America Comes of Age Study Guide

A collection of key vocabulary terms and definitions relevant to the Progressive Era in American history.

Reform

A movement aimed at improving social, political, or economic conditions, often through changes in laws and policies.

Muckraker

Journalists or writers in the early 20th century who investigated and exposed corruption, social injustices, and other societal issues.

Activist

A person who takes direct action to promote or oppose social or political causes, often through protests, demonstrations, or political campaigns.

Settlement House

A community center in urban areas where reformers provided social services and education to immigrants and the poor.

Direct Primary

Voters choose candidates via direct vote.

Initiative

A process that allows citizens to propose new laws or amendments to the state constitution by collecting signatures.

Referendum

A direct vote by the people on a specific law or proposal.

Recall

A procedure allowing voters to remove an elected official from office before their term ends.

Temperance

A movement advocating for the reduction or prohibition of alcohol consumption.

Suffrage

The right to vote in elections, often associated with the fight for women's suffrage in the U.S.

NAWSA

A leading organization advocating for women's right to vote in the U.S.

19th Amendment

An amendment to the U.S. Constitution ratified in 1920, granting women the right to vote.

Americanization

The process of assimilating immigrants into American culture and values.

Jim Crow

A set of laws that enforced racial segregation in the Southern United States.

Plessy v. Ferguson

A landmark 1896 Supreme Court case that upheld racial segregation under the doctrine of 'separate but equal.'

Niagara Movement

A group of African American leaders who demanded civil rights and equality for African Americans.

NAACP

A civil rights organization founded in 1909 to fight for the legal and political rights of African Americans.

Segregation

The separation of people based on race or ethnicity, particularly enforced by Jim Crow laws.

Square Deal

Theodore Roosevelt's domestic program aimed at ensuring fairness and equity in business, labor, and consumer relations.

Trustbuster

A person or official, particularly Theodore Roosevelt, who seeks to break up monopolies and trusts.

Meat Inspection Act

A 1906 law requiring the inspection of meatpacking plants to ensure sanitary conditions.

Pure Food & Drug Act

A 1906 law requiring labeling of food and drug ingredients.

Panama Canal

A canal completed in 1914 that connected the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Progressive Party

A political party formed in 1912 advocating for progressive reforms.

Federal Reserve

The central banking system of the United States established in 1913.

Imperialism

The policy of extending a nation's power and influence through diplomacy or military force.

Isolationists

Individuals who advocate for a foreign policy of non-intervention.

Expansionists

People who support the expansion of a nation's territory and influence.

U.S.S. Maine

An American battleship whose explosion in 1898 led to the U.S. entry into the Spanish-American War.

Yellow Journalism

Sensationalized reporting used to provoke public emotion and influence political decisions.

Spanish-American War

A conflict in 1898 resulting in the U.S. acquiring territories like Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines.

Open Door Policy

A U.S. policy that aimed to ensure equal trading rights for all nations in China.

Monroe Doctrine

A U.S. policy warning European powers not to interfere in the Western Hemisphere.

Roosevelt Corollary

An extension of the Monroe Doctrine allowing U.S. intervention in Latin America.

Anti-Imperialism

The belief opposing the expansion of a nation's empire or the colonization of foreign territories.

Jacob Riis

A muckraking journalist who exposed the harsh living conditions of the urban poor.

Susan B. Anthony

A leader in the women's suffrage movement who fought for women's right to vote.

Alice Paul

A suffragist who pushed for the 19th Amendment using militant tactics.

William McKinley

President during the Spanish-American War, expanding American influence.

Ida Tarbell

A muckraking journalist who exposed the corrupt practices of Standard Oil.

Upton Sinclair

Author of The Jungle, revealing unsanitary conditions in the meatpacking industry.

Theodore Roosevelt

President known for trust-busting and conservation efforts.

Woodrow Wilson

Led the U.S. during World War I and introduced progressive reforms.

W. E. B. Du Bois

Co-founder of the NAACP and advocate for immediate racial equality.

Carrie Chapman Catt

Led the NAWSA and played a key role in passing the 19th Amendment.

Frederick J. Turner

Developed the Frontier Thesis regarding American democracy.

Queen Liliuokalani

The last monarch of Hawaii, overthrown by American business interests.

Labor laws

Regulations that protect the rights and safety of workers.

Direct Election of Senators

The 17th Amendment gave voters the power to elect their senators.

Secret Ballots

Voting method that reduces voter intimidation.

Peaceful protests

Non-violent actions taken to advocate for social change.

Eugenics

A discredited belief advocating for the improvement of human populations.

Child labor laws

Regulations aimed at preventing the exploitation of minors in the workforce.

Temperance movement

Advocated for the reduction or prohibition of alcohol consumption.

Cultural preservation

Efforts to maintain and promote cultural heritage.

Mutual aid societies

Groups that provide support and assistance to members of a community.