Units 5&6 Terms (2025)

14 Points

President Woodrow Wilson's proposal for post-World War I peace, emphasizing self-determination, free trade, and the establishment of a League of Nations to promote global diplomacy and prevent future conflicts.

A.F.L. (American Federation of Labor)

A national labor union founded by Samuel Gompers in 1886, focused on achieving practical economic gains such as higher wages, shorter hours, and improved working conditions for skilled workers through collective bargaining.

Alfred T. Mahan

A U.S. naval officer and historian who wrote "The Influence of Sea Power Upon History," advocating for naval expansion and a strong maritime presence as essential for national greatness.

Andrew Carnegie

A Scottish-American industrialist and philanthropist who dominated the steel industry with his steel company. He promoted the "Gospel of Wealth," encouraging the wealthy to use their fortunes for public good.

Benjamin Harrison

The 23rd President of the United States (1889-1893), known for supporting protective tariffs through the McKinley Tariff and signing the Sherman Antitrust Act to curb monopolies.

Billion Dollar Congress

The 51st U.S. Congress (1889-1891) under President Harrison, which earned its name by passing legislation that significantly increased government spending, including pensions for Civil War veterans.

Booker T. Washington

An influential African American leader who advocated for economic self-reliance and vocational education for Black Americans through the Tuskegee Institute. His "Atlanta Compromise" speech emphasized gradual progress over immediate civil rights demands.

Chester Arthur

The 21st President of the United States (1881-1885) who assumed office after the assassination of James Garfield. He is known for reforming the civil service through the Pendleton Act, which established a merit-based system.

Dawes Act

A 1887 federal law that aimed to assimilate Native Americans by dividing tribal lands into individual family allotments. It undermined communal living and resulted in significant loss of tribal land.

Dollar Diplomacy

A foreign policy under President Taft that promoted American economic interests abroad by encouraging U.S. investments in Latin America and East Asia, using financial leverage to achieve diplomatic goals.

Emilio Aguinaldo

A Filipino revolutionary leader who fought against Spanish colonial rule and later led the resistance against U.S. occupation during the Philippine-American War.

Era of Good Stealings

A term used to describe the widespread corruption during the Reconstruction era, particularly under President Grant's administration, marked by scandals like the Credit Mobilier and Whiskey Ring.

Espionage and Sedition Acts

World War I-era laws that restricted free speech by criminalizing any opposition to the war effort or criticism of the government. The acts were used to suppress dissent and imprison political radicals.

Eugene Debs

A prominent socialist leader and five-time presidential candidate who founded the American Railway Union. He was imprisoned under the Espionage Act for his anti-war speeches during World War I.

Federal Reserve Act

A 1913 law that established the Federal Reserve System, creating a central banking structure to regulate the money supply, control inflation, and provide financial stability through a network of regional banks.

Food Administration

A World War I agency led by Herbert Hoover that encouraged voluntary rationing and increased agricultural production to support U.S. troops and Allied forces.

George Creel

The head of the Committee on Public Information during World War I, responsible for promoting pro-war propaganda through films, posters, and speeches to rally public support for the war effort.

The Gilded Age

A term coined by Mark Twain to describe the late 19th century, characterized by rapid industrialization, economic growth, and political corruption beneath a facade of prosperity.

Gospel of Wealth

An essay by Andrew Carnegie that promoted the idea that the wealthy had a moral obligation to use their fortunes to benefit society through philanthropy, rather than hoarding wealth.

The Grange/Patrons of Husbandry

An organization founded in 1867 to support farmers through cooperative purchasing, social activities, and political advocacy. It played a significant role in the Populist movement.

Greenback Labor Party

A political party formed in the 1870s advocating for the issuance of paper money (greenbacks) to inflate the currency, making it easier for farmers and debtors to pay off debts.

Grover Cleveland

The 22nd and 24th President of the United States, known for his opposition to high tariffs, support for the gold standard, and efforts to reform the civil service. He was the only president to serve non-consecutive terms.

