Mod 2 Questions
Module 2 Lesson 1 Assignment 1
Explain how business and industry changed after the American Civil War
Why did some corporations seek to gain control over their market? Explain monopoly.
Explain vertical and horizontal integration.
Explain how social darwinism was interpreted by big business leaders.
Explain the difference between the terms "captains of industry" vs "robber barrons."
Who was Andrew Carnegie? Explain his contributions to American industrialization.
Who was JD Rockefeller? Explain his contributions to American industrialization.
What was the Sherman Anti-Trust Act? Why was it passed?
How did the labor force change after people began to move off farms and into the cities?
Describe the evolution of the labor union during this era. Why were labor unions necessary?
First there was the NLU, which fought for equality between all workers and for better conditions. The soon fell from the graces due to an unsuccessful strike in 1877 and an economic depression in 1873. Lurking in the shadows, the Knights of Labor followed soon after. They were advocates for the termination of child labor and trusts. They lost their power after the Haymarket Affair of 1886 caused many to see Unions as radicals. After that, the AFL came into the spotlight. They focused on collective Bargaining in order to achieve their goals. They believed in higher pay, and even though they weren't as extreme as previous groups, they were attacked by Corporations and the Government alike.
I personally believe that while their motives were pure, the tactics of the Union(s) were flawed and needlessly excessive.