A Level History - America - Practice Exam

Which group is described as controlling the government of America during the Gilded Age?

1. Immigrants

2. Native plutocracy

3. Labor unions

4. Reformers

The correct answer is: Native plutocracy

The correct answer highlights the significant role that the native plutocracy played in controlling the government during the Gilded Age, which lasted from the 1870s to the early 1900s. This era was marked by tremendous economic growth, marked industrialization, and the rise of powerful business magnates and financiers who amassed extraordinary wealth. This group of wealthy elites, often referred to as the plutocracy, exerted substantial influence over political policies and decisions, often prioritizing their interests over those of common citizens. The native plutocracy secured power through a mix of financial clout and strategic alliances with political leaders, often resulting in a government that favored large corporations and the economic elite. They shaped legislation and economic policy to benefit their businesses, leading to a lack of regulation that permitted the exploitation of workers and the environment. In contrast, immigrants during this time were often a disenfranchised group, facing discrimination and hardships as they arrived in search of opportunities, while labor unions were emerging in response to the poor working conditions and were often met with hostility from both the plutocracy and the government. Reformers sought to address various social issues and promote change but were not the dominant force controlling the government during this period. Thus, the native plutocracy's