Question 1

What social attitudes in America worked for and against the concept of women having the right to vote?

Accepted Answer

In America, there were a variety of social attitudes that both worked for and against the concept of women having the right to vote. On one hand, there were progressive and reform-oriented social attitudes that supported women's suffrage. These attitudes recognized the need for equality and the importance of allowing women to have a voice in government and public policy. Additionally, there were social movements, such as the women's suffrage movement, which worked to change societal attitudes and push for women's voting rights.

On the other hand, there were traditional and conservative social attitudes that worked against women's suffrage. These attitudes often upheld traditional gender roles and believed that women's primary role was in the home, not in the public sphere of politics. Additionally, there were fears that allowing women to vote would disrupt the existing power structure and societal norms.

Overall, the social attitudes that worked for women's suffrage emphasized equality and justice, while those that worked against it were rooted in traditional gender roles and fears of change. It was the combination of these attitudes and the efforts of the women's suffrage movement that ultimately led to the passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920, granting women the right to vote in the United States.

Question 2

How do the attitudes and actions of late nineteenth-century progressive reformers compare with the attitudes and actions found in the utopian communities of the early nineteenth century?

Accepted Answer

The attitudes and actions of late nineteenth-century progressive reformers and the utopian communities of the early nineteenth century had some similarities and differences. Both groups were motivated by a desire to improve society and create a better way of life for their fellow citizens. However, their approaches and priorities differed.

Late nineteenth-century progressive reformers were often focused on addressing specific social and political issues, such as labor rights, women's suffrage, and public health. They believed in using government intervention and social activism to bring about change and improve the lives of individuals within existing society. Their attitudes were often characterized by a sense of optimism and faith in the ability of humans to create a better world through collective action.

In contrast, the utopian communities of the early nineteenth century were often more radical in their approach, seeking to create entirely new, self-sufficient societies based on principles of equality, communal living, and cooperation. These communities, such as the Shakers, the Oneida Community, and Brook Farm, believed in creating a utopian society through a combination of spiritual, social, and economic reforms. Their attitudes were often characterized by a rejection of mainstream society and a belief in the possibility of creating a perfect, harmonious community.

Overall, while both late nineteenth-century progressive reformers and early nineteenth-century utopian communities shared a desire to improve society, their attitudes and actions were shaped by different historical contexts and priorities. Progressive reformers sought to work within existing societal structures to bring about change, while utopian communities sought to create entirely new social and economic systems based on their own ideals and principles.

Question 3

In what ways was the Progressive Era not progressive?

Accepted Answer

The Progressive Era, which spanned from the 1890s to the 1920s in the United States, was a period of widespread social activism and political reform aimed at addressing the problems caused by industrialization, urbanization, immigration, and political corruption. While the era is known for its efforts to improve society and government, it was not progressive in several ways:

1. Racial Inequality: Despite the era's name, the Progressive Era did not bring progress for everyone, particularly for African Americans and other racial minorities. The era saw the entrenchment of Jim Crow laws in the South, which enforced racial segregation and disenfranchised black voters. Lynching and racial violence were rampant, and the Supreme Court's decision in Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) upheld the constitutionality of "separate but equal" facilities, further institutionalizing racism.

2. Women's Rights: While the Progressive Era did see some advancements for women, including the passage of the 19th Amendment granting women the right to vote in 1920, progress was uneven. Many women, especially those of color and working-class backgrounds, continued to face significant discrimination and limited opportunities in both the public and private spheres.

3. Labor Exploitation: Although the era saw the rise of labor unions and some improvements in working conditions, child labor was still widespread, and many workers, including women and immigrants, continued to work in dangerous and exploitative conditions for low wages. The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in 1911, which killed 146 garment workers, highlighted the ongoing risks faced by industrial workers.

4. Immigration Restrictions: The Progressive Era was marked by a rise in nativism and anti-immigrant sentiment, leading to restrictive immigration laws. The Immigration Act of 1924 severely limited the number of immigrants allowed into the United States, particularly targeting those from Southern and Eastern Europe, Asia, and other non-Northern European countries.

5. Economic Inequality: Despite efforts to regulate big business and address the extreme wealth disparities of the Gilded Age, economic inequality remained a significant issue. The era did not fully address the needs of the poor, and the gap between the rich and the poor continued to be a defining feature of American society.

6. Environmental Exploitation: While the Progressive Era saw the beginning of the conservation movement with figures like President Theodore Roosevelt advocating for the preservation of natural resources, industrial expansion continued to exploit the environment. The era did not fully confront the ecological consequences of rapid industrialization and urban growth.

7. Political Exclusion: Although the era aimed to curb political corruption and expand democracy through reforms such as the direct election of senators (17th Amendment) and the initiative, referendum, and recall processes, many Americans remained politically disenfranchised. Voter suppression tactics, particularly in the South, kept many from participating in the political process.

