AP US History - Test 2 LEQ

Covers the Reconstruction, the Gilded Age, the Labor Movement, and the Spanish-American War.

Reconstruction Era

Reconstruction Era: Period in US history (1865-1877) after the Civil War. Aimed to rebuild and integrate the South, granting civil rights to freed slaves. Led to the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments. However, it faced resistance from white supremacists, resulting in limited progress and the rise of Jim Crow laws.

Andrew Johnsons plan for reconstruction

Andrew Johnson's Reconstruction Plan

• Presidential Plan after the Civil War

• Pardoned most Confederates

• Required states to ratify the 13th Amendment

• Appointed provisional governors

• Allowed former Confederate states to rejoin the Union

• Failed to protect the rights of freed slaves

Dred Scott Decision

Dred Scott Decision (1857) Supreme Court ruling stating that enslaved individuals were property, not citizens, and had no right to sue for freedom.

Black codes and unfair labor contract

Laws that restricted the rights of freed African Americans after the Civil War. Unfair labor contracts forced them into low-paying jobs with harsh conditions.

Radical Republicans take control during reconstruction

"Radical Republicans" - Political faction that gained control during Reconstruction. Advocated for civil rights, voting rights, and economic equality for freed slaves. Implemented significant reforms to address racial inequality. Forced

Reconstruction Acts(1867)

Reconstruction Acts(1867)

• Passed by the US Congress after the Civil War

• Divided the South into 5 military districts

• Required states to draft new constitutions granting voting rights to African Americans

• Enforced by Union troops to protect freed slaves

• Aimed to rebuild and integrate the South into the Union

• Forced south to sign the 14th Amendment

14th Amendment

• The equal protection clause is part of the 14th Amendment that prohibits states from denying any person within their jurisdiction equal protection under the law.

• All who are born in the US are citizens(This undermined the Dred Scott Decision)

• Anyone guilty of treason could only be pardoned by Congress

15th Amendment

Guaranteed Voting Rights. Ratified in 1870, this amendment granted African American men the right to vote, prohibiting racial discrimination at the polls. It aimed to ensure equal access to voting, regardless of race or color.

Impeachment of Andrew Jackson

Impeachment Definition: Process to remove a president from office for "high crimes and misdemeanors"

Significance: Jackson fired Ed Stanton(Sec. of War), which violated the Tenure of Office Act. The House voted to impeach Jackson, but the Senate was one vote short.

Election of 1868

Election of 1868: Presidential election where Ulysses S. Grant (Republican) defeated Horatio Seymour (Democrat). Grant's victory marked the end of Reconstruction and the beginning of a new era in American politics.

Sharecropping

A system of agricultural labor where farmers, typically freed slaves, would rent land and pay a portion of their crops as rent to landowners.

Gilded Age

The era in U.S. history (1870s-1900) was marked by rapid industrialization, economic growth, and wealth accumulation for the upper class, while workers faced poor conditions and income inequality.

Social Darwinism

Social Darwinism - Belief that societies evolve through competition, with the strongest individuals or groups naturally rising to the top. It applies Darwin's theory of natural selection to human social and economic systems, justifying inequality and the survival of the fittest.

Rutherford B. Hayes Presidency

Rutherford B. Hayes Presidency:

• 19th President of the United States

• Served from 1877 to 1881

• The presidency came from a scandal. He was handed it through a special commission

• He is known for his commitment to civil service reform

• Ended Reconstruction in the South

• Advocated for educational and prison reforms

Machine Politics

A political system characterized by corrupt and manipulative practices, such as bribery and patronage, is used by political machines to gain and maintain power. Machine politics often involved controlling local government and providing favors in exchange for political support.

Democrat Machine

"Democrat Machine" - Refers to a political organization within the Democratic Party that controlled local politics through patronage and corruption.

Tammany Hall, NY would greet immigrants and set them up with jobs. Boss Tweed, the party boss, encouraged city contractors to overcharge the city up to five times the actual cost. In return, these companies would guarantee jobs for the immigrants.

Republican Machine

President Hayes was a half-breed. He challenged the Stalwarts and the NY boss, Roscoe Conkling, by firing Chester A. Arthur from the NY Customs House.

Election of 1880

The presidential election was held in 1880, when James A. Garfield, a Republican, defeated Winfield S. Hancock, a Democrat. Chester A Arthur, a Stalwart, was made the VP. However, Garfield was shot to death by Charles J. Guiteau in 1881.

Pendleton Act - 1883

U.S. federal law established a merit-based system for hiring government employees, based on exams and qualifications, rather than political connections or favoritism. It only applied to 10% of federal jobs. Also created the Civil Service Commission.

Interstate Commerce Act - 1887

"Interstate Commerce Act - 1887"

• Federal law to regulate the railroad industry

• Aimed to prevent discrimination and unfair practices

• Established the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC)

• Required railroad rates to be reasonable and just

• Marked the first federal regulation of business in the U.S.

Benjamin Harrisons Presidency - 1888

Benjamin Harrison's Presidency (1888-1892): 23rd President of the United States, Republican. Known for implementing protective tariffs and expanding the Navy. Signed the Sherman Antitrust Act and the McKinley Tariff Act. Advocated for voting rights for African Americans. Oversaw significant economic growth and the admission of six states into the Union. Passed the billion-dollar budget.

