Chapter Twenty
Political Realignments In The 1890s
Multiple Choice
1. Why were Americans fascinated by politics during the Gilded Age?
A) Women and men were voting for the first time.
B) African Americans were able to use their newly won suffrage.
C) The quality of political candidates was excellent.
D) Most Americans saw it as a form of entertainment.
E) Cash incentives made people eager to vote.
Answer: D
Rationale:
During the Gilded Age, politics became a form of entertainment for many Americans due to
the rise of sensationalist journalism, political scandals, and lively campaign rallies. Political
events were often dramatized in the media, capturing the public's attention and turning
politics into a source of fascination and amusement.
2. Which of the following groups made up the bulk of the electorate until 1900?
A) white males
B) white men and women
C) white and black males
D) white and Hispanic males
E) white and Asian American males
Answer: A
Rationale:
Until 1900, the bulk of the electorate consisted of white males. Voting rights were restricted
based on race, gender, and, in some cases, property ownership, limiting the participation of
other demographic groups in the electoral process.
3. In the South, a “grandfather clause” waived the literacy requirement for voters whose
ancestors had ________.
A) already passed a literacy test
B) fought in the Civil War
C) been white
D) voted before 1867
E) a college degree
Answer: D
Rationale:
The "grandfather clause" waived the literacy requirement for voters whose ancestors had
voted before 1867. This clause disproportionately benefited white voters while
disenfranchising many African Americans, as most black citizens' ancestors had been
enslaved and therefore unable to vote before 1867.
4. Following the impeachment of Andrew Johnson, ________.
A) the executive office became weaker in relation to Congress
B) the executive office asserted its authority
C) the Supreme Court gained in power
D) the Supreme Court became less influential
E) power was equally divided between the president and Congress
Answer: A
Rationale:
Following the impeachment of Andrew Johnson, the executive office became weaker in
relation to Congress. Johnson's impeachment highlighted the struggle between the executive
and legislative branches, leading to increased congressional oversight and limitations on
presidential power.
5. Many early commissions in the 1870s were established to regulate the ________ industry.
A) agricultural
B) textile
C) railroad
D) construction
E) cattle
Answer: C
Rationale:
Many early commissions in the 1870s were established to regulate the railroad industry. The
rapid expansion of railroads during this period led to concerns about monopolistic practices,
rate discrimination, and safety standards, prompting the government to intervene and regulate
the industry through various commissions.
6. The man who entered the White House after the disputed election of 1876 was ________.
A) Grover Cleveland
B) William McKinley
C) Rutherford B. Hayes
D) Benjamin Harrison
E) William Jennings Bryan
Answer: C
Rationale:
The man who entered the White House after the disputed election of 1876 was Rutherford B.
Hayes. Hayes became president after a contentious election marked by allegations of voter
fraud and disputed electoral votes, ultimately resolved through a political compromise known
as the Compromise of 1877.
7. During his first term in office, Grover Cleveland ________.
A) increased federal activities
B) was committed to higher tariffs
C) curtailed federal activities
D) brought dishonor to the Democratic Party
E) was reelected in a landslide in 1888
Answer: C
Rationale:
During his first term in office, Grover Cleveland curtailed federal activities. Cleveland, a
Democrat known for his commitment to fiscal conservatism and limited government
intervention, vetoed numerous bills seeking federal subsidies and assistance, earning him a
reputation as a reform-minded president.
8. The Sherman Antitrust Act ________.
A) was vague and at the mercy of the courts
B) had little effect on antitrust policy
C) was only concerned with regulating railroads
D) did not have criminal penalties for violators
E) was used aggressively by the Justice Department
Answer: A
Rationale:
The Sherman Antitrust Act was vague and at the mercy of the courts. Although intended to
combat the formation of monopolies and restrain anticompetitive practices, the act's broad
language and lack of specific guidelines led to inconsistent enforcement and judicial
interpretation, limiting its effectiveness in regulating business practices.
9. Supporters of the free coinage of silver ________.
A) were convinced it would help the agrarian sectors
B) were primarily found in the North and East
C) wanted to draw power away from the federal government
D) found little support for their views in Congress
E) thought it would deflate the currency
Answer: A
Rationale:
Supporters of the free coinage of silver were convinced it would help the agrarian sectors.
They believed that increasing the money supply by minting silver coins at a fixed ratio to
gold would stimulate economic growth, particularly benefiting farmers and debtors by
causing inflation and easing the burden of debt repayment.
