Question

instructions: write 3 - 5 complete sentences to showcase your understanding of the chapter for each question. your answers are based on your own opinion, but you must back up your opinion with examples from class. write your answers underneath the question in red. you will be graded on grammar and spelling. 1. horatio alger’s novel, street life in new york, popularized the idea of a rags - to - riches story. why do you think that the idea of rising out of poverty and becoming wealthy was so popular for many americans? 2. john d. rockefeller, andrew carnegie, and cornelius vanderbilt were major capitalists during the gilded age. however, they were also philanthropists. what do you think of wealthy big business owners creating institutions like universities, museums, and libraries?

Explanation:

1. The rags - to - riches idea was popular as it represented the American Dream, the belief that anyone could achieve success through hard work and determination. For example, many immigrants came to America hoping to start anew and become wealthy. It offered hope and a sense of possibility in a land seen as full of opportunities.
2. Wealthy big business owners creating institutions like universities, museums, and libraries can be seen as a form of philanthropy. It was a way to give back to society and contribute to the cultural and educational development. For instance, Andrew Carnegie's libraries made knowledge more accessible. It also enhanced their own legacies, showing they were not just focused on profit but on the betterment of the community.

Answer:

1. The idea of rising out of poverty and becoming wealthy was popular for many Americans because it embodied the American Dream. It represented the belief that hard work and determination could lead to success, regardless of one's humble beginnings. Immigrants, in particular, saw America as a land of opportunity where they could start afresh and achieve prosperity. Examples from class might include stories of individuals who overcame difficult circumstances to build successful lives.
2. Wealthy big business owners creating institutions such as universities, museums, and libraries can be viewed as a positive act of philanthropy. It was a way for them to give back to society and contribute to the cultural and educational development of the nation. For example, Andrew Carnegie's extensive library - building initiatives made knowledge more accessible to the masses. This not only benefited the community but also enhanced the business owners' legacies, demonstrating that they were concerned with more than just financial gain.