Section 2: Political and Economic Challenges
Section 3: Farmers and Populism
Preview Assignment
Listed below are several events that we have
already studied. All occurred in the so-called
Gilded Age (1865-1900). Each event glittered
(had a very positive aspect) but the glitter hid
some tarnished aspect in American history. Read
the glittered statement and describe the tarnished
aspect associated with it.
1. General Lee surrenders the Confederate hopes at
Appomattox Court House leading America into a
rebuilding and reuniting phase
2. With new technologies and inventions industry
increases and expands our economy, while giving
work to millions of people.
3. Many immigrants flee to the United States escaping
persecution, famine, and disease.
4. The Great American Frontier passes, and this great
nation now includes all the land from the Atlantic
Ocean to the Pacific
MAIN IDEAS – 3 NEGATIVE ASPECTS OF
SOCIETY DURING THE GILDED AGE
1. Weak Leadership on a federal level:
“Know Nothing Presidents”
2. Political corruption on the local level:
“Political Machines”
3. Plight of the Farmers
Assignment:
Complete the following questions on the
“Gilded Age Presidents” using pages
193 - 194 & 813 – 815
1.) The presidents of the Gilded Age are often referred to as the
“know nothing” presidents or the “do nothing” presidents.
Why so?
2.) Name (3) three interesting findings that show why this group
of presidents (18 – 25) was considered to be particularly weak. Us
pages 813 – 815.