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The Gilded Age.

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Presentation on theme: "The Gilded Age."— Presentation transcript:

1 The Gilded Age

2 Individualism Key Information/Observations:
No matter where you come from, there is no limit to where your talents and commitment will take you in society Rags-to-riches One of the strongest beliefs in American culture (American Dream)

3 Individualism Essential Questions: What is individualism?
Belief that an individual can advance socially and economically through hard work Does this idea still exist in America today? Give an example.

4 Social Darwinism Key Information/Observations:
Based on Charles Darwin’s Theory of Evolution Species that cannot adapt to the environment, gradually die out “Survival of the fittest” Human society evolves through competition and natural selection Leave behind the slow, weak, poor, and leave them behind

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6 Social Darwinism Essential Questions:
What phrase could be used to sum up Social Darwinism? “Survival of the Fittest” How does Darwin’s scientific theory apply to how society functions? People get left behind (poor and marginalized) People strive to attain the American Dream Seek wealth, status, jobs, education, materialism

7 Opposition to Social Darwinism
Key Information/Observations: Large gap between the rich and the poor Upper class keeps the poor in their place by not allowing them to move up in society (low wages, exclusion, etc.) Competition a waste of time; people succeed through cooperation Government can regulate economy, cure poverty, and promote education more efficiently than competition

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9 Opposition to Social Darwinism
Essential Questions: What impact does Social Darwinism have on the poor and marginalized in our society? Leaves them behind, keeps them in their place Competition causes exclusion How did reform movements combat this theory? Charity Provided public education Housing Medical care YMCA and Salvation Army (social programs)

10 Gospel of Wealth Key Information/Observations:
Rich use wealth to help the poor help themselves (invest is schools, hospitals, etc. Better than giving handouts Carnegie funded public libraries

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12 Gospel of Wealth Essential Questions:
Do you think Carnegie’s Gospel of Wealth is more sustainable than simply “giving handouts” to the poor? Why? Does the philanthropy of the wealthy still justify the amount of wealth and influence they have compared to the poor? Explain.

13 Realism: Literature Key Information/Observations:
Attempt to capture the world as they saw it Use everyday language Realistic not Romantic/Fantastic Describe everyday/commonplace occurrences

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15 Realism: Literature Essential Questions:
How does The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn compare to the fantasy associated with Rip Van Winkle’s tale? Realistic vs. Romantic/Fantastic Uneducated vs. Educated Elite Common experiences vs. Imaginative How does Twain’s use of language and setting make his writing more “realistic?” Huck speaks in plain English Describes daily life Realistic setting

16 Realism: Paintings Key Information/Observations: Depicts American life
Thomas Eakins Realistic style

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18 Realism: Paintings Essential Questions:
What do Eakins’ paintings depict? Everyday life, leisurely activities What do these depictions tell us about American life? What half of society is left out? Americans had free time to spend on relaxation Improvements of body and mind The working class and poor are left out How do these omissions affect our view of history? Gives us a biased, skewed view of American history; everything was fine

19 Ragtime Key Information/Observations Hectic pace of American city life
Vaudeville (side shows acts of animals, acrobats, dancers, comedians) Saloon pianists, banjo players Scott Joplin, African American ragtime composer: “Maple Leaf Rag” and “The Entertainer”

20 Ragtime Essential Questions: What instruments do you hear?
Piano What could this song be saying about the pace of American life in cities? Hectic Fast-paced Hustle and bustle Enjoyable


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