Helen Hunt Jackson

An American writer and activist who published 'A Century of Dishonor' in 1881, documenting the injustices faced by Native Americans due to U.S. government policies.

Homestead Act of 1862

A law that provided 160 acres of free public land to settlers in the West, provided they improved the land by building a dwelling and cultivating crops for at least five years.

Horizontal Expansion

The process by which companies expand by acquiring or merging with competitors in the same industry to increase market share and reduce competition.

How the Other Half Lives

Jacob Riis's 1890 photojournalistic book that exposed the harsh living conditions of immigrants and the poor in New York City's tenements.

Ida Tarbell

A pioneering muckraking journalist whose 1904 book 'The History of the Standard Oil Company' exposed the monopolistic practices of John D. Rockefeller's Standard Oil.

Initiative, Referendum, Recall

Progressive reforms designed to increase direct democracy in state and local governments.

The Insular Cases

A series of Supreme Court decisions from 1901 to 1904 addressing the status of U.S. territories acquired in the Spanish-American War.

IWW (Industrial Workers of the World)

Founded in 1905, also known as the 'Wobblies,' was a radical labor union that advocated for the rights of all workers, including unskilled laborers.

J.P. Morgan

A powerful American financier and banker who played a significant role in corporate finance and industrial consolidation during the Gilded Age.

Jacob Riis

A Danish-American journalist and photographer known for his work 'How the Other Half Lives,' which documented the squalid conditions of urban tenements.

James Garfield

The 20th President of the United States, serving in 1881. Garfield was assassinated just months into his presidency by a disgruntled office seeker.

John D. Rockefeller

An industrialist and philanthropist who founded Standard Oil Company and became one of the world's wealthiest men.

Monopolization

The process by which a single entity gains control over a market, leading to reduced competition.

Joseph Pulitzer/William R. Hearst

Prominent newspaper publishers known for their sensationalist journalism, often called 'yellow journalism.' Their rivalry contributed to public support for the Spanish-American War through exaggerated and inflammatory reporting.

The Jungle

A 1906 novel by Upton Sinclair exposing the unsanitary and dangerous conditions in the meatpacking industry. Public outrage over the book led to the passage of the Meat Inspection Act and the Pure Food and Drug Act.

Knights of Labor

Founded in 1869, it was one of the first major labor unions in the United States. It advocated for broad social reforms, including the eight-hour workday and an end to child labor, but declined after the Haymarket Riot.

League of Nations

An international organization established in 1920 after World War I to promote peace and prevent future conflicts. Despite President Woodrow Wilson's advocacy, the U.S. Senate refused to join, limiting its effectiveness.

Lusitania

A British passenger ship sunk by a German U-boat in 1915, resulting in the deaths of 1,198 people, including 128 Americans. The incident heightened tensions between the U.S. and Germany, contributing to American entry into World War I.

Mark Hanna

A political strategist and businessman who served as the campaign manager for William McKinley in the 1896 presidential election. Hanna's effective use of fundraising and media manipulation helped secure McKinley's victory.

Mary E. Lease

A prominent populist and activist known for her fiery speeches advocating for farmers' rights and economic reform. She famously urged farmers to 'raise less corn and more hell' during the Populist movement of the 1890s.

McKinley Tariff

A protective tariff enacted in 1890 that raised duties on imports to nearly 50% to protect American industries. The tariff was unpopular among consumers and contributed to Republican losses in the 1890 midterm elections.

Meat Inspection Act

A 1906 law that established sanitary standards and federal inspection for meat processing plants. Prompted by public outrage over The Jungle, the act aimed to ensure safe and sanitary meat products.

Muckrakers

Progressive-era journalists who exposed corruption, social injustices, and corporate wrongdoing. Through investigative reporting, muckrakers like Ida Tarbell and Upton Sinclair influenced public opinion and reform legislation.

New Freedom

Woodrow Wilson's 1912 presidential campaign platform, promoting antitrust legislation, banking reform, and tariff reduction. Wilson aimed to restore economic competition and limit corporate power.

