History 321 Discussion Questions
September 9, 2008

1. What is meant by the "paradox of progress"?  How is it evident throughout these readings.  In what manner would Henry George's phrase "with the locomotive comes the tramp" be an apt depiction of the era?
2. According to Garland, what was the "American idea" of business"?
3. In what sense is "Taylorism" the logical extension of industrial progress?  How does Taylor consider scientific management the panacea for the problems of industrialization?
4. Is there a common theme that would tie Garland and Taylor together?
5. What do all the readings together tell us about the nature of the work experience and about the relationship of employee to employer during the period?
6. What is the underlying problem of industrialization, according to Lloyd?  What is the impact of what he describes on the "average" American?
7. What was "the American Dream"?  What were its attributes?  How would the concept relate to tonight's readings?