In summary, while the Progressive Era introduced significant reforms that aimed to improve American society and government, it was not uniformly progressive. The era failed to address, and in some cases exacerbated, issues of racial inequality, women's rights, labor exploitation, immigration restrictions, economic inequality, environmental exploitation, and political exclusion for significant portions of the population.

Question 4

Why were both the middle class and women so interested in reform causes at the turn of the century?

Accepted Answer

At the turn of the century, both the mid

Question 5

The recall and the direct primary were progressive-era political reforms designed to weaken

Accepted Answer

A)  the courts. 
B)  political parties. 
C)  state legislatures. 
D)  state governors. 
E)  the federal government. 
A)  the courts. 
B)  political parties. 
C)  state legislatures. 
D)  state governors. 
E)  the federal government.

Question 6

During the Progressive Era,employers were generally unconcerned about the problem of alcohol.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 7

Theodore Roosevelt did not run for another term as president in 1908 because

Accepted Answer

A)  he had lost much of his public popularity. 
B)  the Constitution prevented him from doing so. 
C)  he was denied the nomination of his party. 
D)  he felt he had accomplished everything he wanted to do as president. 
E)  in 1904 he had promised not to run again. 
A)  he had lost much of his public popularity. 
B)  the Constitution prevented him from doing so. 
C)  he was denied the nomination of his party. 
D)  he felt he had accomplished everything he wanted to do as president. 
E)  in 1904 he had promised not to run again.

Question 8

During the Progressive Era,important vehicles for social reform included

Accepted Answer

A)  both New York's Tammany Hall and the Triangle Shirtwaist Company. 
B)  New York's Tammany Hall. 
C)  the Triangle Shirtwaist Company. 
D)  None of these answers is correct. 
E)  the American Federation of Labor. 
A)  both New York's Tammany Hall and the Triangle Shirtwaist Company. 
B)  New York's Tammany Hall. 
C)  the Triangle Shirtwaist Company. 
D)  None of these answers is correct. 
E)  the American Federation of Labor.

Question 9

During President Woodrow Wilson's first term,Colonel Edward M.House

Accepted Answer

A)  was both secretary of state and one of Wilson's closest advisors. 
B)  became the locus of opposition to Wilson in the cabinet. 
C)  All these answers are correct. 
D)  was one of Wilson's closest advisors. 
E)  was secretary of state. 
A)  was both secretary of state and one of Wilson's closest advisors. 
B)  became the locus of opposition to Wilson in the cabinet. 
C)  All these answers are correct. 
D)  was one of Wilson's closest advisors. 
E)  was secretary of state.

Question 10

The temperance movement was strengthened by World War I.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 11

The brilliant lawyer Louis D.Brandeis,who later became a Supreme Court justice,argued that the federal government should work to break up the largest corporations because the "curse of bigness"

Accepted Answer

A) encouraged abuses of power. 
B) limited competition. 
C) All these answers are correct. 
D) was inefficient. 
E) was a threat to freedom. 
A) encouraged abuses of power. 
B) limited competition. 
C) All these answers are correct. 
D) was inefficient. 
E) was a threat to freedom.

Question 12

The 1912 Republican convention was an ideological contest between

Accepted Answer

A)  All these answers are correct. 
B)  the "New Freedom" and the "New Nationalism." 
C)  La Follette and Taft. 
D)  both different types of progressivism and the "New Freedom" and "New Nationalism." 
E)  the Old Guard and what was to become the "Bull Moose." 
A)  All these answers are correct. 
B)  the "New Freedom" and the "New Nationalism." 
C)  La Follette and Taft. 
D)  both different types of progressivism and the "New Freedom" and "New Nationalism." 
E)  the Old Guard and what was to become the "Bull Moose."

Question 13

Thorstein Veblen argued that

Accepted Answer

A)  the philanthropy of industrial tycoons had subverted the natural workings of society. 
B)  modern societies should rely on a handful of highly trained engineers to govern the economy. 
C)  true social reform would only occur if the nation's wealth were redistributed. 
D)  only the wealthy leisure class had adequate time and money to help the needy. 
E)  the leaders of corporations were the natural choice to create social reform. 
A)  the philanthropy of industrial tycoons had subverted the natural workings of society. 
B)  modern societies should rely on a handful of highly trained engineers to govern the economy. 
C)  true social reform would only occur if the nation's wealth were redistributed. 
D)  only the wealthy leisure class had adequate time and money to help the needy. 
E)  the leaders of corporations were the natural choice to create social reform.

Question 14

In the 1912 presidential election results,

Accepted Answer

A)  Theodore Roosevelt won the popular vote but lost the electoral college. 
B)  Eugene Debs offered his electoral votes to Theodore Roosevelt. 
C)  President William H. Taft came in last of the four major candidates. 
D)  Theodore Roosevelt finished third in the popular vote. 
E)  Woodrow Wilson won only a plurality of the popular vote. 
A)  Theodore Roosevelt won the popular vote but lost the electoral college. 
B)  Eugene Debs offered his electoral votes to Theodore Roosevelt. 
C)  President William H. Taft came in last of the four major candidates. 
D)  Theodore Roosevelt finished third in the popular vote. 
E)  Woodrow Wilson won only a plurality of the popular vote.

