Required Resources
Read/review the following resources for this activity:
Textbook: Chapter 18, 21, 23
Lesson
Minimum of 3 scholarly sources (in addition to the textbook). The sources
associated with each topic selection below can be used as part of the 3
scholarly sources.
Optional Resources to Explore
Feel free to review the library guide for scholarly sources and videos at the following
link:
Link (website): History Library Guide (Links to an external site.)
Introduction
The purposes of each case study assignment include the following:
To hone your abilities to research using scholarly sources
To advance critical thinking and writing skills
To compile a response to the prompts provided
To explore a historical topic and make connections to change over time
Instructions
Pick one (1) of the following topics. Then, address the corresponding
questions/prompts for your selected topic. Use at least one (1) documented example of
the corresponding primary source in your writing.
Option 1: Big Business (Monopolies) and Exploitation of Workers
View the following resource:
Link (video): The Progressive Era (Links to an external site.) (27:30)
Browse and read one (1) of the following:
Link (article): Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire (Links to an external site.)
Link (library article): The Pullman Strike (Links to an external site.)
Then, address the following:
Explain if big business leaders were “captains of industry”, “shrewd
businessmen” or “robber barons”
Based on one of the resources noted for this option, assess American working
conditions and exploitation of workers in the Age of Industry.
Analyze the role that government played in reforming American working
conditions.
Explain the benefits of the Federal Government regulations of monopolies.
Analyze which progressive presidents attained economic justice and reform for
workers.
Option 2: Who is A Progressive?
Review the following site:
Link (website): Presidential Election of 1912: A Resource Guide (Links to an
external site.)
Then, address the following:
According to Roosevelt, what are the characteristics of a progressive?
Explain and give examples of the characteristics of “anti-progressives”
Trace what types of activities “anti-progressives” engaged in?
Analyze the goals of progressivism.
Explain what areas of society progressives addressed?
Analyze the progressive achievements Roosevelt highlights in his speech?
Option 3: World War I
Review the following resources:
Link (video): A War to End All Wars: Part 2 (Links to an external site.) (6:56)
Link (library article): The Treaty of Versailles and the Rise of Nazism (Links to an
external site.)
Then, address the following:
Trace the origins of World War I, and assess if the world war was inevitable in
1914?
Explain if it was possible for the United States to maintain neutrality in World War
I. If yes, explain how. If no, explain why not.
Analyze if the United States should have entered World War I to make the world
safe for democracy.
Analyze if the Treaty of Versailles was a fair and effective settlement for lasting
world peace.
Explain if the United States Senate should have approved of the Treaty of
Versailles.
Writing Requirements (APA format)
Length: 3-4 pages (not including title page or references page)
1-inch margins
Double spaced
SOLUTION
Big Businesses and Exploitation of Workers
The establishment of big businesses was rampant in the 19th Century, during the industrial and progressive periods. The industrial revolution was characterized by many job opportunities, as businesses were booming, especially in the factories. However, there were poor working conditions, and rise in child labor, which prompted the enactment of various laws to improve the conditions within the industry. This paper seeks to critically analyze the big businesses environment, exploitation of workers in the Age of industry, assess the role of government in improving the working conditions, and identify which presidents facilitated the attainment of economic justice.
The Big Business Leaders
The big business leaders comprised of different personalities, and therefore some could be identified as “captains of industry” while others fell under the “robber barons” category. Some of the notable business leaders in the 19th century include John D. Rockefeller, Andrew Carnegie, Henry Ford, and J.P Morgan (Stiles, 2014). These business leaders accumulated massive wealth, such that even by today’s standards, it goes past hundreds of billions of dollars. John D. Rockefeller, Henry Ford, and Andrew Carnegie can be termed as captains of industry as they were philanthropic businessmen who made efforts to be ethical, ensure fair pay for workers, and make positive change in their respective industries. However, J.P Morgan would be characterized as a robber baron considering his way of doing business, for instance, he was quite unethical in his ways of accumulating wealth. At face value, he seemed to contribute significantly to the American economy. He however, was involved into anticompetitive activities, for instance he was said to own a money trust that had control over the entire banking industry. Please click the purchase button to access the entire copy at $10