Sherman Antitrust Act

Sherman Antitrust Act:

• Passed in 1890

• Aimed to promote fair competition and prevent monopolies

• Prohibits anti-competitive practices, such as price-fixing and market allocation

• Empowers the government to investigate and break up monopolistic companies

• Encourages free and open markets for the benefit of consumers and businesses.

Election of 1892

The presidential election was held in 1892, where Grover Cleveland (Democrat) defeated Benjamin Harrison (Republican) and James Weaver (Populist). Cleveland became the only president to serve non-consecutive terms, as he was previously elected in 1884 but lost in 1888. The election was influenced by economic issues and the growing Populist movement.

Jacob Coxey

Jacob Coxey: Leader of the "Coxey's Army" protest march in 1894 in which he led thousands of unemployed to DC. President Cleveland stopped them with troops and arrested them for “trespassing”. Advocated for government-funded jobs during the Great Depression.

Labor Movement

A social and economic movement advocating for the rights and improved conditions of workers. It aims to secure fair wages, safe working conditions, and the right to form labor unions. The movement has played a crucial role in shaping labor laws and worker protections globally.

National Labor Union(1866-1873)

First national labor federation in the United States. Founded in 1866, it aimed to unite all workers, regardless of race or gender. Fought for an eight-hour workday, higher wages, and better working conditions. Dissolved in 1873 due to financial difficulties and internal conflicts.

Great Railroad Strike of 1877

A nationwide labor protest by railroad workers in the United States, triggered by wage cuts during an economic depression. It spread rapidly and resulted in violent clashes between strikers and authorities. The strike highlighted growing tensions between labor and capital, leading to increased awareness of workers' rights and the need for labor reforms.

Knights of Labor - 1881

Knights of Labor

• Founded in 1881, the Knights of Labor was a prominent labor union in the United States.

• It aimed to improve working conditions and protect the rights of workers.

• The union welcomed workers from all industries, including skilled and unskilled laborers, women, and African Americans.

• The Knights of Labor advocated for an eight-hour workday, equal pay for equal work, and the abolition of child labor.

• Despite its initial success, the organization declined in the late 1880s due to internal conflicts and failed strikes.

Hay Market Bombing - 1886

A labor protest in Chicago turned violent when a bomb was detonated, leading to deaths and injuries. It resulted in a crackdown on labor movements and the decline of the Knights of Labor.

American Federation of Labor(AFL) - 1886

American Federation of Labor (AFL) - 1886: An American labor union founded by Samuel Gompers. It focused on organizing skilled workers and advocated for better wages, shorter work hours, and improved working conditions. The AFL played a crucial role in the labor movement, using collective bargaining to negotiate with employers.

Clayton Antitrust Act - 1914

Clayton Antitrust Act - 1914: Legislation that strengthened the Sherman Antitrust Act by prohibiting certain anti-competitive practices, such as price discrimination and exclusive dealing. It also legalized strikes and peaceful picketing, exempting labor unions from antitrust laws. The act aimed to promote fair competition and protect consumers from monopolistic practices.

New Imperialism in the US

New Imperialism in the US: Expansionist policy pursued by the US in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It involved acquiring overseas territories, establishing colonies, and exerting economic and political influence. Motivated by the desire for resources, markets, and strategic advantages, it led to conflicts and interventions in Latin America, the Pacific, and the Caribbean.

Spanish-American War - 1898

Spanish-American War - 1898

• Conflict between the United States and Spain

• This resulted in U.S. acquisition of territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines

• Sparked by the sinking of the USS Maine in Havana harbor

• This led to the end of Spanish colonial rule in the Americas

• Significance: Established the U.S. as a world power and fueled debates about imperialism.

Yellow Journalism

Sensationalized news reporting that prioritizes exaggeration and sensationalism over accuracy and objectivity, is often used to manipulate public opinion and increase newspaper sales. Popularized in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it played a significant role in shaping public perception during events like the Spanish-American War.

Teller Amendment - 1898

Teller Amendment - 1898: A US policy that declared the US had no intention of annexing Cuba after the Spanish-American War. It aimed to assure Cuba's independence and prevent US colonization.

Paris Peace Treaty - 1898

Paris Peace Treaty - 1898: Ended the Spanish-American War. Spain recognized Cuba's independence, ceded Puerto Rico and Guam to the US, and sold the Philippines for $20 million. The treaty marked the end of Spanish colonial rule in the Americas and established the US as a global power.

China and the “Open door policy”

China and the "Open Door Policy": A policy proposed by the United States in 1899 to ensure equal trading rights in China for all nations. It aimed to prevent any single country from dominating trade and to maintain access to China's markets.

Election of 1900

The presidential election was held in 1900 between Republican William McKinley and Democrat William Jennings Bryan. McKinley won, securing his second term as president. The election was marked by debates over imperialism, the gold standard, and economic policies. A few months later, McKinley was shot and killed. Theodore Roosevelt(VP) became president and thus began the Progressive Era.