Westward & Gilded Age

Front

Which statement best explains the purpose of the Dawes Act? Options: To assimilate native tribes in western territories, To create civil service exams for government workers, To end discrimination of African Americans in the south, To grant new settlers a free land grant

Back

To assimilate native tribes in western territories

Answer explanation

The Dawes Act was aimed at assimilating native tribes in western territories into the American mainstream. This was achieved by ending the tribal land ownership system and replacing it with individual land allotments to tribal members, thereby encouraging a more 'Western' way of life.

Front

Which group of people discriminated against newly arriving immigrants? Options: Unionists, Industrialists, Nativists, Entrepreneurs

Back

Nativists

Answer explanation

The question asks about which group was known for discriminating against immigrants. The correct answer is Nativists. Nativists, particularly in America during the 19th and early 20th centuries, were known for their discriminatory attitudes towards immigrants, perceiving them as threats to their societal and economic status.

Front

The Homestead Act contributed to--

Back

The Western migration of Americans through land grants

Answer explanation

The Homestead Act of 1862 significantly contributed to the Western migration of Americans. This federal law provided 160 acres of public land—virtually free of cost—to settlers, known as 'homesteaders'. The primary condition was that these homesteaders had to build a dwelling and cultivate crops on this land for at least five years. Thus, the Act essentially promoted westward expansion through land grants, not through segregation or urbanization.

Front

Why was the Bessemer Steel process beneficial to America?

Back

It allowed for stronger and cheaper steel for railroads and bridges.

Answer explanation

The Bessemer Steel process was beneficial to America as it ushered in a new era of construction. It enabled the production of stronger and cheaper steel, which was crucial for the development of infrastructure, such as railroads and bridges. This innovation significantly contributed to the expansive growth experienced during the American Industrial Revolution.

Front

Which law gave land grants to citizens to encourage settlement of the Great Plains?

Back

Homestead Act

Front

Which of these is the best definition of assimilation? Options: when one culture is forced to become more like the dominant culture, when a person refuses to learn the dominant culture, when a culture is practiced all over the world, when a minority culture changes to be like a dominant culture because it wants to be like them

Back

when one culture is forced to become more like the dominant culture

Front

What groups helped immigrants and improved infrastructure (city roads, buildings, etc.) but were also corrupt during the Gilded Age?

Back

Political Machines

Front

The government's _____ policy toward business during the Gilded Age allowed for the growth of big business and monopolies

Back

Laissez-faire (hands off)

Front

Which factor contributed MOST to these changes? Options: the rising costs of national defense, abuses of the spoils system by political machines, threats posed by immigrant radicals, the inefficiency of larger corporations

Back

abuses of the spoils system by political machines

Front

The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 was primarily a response to

Back

competition for jobs on the West Coast