Mr. Mizell

SOCIETY’S RESPONSE

Essential QuestionHow did people respond to the problems of the Industrial Revolution?

Review – The Negatives of IR?

Unsanitary and dangerous working conditions

Low wages, poor living conditions

Social Darwinism and other beliefs such as extreme Capitalism – cause inequality

Child LaborEnvironmental

1. Government responds through legislation

Passing of Laws:Child Labor Laws (banned)Minimum wage lawsFDA – Food & Drug Administration

Inspects safety of food/regulations

2. Workers Respond with Labor Unions

These groups promote strikes – refuse to work

Goals: better conditions and higher wages

3. Expansion of Democratic Ideals

Women enter workforce during IR

Have economic power, want political power

Eventually, given the right to vote

SocialismGovt control of businesses, production of goods.

Govt Provides necessities. Keep everyone equal

Extreme socialism where there is no need for a government

Utopia – total equality, everyone shares everything, no private property

4. People adopt new beliefs

Communism

Workers thoughts on Capitalism

Creates a system of inequality“haves” (rich/middle class) and

“have nots” (working class)Socialism/Communism promote a society with no social classes

Is Socialism Good or Bad?

Socialism Scenario #1

You work all day and in the field harvesting crops. The government comes and takes those crops to distribute evenly to society. You receive no compensation except your share of the crops.

Socialism Scenario #2

You graduate from college, find a job, work very hard, make money, and start a family. However, the economy goes into a recession. You and your spouse lose your jobs. You cannot provide for your family. Luckily, your society is transitioning into a socialist country where social programs can help you such as free Healthcare and Medicaid. With these you are able to make it through the recession and eventually find another job.

Socialism Scenario #3You live in a country that has made the

transition to a communist utopia where everyone is equal. Having gone to college for 4 years and medical school for 10 years, you are a highly intelligent surgeon who normally would make a salary of 200,000 – 400,000 a year. However, you cannot possess things that others do not. In fact, “property” does not exist. Everyone shares everything and lives in the same type of home. While you have the freedom to be a surgeon, you cannot rise above anyone.

Short-Response Directions

Read the two articles on Socialism which were both published last year.

Using your notes, these articles, and your own knowledge answer the following in a 2 paragraphs.Main question: How is Socialism good and

bad?What exactly is Socialism?How does it differ from Capitalism?What are examples of Socialism today?Who does and does not benefit under

Socialism?