1. If and how their thinking has changed since discussing the lesson content.

2. Laissez Faire  Why did some critics of Social Darwinism oppose laissez-faire economics?  Critics argued that a growing gap between rich and poor and a belief that competition wasted effort and resources made laissez-faire economics detrimental to society.  Critics instead believed that government should play an active role in society and the economy.

3. New Reform Movements  The Social Gospel movement based their actions on biblical ideals of justice and charity.  The urban poor could receive aid and counseling from the Salvation Army.  The YMCA organized Bible studies, citizenship training, and group activities. YMCAs also provided temporary low-cost housing, libraries, auditoriums, and gymnasiums.  Reformers with settlement houses offered medical care, English classes, kindergartens, and recreational programs to area residents.  To meet the need for skilled, educated workers, the number of public schools began to increase. Schools aimed to develop discipline and a strong work ethic. Schools soon divided by grade, and students were drilled in punctuality, neatness, and efficiency.

4. Reformers  How did reformers try to solve society’s problems?  They created a broad base of institutions ranging from Christian organizations to settlement houses that offered services, housing, and other activities to those in need.  How successful were their efforts?  These efforts were moderately successful, because they provided services to some but not all people in need.

6. Changing Culture  What are some examples of the types of activities that became part of popular culture during this time?  Popular literature emerged, as did organized sports. People also increasingly went to places of public entertainment, such as saloons and restaurants.

7. Predictable Misunderstandings  You might think: Because eating out and public entertainment have become so common, you may assume that businesses serving these needs have always been widespread.  In fact, the first restaurant was not opened until the mid-1700s, with cafeterias and other quick-service establishments appearing in later centuries.

8. Reformers believed that the ideas of Social Darwinism did not adequately address the social and economic problems that existed during the Gilded Age.