10. Which was an organization of farmers that formed during the late 1880s?
A) the Colored Farmers’ Alliance
B) the Northern Alliance
C) the Western Alliance
D) the Grange
E) the Farm Workers’ Association
Answer: A
Rationale:
An organization of farmers that formed during the late 1880s was the Colored Farmers’
Alliance. Like its counterpart, the Farmers’ Alliance, which primarily consisted of white
farmers, the Colored Farmers’ Alliance sought to address the economic challenges facing
agricultural workers and lobby for reforms to protect their interests.
11. The primary objective of the Alliance movement was to ________.
A) form a social organization for farmers
B) organize and politicize the American farmer
C) ensure equal distribution of wealth
D) elect Democrats and Republicans who represented farmers
E) protect farmers against greedy cattle ranchers
Answer: B
Rationale:
The Alliance movement aimed to organize and politicize the American farmer, advocating for
agricultural reforms and economic policies that would benefit farmers. It sought to address
the economic challenges faced by farmers, such as high debt, falling crop prices, and
monopolistic practices by railroads and banks, by mobilizing farmers politically and
promoting collective action to advance their interests.
12. The Populist candidate for president in 1892 was ________.
A) William Jennings Bryan
B) James B. Weaver
C) Mary E. Lease
D) William McKinley
E) Grover Cleveland
Answer: B
Rationale:
The Populist candidate for president in 1892 was James B. Weaver. Weaver, representing the
People's Party (Populists), ran on a platform advocating for economic reforms to address the
grievances of farmers and industrial workers, including the free coinage of silver, a graduated
income tax, and government ownership of railroads and communication systems.
13. The Panic of 1893 ________.
A) was caused by a stock market sell-off
B) was confined to a small group of investors
C) had little effect on the national government
D) brought quick, decisive action by the government
E) caused banks to increase their number of loans
Answer: A
Rationale:
The Panic of 1893 was caused by a stock market sell-off and a series of bank failures, leading
to widespread economic distress, business closures, and high unemployment rates. It was one
of the most severe economic downturns in American history, with significant impacts on
businesses, workers, and the national economy.
14. The individual who rocketed to national attention because of the Pullman strike was
________.
A) Jacob Coxey
B) Theodore Dreiser
C) Eugene V. Debs
D) Henry Adams
E) Thomas Watson
Answer: C
Rationale:
The individual who rocketed to national attention because of the Pullman strike was Eugene
V. Debs, the leader of the American Railway Union (ARU). Debs' leadership during the
Pullman Strike and his subsequent imprisonment for defying a court injunction made him a
prominent figure in the labor movement and a symbol of workers' rights and social justice.
15. The president broke the Pullman strike on grounds that it ________.
A) had exposed the United States to foreign invasion
B) had interfered with the collection of taxes
C) had raised the possibility of open class warfare
D) had obstructed the delivery of the mail
E) had forced wealthy travelers to ride in ordinary passenger cars
Answer: D
Rationale:
The president broke the Pullman strike on grounds that it had obstructed the delivery of the
mail. President Grover Cleveland intervened in the strike by sending federal troops to
Chicago to ensure the resumption of mail delivery, citing the strike's disruption of essential
services as justification for federal intervention.
16. The president of the United States during the depression that began in 1893 was
________.
A) Herbert Hoover
B) Grover Cleveland
C) Rutherford B. Hayes
D) William McKinley
E) Theodore Roosevelt
Answer: B
Rationale:
The president of the United States during the depression that began in 1893 was Grover
Cleveland. Cleveland, serving his second non-consecutive term as president, faced significant
economic challenges during his presidency, including the Panic of 1893, which led to
widespread unemployment, business failures, and social unrest.
17. Which of the following was an unintended result of the repeal of the Sherman Silver
Purchase Act?
A) Democrats were confined to the North.
B) Democrats became the majority party.
C) It contracted the currency.
D) The rate of inflation rose.
E) Farm prices rose sharply.
Answer: C
Rationale:
An unintended result of the repeal of the Sherman Silver Purchase Act was that it contracted
the currency. The Sherman Silver Purchase Act, which required the government to purchase
silver and issue Treasury notes backed by silver, was repealed in 1893 under pressure from
banking interests and concerns about the depletion of gold reserves. The repeal contributed to
a contraction of the money supply, exacerbating the effects of the economic depression.
