Social Darwinism and Reform Movements in the Gilded Age

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.