Log inSign up for FREE
Library

Classwork & Homework: The Gilded Age Notes 2024

Last updated over 1 year ago
20 questions
Note from the author:
Please complete this formative independently in class. Any part of the formative you do not complete is homework. Make sure to press submit once you have completed all of the questions.
Please complete this formative independently in class. Any part of the formative you do not complete is homework. Make sure to press submit once you have completed all of the questions.

Warm Up Questions

1

Have you ever played the board game "Monopoly" before?

1

What is the goal in Monopoly? How does a person win the game? If you have never played, take a guess by looking at the board!

1

Do you know what a "monopoly" is? In your own words, describe what you think it means. If you are unsure, first write "unsure" and then look up the definition on Google. Once you have looked up the definition of monopoly, paraphrase it in your own words below.

Fun fact: Monopoly was actually invented during the Gilded Age by a woman named Elizabeth Magie. In 1903, she invented a game called The Landlord’s Game (later changed to Monopoly.) Her goal was to teach people about the harmful effects of monopolies and the dangers of companies that become too powerful.

Although she invented the game, she did not get credit for its design. Check out more of the history of Monopoly by watching the video below!
1

Review: Before we dive in, let's make sure we know where we are in history. Start by reviewing the topics we have covered over the last two months. We just finished the Reconstruction Era. Now, find the Gilded Age on the timeline and circle it.

*Note: last week we learned about U.S. Imperialism. U.S. imperialism of places like Puerto Rico, The Philippines, and Hawaii is happening during the Gilded Age.

Independent Notes: The Gilded Age

Use the attached powerpoint to learn more about The Gilded Age. Make sure to fill in your notes just as we would together in class.
1
“The Gilded Age” refers to the time period _______ the _______ when America became extremely _______ (wealthy) and saw unprecedented (never before) growth in industry and technology.

However, this time period in American History is also known for the _______ industrialists, bankers, and politicians who enjoyed extraordinary wealth at the expense of the _______ .
1
The Gilded Age was a result of the _______ , when America shifted from an agricultural (farm-based) society to an _______ (factory-based) one.

Millions of immigrants and struggling farmers arrived in cities such as New York, Boston, and Chicago, looking for work. This led to the rapid _______ (the rise of cities) of America. By 1900, about _______ percent of Americans lived in major cities.
1
Most cities were _______ for rapid population growth. Housing was limited, and slums sprung up nationwide. Heating, lighting, _______ and medical care were poor or nonexistent, and millions died from preventable _______ .
1
Many new _______ were unskilled and willing to work long hours for little pay. As time went on, the income _______ between wealthy and poor became more and more glaring. While most Americans of the working class lived well _______ , the industrialists and business _______ of the Gilded Age lived extravagantly.
1
These wealthy industrialists and businessmen became critically known as “_______ .”

Robber Barons made a fortune by _______ huge industries such as _______ . They often engaged in _______ business practices and _______ (took advantage of) lower-class immigrant workers.

The best known Robber Barons were John D. Rockefeller, Andrew Carnegie, Cornelius Vanderbilt, and J.P. Morgan.
Many people claim that tech giants are the Robber Barons of our time.
1

At the beginning of this unit during our four corners activity, we asked you your opinion on whether big businesses should influence the government. Has your opinion changed at all since learning about the Gilded Age?

Cartoon Analysis Practice

1

Examine the political cartoon closely. Circle any key details you notice about the cartoon. Make sure to look for the difference between the characters left and right!

1

Do you think "labor" is represented on the figure to the left or the right? How do you know this?

1

Do you think "capital" (money/wealth) is represented on the figure to the left or the right? How do you know this?

1

What is the irony of this image? If you don't remember what irony is, look it up in your political cartoons packet!

1

What is the artist's message about Robber Barons? How do you know?

1

Examine the political cartoon closely. Circle any key details you notice about the cartoon.

1

What analogy does the political cartoonist make to prove its point? If you don't remember what an analogy is, look it up in our political cartoon packet!

1

What is the author's message about monopolies? How do you know?

1

Close Out: In at least one complete sentence, describe what the Gilded Age was in your own words.

1

Please rate how well you understood the content of today's lesson.