Exploring Westward Expansion and Political Issues of the Gilded Age

The video explores the Gilded Age in America, highlighting its outward prosperity and internal social issues. It covers Westward Expansion, the impact of the Transcontinental Railroad, and the Homestead Act, which led to the closing of the frontier and affected Native Americans. The video also discusses political issues like the spoil system, reforms such as the Pendleton Act, and the rise of populism due to economic challenges faced by farmers.

What does the term 'Gilded Age' imply about America during 1880-1910?

• It marked the decline of the United States.

• It was a time of widespread poverty.

• It appeared prosperous on the outside but had internal issues.

• It was a period of genuine prosperity throughout.

What major development contributed to the closing of the American frontier?

• The completion of the Transcontinental Railroad

• The invention of the automobile

• The founding of the first colonies

• The introduction of the telegraph

What was the primary purpose of the Homestead Act?

• To promote urbanization

• To encourage westward expansion

• To establish reservations for Native Americans

• To support industrialization

How did the closing of the frontier impact Native Americans?

• It resulted in the displacement of Native Americans to reservations.

• It led to significant economic prosperity for Native American communities.

• It had no significant impact on Native American communities.

• It improved relations between Native Americans and settlers.

What was the main goal of the Dawes Act?

• To grant citizenship to Native Americans

• To establish new reservations

• To return land to Native Americans

• To assimilate Native Americans into American society

When were Native Americans recognized as American citizens?

• After the Civil War

• In 1924

• At the founding of the United States

• During the Gilded Age

What was a major consequence of political machines during the Gilded Age?

• They led to the direct election of senators.

• They provided essential services in exchange for votes.

• They eliminated poverty in urban areas.

• They reduced corruption in city governments.

What reform aimed to address the spoil system?

• The Dawes Act

• The Pendleton Act

• The Homestead Act

• The Sherman Antitrust Act

What was one of the goals of the Populist movement?

• To dismantle the railroads

• To abolish the federal government

• To promote unlimited coinage of silver

• To end westward expansion

How did new farm equipment affect farmers during the Gilded Age?

• It increased crop prices significantly.

• It decreased the amount of labor needed but lowered crop prices.

• It led to the immediate prosperity of all farmers.

• It had no impact on farming practices.