Chapter Chronology

Quiz for Visualizing History: “Alva Vanderbilt and the Gilded Age”

Choose the best answer to each question.

Question

1. What does this text suggest about why the gold room in Alva Vanderbilt’s “cottage,” Marble House, was the ultimate representation of the Gilded Age?

A.
B.
C.
D.
Correct. The answer is B. The text suggests that the room represented the Gilded Age not only because it was literally gilded, but because it displayed the wealth that was built on the era’s ruthless business practices.
Incorrect. The correct answer is B. The text suggests that the room represented the Gilded Age not only because it was literally gilded, but because it displayed the wealth that was built on the era’s ruthless business practices.

Question

2. Which of the following Gilded Age texts articulated a critique of Gilded Age lifestyles such as the one led by the Vanderbilts at Marble House?

A.
B.
C.
D.
Correct. The answer is B. Carnegie, like the Vanderbilts, made millions during the Gilded Age. His “Gospel of Wealth” urged the rich to “live unostentatious lives” and “administer surplus wealth for the good of the people.” He was critical of wealthy individuals like Alva Vanderbilt who spent their fortunes primarily on themselves.
Incorrect. The correct answer is B. Carnegie, like the Vanderbilts, made millions during the Gilded Age. His “Gospel of Wealth” urged the rich to “live unostentatious lives” and “administer surplus wealth for the good of the people.” He was critical of wealthy individuals like Alva Vanderbilt who spent their fortunes primarily on themselves.

Question

3. Alva Vanderbilt decided to build her “cottage” on the model of which of the following well-known structures?

A.
B.
C.
D.
Correct. The answer is D. Alva Vanderbilt had traveled to France in her youth and admired French palaces. She modeled Marble House after Marie Antoinette’s “Petit Tianon” on the grounds of Versailles.
Incorrect. The correct answer is D. Alva Vanderbilt had traveled to France in her youth and admired French palaces. She modeled Marble House after Marie Antoinette’s “Petit Tianon” on the grounds of Versailles.

Question

4. What was Alva Vanderbilt aiming to communicate to others through Marble House, her self-presentation, and events like the costume ball at which she released live doves?

A.
B.
C.
D.
Correct. The answer is A. Vanderbilt’s showy displays of her wealth were intended to reflect her success, status, and power.
Incorrect. The correct answer is A. Vanderbilt’s showy displays of her wealth were intended to reflect her success, status, and power.

Question

5. By using her wealth, status, and power to support the National Woman’s party in the 1910s, Alva Vanderbilt was demonstrating her

A.
B.
C.
D.
Correct. The answer is C. The text suggests that Alva Vanderbilt had a genuine commitment to women’s rights. In addition to donating money to the National Woman’s party, she served as its president.
Incorrect. The correct answer is C. The text suggests that Alva Vanderbilt had a genuine commitment to women’s rights. In addition to donating money to the National Woman’s party, she served as its president.