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Lesson 2.1

What do you think the West came to symbolize in American culture?
What arguments did the US government use to justify building railroads despite the damage to native cultures? How did such damage outweigh the benefits? How could the government have handled the situation differently?
Lesson 2.2
Although machine-run factories produced goods more efficiently, what possible setbacks or challenges would a company experience while transitioning from hand-production to machine-production?
What advantages and disadvantages do you see in allowing monopolies to operate?
Lesson 2.3
How did the inventions produced during this period change the average American’s lifestyle?
Lesson 2.4
What evidence supports a belief that Americans can advance economically through hard work and saving money? What are your arguments for or against the belief that the American dream is still possible?

1 Answer

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The West has been symbolized in American culture as a frontier of opportunity, freedom, and individualism. The idea of the West as a new frontier where people could pursue their dreams and make a fresh start has been a powerful symbol in American literature, films, and popular culture.

The US government used various arguments to justify building railroads despite the damage to native cultures, including the idea that railroads would bring progress, development, and civilization to the West. Some also argued that the native cultures were backward and needed to be assimilated into mainstream American society. However, the damage to native cultures was significant, including loss of land, resources, and way of life. The government could have handled the situation differently by recognizing and respecting the sovereignty and rights of native peoples and working with them to find mutually beneficial solutions.

Transitioning from hand-production to machine-production can pose several challenges for a company, including the need to invest in new equipment and infrastructure, retrain workers, and adapt to new production processes. Additionally, machines can break down, requiring costly repairs and maintenance. However, the benefits of increased efficiency, productivity, and output can ultimately outweigh these challenges.

Allowing monopolies to operate can provide advantages such as economies of scale, lower prices for consumers, and increased innovation. However, they can also stifle competition, limit consumer choice, and lead to higher prices in the long run.

The inventions produced during the period of industrialization had a significant impact on the average American's lifestyle, making goods cheaper and more accessible, improving transportation and communication, and creating new forms of entertainment and leisure. However, they also had negative effects such as the exploitation of workers, environmental degradation, and the widening gap between the rich and poor.

The belief that Americans can advance economically through hard work and saving money is supported by evidence such as the upward mobility of some individuals and the success of some businesses. However, factors such as systemic inequality, discrimination, and lack of access to education and resources can make it more difficult for some to achieve the American Dream. Arguments for or against the belief depend on individual perspectives and experiences.

~~~Harsha~~~

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