There Are 2 Case Studies To Complete In Greenweek 5 Assignmen ✓ Solved

There are 2 case studies to complete. 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. Explain if big business leaders were "captains of industry," "shrewd businessmen," or "robber barons." 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? Explain and give examples of the characteristics of "anti-progressives." 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. 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. 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.

Writing Requirements (APA format): Length: 3-4 pages; 1-inch margins; Double spaced; 12-point Times New Roman font; Title page; References page; In-text citations that correspond with your end references.

Paper For Above Instructions

The following paper addresses the first option on the exploitation of workers during the Age of Industry while evaluating the impact of big business leaders on American society. In analyzing this topic, particular emphasis is placed on assessing the conditions workers faced, government reform efforts, and the implications of federal regulations on monopolies.

The Age of Industry in America was marked by the rapid expansion of monopolies and significant transformations in labor. This period raised critical considerations regarding the nature of big business leaders. Were they "captains of industry," "shrewd businessmen," or "robber barons"? The dichotomy exists largely due to differing perspectives on their practices and effects on American society. Many leaders, while fostering economic growth and innovation, often prioritized profit margins over labor rights, prompting many to label them as "robber barons." They exploited workers, ensuring low wages and poor working conditions while accumulating immense wealth and control over markets, which engendered widespread discontent among laborers (OpenStax, 2014).

One poignant example of the exploitation faced by workers during this time is the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire of 1911. This tragedy, which resulted in the deaths of 146 garment workers, primarily young immigrant women, exemplified the dire working conditions prevalent in many factories. Workers faced long hours without adequate safety measures, and the doors were often locked to prevent them from leaving—a direct indictment of capitalist practices prioritizing profit over lives. This horrific event catalyzed public outrage, highlighting the need for reform in industrial labor practices (Link to Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire resource).

In response to such conditions, the government began to play a vital role in reforming American working conditions during the progressive era. Progressive presidents, including Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson, initiated several reforms. These leaders advocated for legislation addressing labor abuses, such as child labor laws and the establishment of the Bureau of Labor Statistics to gather data on working conditions (OpenStax, 2014). Such measures were crucial in fostering the realization that labor was an integral element of societal welfare and economic stability.

The clampdown on monopolies proved to be a significant aspect of governmental intervention that benefitted workers. Federal regulations aimed at curtailing monopolistic practices, such as the Sherman Antitrust Act, sought to dismantle trusts that hurt competition and exploited labor. By establishing regulations, the federal government sought to ensure fair competition, ultimately benefiting consumers and workers alike by promoting better wages and working conditions (Link to government regulations resource).

Several progressive presidents focused on economic justice. Theodore Roosevelt is particularly notable. He articulated the "Square Deal," which exemplified his commitment to ensuring fairness for workers and consumers. Roosevelt’s administration criticized abusive corporate practices, demonstrating a shift in federal governance towards addressing inequalities in the workplace (Link to Roosevelt’s progressive achievements). Franklin D. Roosevelt continued this legacy by introducing the New Deal during the Great Depression, further advancing workers’ rights through labor legislation.

The evolution of workers' rights through the progressive era underscores the crucial interplay between governmental reform and the labor movement. Labor unions emerged as a powerful force advocating for better conditions, influenced by the titanic struggles faced by the working class. Union movements such as the American Federation of Labor (AFL) galvanized support for better wages, working conditions, and an end to child labor, leading to significant gains for workers throughout the early 20th century (Link to labor movements resource).

In conclusion, big business leaders during the Age of Industry embodied both the potential for economic growth and the perils of exploitation. The interplay between government reforms and the voices of workers yielded a resilient movement that reshaped labor conditions in America. By understanding this dynamic, it becomes clear that the legacy of these historical events continues to inform contemporary labor discussions, evidencing the ongoing struggle for equity in the workplace.

References

  • OpenStax. (2014). U.S. history, OpenStax CNX. Retrieved from link

  • Link to Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire resource

  • Link to government regulations resource

  • Link to Roosevelt’s progressive achievements

  • Link to labor movements resource

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