18. In the elections of 1894, ________.
A) Grover Cleveland had strong support for his policies
B) few voters supported a strong, active government
C) the Populist Party became a major political party
D) the deadlock between the Republicans and Democrats ended
E) Americans became more suspicious of government power
Answer: D
Rationale:
In the elections of 1894, the deadlock between the Republicans and Democrats ended. The
Republican Party achieved significant gains in Congress, breaking the long-standing political
stalemate and gaining control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate. The
election results reflected public dissatisfaction with the economic downturn and a desire for
change in government leadership.
19. The election of 1894 was noteworthy because ________.
A) the Republicans became the majority party
B) it swept Grover Cleveland out of office
C) it brought about the end of the Populists
D) it led to a massive defeat for the Democrats
E) it was a triumph for proponents of silver
Answer: A
Rationale:
The election of 1894 was noteworthy because the Republicans became the majority party.
The Republican Party achieved significant victories in the congressional elections of 1894,
securing majorities in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. This marked a shift
in political power away from the Democrats and signaled the emergence of the Republican
Party as the dominant political force in Congress.
20. The greatest change in American literature during the late 1800s was the rise of
________.
A) poetry
B) evolutionism
C) realism
D) romanticism
E) impressionism
Answer: C
Rationale:
The rise of realism marked a significant shift in American literature during the late 1800s.
Realism emerged as a literary movement characterized by a focus on depicting ordinary life
and society with accuracy and detail, often addressing social issues and the complexities of
human nature. Writers like Mark Twain, Henry James, and William Dean Howells were
prominent figures in the realist movement, contributing to its widespread influence and
shaping the course of American literature.
21. The writings of Mark Twain ________.
A) reflected the mood of romanticism in literature
B) portrayed life in the tenements of the East
C) focused exclusively on adventure and escapism
D) included local dialects and regional stories
E) never gained international prominence
Answer: D
Rationale:
The writings of Mark Twain were characterized by the inclusion of local dialects and regional
stories, capturing the distinctive voices and experiences of American life. Twain's works,
such as "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" and "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer," are
renowned for their vivid portrayal of characters and settings rooted in the American Midwest
and South, contributing to his enduring international acclaim as a master storyteller and
humorist.
22. The dominant issue of the election of 1896 was ________.
A) monetary standards
B) tariffs
C) political patronage
D) railroad regulation
E) race relations
Answer: A
Rationale:
The dominant issue of the election of 1896 was monetary standards, particularly the debate
over the gold standard versus the free coinage of silver. The election centered on economic
policy and the question of how to address the economic hardships of the era, with the
Democratic Party advocating for the free coinage of silver to inflate the currency and
alleviate debt burdens, while the Republican Party favored maintaining the gold standard to
stabilize the economy and restore investor confidence.
23. When the Democrats endorsed silver in 1896, the Populists ________.
A) disbanded and merged with the Democrats
B) seconded the nomination of Bryan
C) disbanded and merged with the Republicans
D) seconded the nomination of McKinley
E) nominated Watson for president
Answer: B
Rationale:
When the Democrats endorsed silver in 1896, the Populists seconded the nomination of
Bryan. The Populist Party, which had championed the free coinage of silver as a means to
address agrarian grievances and economic inequality, aligned with the Democratic Party's
platform and supported William Jennings Bryan as their joint presidential candidate in the
election of 1896, reflecting their shared commitment to silver coinage and populist economic
reforms.
24. The two major presidential candidates of the 1896 election were ________.
A) William Howard Taft and William Jennings Bryan
B) Thomas Reed and Grover Cleveland
C) William Jennings Bryan and William McKinley
D) Marcus A. Hanna and Thomas Watson
E) Grover Cleveland and William Jennings Bryan
Answer: C
Rationale:
The two major presidential candidates of the 1896 election were William Jennings Bryan and
William McKinley. Bryan, representing the Democratic and Populist Parties, ran on a
platform advocating for the free coinage of silver and populist economic reforms. McKinley,
the Republican candidate, campaigned on a platform supporting the gold standard and
protective tariffs, emphasizing sound money and economic stability.
25. How did the election of 1896 affect the Populists?
A) The party gained a congressional majority.
B) The party switched names to the Democratic party.
C) The party disappeared.
D) The party lost the election but remained a third party for decades.
E) The party remained powerful, due to the fact that it had won a majority of the popular
vote.
Answer: C
Rationale:
The election of 1896 marked the decline of the Populist Party, as it failed to achieve its goals
and lost momentum following William Jennings Bryan's defeat. Despite aligning with the
Democrats and advocating for silver coinage, Bryan's loss to McKinley signaled the waning
influence of the Populist movement, leading to internal divisions and a gradual decline in the
party's political relevance. Eventually, the Populist Party faded away as a major political
force, unable to sustain its momentum beyond the election of 1896.
