Unit 4: Populism, Progressivism, and Imperialism Review

Comprehensive practice questions covering the Populist movement, Progressive Era reforms, American Imperialism, and mobilization during World War I.

What were the primary goals of the Grange?

To provide a social outlet and an educational forum for isolated farm families, eventually shifting to political action to fight the power of railroads.

What was the significance of the Munn v. Illinois ruling?

The Supreme Court upheld the right of states to regulate railroads for the benefit of farmers and consumers.

What was the outcome of the Wabash v. Illinois case, and what did it lead to?

The Supreme Court ruled that states could not regulate interstate commerce; this led to the creation of the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC).

What were the goals and political focus of the Farmers Alliance?

To educate people about agricultural and business topics, such as lower interest rates on loans and government control over railroads and banks.

How was the Populist Party (or People's Party) created?

It was formed in 1892 to represent the interests of farmers and laborers, seeking to give the common people a greater voice in government.

What was the Panic of 1893?

A serious economic depression that began due to rail road failures and a depletion of the nation's gold reserve, leading to high unemployment and bank failures.

Who delivered the 'Cross of Gold' speech and during which election?

William Jennings Bryan delivered the speech during the Election of 1896.

Who was William McKinley's campaign manager, and what strategy did they use in the 1896 election?

Mark Hanna; they utilized the 'Front Porch Campaign' where McKinley stayed home and gave speeches to visiting delegations.

What were Theodore Roosevelt’s '3 C’s' of his Square Deal?

Conservation of natural resources, Control of corporations, and Consumer protection.

Who were the Muckrakers?

Journalists who wrote about the corrupt side of business and public life in mass circulation magazines during the early 20th century.

Define the political reforms: Initiative, Referendum, and Recall.

Initiative: a bill originated by the people; Referendum: a vote on the initiative; Recall: enables voters to remove public officials from elected positions by forcing them to face another election.

What are the four Progressive Era Amendments and their purposes?

16th: Federal Income Tax; 17th: Direct Election of Senators; 18th: Prohibition of Alcohol; 19th: Women's Suffrage.

What was Woodrow Wilson's 'New Freedom'?

His progressive program that attacked the 'triple wall of privilege': the trusts, tariffs, and high finance.

What is the Federal Reserve System?

A decentralized private banking system established in 1913 under federal control to regulate the nation's credit and money supply.

What was the main idea of Alfred Thayer Mahan's 'The Influence of Sea Power on History: 1660-1783'?

That sea power was the key to national greatness and that the U.S. needed a strong navy and overseas bases to become a world power.

Contrast the Teller Amendment and the Platt Amendment regarding Cuba.

The Teller Amendment stated the U.S. would not annex Cuba, while the Platt Amendment later gave the U.S. the right to intervene in Cuban affairs and required a naval base (Guantanamo Bay).

What did the Roosevelt Corollary add to the Monroe Doctrine?

It asserted the right of the United States to intervene in the affairs of Latin American nations to maintain economic and political stability (the 'Big Stick' policy).

What was William Howard Taft's 'Dollar Diplomacy'?

A policy of using the U.S. government to guarantee loans made to foreign countries by American businesspeople to exert influence.

What acronym describes the causes of World War I, and what does it stand for?

MANIA: Militarism, Alliances, Nationalism, Imperialism, and Assassination.

What were the Espionage and Sedition Acts passed during WWI?

Laws that imposed harsh penalties on anyone interfering with or speaking against U.S. participation in the war, limiting First Amendment rights.

What was the 'Great Migration' during World War I?

The large-scale movement of hundreds of thousands of Southern African Americans to cities in the North for industrial jobs and to escape Jim Crow laws.

Who was John J. Pershing, and what was the AEF?

John J. Pershing was the General who led the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF), the independent American military unit that fought in Europe.