p. 650-665

1. Was Mark Twain's description of the Gilded Age accurate?


2. What were the two most prominent national political issues during the Gilded Age?

3. How did political bosses like Blaine and Conkling run the government?

4. Why was patronage so important to both political parties?

5. Why was voter turnout so high during the latter part of the 19th century?

6. How did the silver issue affect the distribution of currency?

7. How did regional interests play into issues like civil service reform, silver coinage, tariff protection, etc.?

8. How did local politics transform national politics?

9. What kind of perks did local party bosses offer in exchange for votes?

10. What made political races so enticing during the 1880s and 90s?

11. How did Carnegie's idea of social order/hierarchy compare to that of 'social Christians'?

12. What connections did various social commentators make between wealth and poverty?

13. What best describes the idea of a 'social gospel'?

14. How did local party bosses control local utilities like street cars and electricity?

15. How did religion play a role in the advocacy for mandatory public education?

16. What three things did women reformers focus on by the end of the 19th century?

17. What factors do you think contributed to women not being allowed to vote, even by 1900?

Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address

After reading Lincoln's second inaugural address, to what extent did he allude to his possible plans for the post-war United States? Also, how did this speech reflect or compare to his first inaugural address?




Check your class notes regarding his first inaugural speech and his views on the secession of the South for further reference. In addition, if you want to read the actual first inaugural address, it can be found at http://www.apstudent.com/ by clicking on the 'documents' link. Post two comments, the first being your answer to the questions asked, and the second a response to your classmates. We will have a further discussion about this on Friday during our Civil War Food Day.

Lincoln's decisions

After our discussion in class, your textbook readings, or further research, post three comments on the following prompt... Argue for/against: Abraham Lincoln's status as one of the greatest Presidents is undermined by his attacks on civil liberties and other borderline constitutional war policies.

Advent of the Civil War

After reading pages 502-504 and 510-515, do you feel Lincoln responded appropriately to the circumstances in which he took office (secession, push towards war, etc.)? Of course explain your answer giving as many specific details as possible. Post two comments, the first being your answer to the question, and the second a response to your classmates. Enjoy!!!

Secession

After reading the FTR selections, to what extent do you think the Civil War was inevitable, especially given the reasons for secession and the seemingly unrelenting tensions that mounted during the 1850s?  Post two comments...

Post Civil War industry packet

While you read the post CW industrial development packet, in what ways was pre-Civil War industry different than post Civil War industry? Come up with at least two differences, and post them here on the blog.  In addition, post a second comment that responds to your classmates.  Hope you enjoy your long weekend!

Economic development in the South

1. What led to the decline of tobacco as the leading source of income for the South?


2. How was the production of cotton linked to westward expansion?

3. Why were sugar, long staple cotton, and tobacco not as profitable as short staple cotton?

4. What role did "factors" play in the economy of the South?

5. Why did railroad expansion in the South not lead to the economic boom it caused in the North?

6. How is "De Bow's Review" an example of the economic subordination of the South to the North?

7. What factors led the North and South to go, economically speaking, in two different directions?