a state law that regulated grain elevator rates, stating that the state had a legitimate interest in protecting the public welfare and could regulate private businesses to achieve that goal. This decision expanded the power of states to regulate various industries and set an important precedent for future cases involving state regulation of businesses.