Question

directions – go to the google classroom classwork page and read the excerpt from the book “the edge of anarchy”, by jack kelly. then complete the questions that follow.

1. several prominent business giants of the gilded age are mentioned in the excerpt. identify the business venture that made each of the three men listed below a millionaire then identify one more of your own.

george pullman –
charles pillsbury –
marshall field –
(__________) –

1. as the panic of 1893 set in, george pullman and several other wealthy chicagoans were begged to “put their fingers in the dike”. what is meant by this phrase?

1. the excerpt mentions several causes of the panic of 1893. list at least 5 in the space below.

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

Explanation:

To solve these questions, we need to refer to the excerpt from "The Edge of Anarchy" by Jack Kelly. Here are the key points and steps for each question:

Question 1

• George Pullman: He made his fortune through the Pullman Palace Car Company, which manufactured luxury railroad sleeping cars.
• Charles Pillsbury: He became a millionaire through the Pillsbury Company, which was involved in flour milling and the food industry.
• Marshall Field: He made his wealth through Marshall Field & Company, a prominent department store chain.
• Additional Example: For instance, Andrew Carnegie made his fortune in the steel industry (Carnegie Steel Company).

Question 2

The phrase "put their fingers in the dike" is a metaphor. In the context of the Panic of 1893, it means that George Pullman and other wealthy Chicagoans were being asked to contribute money or resources to stop the financial crisis from worsening, similar to how putting a finger in a dike stops a leak from causing more damage.

Question 3

Some common causes of the Panic of 1893 (based on historical knowledge and likely mentioned in the excerpt) are:

• A. Overexpansion of railroads: Excessive investment and building of railroads led to financial strain.
• B. Agricultural depression: Low crop prices and debt among farmers contributed to economic instability.
• C. Bank failures: Many banks collapsed due to bad loans and economic uncertainty.
• D. Speculation in real estate and stocks: Risky investments led to market crashes.
• E. Silver crisis: The free silver movement and issues with the gold - silver standard disrupted the monetary system.

Answer:

for Question 1

• George Pullman - Pullman Palace Car Company (manufacturing luxury railroad sleeping cars)
• Charles Pillsbury - Pillsbury Company (flour milling and food industry)
• Marshall Field - Marshall Field & Company (department store chain)
• Andrew Carnegie - Carnegie Steel Company (steel industry)