The material this week reflects the vast amount of change and innovation happening in the United States after the period of Reconstruction. Businesses are booming as westward expansion continues. Innovation means factories can produce more goods and work at a much higher rate than ever before. Race relations are becoming problematic as new waves of immigrants are coming into the country and many regions - in particular the South and Midwest - are trying to codify racism into law.
Some questions to consider for this week:
1. Was innovation and growth during this time period a positive or negative thing? Be sure to use at least one specific reference to the material within your answer to this question.
2. What types of labor flourished during this period? How did this impact areas like politics and culture of the period?