HIST405N Chamberlain University Big Business (Monopolies) and Exploitation of Workers
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 (library article): The Triangle Disaster: How a Fire a Century ago at a New York Clothing Factory Changed U.S. Labor Laws (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:
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
- 12-point Times New Roman font
- Title page
- References page
- In-text citations that correspond with your end references