26. As president, William McKinley ________.
A) was an activist
B) did not get along with Congress
C) was perceived as a reactionary
D) decreased federal power while in office
E) maintained an isolated administration
Answer: A
Rationale:
As president, William McKinley was an activist who pursued an agenda of economic
expansion, protective tariffs, and imperialist policies. McKinley's presidency was marked by
proactive measures such as the passage of the Dingley Tariff Act, which raised tariffs to
protect American industries, and the annexation of territories like Hawaii and the Philippines,
demonstrating his assertive leadership in shaping domestic and foreign policy.
27. Which of the following was part of the Republican Party platform in the post-Civil War
era?
A) lower tariffs
B) free trade measures
C) subsidies to railroads
D) decentralized federal power
E) the promotion of states’ rights
Answer: C
Rationale:
Subsidies to railroads were part of the Republican Party platform in the post-Civil War era.
Republicans, particularly during the Reconstruction period and Gilded Age, supported
policies aimed at promoting industrialization, economic development, and westward
expansion, including subsidies and land grants to railroad companies to facilitate
transportation and settlement of frontier territories.
28. What were the opinions of Democrats and Republicans with regard to tariffs in the
1880s?
A) Republicans wanted to lower the tariff so that Americans could spend more, but
Democrats wanted to keep the tariff to pay for infrastructure.
B) Both Democrats and Republicans wanted the tariff to be lowered, but Democrats wanted
to lower it to cut taxes while Republicans wanted to lower it to boost business.
C) Democrats wanted to lower the tariff to trim taxes, but Republicans felt that lowering it
undermined American business and industry.
D) Republicans wanted to lower the tariff to boost business, but Democrats felt that the tariff
should remain as it was.
E) Democrats wanted to raise the tariff in order to fund public education, but Republicans
wanted to lower the tariff in order to inspire consumer spending.
Answer: C
Rationale:
In the 1880s, Democrats wanted to lower the tariff to trim taxes, but Republicans felt that
lowering it undermined American business and industry. The tariff was a contentious issue
between the two parties, with Democrats advocating for tariff reductions to alleviate tax
burdens on consumers and promote free trade, while Republicans supported protective tariffs
to shield domestic industries from foreign competition and stimulate economic growth.
29. What was the result of the 1895 Supreme Court case involving the E. C. Knight
Company?
A) The regulatory powers of the federal government were strengthened.
B) There was stronger regulation over manufacturing.
C) The ruling had little effect on national policy.
D) The Supreme Court strengthened the Sherman Antitrust Act.
E) Antitrust legislation was weakened.
Answer: E
Rationale:
The result of the 1895 Supreme Court case involving the E. C. Knight Company was that
antitrust legislation was weakened. The Supreme Court's decision in the case limited the
scope of federal antitrust enforcement by narrowly interpreting the Sherman Antitrust Act of
1890, ruling that the Act did not apply to manufacturing monopolies unless they directly
affected interstate commerce. This decision hindered efforts to curb corporate consolidation
and monopolistic practices, contributing to a more permissive environment for business
consolidation in the late 19th century.
30. Why was the Republican-controlled Congress elected in 1890 notable?
A) It was unable to assert federal authority.
B) Its legislation shaped the future policy of the nation.
C) It was overwhelmingly reelected.
D) It gained the support of the Democrats.
E) It spent frugally in an effort to build up the Treasury.
Answer: B
Rationale:
The Republican-controlled Congress elected in 1890 was notable because its legislation
shaped the future policy of the nation. The Congress, under Republican leadership, passed
significant legislation during the 1890s, including the Sherman Antitrust Act, the McKinley
Tariff Act, and the Sherman Silver Purchase Act. These laws had a lasting impact on
economic regulation, trade policy, and currency standards, shaping the direction of American
governance and economy in the years to come.
31. In 1890, the American electorate rejected ________.
A) Democratic legislative activism by crushing the party in the congressional elections
B) Republican legislative activism by crushing the party in the congressional elections
C) both major parties by electing many third-party, especially Populist candidates
D) Republican passiveness by crushing the party in the congressional elections
E) Democratic passiveness by crushing the party in the congressional elections
Answer: B
Rationale:
In 1890, the American electorate rejected Republican legislative activism by crushing the
party in the congressional elections. The midterm elections of 1890 saw significant losses for
the Republican Party, particularly in the House of Representatives, where Democrats gained a
majority. This electoral shift was largely interpreted as a rebuke of Republican policies and
legislative initiatives, including the McKinley Tariff and perceived failures in addressing
economic challenges and social unrest.
