Issues of the Gilded Age

Introduction

Welcome to The South and West Transformed WebQuest!  After the lesson, you will be able to:

  • Understand the segregation and social tensions that troubled the nation during the late 1800's
  • Identify the political and economic challenges that existed during the Gilded Age
  • Analyze the effects of the Populist's programs and activities

 

Key Terms:

Gilded Age

Jim Crow Laws

Gold standard

Populist Party

Task

Gilded Age

1.  Why is this period called "The Gilded Age"?

Segregation and Social Tensions

During the decades after Reconstruction, southern states passed laws that separated blacks and whites.  They were known as Jim Crow Laws.

Watch the following video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2Iwa9LeuFM&disable_polymer=true

2. Why did Jim Crow laws emerge?

3.  Visit the website below and list 3 examples of a Jim Crow Law.

http://examples.yourdictionary.com/examples-of-jim-crow-laws.html

 

Separate but Equal

Go to page 87 in your textbook.

4.  What did Plessy v Ferguson decide?

5.  Describe facilities that were provided for blacks.

 

Political Challenges

The Bosses of the Senate.

6.  What do the men towering over the senators represent?  Hint:  For more information click on the following link:

https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/art/artifact/Ga_Cartoon/Ga_cartoon_38_00392.htm

 

Farmers and Populism

Go to page 89 in your textbook.  Or check the internet. 

7.  What was another name for the Populist Party?  What was the goal?

8.  Who did the party nominate for president 1892?  In 1896?

 

Read the following speech:

"If they dare to come out in the open field and defend the gold standard as a good thing, we will fight them to the uttermost. Having behind us the producing masses of this nation and the world, supported by the commercial in, the laboring interests and the toilers everywhere, we will answer their demand for a gold standard by saying to them: You shall not press down upon the brow of labor this crown of thorns, you shall not crucify mankind upon a cross of gold".  

9.  What is the name of the speech above?  

10.  Who gave the speech?  

11.  Does he/she think the gold standard is a good or bad thing?