The period between 1863 and 1920 in the United States is a period of great progress starting
with the abolition of slavery, the dramatic growth of American industry, and ending with the
19th amendment that gave women the right to vote. Yet it was also a period of great social
unrest. So the question is: Was this a period of progress or loss, a period of growth or
exploitation?
In your essay, you must compare the gains made during this time against the new
problems that arose. Be sure to discuss all relevant “groups” (African Americans, Workers,
Farmers, Big Businessmen, the Middle Class, Women, Immigrants). List these groups in terms
of who gained the most to who gained the least.
Sample Solution