32. Why did the Colored Farmers’ National Alliance end?
A) A posse of white Southerners lynched fifteen strikers.
B) The price of cotton increased significantly.
C) Southern planters used strike breakers in the cotton fields.
D) The Farmers’ Alliance expelled all African Americans from the group.
E) African Americans were integrated into the Farmers’ Alliance.
Answer: A
Rationale:
The Colored Farmers’ National Alliance ended due to a posse of white Southerners lynching
fifteen strikers. The violent suppression of African American farmers and labor organizers by
white supremacist groups and authorities, including the use of intimidation, lynching, and
coercion, contributed to the decline and dissolution of organizations like the Colored
Farmers’ Alliance. These acts of racial violence and oppression undermined efforts to build
interracial solidarity and economic cooperation among agricultural workers in the South.
33. Which of these describe the Ocala Demands?
A) the political demands of the Farmers’ Alliance
B) the Democratic platform in support of the gold standard
C) William Jennings Bryan’s political platform
D) the demands presented by those involved in the Pullman strike
E) the platform of the Republican party in the 1890 elections
Answer: A
Rationale:
The Ocala Demands were the political demands of the Farmers’ Alliance, a coalition of
agrarian groups advocating for agricultural and economic reforms in the late 19th century.
These demands included calls for government regulation of railroads and banks, the
establishment of subtreasuries for crop storage and loans, the abolition of national banks, and
the free coinage of silver to increase the money supply and alleviate debt burdens on farmers.
34. What was one result of the election of 1892?
A) It brought mixed results for the Populists.
B) It provided the Populists with a regional platform.
C) It saw many voters switching to the Populist Party.
D) It had little effect on national issues.
E) It led to more than a million votes for Leonidas Polk.
Answer: A
Rationale:
One result of the election of 1892 was that it brought mixed results for the Populists. While
the Populist Party made some electoral gains at the state and local levels, particularly in
agrarian regions of the South and West, its performance in national elections was uneven. The
election marked the emergence of the Populist movement as a significant political force but
also highlighted challenges faced by third-party movements in gaining widespread support
and electoral success.
35. In the Pullman strike of 1894, what did Grover Cleveland’s intervention accomplish?
A) It provided business an effective antilabor weapon to hinder unions.
B) It ensured the success of the strike.
C) It failed to end either the strike or the rioting.
D) It gave workers the protection of a court injunction.
E) It led to the creation of the Pullman Porters’ Union.
Answer: A
Rationale:
In the Pullman strike of 1894, Grover Cleveland’s intervention provided business an effective
antilabor weapon to hinder unions. Cleveland's decision to deploy federal troops to suppress
the strike and uphold the injunction against the striking workers served the interests of
business owners and managers by weakening the labor movement and discouraging future
strikes. The intervention reinforced the power imbalance between labor and capital, signaling
a setback for organized labor in its efforts to improve working conditions and wages.
36. Why did Populists not gain as many seats in Congress as they had expected in the 1894
election?
A) In the South, Democrats used fraud and violence to keep people from voting for Populists.
B) In the Midwest, discontented voters tended to vote for Democrats and not Populists.
C) The unemployed, who supported the Populists, did not vote as widely as expected.
D) In the South, despite Populist support, more people ultimately voted Republican.
E) The Populist supporters in New England chose to vote Republican instead.
Answer: A
Rationale:
Populists did not gain as many seats in Congress as they had expected in the 1894 election
because in the South, Democrats used fraud and violence to keep people from voting for
Populists. Despite widespread support for Populist policies among agrarian and workingclass voters, particularly in Southern states, Democrats employed tactics such as voter
intimidation, ballot manipulation, and violence to suppress Populist turnout and maintain
their political dominance. These efforts limited the electoral success of the Populist Party in
congressional races, frustrating its aspirations for greater representation and influence in
government.
37. What was the significance of a 1901 study of working-class families?
A) It revealed that child labor had virtually ceased.
B) It showed that the number of working women had decreased.
C) It showed that about half of the principal breadwinners were out of work.
D) It revealed that children were attending school in record numbers.
E) It showed that fewer immigrants were in the working class.
