Midterm

Checks and Balances

A system in the U.S. Constitution that ensures no branch of government becomes too powerful by allowing each to check the others.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution, designed to protect individual liberties and limit government power.

Articles of Confederation Problems

Weak central government, inability to tax, no executive branch, and difficulty passing laws.

Reasons for Colonies' Independence

Taxation without representation, trade restrictions, and lack of colonial self-government.

Great Awakening

A religious revival movement in the 1730s-1740s emphasizing individual faith and shaping American identity.

Three-Fifths Compromise

A constitutional agreement counting enslaved people as three-fifths of a person for representation and taxation.

Missouri Compromise

A law in 1820 admitting Missouri as a slave state, Maine as a free state, banning slavery north of the 36°30′ latitude.

Compromise of 1850

A set of laws admitting California as a free state and enforcing stricter Fugitive Slave Law.

John C. Fremont

An explorer and military officer key to California’s independence from Mexico.

Gettysburg Address

Lincoln's speech emphasizing democracy, equality, and the preservation of the Union.

Freedmen’s Bureau

An organization that helped formerly enslaved people transition to freedom.

13th Amendment

Abolished slavery in the United States.

14th Amendment

Granted citizenship and equal protection under the law to all persons born or naturalized in the U.S.

15th Amendment

Granted African American men the right to vote.

KKK Goal

Originally aimed to intimidate and suppress African Americans and Republicans during Reconstruction.

Causes of Industrialization

Technological advancements, abundant resources, immigration, and transportation expansion.

Causes of Urbanization

Job opportunities, industrial growth, and immigration leading to city population shifts.

Robber Barons

Wealthy business leaders accused of exploiting workers and corrupting government.

Captains of Industry

Business leaders viewed as benefiting society through innovation and philanthropy.

Battle of Little Bighorn

A victory for the Sioux, led by Sitting Bull, against General Custer’s forces.

Massacre at Wounded Knee

A deadly attack by U.S. troops on Lakota Sioux, marking the end of Native American resistance.

Knights of Labor

One of the first labor unions advocating for workers' rights and better wages.

Socialism Desire

Workers sought government intervention to address economic inequality and improve working conditions.

Causes of Imperialism

Economic expansion, military strategy, and belief in cultural superiority.

Yellow Journalism Purpose

Sensationalized news used to influence public opinion and encourage war.

Maine Explosion Theories

1) Spanish sabotage, 2) accidental explosion, 3) U.S. propaganda to justify war.

Treaty of Paris (1898)

Ended the Spanish-American War, giving the U.S. control over Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines.

Boxer Rebellion

Chinese nationalists opposed foreign influence and Christian missionaries.

Open Door Policy

Ensured equal trade opportunities in China, preventing colonization by European powers.

Gentleman’s Agreement

A deal to limit Japanese immigration in exchange for better treatment of Japanese already in America.

Great White Fleet Purpose

To showcase U.S. naval power and influence global politics.

Push reasons for coming to America

Escape persecution, economic opportunities, and political freedom.

Pull reasons for coming to America

Jobs, land, and religious freedom.

Populist Party

A political movement advocating for farmers' rights and government control of railroads.

Goals of Progressives

Reforming government, improving working conditions, and expanding democracy.

Roosevelt’s Accomplishments

Trust-busting, conservation, and regulating big business.

LaFollette Reforms

Initiative, referendum, recall, and direct primary to increase democracy.

Newland Reclamation Act

Funded irrigation projects for Western states.

Settlement Houses

Community centers helping immigrants and the poor.

New Nationalism

Roosevelt’s progressive policy focusing on government intervention.

National Consumers League

Advocated for workers’ rights, child labor laws, and fair wages.

Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire

A tragic fire highlighting the need for workplace safety laws.

Foraker Act

Established a civilian government in Puerto Rico under U.S. control.

Platt Amendment

Gave the U.S. control over Cuba’s foreign policy and allowed military intervention.

TR’s Big Stick Diplomacy

Using military power to influence foreign affairs.

Taft’s Dollar Diplomacy

Encouraging U.S. businesses to invest in Latin America.

Wilson’s Moral Diplomacy

Promoting democracy and ethical foreign policies.