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***This is a discussion forum where you are required to engage in conversations focusing on a topic relevant to the chapter’s reading, and to demonstrate an understanding of the primary source germane to the topic.****
PT1
Organized Labor
Laborers in the factories of the north sought to improve their standard of living. However, they often faced obstacles in this effort. Workplaces were unsafe and wages were low. Business owners wanted to make money, not share it with workers. Government officials, hoping to ensure law and order and to promote economic growth, often sided with industrial leaders. Labor unions took on these challenges and met with varying degrees of success. The Knights of Labor offered a grandiose vision of economic reform, but it did not survive the century. The American Federation of Labor was more successful but only aided skilled workers, a minority of the nation’s labor force
Review the documents in the Online Reader for Chapter 17 (Links to an external site.). What was the most compelling reason American workers form labor unions? Do you think labor unions were the most effective strategy for workers, given the historical context?
Be specific, cite evidence (remember to cite which document[s] you used to draw your conclusions), and comment on each other’s posts with equal specificity.
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PT2
“What a Funny Little Government”
The political cartoon entitled, “What a Funny Little Government” was created in 1899 to show humor toward the monopolies power over the government during the Progressive movement. John D. Rockefeller, the man shown in the caricature, is a well known oil magnate who created a monopoly on US oil industry. Here, he is holding the White House and President McKinley in the palm of his hand; the Capitol and Trea

sury Department are in background as “Standard Oil Refinery”.
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Funny Little Government
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Source: The Trust Giant’s Point of View. “What a funny little government.” Horace Taylor in Verdict, 1900 Jan 22, p. 8-9. Retrieved from http://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/2007675471/ (SEE LINK TO VIEW IMAGE
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What is the artist saying in this image? How accurate do you believe the portrayal? What evidence did you find in the reading to support your observation? Can you find other cartoons from the time period depicting similar sentiments? If so, please post them in your forum submission!!
Be specific, cite evidence (remember to cite which document[s] you used to draw your conclusions), and comment on each other’s posts with equal specificity.
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PT3
Progressives and Trusts
Progressivism was a reform movement that developed in response to the economic and social changes of the late 19th century. Progressives promoted issues such as urban development, protection of democratic institutions, and government regulation of the economy. One area of concern was the strength and influence of trusts in American life. Many Americans feared trusts because of their effects on consumers and democratic institutions. The Progressive presidents, Roosevelt, Taft, and Wilson, all used the power of the executive branch to weaken trusts.
Review the documents in the Chapter 21 Online Reader (Links to an external site.). Why were Progressives concerned about trusts? Was this the most pressing or credible threat to democratic institutions at the time? Why or why not?
Be specific, cite evidence (remember to cite which document[s] you used to draw your conclusions), and comment on each other’s posts with equal specificity.