Answer: C
Rationale:
The significance of a 1901 study of working-class families was that it showed that about half
of the principal breadwinners were out of work. The study highlighted the economic struggles
faced by working-class families in the early 20th century, documenting high rates of
unemployment and underemployment among breadwinners, which had significant
implications for household incomes, living standards, and social welfare. This revelation
underscored the need for labor reforms and government interventions to address poverty and
unemployment among working-class communities.
38. During the 1890s, writers who rejected romanticism often wrote ________.
A) stories depicting everyday life in regional settings
B) grand epic stories in which the hero always defeated the villain
C) disparaging tales about ethnic groups, perpetuating anti-immigrant feelings
D) political pamphlets championing their candidate
E) allegorical stories that used many examples from the Bible
Answer: A
Rationale:
During the 1890s, writers who rejected romanticism often wrote stories depicting everyday
life in regional settings. This literary movement, known as realism, emphasized the portrayal
of ordinary people and events with accuracy and detail, capturing the social realities and
cultural landscapes of diverse regions across the United States. Realist writers such as Mark
Twain, Kate Chopin, and Stephen Crane sought to illuminate the complexities of American
society and human experience through their works, reflecting a shift away from romantic
idealism towards a more pragmatic and nuanced literary style.
39. Why did support for free silver coinage grow rapidly from 1894 to 1896?
A) because it seemed a simple, compelling answer to the economic crisis
B) because workers joined farmers in support of silver coinage
C) because Cleveland Democrats joined workers in support of silver coinage
D) because the country was rapidly running out of gold reserves
E) because silver would ensure there would be less money in circulation
Answer: A
Rationale:
Support for free silver coinage grew rapidly from 1894 to 1896 because it seemed a simple,
compelling answer to the economic crisis. Many farmers and workers believed that
increasing the money supply by minting silver coins alongside gold would lead to inflation,
making it easier to pay off debts and stimulating economic growth. The "free silver"
movement gained traction as a populist solution to the economic challenges faced by agrarian
and laboring classes during the period of deflation and financial instability.
40. Why did the Populists nominate Tom Watson for vice president in the 1896 election?
A) because they felt him to be a stronger candidate than William Jennings Bryan
B) because they wanted a Republican vice president to balance the Democratic ticket
C) because Watson, unlike William Jennings Bryan, supported free coinage of silver
D) because they felt that choosing Watson would ensure the survival of the Populist party
E) because they endorsed a Democrat for president and wanted a Populist for vice president
Answer: E
Rationale:
The Populists nominated Tom Watson for vice president in the 1896 election because they
endorsed a Democrat for president and wanted a Populist for vice president. By selecting
Watson, a prominent Populist leader from Georgia, the party sought to broaden its appeal and
influence by forming a fusion ticket with the Democratic Party, hoping to attract support from
both Populist and Democratic voters. This strategic decision aimed to strengthen the Populist
movement and increase its chances of electoral success by aligning with a major political
party.
41. Which best describes the decision that shattered the Populist Party in 1896?
A) the endorsement of candidate William Jennings Bryan
B) the admission of African Americans to the party’s ranks
C) the nomination of James Weaver for the presidency
D) the expulsion of all African American members
E) the support of free coinage of silver
Answer: A
Rationale:
The decision that shattered the Populist Party in 1896 was the endorsement of candidate
William Jennings Bryan. By endorsing Bryan, the Democratic nominee for president, the
Populist Party effectively merged its platform and support base with the Democratic Party,
diluting its distinct identity and losing many of its members to the Democrats. This fusion
strategy fragmented the Populist movement and undermined its organizational cohesion,
leading to its decline as an independent political force.
42. President McKinley attempted to direct the Republicans toward ________.
A) inflation through increased currency
B) economic growth with subsidies and tariffs
C) the regulation and control of industry
D) adopting the free coinage of silver
E) decreasing the Treasury’s supply of gold
Answer: C
Rationale:
President McKinley attempted to direct the Republicans toward the regulation and control of
industry. McKinley pursued policies aimed at fostering industrial expansion and stability
through measures such as protective tariffs, corporate subsidies, and limited government
intervention in labor disputes. His administration favored a pro-business agenda that sought
to promote economic growth, maintain order in labor relations, and protect the interests of
industrialists and investors, reflecting a commitment to laissez-faire capitalism and limited
regulation of private enterprise.
43. Which of the following is NOT true of American politics in the 1870s and 1880s?
A) The Republicans dominated the Northeast.
