History is a system

Introduction

In History we refer to causes and consequences and show connections between events. Jose Ortega y Gasset wrote, “History is a system, the system of human experiences linked in a single, inexorable (interminable) chain.” Our past is still part of the present.

What we see today is not necessarily the result of recent actions choices. Aspects of our present result from centuries old choices or practices. Others derive from five or more decades and the rest from thirty years or less. The most significant and entrenched features of our current economic, political, and social situations have a long history.

You will be expected to write at least one and one-half pages to two (1.5-2) pages maximum (single-spaced) or three to four (3-4) pages maximum (double-spaced) in response to the following prompt. Use a maximum 12-point font similar what is used in these instructions.

Course Learning Outcome

1. Analyze the impact of class, gender, ethnicity, culture, and politics as they relate to U.S. history from the late nineteenth century to the present through the use of historical data to form independent interpretations.

Assignment Instructions

Respond to the following prompt. You may upload a document or type into the text box.

Our recent past has been described as a second Gilded Age. Compare and contrast the plight of workers in the Gilded Age from 1877 to 1900 with our most recent past, 1980 to the present. Is this a reasonable description? Why or why not? Remember, the effects of legislative policies take time to manifest themselves.

Use the following points as a guide in writing your essay.

1. Describe similarities and differences of working conditions and worker economic and political power in the Gilded Age and our most recent past?
2. Be sure to describe lack of regulations (in the Gilded Age) and deregulation or lack of enforcement regulation (in the recent past 1975 and forward, but more so since the 1980s) contribute to similar outcomes in both periods?
3. Analyze one area of similarity and its causes. Examples include low wages, employers’ power, presence of unions, etc.
4. Analyze the impact of immigrants and immigration on work and working conditions as well as how they are viewed by American workers.

Support your response by using at least two primary documents provided in the course or reader, such as Jacob Riis’ “How the Other Half Lives”, “Mulberry Street”, “William Graham Sumner Social Darwinism”, “Lucy Parsons on Women Revolutionary Socialism”, “The Tournament of Today”, Henry George’s “Progress and Poverty”, “Bill Clinton on Free Trade and Financial Deregulation”, or “Pedro Lopez on His Mother’s Deportation”.