HIST 405N Week 5 Case Study Option 1: Big Business (Monopolies) and Exploitation of Workers

HIST 405N Week 5 Case Study Option 1

Pick one (1) of the following topics. Then, address the corresponding questions/prompts for your selected topic. Use at least one (1) documented example of the corresponding primary source in your writing.

Option 1: Big Business (Monopolies) and Exploitation of Workers
View the following resource:

• Link (video): … (27:30)
  Browse and read one (1) of the following:
• Link (library article): The Triangle Disaster: How a Fire a Century ago at a New York Clothing Factory Changed U.S. Labor Laws (Links to an external site.)
• Link (library article): The Pullman Strike (Links to an external site.)
  Then, address the following:
• Explain if big business leaders were “captains of industry,” “shrewd businessmen,” or “robber barons.”
• Based on one of the resources noted for this option, assess American working conditions and exploitation of workers in the Age of Industry.
• Analyze the role that government played in reforming American working conditions.
• Explain the benefits of the Federal Government regulations of monopolies.
• Analyze which progressive presidents attained economic justice and reform for workers.