HIST 2516 Final Exam Study Guide Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards based on the HIST 2516 study guide for the final exam.

A. Philip Randolph

Definition: A prominent labor leader and civil rights activist who fought for the rights of African American workers.

Significance: He organized the 1963 March on Washington and was a key figure in the fight for equality in labor and the promotion of fair employment practices.

A.B. "Happy" Chandler

Definition: The Commissioner of Baseball who played a role in integrating baseball by supporting Jackie Robinson.

Significance: He served from 1943 to 1951 and helped to promote the inclusion of African American players in Major League Baseball.

Astroturf

Definition: An artificial turf surface used in baseball stadiums, first installed in the Houston Astrodome.

Significance: It revolutionized sports fields and became a standard for indoor and outdoor athletic venues, providing a low-maintenance alternative to natural grass.

Brown v. Board of Ed.

Definition: A landmark Supreme Court case that declared state laws establishing separate public schools for black and white students unconstitutional.

Significance: The decision effectively overturned Plessy v. Ferguson, which upheld racial segregation under the "separate but equal" doctrine, and served as a catalyst for the civil rights movement.

"Pee Wee" Reese

Definition: A white shortstop for the Brooklyn Dodgers who played a key role in supporting Jackie Robinson during his early years in baseball.

Significance: Reese's support helped to ease Robinson's transition into Major League Baseball, promoting racial integration and challenging prevailing social norms.

Charlie O. Finley

Definition: The controversial owner of the Oakland Athletics known for his cost-cutting measures and promotional stunts.

Significance: Finley's unorthodox management style led to several innovations in the game, including the introduction of night games and designed uniforms, impacting the culture of Major League Baseball.

Green Light Letter

Definition: A letter issued during World War II that encouraged the continuation of baseball as a morale booster for the country.

Significance: The letter, sent by President Roosevelt, endorsed baseball as an essential part of American life during the war, emphasizing its role in providing entertainment and maintaining societal morale.

Levittown

Definition: One of the first mass-produced suburban housing developments, symbolizing the post-World War II suburban boom.

Significance: Levittown represented the shift towards suburban living in America, offering affordable housing and community amenities, and reflecting the era's ideals of homeownership and family life.

Marvin Miller

Definition: The executive director of the Major League Baseball Players Association who revolutionized players' rights and collective bargaining.

Significance: Miller's leadership led to significant improvements in players' salaries and working conditions, including the establishment of free agency, transforming the landscape of professional baseball.

Joe Nuxhall

Definition: A Major League Baseball player who began his professional career at the age of 16.

Significance: Nuxhall was the youngest player to appear in a Major League game, making his debut in 1944 for the Cincinnati Reds. He became known for his successful pitching career and later as a broadcaster.

Cincinnati Redlegs

Definition: The former name of the Cincinnati Reds, briefly adopted during the Red Scare of the 1950s.

Significance: The name change was part of a broader trend of anti-communism in the U.S., reflecting concerns about loyalty and patriotism during that era.

Curt Flood

Definition: Played center field for 15 years in the MLB who refused to accept a trade to another team after the 1969 season.
Significance: Flood's actions challenged the reserve clause, leading to landmark changes in player trades and free agency rights. He brought his case to the Supreme Court which ultimately did not rule in his favor.

The Ives-Quinn Bill

Definition: A New York state law that prohibited discrimination in employment based on race, creed, color, or national origin.

Significance: The Ives-Quinn Bill was one of the first laws in the United States to address employment discrimination, setting a precedent for future anti-discrimination legislation.

Walter O’Malley

Definition: The owner of the Brooklyn and later Los Angeles Dodgers who played a significant role in the westward expansion of baseball.

Significance: O'Malley's decision to move the Dodgers to Los Angeles in 1958 was pivotal in establishing Major League Baseball's presence on the West Coast, greatly influencing the sport's demographics and popularity.

The Seitz Decision

Definition: The arbitration decision that significantly weakened the reserve clause in baseball, granting players more free agency rights.

Significance: The Seitz Decision marked a pivotal moment in labor relations within Major League Baseball, as it allowed players to become free agents after their contracts expired, fundamentally changing the landscape of player movement and team dynamics.