SOCIAL STUDIES

Tenement Slums

Crowded urban apartment buildings often characterized by poor conditions and inadequate sanitation.

Jacob Riis

Notable photojournalist who exposed the conditions of tenement slums in his book 'How the Other Half Lives'.

Muckraking

A form of journalism aimed at exposing corruption and social issues, often hidden from the public.

Political corruption

Dishonest or unethical conduct by political leaders, often involving bribery and favor exchanges.

Political Bosses

Powerful politicians who manipulate local governments and secure votes through payoffs.

Boss Tweed

Infamous political boss who embezzled over $100 million from New York City in the 1860s and 70s.

Tammany Hall

A political organization associated with the Democratic Party, known for its corrupt practices.

Spoils system

A political system where jobs and favors are given to political supporters instead of based on merit.

Chester A. Arthur

Vice President who pushed for reforms of the spoils system following President Garfield's assassination.

Pendleton Act of 1883

Legislation aimed at reforming the spoils system to ensure federal job appointments were merit-based.

Social Darwinism

The application of 'survival of the fittest' to human society, justifying the actions of the wealthy.

Interstate Commerce Act (1887)

Legislation prohibiting unfair railroad practices and establishing the Interstate Commerce Commission.

Sherman Antitrust Act (1890)

Law that aimed to prevent monopolistic practices and promote competition among businesses.

Ida Tarbell

Journalist known for her investigative work exposing unfair practices in the oil industry.

Upton Sinclair

Author of 'The Jungle,' which revealed unsanitary practices in the meatpacking industry.

Recall

A political process that allows voters to remove elected officials from office before their term is complete.

Referendum

A voting process by which citizens can directly vote on proposed legislation.

Initiative

A process that enables citizens to propose legislation and submit it for a vote by the electorate.

Primary election

An election where party members select candidates to run for public office in the general election.

Urbanization

The movement of people from rural areas to cities, often due to job opportunities.

Immigration

The influx of foreign individuals into a new country, particularly significant from 1865 to 1915.

Hull House

A famous settlement house founded by Jane Addams in Chicago to aid those in poverty.

Ellis Island

Processing center for European immigrants entering the U.S., subjecting them to examinations.

Angel Island

Processing center for Asian immigrants, particularly from China and India.

Chinese Exclusion Act (1882)

Legislation that barred Chinese laborers from entering the U.S. and prevented reentry for those who left.

Nativism

A political policy favoring established inhabitants over immigrants, often leading to hostility.

Settlement houses

Community centers offering services and aid to the urban poor, particularly immigrants.

Social Gospel

A religious movement advocating for social justice and the welfare of the poor.

Salvation Army

An organization providing food, shelter, and support to those in need, particularly in urban areas.

Cultural misunderstandings

Misinterpretations or lack of understanding between cultures, leading to tension and conflict.

Economic hardships

Financial struggles faced by individuals or groups, often exacerbated by lack of opportunities.

Patronage

The practice of granting government jobs to supporters in exchange for political loyalty.

Bribery

Offering something of value to influence the actions of an official or government.

Voter fraud

Illegal interference with the election process, such as submitting false ballots or voting multiple times.

Civil Service Commission

An agency established under the Pendleton Act to oversee the merit-based appointment of federal jobs.

Prohibition of pools and rebates

The restriction on unfair practices by railroads that allowed them to fix prices and limit competition.

Railroad industry regulation

Government oversight aimed at preventing exploitative practices by railroad companies.

Industrialization

The development of industries in a country or region, leading to urban growth and changes in labor.

Poor living conditions

Inadequate housing, sanitation, and resources leading to health issues in urban environments.

Philanthropy

The desire to promote the welfare of others, typically by donating money or resources.

Lavish parties

Extravagant social events hosted by the wealthy to display their status and wealth.