History Question

Gwynedd-Mercy College HIS-132.DG & DH: US since 1877 Dr. W. A. Huss Spring 2024 MID-TERM EXAM PART I: Take Home Essay (covers Chapters 17 & 18 in Brinkley, lecture notes, Canvas postings, videos, and class discussions) INSTRUCTIONS: Write a thoughtful, comprehensive, factual, organized, readable, and hopefully interesting essay on one (1) of the following questions. Be sure to keep in mind the guidelines presented in the Canvas postings “Assessment Criteria for History Essays and Assignments,” “Grading Rubric for History Essays and Assignments,” and “Written Assignments.” Remember that your opinions have meaning only when backed by concrete historical information. Length: Five (5) or six (6) pages typed, double spaced (text). Value: 50 pts. Due Date: TBD All students are encouraged to do well. A. Discuss the rise of industry in post-Civil War America from about 1865 to about 1900 and include some statistics and explanations for such unprecedented growth. What basic attitudes prevailed at this time regarding competition and the struggle to “make it.” Identify some of the most prominent “Captains of Industry” (or “Robber Barons”) from this period, match with their industries, and explain how they rose to power. What kinds of impact did industrialization have upon society (e.g. workers, consumers, social classes, races, genders, and ethnic groups) and what roles did the state and federal governments play? Which authors and writers supported, and which ones argued against, the pursuit of wealth? B. Discuss the rise of urbanization in post-Civil War America from about 1865 to about 1900 and include some statistics and explanations for this profound development. What roles did cities take on during this period? What kinds of issues arose that overwhelmed city leaders and planners and how did they adjust to them? What elements of modernization took place at this time? Be sure to discuss such crises as population growth, assimilation of immigrants, working and living conditions, housing, utilities, city services, government corruption, transportation, open space, overcrowding, poverty, crime, disease, etc. How did various reform and humanitarian (both religious and secular) movements try to deal with these problems? N.B. Be sure to include the “Word of Honor Statement” with your essay.