U.S. History Review for Exam

Flashcards covering key concepts from U.S. history lecture notes, focusing on foundational topics and important events.

Early Settlers' Challenges

Disease, famine, harsh climate, conflict with Native Americans, which they overcame through adaptation, trade, alliances, and self-government.

Elements of Early Democracy

Town meetings, colonial assemblies, Mayflower Compact, and voting by land-owning white men in the 13 colonies.

Enlightenment Ideas Influence

Natural rights, social contract, and separation of powers; these concepts influenced the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.

Successes and Failures of the Articles of Confederation

Successes: independence and Northwest Ordinance; Failures: weak central government, no taxation power, and no standing army.

Constitutional Convention Compromises

Great Compromise, 3/5 Compromise, slave trade compromise, and establishment of the Electoral College.

Major Constitutional Debates

Federalists vs Anti-Federalists; tensions between states’ rights and federal power; inclusion of the Bill of Rights.

Natural Rights and the Bill of Rights

Fear of tyranny led to the inclusion of protections for speech, religion, press, and due process.

Rise of U.S. Industrial Power

Driven by natural resources, railroads, new technologies, cheap labor, and a laissez-faire government approach.

Impact of Industrialization

Economic growth and creation of jobs, but also led to poor working conditions and labor exploitation.

Urbanization Effects

Increased job opportunities and mobility, but also resulted in slums and overcrowding.

Political Machines Role

Provided aid to immigrants, but were also associated with corruption.

Trusts and Monopolies Impact

Improved efficiency in the economy, but reduced competition and harmed consumers.

Social Darwinism vs Social Gospel

Social Gospel criticized for addressing poverty through reform and aid better than Social Darwinism.

Americanization Movement

Often forced assimilation that suppressed immigrant cultures.

Robber Barons Evaluation

They expanded industry but often exploited workers and natural resources.

Progressive Movement Success

Improved labor laws and democracy; however, it did not fully eliminate inequality.

U.S. Imperialism in the 1890s

Mainly driven by the search for new markets and the desire for naval power.

Inevitability of Spanish-American War

Caused by yellow journalism, imperialism, and Cuban rebellion.

Big Stick Diplomacy

Most effective diplomatic policy for advancing U.S. power.

World War I Impact on U.S. Progress

Expanded government power while limiting civil liberties.

Wilson's Failure at Versailles

Resulted from Allies' desire for punishment and U.S. Senate's rejection of the League of Nations.

Signs of Isolationism Post-WWI

Rejection of the League of Nations, high tariffs, and immigration quotas.

1920s: Progress or Fear?

Economic growth was evident, but there was significant nativism and fear of radicals.

Red Scare & Nativism Impact

Undermined civil liberties through widespread arrests and deportations.

Eighteenth Amendment & Scopes Trial

Reflected conflicts between traditional values and modern scientific views.

Radio and Film Impact

Created a shared culture and disseminated new ideas across the nation.

Presidential Responsibility for the Great Depression

Laissez-faire policies from presidents worsened existing economic weaknesses.

Significant Causes of the Great Depression

Primarily the stock market crash, compounded by overproduction and banking failures.

Hoover's Response to the Depression

Characterized by limited government action, which was largely deemed unsuccessful.

New Deal Outcomes

Provided relief and reform but failed to completely resolve the Great Depression.

Supreme Court's Opposition to New Deal

Programs were viewed as unconstitutional; resulted in FDR's attempts at court-packing.