B) The Democrats dominated the South.
C) National elections were usually decided in the swing states.
D) The influence of the Civil War generation had faded.
E) Nationally, the two parties were evenly balanced in strength.
Answer: D
Rationale:
The statement that the influence of the Civil War generation had faded is NOT true of
American politics in the 1870s and 1880s. The aftermath of the Civil War continued to shape
American politics during this period, with issues such as Reconstruction, race relations, and
sectionalism remaining prominent in national debates and electoral contests. Many political
leaders and policies of the era were deeply influenced by experiences and ideologies
stemming from the Civil War and its aftermath, underscoring the enduring impact of this
transformative period in American history.
44. What was the general difference between the Democrats and Republicans in the late
1800s?
A) Democrats felt that social reform was fundamental to the economic success of the nation,
while Republicans felt that government regulation was more important.
B) Democrats felt that the public sector should stimulate the economy, while Republicans
believed that was the role of the private sector.
C) Democrats favored government control in all industries, while Republicans wanted very
little government regulation of business.
D) Democrats favored little federal government intervention, while Republicans felt that the
federal government should promote economic and social reform.
E) Democrats believed that the federal government should take an active role in economic
and social reform, while Republicans favored little government intervention.
Answer: D
Rationale:
The general difference between the Democrats and Republicans in the late 1800s was that
Democrats favored little federal government intervention, while Republicans felt that the
federal government should promote economic and social reform. Democrats tended to
advocate for limited government involvement in economic and social affairs, emphasizing
states' rights and local autonomy, while Republicans supported a more active role for the
federal government in addressing issues such as industrial regulation, infrastructure
development, and social welfare, reflecting a progressive approach to governance and public
policy.
45. Which of the following was NOT a complaint among farmers in the late nineteenth
century?
A) the inability of farmers to organize to voice discontent
B) the belief that railroad rates were rising
C) the inability to control market prices
D) the perception of a loss of status in society
E) the burden of farm mortgages and crop surpluses
Answer: A
Rationale:
The statement "the inability of farmers to organize to voice discontent" is NOT a complaint
among farmers in the late nineteenth century. In fact, farmers did organize to voice their
discontent through various movements such as the Farmers' Alliance and the Populist Party.
The other options represent common grievances among farmers during this period, including
concerns about rising railroad rates, lack of control over market prices, perceived social and
economic marginalization, and the financial challenges posed by farm mortgages and crop
surpluses.
46. Which of these gave rise to the Populists?
A) the Panic of 1893
B) the battle of the standards
C) the end of protective tariffs
D) the labor movement
E) the National Farmers’ Alliance
Answer: E
Rationale:
The National Farmers’ Alliance gave rise to the Populists. The Farmers’ Alliance, particularly
the Southern-based National Farmers’ Alliance and Industrial Union, provided the
organizational structure and grassroots support that fueled the emergence of the Populist
movement in the late 19th century. Through its advocacy for agrarian interests, economic
reforms, and political activism, the Farmers’ Alliance laid the groundwork for the Populist
Party, which sought to address the concerns of farmers and working-class Americans facing
economic hardships and social inequality.
47. Which of the following was NOT a consequence of the depression of 1893?
A) It changed American ideas about government.
B) It created a bitter fight over currency.
C) It brought about an interest in activism around the country.
D) It led to the dominance of the Democratic Party.
E) It produced widespread business failures.
Answer: D
Rationale:
The depression of 1893 did not lead to the dominance of the Democratic Party. While the
depression had far-reaching consequences for American society and politics, including
changes in perceptions of government, currency debates, increased activism, and widespread
business failures, it did not result in the dominance of the Democratic Party. Instead, the
period witnessed a complex political landscape with shifts in party alignments, the emergence
of new political movements like Populism, and ongoing struggles between Republicans and
Democrats for electoral supremacy.
48. Which of the following lists events in the correct chronological order?
A) Republican policy to regulate industry; the Panic of 1893; Republican policy to promote
industry
B) Republican policy to promote industry; Republican policy to regulate industry; the Panic
of 1893
C) Republican policy to promote industry; the Panic of 1893; Republican policy to regulate
industry
D) the Panic of 1893; Republican policy to promote industry; Republican policy to regulate
industry
E) Republican policy to regulate industry; Republican policy to promote industry; the Panic
of 1893
Answer: C
Rationale:
The correct chronological order of events is Republican policy to promote industry; the Panic
of 1893; Republican policy to regulate industry. This sequence reflects the Republican Party's
pro-business agenda during the late 19th century, characterized by policies aimed at
stimulating industrial growth and expansion, followed by the economic crisis of the Panic of
1893, which prompted calls for regulatory measures to address the excesses and instabilities
of industrial capitalism.
