American History 1: Reconstruction, Industrialization, Immigration, and Government Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from Reconstruction, industrialization, immigration, and government.

13th Amendment

Freed enslaved African Americans but did not grant full citizenship rights.

14th Amendment

Gave citizenship to African Americans and protected citizens' rights from state infringement.

15th Amendment

Gave voting rights to all male citizens regardless of race.

Reconstruction

Period after the Civil War when the federal government reorganized the Southern states and addressed rights for freed slaves.

Black codes

Laws that restricted African Americans' rights and opportunities during Reconstruction.

Impeachment

Bringing charges against a public official to determine whether they should be removed from office.

Industrialization

The development of industries on a wide scale in a country or region.

Robber Baron

A powerful and wealthy industrialist who used unethical or ruthless methods to gain wealth and control.

Captain of Industry

A powerful business leader who contributed positively by increasing productivity, creating jobs, or philanthropy.

Urbanization

The process of making an area more urban or city-like.

Push Factor

A factor that motivates people to leave their country.

Pull Factor

A factor that attracts people to a new country, often for better jobs or wages.

Nativism

Favoring native inhabitants over immigrants.

Chinese Exclusion Act

Law prohibiting the immigration of Chinese laborers.

10% Plan

Lincoln’s plan that 10% of a state's voters pledged loyalty to the Union to rejoin and establish a new government.

Radical Republicans

A group seeking full citizenship and voting rights for African Americans and punishment of the South; supported land redistribution to freedmen.

Presidential Johnson Plan

Johnson aimed to restore Southern states’ political status quickly and pardoned many Confederates who swore allegiance.

Black codes impact (examples)

Limited occupations (servants or farm laborers); restricted land ownership; vagrancy laws could lead to forced labor.

Andrew Carnegie

Captain of Industry; led Carnegie Steel and expanded the steel industry.

Cornelius Vanderbilt

Railroad and shipping magnate; described as both robber baron and captain of industry.

John D. Rockefeller

Oil industry magnate; controlled large share of oil production; accused of anti-competitive practices as a robber baron, yet a major capitalist contributor as a captain of industry.

JP Morgan

Powerful financier and banker who played a central role in corporate finance and industry.

Immigrants in the 1900s

Immigrants brought languages, foods, and cultures, shaping American life (e.g., diverse cuisines and traditions).

Immigration supporters vs. opponents

Debates over immigration; nativism and concerns about job competition vs. economic and cultural contributions.

Checks and balances

System to prevent one branch of government from becoming too powerful by distributing power among legislative, executive, and judicial branches.

Legislative

Makes laws; composed of the Senate and House of Representatives.

Executive

Carries out laws; headed by the President and Vice President.

Judicial

Interprets and evaluates laws; includes the Supreme Court.