APUSH Period 7 - Progressive Era (1890-1920)

Progressive Era

Period of social, political, and economic reform to address problems caused by rapid industrialization, urbanization, and political corruption. Progressives sought to regulate big business, improve working conditions, expand democracy, and fix poverty.

McKinley Tariff (1890)

Law that raised tariffs to protect American industries, leading to higher consumer prices and political backlash.

De Lome Letter (1898)

Letter from a Spanish official criticizing President McKinley; used by yellow journalists to push the U.S. toward war with Spain.

Henry Cabot Lodge

Senator who supported imperialism and later opposed the Treaty of Versailles and the League of Nations.

Yellow Journalism

Sensationalized and exaggerated reporting used to sell newspapers and promote war, especially before the Spanish-American War.

Jingoism

Aggressive nationalism favoring war and expansion.

The USS Maine

U.S. battleship that exploded in Havana Harbor in 1898, helping spark the Spanish-American War.

Teller Amendment

Amendment promising the U.S. would not annex Cuba after the Spanish-American War.

Rough Riders

Volunteer cavalry unit led by Theodore Roosevelt during the Spanish-American War.

Open Door Notes/Policy

U.S. policy promoting equal trading rights in China and preventing European domination.

Treaty of Paris (1898)

Treaty ending the Spanish-American War; the U.S. gained Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines.

Anti-Imperialist League

Organization that opposed U.S. imperialism, especially the annexation of the Philippines.

Platt Amendment

Law allowing U.S. intervention in Cuba and establishing Guantanamo Bay naval base.

Big Stick Policy

Theodore Roosevelt's foreign policy of negotiating peacefully but backing demands with military strength.

Boxer Rebellion

Chinese uprising against foreign influence, suppressed by an international force including the U.S.

Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine

Policy stating the U.S. could intervene in Latin America to maintain stability.

16th Amendment

Amendment allowing a federal income tax.

17th Amendment

Amendment establishing direct election of U.S. senators.

18th Amendment

Amendment establishing Prohibition (banning alcohol).

19th Amendment

Amendment granting women the right to vote.

Referendum

Progressive reform allowing voters to directly approve or reject laws.

Clayton Antitrust Act

Law strengthening antitrust regulations and protecting labor unions from prosecution.

Dollar Diplomacy

Taft's policy of promoting U.S. economic interests abroad to extend influence.

Prohibition

Nationwide ban on alcohol production and sale from 1920-1933.

Pure Food & Drug Act

Law regulating food and medicine to ensure safety and accurate labeling.

Muckrakers

Journalists who exposed corruption and social problems during the Progressive Era.

Jacob Riis

Muckraker who exposed urban poverty through photography and writing.

Upton Sinclair

Author who exposed unsanitary conditions in the meatpacking industry.

Meat Inspection Act

Law requiring federal inspection of meat processing plants.

Payne-Aldrich Tariff

Tariff that reduced rates slightly but disappointed progressives seeking major reform.

Triangle Shirtwaist Fire

1911 factory fire that killed 146 workers and led to labor safety reforms.

Underwood-Simmons Tariff

Law lowering tariffs and implementing a graduated income tax.

Federal Reserve Act

Law creating the Federal Reserve System to regulate banking and control the money supply.

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

Agency created to prevent unfair business practices.

Women's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU)

Organization advocating temperance and social reforms.

Central Powers

Alliance of Germany, Austria-Hungary, and the Ottoman Empire in WWI.

Allies (in WWI)

Alliance of Britain, France, Russia, and later the United States during WWI.

The Lusitania

British passenger ship sunk by Germany in 1915, killing Americans and increasing support for war.

Kaiser Wilhelm II

German emperor during WWI.

Franz Ferdinand

Archduke of Austria whose assassination triggered WWI.

Zimmermann Note

German telegram urging Mexico to join the war against the U.S.

Fourteen Points

Wilson's plan for peace promoting self-determination and a League of Nations.

League of Nations

International organization proposed to maintain world peace after WWI.

Committee on Public Information (CPI)

Government agency promoting pro-war propaganda during WWI.

Espionage Act

Law punishing interference with military operations or support for enemies during wartime.

Sedition Act

Law banning criticism of the government during WWI.

Trench warfare

Type of combat fought from deep trenches, common in WWI.

Selective Service Act

Law establishing the draft during WWI.

Submarine Warfare

Use of submarines to attack enemy ships, notably by Germany in WWI.

The Armistice

Agreement signed on November 11, 1918, ending fighting in WWI.

National War Labor Board

Agency that mediated labor disputes to prevent strikes during WWI.

Schenck v. United States

Supreme Court case that upheld limits on free speech during wartime ("clear and present danger" test).

Industrial Workers of the World (IWW)

Radical labor union advocating for industrial workers and socialism.

War Industries Board

Agency that coordinated production of war materials during WWI.

Treaty of Versailles

Treaty officially ending WWI, punishing Germany and contributing to future instability.