Gilded age

What is the Gilded Age?

A period in US history from the 1870s to approximately 1900 characterized by rapid economic growth and widespread corruption.

Who coined the term 'Gilded Age'?

Mark Twain and Charles Dudley Warner in their 1873 novel.

What were the main features of the Gilded Age?

Industrialization, urbanization, immigration, and social inequality.

What is social Darwinism?

A belief that society evolves through competition, akin to Darwin's theory of natural selection.

What was the significance of the Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890?

It aimed to curb monopolistic business practices.

Who were the Robber Barons?

Influential and wealthy businessmen in the late 19th century, often criticized for exploiting labor.

What was the Progressive Era?

A period from the 1890s to the 1920s focused on social reform and addressing problems caused by industrialization.

What were the goals of the Progressive Movement?

To address issues like corruption, worker rights, women's suffrage, and economic inequality.

Who was Theodore Roosevelt?

The 26th president of the USA (1901-1909), known for his progressive policies and trust-busting.

What did the Pure Food and Drug Act achieve?

It regulated food and pharmaceutical products to ensure safety and labeling.

What was the significance of the Women’s Suffrage Movement?

It fought for women's right to vote, culminating in the 19th Amendment in 1920.

What role did muckrakers play in the Progressive Era?

Journalists who exposed corruption and social injustices.

What was the Meat Inspection Act?

A law passed in 1906 to ensure sanitary conditions in the meatpacking industry.

What is the significance of the 16th Amendment?

It established the federal income tax in 1913.

What is the Federal Reserve System?

A central bank created in 1913 to regulate monetary policy in the US.

What were the main causes of World War I?

Nationalism, imperialism, militarism, and the alliance system.

What was American Imperialism?

The policy of extending the US's power and influence through diplomacy or military force.

What was the Open Door Policy?

A US policy aimed at ensuring equal trading rights in China.

Who was the main architect of US foreign policy during the early 20th century?

Secretary of State John Hay.

What was the significance of the Spanish-American War?

It marked the emergence of the US as a world power.

What territories did the US acquire after the Spanish-American War?

Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines.

What was the Roosevelt Corollary?

An extension of the Monroe Doctrine stating the US could intervene in Latin America to maintain order.

What was the purpose of the Panama Canal?

To reduce travel time for naval and commercial ships between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

What was the significance of the Treaty of Versailles?

It ended World War I and imposed heavy reparations on Germany.

What was the League of Nations?

An international organization established to promote peace after WWI, initiated by Wilson.

What were Wilson's Fourteen Points?

A statement of principles for peace negotiations to end WWI.

What was the impact of the Hull House?

A settlement house established by Jane Addams to assist immigrants and the poor.

Who were the main supporters of the suffrage movement?

Activists like Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and later, Alice Paul.

What was the Great Migration?

The movement of African Americans from the rural South to urban centers in the North during the early 20th century.

What was the significance of the 19th Amendment?

It granted women the right to vote in 1920.

What was the initiative, referendum, and recall process?

Progressive reforms to allow voters to propose legislation and repeal laws.

What was the impact of the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake?

It led to significant building reforms and urban planning changes.

What was the significance of the Progressive Party?

It was formed by Theodore Roosevelt in 1912 to promote progressive reforms.

Who was Du Bois?

W.E.B. Du Bois, an African American civil rights activist and co-founder of the NAACP.

What were working conditions like during the Gilded Age?

Often poor, with long hours, low pay, and unsafe environments.

What was the impact of child labor laws?

They aimed to improve working conditions for children and reduce the number of child workers.

What is the significance of the New Freedom?

Woodrow Wilson's campaign platform promoting economic reforms.

What increased American involvement in World War I?

Factors such as unrestricted submarine warfare and the Zimmerman telegram.

What was the impact of the 18th Amendment?

It prohibited the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcohol.

What was the Scientific Management Movement?

A movement aimed at improving economic efficiency through the study of workflows.

What was the effect of the Anslinger Act?

It targeted drug use and led to increased enforcement against drug-related offenses.

What was the concept of Dollar Diplomacy?

A policy aimed at promoting US financial interests abroad.

What was the purpose of the Committee on Public Information?

To promote the war effort through propaganda during World War I.

What was the significance of the sinking of the Lusitania?

It led to heightened tensions between the US and Germany before entering WWI.

Who were the Irish Americans’ role in the Gilded Age?

They faced discrimination but significantly contributed to labor movements.

What was the impact of the Pendleton Act of 1883?

It established a merit-based system for federal employment.

What was the great railroad strike of 1877?

A nationwide strike protesting wage cuts and poor working conditions.

What was the purpose of settlement houses during the Progressive Era?

To provide social services and education to immigrants and the poor.

What role did women play in the Progressive Era?

Women were central to reform movements, advocating for suffrage, labor rights, and social reforms.

What was the significance of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire?

It led to improved workplace safety regulations.

What were the economic causes of industrialization?

The availability of natural resources, technological innovations, and the accumulation of capital for investment.

What was the impact of industrialization on labor?

It led to the rise of factory work, often with long hours and low pay, and the growth of labor unions.

What is urbanization?

The process of population shift from rural areas to cities, leading to the growth of urban centers.

What were the consequences of urbanization?

Overcrowding, inadequate housing and sanitation, as well as increased crime and pollution in cities.

What role did immigration play in industrialization?

Immigrants provided a large labor pool necessary for industrial growth and filled low-wage jobs.

What was the significance of the Immigration Act of 1924?

It established quotas limiting the number of immigrants based on national origin, reflecting nativist sentiments.

What were the main goals of the Progressive Movement?

To address social issues like corruption, health, labor rights, and women's suffrage.

What was the federal government’s role in Progressive reforms?

The federal government enacted laws like the Meat Inspection Act and Pure Food and Drug Act to ensure consumer protection.

What were local government reforms during the Progressive Era?

Implementing commission styles of government, and city managers to reduce corruption.

What were state-level reforms in the Progressive Era?

Enacting labor laws, improving education, and instituting direct primaries.

What were the impacts of women's suffrage on society?

Women gained the right to vote, leading to increased participation in politics and social reforms.

What was the impact of imperialism on US foreign policy?

It led to increased military and economic involvement in other countries, notably in Latin America and the Pacific.

What was the 'White Man's Burden'?

A phrase used to justify imperialism, suggesting that it was the duty of Western nations to civilize and educate other cultures.

What was the significance of the annexation of Hawaii?

It marked the expansion of US territory and strategic military advantage in the Pacific.

What was the impact of the Spanish-American War on US imperialism?

It resulted in the U.S. acquiring territories like Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines, establishing it as a colonial power.

What was the role of propaganda in the Progressive Era?

It was used to shape public opinion and bolster support for reforms and the war effort.

What was the effect of child labor laws enacted during the Progressive Era?

They reduced the employment of children, improved working conditions, and mandated education.

What were the main causes of social reform movements?

Industrialization, urbanization, and the social problems that emerged from economic inequality.

What was the impact of settlement houses in urban areas?

They provided services like education, healthcare, and unemployment assistance to immigrants and the poor.

How did imperialism shape America’s global identity?

It positioned the US as an influential world power, involved in international affairs and global politics.