New Nationalism

Theodore Roosevelt's progressive platform during the 1912 election, advocating for stronger government regulation of corporations, social welfare programs, and labor rights.

Northern Securities Case

A landmark 1904 Supreme Court case in which the Northern Securities Company, a railroad monopoly, was dissolved under the Sherman Antitrust Act. The ruling affirmed the federal government's authority to regulate large corporations.

Open Door Policy

A U.S. foreign policy established in 1899 advocating for equal trading rights in China and maintaining Chinese territorial integrity. The policy aimed to prevent European powers and Japan from monopolizing trade with China.

Pendleton Act (Civil Service Act)

Enacted in 1883, this law established the merit-based civil service system to combat the spoils system. It required government jobs to be awarded based on competitive exams rather than political connections.

Platt Amendment

A 1901 amendment to the Cuban constitution that gave the U.S. the right to intervene in Cuban affairs and maintain a naval base at Guantanamo Bay. It limited Cuban sovereignty and established U.S. influence in the region.

Populist Party/People's Party

A political party founded in 1892 representing farmers and laborers. The Populists advocated for free silver, government regulation of railroads, and direct election of senators.

Progressive Amendments (16th, 17th, 18th, 19th)

These amendments, ratified between 1913 and 1920, included the federal income tax (16th), direct election of senators (17th), prohibition of alcohol (18th), and women's suffrage (19th).

Pure Food and Drug Act

A 1906 law requiring accurate labeling of food and medicine and prohibiting the sale of contaminated products. It was a major victory for the consumer protection movement.

Robber Barons

A derogatory term used to describe wealthy industrialists of the Gilded Age who were accused of exploiting workers, corrupting government, and monopolizing industries.

Robert M. La Follette

A Progressive politician and governor of Wisconsin who championed reforms such as direct primaries, railroad regulation, and workers' rights. He later served as a U.S. Senator and ran for president in 1924.

Roosevelt Corollary

An extension of the Monroe Doctrine by Theodore Roosevelt in 1904, asserting the U.S. right to intervene in Latin American countries to maintain stability and protect American interests.

Rough Riders

A volunteer cavalry regiment led by Theodore Roosevelt during the Spanish-American War. They famously participated in the Battle of San Juan Hill in Cuba.

Rutherford B. Hayes

The 19th President of the United States, whose disputed election in 1876 resulted in the Compromise of 1877. Hayes ended Reconstruction by withdrawing federal troops from the South.

Safety Valve Theory

The idea that the availability of free land in the American West acted as a 'safety valve' for economic distress by providing a place for unemployed or dissatisfied citizens to move and start anew.

Sherman Anti-Trust Act

Passed in 1890, this federal law aimed to prevent monopolies and promote competition by prohibiting business activities that restricted trade.

Social Darwinism

A theory that applied Charles Darwin's concept of 'survival of the fittest' to human society, suggesting that economic success was a result of natural superiority.

Square Deal

Theodore Roosevelt's domestic program, promoting fairness for workers, businesses, and consumers. It emphasized the regulation of corporations, consumer protection, and conservation of natural resources.

Sussex Pledge

A promise made by Germany to the United States in 1916 during World War I, pledging to cease unrestricted submarine warfare and avoid sinking passenger ships without warning.

Tammany Hall

A powerful Democratic political machine in New York City, known for its corruption and patronage system.

Teller Amendment

An amendment to the U.S. declaration of war against Spain in 1898, asserting that the U.S. had no intention of annexing Cuba and would grant the island its independence after the war.

Theodore Roosevelt

The 26th President of the United States, serving from 1901 to 1909. Known for his progressive policies, trust-busting, conservation efforts, and leadership during the Spanish-American War with the Rough Riders.

Treaty of Versailles

The 1919 peace treaty that ended World War I. It imposed harsh reparations and territorial losses on Germany, established the League of Nations, and redrew the map of Europe.

Turner Thesis (Frontier Thesis)

A theory proposed by historian Frederick Jackson Turner in 1893, arguing that the American frontier played a critical role in shaping the nation's character and promoting democracy.