49. Why was silver not just a political or economic issue but a social movement in the 1890s?
A) If you favored silver coinage, you identified with urbanization and industrialization.
B) Supporting the free coinage of silver meant rejecting all government intervention.
C) The unemployed tended to fight against the free and independent coinage of silver.
D) People who supported the free coinage of silver also supported other economic reforms.
E) Advocates of silver felt that it spoke for the downtrodden and the dispossessed.
Answer: E
Rationale:
Silver was not just a political or economic issue but a social movement in the 1890s because
advocates of silver felt that it spoke for the downtrodden and the dispossessed. The free silver
movement emerged as a populist crusade against perceived economic injustices and
inequalities, rallying support from farmers, laborers, and other marginalized groups who
viewed silver coinage as a means of challenging entrenched economic interests and
empowering ordinary Americans. Silver became a symbol of resistance against financial
elites and a rallying cry for social and economic reform.
50. What does the following quote mean? “In 1899, McKinley spoke of lowering tariff
barriers in a world that technology had made smaller.”
A) Advances in technology had connected the United States to the rest of the world, so it
made sense to lower taxes on goods to and from other countries.
B) The population of the United States had begun to decrease during the nineteenth century,
so it made sense to lower taxes on goods from other countries.
C) Since the United States was so dependent on technology from other countries, it made
sense to lower taxes on technological products from other nations.
D) Because taxes and tariffs had decreased by the end of the nineteenth century, the exchange
of new ideas and technology between countries had begun to flow.
E) Until taxes on goods exported to other countries were increased, the rest of the world
could not benefit from American technology.
Answer: A
Rationale:
The quote means that advances in technology had connected the United States to the rest of
the world, so it made sense to lower taxes on goods to and from other countries. McKinley's
statement reflects a recognition of the increasing interconnectedness of global economies due
to technological advancements such as improved transportation and communication
networks. By advocating for lower tariff barriers, McKinley acknowledged the importance of
facilitating international trade and fostering economic integration in an increasingly
interconnected world, where the exchange of goods and ideas across national borders was
becoming more prevalent and significant.
Essay
1. What factors accounted for political party loyalty in the late nineteenth century? How was
the sectional political balance related to high voter turnout in presidential elections?
Answer: Factors contributing to political party loyalty in the late nineteenth century included
regional identity, ethnic and religious affiliations, economic interests, and patronage systems.
Sectional political balance, particularly the competition between the North and the South,
incentivized high voter turnout in presidential elections. Since the outcome of elections often
hinged on closely contested states, both parties mobilized their supporters, resulting in
increased participation at the polls.
2. What issues led to the Populist movement? Why did the Populist Party fail to achieve
major status as a political party?
Answer: The Populist movement emerged in response to agrarian discontent and economic
hardships faced by farmers, including falling crop prices, high railroad rates, and mortgage
foreclosures. Additionally, issues such as currency reform, government regulation of
corporations, and the desire for a more inclusive democracy fueled the movement. However,
the Populist Party failed to achieve major status as a political party due to internal divisions,
the co-option of some of its platform by major parties, and the suppression of Populist
influence through tactics such as voter intimidation and gerrymandering.
3. What were the political consequences of the depression of the mid-1890s?
Answer: The depression of the mid-1890s had significant political consequences, including
the rise of populist and radical movements demanding economic reforms. The economic
downturn weakened public confidence in existing political institutions and policies, leading
to widespread discontent with the government's response to the crisis. This discontent
contributed to the electoral successes of third-party movements and increased pressure on
mainstream parties to address the concerns of ordinary citizens.
4. What were the social consequences of the depression of the mid-1890s?
Answer: The depression of the mid-1890s resulted in various social consequences, including
increased poverty, unemployment, and social unrest. Many families faced economic hardship,
with widespread layoffs and business failures leading to heightened social tensions. Strikes
and labor unrest became more common as workers protested against low wages and poor
working conditions. Additionally, the depression exacerbated existing social inequalities,
particularly affecting marginalized groups such as immigrants, African Americans, and
women, who often bore the brunt of economic downturns.
Test Bank for The American Story
Robert A. Divine, T. H. Breen, R. Hal Williams, Ariela J. Gross, H. W. Brands
9780205900688
