Progressive Era

U.S. History 1877-Present

USS Maine

A battleship that was sunk in the port of Havana; the US blamed the Spanish and declared war. Its sinking was a catalyst for the Spanish-American War in 1898, raising tensions between the US and Spain.

Panama Canal

A man-made waterway in Panama that connect the Atlantic Ocean with the Pacific Ocean , allowing ships to save time and distance by avoiding the lengthy journey around South America.

Labor Movement

Began because of a need to protect workers' rights and improve working conditions during the industrialization of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It aimed to secure better wages, hours, and safety regulations for laborers.

Urbanization

The process of a society becoming more urban, with growing populations in dense city centers and a move away from rural living due to industrial growth and economic opportunities.

William McKinley

25th president of the United States who led the nation during the Spanish-American War and was assassinated in 1901.

Erie Canal

A man-made navigable water route from the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean (via New York City’s Hudson River) that significantly boosted trade and commerce in the early 19th century, aiding in the westward expansion of the United States.

Spoils System

Power held by the president to practice political patronage. This system allows presidents to appoint supporters to government positions as a reward for their loyalty, often replacing existing officeholders.

Panic of 1893

Global economic depression that impacted America’s economy and politics significantly , leading to severe unemployment and social unrest.

Populism

A political viewpoint that focuses on empowering ordinary working people and challenging financial and political elites by advocating for reforms that promote social justice, economic equity, and direct democracy.

Xenophobia

The intense and irrational dislike or fear of people from other countries or cultures, often leading to discrimination and hostility.

J.P. Morgan

Businessman and entrepreneur during the Gilded Agewho played a key role in the consolidation of industries and the banking sector. He was instrumental in stabilizing the American economy during financial crises.

Pullman Strike

A nationwide railroad strike organized in 1894 by workers of the Pullman company to protest their treatment