Underwood Tariff

A 1913 tariff reduction act signed by President Woodrow Wilson that significantly lowered import duties and introduced a federal income tax under the newly ratified 16th Amendment.

Upton Sinclair

A muckraking journalist and author of 'The Jungle' (1906), which exposed the unsanitary conditions in the meatpacking industry, leading to the passage of the Meat Inspection Act and the Pure Food and Drug Act.

Vertical Integration

A business strategy in which a company controls every stage of the production and distribution process, from raw materials to finished products.

W.C.T.U. (Women's Christian Temperance Union)

Founded in 1874, this organization advocated for the prohibition of alcohol as a means to protect families and reduce social issues.

W.E.B. DuBois

A prominent African American intellectual, civil rights activist, and co-founder of the NAACP who advocated for immediate social and political equality for Black Americans.

War Industries Board

A U.S. government agency established during World War I to coordinate the production and distribution of war supplies.

William "Boss" Tweed

The corrupt leader of Tammany Hall in New York City, who controlled city politics through bribery, patronage, and voter manipulation.

William Howard Taft

The 27th President of the United States and later Chief Justice of the Supreme Court who continued Roosevelt's trust-busting policies.

William Jennings Bryan

A three-time Democratic presidential candidate and populist leader, known for his advocacy of free silver and opposition to the gold standard.

Woodrow Wilson

The 28th President of the United States, serving from 1913 to 1921, who led the nation through World War I and enacted progressive reforms.

Yellow Journalism

A sensationalized style of reporting used by newspapers that exaggerated and often published false stories to fuel public support for the Spanish-American War.

Zimmerman Note

A secret telegram sent by Germany to Mexico in 1917, proposing a military alliance against the U.S. in exchange for the return of lost territories.

A. Mitchell Palmer

The U.S. Attorney General who led the Palmer Raids during the Red Scare of 1919-1920, resulting in numerous arrests and civil liberties violations.

Andrew Mellon

A wealthy financier and Secretary of the Treasury under Presidents Harding, Coolidge, and Hoover who promoted pro-business policies.

Birth of a Nation

A 1915 silent film directed by D.W. Griffith, known for its technical achievements but also its racist portrayal of Reconstruction and glorification of the Ku Klux Klan.

Black Tuesday

October 29, 1929, the day the stock market crashed, marking the beginning of the Great Depression.

Bonus Army

A group of World War I veterans who marched on Washington, D.C., in 1932 to demand early payment of their service bonuses.

Bracero Program

A series of agreements between the U.S. and Mexico from 1942 to 1964 that allowed Mexican laborers to work temporarily in American agriculture.

Calvin Coolidge

The 30th President of the United States, serving from 1923 to 1929, known for his pro-business policies and belief in limited government.

Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC)

A New Deal program established in 1933 to provide jobs to young men during the Great Depression.

Court-Packing Scheme

A controversial proposal by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1937 to expand the Supreme Court by adding up to six justices.

D-Day

The Allied invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944, during World War II, marking the beginning of the liberation of Western Europe from Nazi control.

Dawes Plan

A 1924 plan to stabilize the German economy and address World War I reparations by providing loans to Germany and restructuring its debt payments.

Double V Campaign

A World War II initiative by African Americans advocating for victory against fascism abroad and racial discrimination at home.

Douglas MacArthur

A prominent U.S. Army general who commanded Allied forces in the Pacific during World War II.

Dwight Eisenhower

The 34th President of the United States and Supreme Commander of Allied forces in Europe during World War II.

Eleanor Roosevelt

The wife of President Franklin D. Roosevelt and a prominent advocate for social justice.

Executive Order 9066

Signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1942, this order authorized the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II.

FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation)

Established in 1933 as part of the New Deal, the FDIC insures bank deposits to protect consumers in the event of bank failures.

Federal Housing Authority (FHA)

Created in 1934, it provided mortgage insurance and promoted homeownership by making loans more accessible.

Four Freedoms

A set of principles articulated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1941, emphasizing freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear.