History 321 Discussion Questions
June 21, 2006
- What is the 'paradox of progress" in late 19th
century America and how is it evident throughout these readings? In
what manner is George's phrase "the tramp comes with the
locomotive" an apt depiction of the era?
- According to Garland, what was 'the American idea of
business'?
- How does Lewis fit with Garland? What does Lewis
tell us about the Gilded Age? What does Twain tell us about the Gilded
Age?
- In what sense is 'Taylorism' the logical extension
of industrial progress? How does Taylor consider scientific
management the panacea for the problems of industrialization?
- Is there a common theme which would tie Garland and
Taylor together?
- What do these readings tell us about the nature of the
work experience and about the relationship of employee to employer during
the period?
- In practical terms, how do you think the
application of scientific management would have altered the situation which
Garland described?
- What is the underlying problem with industrialization,
according to Lloyd? What is the impact of the combinations that he
describes on the "average" American?
- What is Fink's argument concerning class in the Gilded
Age? Is there a distinctive working class, and if so, what were its
attributes and values?