A Level History - America - Practice Exam

In the Gilded Age, what was a common occupation for African Americans in the South?

1. Teachers

2. Railroad builders

3. Bankers

4. Politicians

The correct answer is: Railroad builders

During the Gilded Age, a common occupation for African Americans in the South was that of railroad builders. This period, which spanned from the 1870s to about 1900, followed the Reconstruction era, and many African Americans sought employment in various sectors, including railroads, due to the limited opportunities available to them. Railroad construction was significant in the South during this time as the country was expanding its rail infrastructure. African Americans often gravitated towards labor-intensive jobs as they faced systemic barriers in accessing higher-paying or skilled occupations, particularly in the context of Jim Crow laws and racial discrimination that restricted their opportunities. The jobs in railroad building provided a means of employment, although these positions were typically low-paying and involved hard labor under challenging conditions. While occupations such as teaching, banking, and politics were pursued by some African Americans, especially in the former slave states during Reconstruction, these roles were less accessible and became increasingly difficult to maintain due to the rise of segregation laws and racial violence. As a result, many African Americans turned to labor-intensive work in industries like railroad construction, which offered some opportunities for earnings despite the harsh realities of the era.