American History: Post World War I to the Great Depression

This set of flashcards covers key terms and concepts from American history focusing on the period after World War I leading into the Great Depression.

Welfare Capitalism

A system where the government promotes business interests and provides indirect support to the working class by encouraging prosperity through big business.

Treaty of Versailles

The treaty that ended World War I, which the US signed but did not join the League of Nations.

Normalcy

A campaign slogan of Warren G. Harding that signifies a return to a stable and prosperous time, free from the pressures of World War I.

Laissez-faire

An economic philosophy of minimal government intervention in business, which was mischaracterized in the 1920s as the government's approach.

Calvin Coolidge

Warren G. Harding's vice president who succeeded him, known for his pro-business policies and reputation for integrity.

Prohibition

The legal act of prohibiting the sale and consumption of alcohol, enacted by the 18th Amendment in 1920.

The Great Depression

An economic downturn that began after the stock market crash of 1929, leading to widespread unemployment and economic instability.

Stock Market Crash 1929

The collapse of stock prices that marked the beginning of the Great Depression and significantly damaged the U.S. economy.

Hoovervilles

Makeshift shantytowns built by homeless people during the Great Depression, named derisively after President Herbert Hoover.

Bank Run

A situation where a large number of customers withdraw their deposits simultaneously due to concerns about the bank's solvency.