For Part 1 of the Unit 1 Exam, read the three documents attached above, examine the image located below (also attached above), and watch the specified segment of the PBS documentary series American Experience: New York (link below). Using the documents, the video, and the textbook write an essay answering the questions listed below. Grades will be based on the content of your answer and must be more than 400 words in length. Direct quotes do not count toward the required word count.
Part 1 Questions:
1. What do Documents 1, 2, and 3 each reveal about the social and economic changes experienced by many Americans during the Gilded Age (1865-1900)? Compare the experiences of each author.
2. How do the documents and the video reflect the growing racial, ethnic, gender, and economic inequality during the Gilded Age? What surprised you most about the conditions described in the video?
3. How does the image reflect the way many Americans perceived the nation’s growing racial and ethnic diversity? How do those perceptions relate to the experiences described in the documents and the video?
Video Link:
American Experience: New York (2003), episode 3 – (you ONLY need to watch from minute 1:20:45 to 1:31:34 in the video)
https://dcccd.kanopy.com/video/episode-3-sunshine-and-shadow-1865-1898-0
In order to access the video, click on the link above. Then, log into the Kanopy website with your DCCCD eCampus user name and password.
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During the Gilded Age, spanning from 1865 to 1900, the United States experienced significant social and economic changes. This essay will analyze Documents 1, 2, and 3, the specified segment of the PBS documentary series American Experience: New York, and the provided image, to answer the following questions.
Documents 1, 2, and 3 each reveal unique insights into the social and economic changes experienced by many Americans during the Gilded Age. Document 1, written by Edward Bellamy, outlines a vision for a utopian society free from the extreme poverty and inequality that characterized the era. Bellamy’s vision, expressed in his book Looking Backward, advocates for a socialist society in which wealth is evenly distributed, and everyone receives an equal education. Document 2, written by Andrew Carnegie, describes his belief in the “Gospel of Wealth,” which holds that the wealthy have a responsibility to use their wealth for the betterment of society. Carnegie argues that wealth is a product of society and that it is the duty of the wealthy to give back to society. Document 3, written by Mary E. Lease, highlights the plight of farmers during the Gilded Age. Lease argues that farmers are being exploited by monopolies and that their livelihoods are at risk due to economic inequality. She advocates for political action to address these issues.
The experiences of each author are distinct. Bellamy presents a utopian vision for the future, while Carnegie believes that the wealthy have a responsibility to improve society. Lease’s focus is on the struggles of farmers and the need for political action. Despite their differences, all three authors recognize the significant social and economic changes taking place during the Gilded Age.
The documents and the video reflect the growing racial, ethnic, gender, and economic inequality during the Gilded Age. The PBS documentary series American Experience: New York details the experiences of marginalized groups during this era, including African Americans, women, and immigrants. The segment from 1:20:45 to 1:31:34 highlights the growing disparity between the rich and poor in New York City. The video reveals the extreme poverty and living conditions of working-class individuals and families during this period, as well as the luxury enjoyed by the wealthy.
The conditions described in the video are shocking, particularly the revelations about the tenement housing in New York City. The lack of sanitation and overcrowding resulted in the spread of disease and high mortality rates. The video also highlights the exploitation of workers, particularly women and children, who worked long hours in dangerous conditions for low wages. The experiences of marginalized groups during the Gilded Age illustrate the significant inequality and social injustice of the era.
The image reflects the way many Americans perceived the nation’s growing racial and ethnic diversity during the Gilded Age. The image, titled “American Progress,” depicts a woman in flowing robes moving westward with a book in her hand and stringing telegraph wire. The image suggests that American progress and expansion are bringing civilization and enlightenment to the West.
However, the image also reflects a Eurocentric view of progress and civilization, as the woman is white and the indigenous peoples of the West are not depicted. The image relates to the experiences described in the documents and the video by highlighting the way many Americans perceived progress and development during the Gilded Age. This perception often ignored the experiences of marginalized groups and perpetuated the racial and ethnic inequality of the era.
In conclusion, the documents, video, and image provide valuable insights into the social and economic changes experienced by many Americans during the Gilded Age. The experiences of marginalized groups highlight the growing inequality of the era, while the visions of Bellamy, Carnegie, and Lease illustrate the responses of some Americans to these changes. The Eurocentric view