Question 15

Why were western states often on the leading edge of political reform and women's voting rights?

Accepted Answer

Western states in the United States were

Question 16

World War I hurt the socialist movement in the United States

Accepted Answer

A)  because the war generated anti-radical feelings in the country. 
B)  because the Socialist Party supported Germany. 
C)  both because the war generated anti-radical feelings in the country, and because the Socialist Party supported Germany. 
D)  All these answers are correct. 
E)  because the Socialist Party had dynamited key railroad lines to prevent troop movement. 
A)  because the war generated anti-radical feelings in the country. 
B)  because the Socialist Party supported Germany. 
C)  both because the war generated anti-radical feelings in the country, and because the Socialist Party supported Germany. 
D)  All these answers are correct. 
E)  because the Socialist Party had dynamited key railroad lines to prevent troop movement.

Question 17

What accounted for the great public popularity of Theodore Roosevelt? Do you think he would be popular with today's voters?

Accepted Answer

The great public popularity of Theodore

Question 18

Former "mugwumps" became important supporters of progressive political reform activity.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 19

After the elections of 1914,President Woodrow Wilson

Accepted Answer

A)  held steady to his existing course of action. 
B)  moved away from progressivism. 
C)  encouraged the United States to enter the war in Europe. 
D)  began another round of progressive legislation. 
E)  refused to nominate any progressives to the Supreme Court. 
A)  held steady to his existing course of action. 
B)  moved away from progressivism. 
C)  encouraged the United States to enter the war in Europe. 
D)  began another round of progressive legislation. 
E)  refused to nominate any progressives to the Supreme Court.

Question 20

The Federal Trade Commission Act

Accepted Answer

A)  failed to give the government new powers to investigate corporate behavior. 
B)  helped businesses increase their trade markets. 
C)  created an agency to determine whether business practices were acceptable to the government. 
D)  encouraged industries to write basic "codes" governing prices, hours, and wages across the board. 
E)  defined the standard for "unfair trade practices." 
A)  failed to give the government new powers to investigate corporate behavior. 
B)  helped businesses increase their trade markets. 
C)  created an agency to determine whether business practices were acceptable to the government. 
D)  encouraged industries to write basic "codes" governing prices, hours, and wages across the board. 
E)  defined the standard for "unfair trade practices."

Exam 20: The Progressives Key

What social attitudes in America worked for and against the concept of women having the right to vote?

How do the attitudes and actions of late nineteenth-century progressive reformers compare with the attitudes and actions found in the utopian communities of the early nineteenth century?

In what ways was the Progressive Era not progressive?

Why were both the middle class and women so interested in reform causes at the turn of the century?

The recall and the direct primary were progressive-era political reforms designed to weaken

During the Progressive Era,employers were generally unconcerned about the problem of alcohol.

Theodore Roosevelt did not run for another term as president in 1908 because

During the Progressive Era,important vehicles for social reform included

During President Woodrow Wilson's first term,Colonel Edward M.House

The temperance movement was strengthened by World War I.

The brilliant lawyer Louis D.Brandeis,who later became a Supreme Court justice,argued that the federal government should work to break up the largest corporations because the "curse of bigness"

The 1912 Republican convention was an ideological contest between

Thorstein Veblen argued that

In the 1912 presidential election results,

Why were western states often on the leading edge of political reform and women's voting rights?

World War I hurt the socialist movement in the United States

What accounted for the great public popularity of Theodore Roosevelt? Do you think he would be popular with today's voters?

Former "mugwumps" became important supporters of progressive political reform activity.

After the elections of 1914,President Woodrow Wilson

The Federal Trade Commission Act

The Collision of Cultures Key

Transplantations and Borderlands Key

Society and Culture in Provincial America Key

The Empire in Transition Key

The American Revolution Key

The Constitution and the New Republic Key

The Jeffersonian Era Key

Varieties of American Nationalism Key

Jacksonian America Key

Americas Economic Revolution Key

Cotton,Slavery,and the Old South Key

Antebellum Culture and Reform Key

The Impending Crisis Key

The Civil War Key

Reconstruction and the New South Key

The Conquest of the Far West Key

Industrial Supremacy Key

The Age of the City Key

From Crisis to Empire Key

America and the Great War Key

The New Era Key

The Great Depression Key

The New Deal Key

The Global Crisis, 1921-1941 Key

America in a World at War Key

The Cold War Key

The Affluent Society Key

The Turbulent Sixties Key

The Crisis of Authority Key

From the Age of Limits to the Age of Reagan Key

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