American History II

1. The Progressive Era emerged in the early twentieth century as a sharp contrast to the Gilded Age with the push for reforms in all areas of government and business. Discuss some examples of the excesses of the Gilded Age and proposed Progressive Era remedies. Did the Progressives achieve their goals of reigning in the robber barons, creating improved urban development, curbing the power of corporations, protecting consumers and consumer safety, and eliminating the excesses of westward expansion?

Your response should be a minimum of 300 words.

2. America felt growing pains in the late 1800s, many of which were negative experiences. What influenced urban blight (e.g., standardized housing, abandoned buildings, parts of cities falling into decrepitude due to crime) in the decades around the turn of the century, and was industrial expansion a positive or negative impact? In your response, make sure to address the experience of rising immigrant communities and living in tenement structures.

Your response should be a minimum of 300 words.