US History: Corporations, Progressive Era, Foreign Policy & WWI

Why do the authors call the corporation the sculptor of modern America?

Corporations shaped America by transforming the economy, politics, and society and driving industrial growth.

How did technology help create the corporation?

Electricity and railroads needed large investments and management which led to the rise of corporations.

The 1890s saw both prosperity and poverty. Who prospered and why? Who did not and why?

Big business owners prospered from industrial profits while workers, farmers, and immigrants suffered from low wages and poor conditions.

The authors note there were five forces that could have made corporations more responsible. What were they and why did they all fail? Do you agree with this analysis?

The South, labor unions, protest movements, organized religion, and political parties—all failed because they adapted to the industrial economy or were pushed aside.

Why did the United States become a world power?

Rapid industrial growth, expanding trade, and strong economic and technological progress made it a world power.

Was that "Splendid Little War" actually splendid? For whom?

It was only splendid for the government and businesses who gained territories; it brought suffering to Cubans and Filipinos.

Why go to China?

To expand trade and compete with European powers through the Open Door policy.

What led to the reform impulse?

Rapid industrialization, urbanization, political corruption, poor working conditions, and inequality.

How was progressivism different from populism?

Populism focused on rural farmers; progressivism focused on urban, middle-class reform.

What problems were the progressives trying to tackle and how successful were they?

They tackled labor abuse, monopolies, unsafe food, and corruption; reforms passed but inequality remained.

What was the role of women in the progressive movement?

Women led reforms in education, health, labor rights, and suffrage.

How big a role did morality play in the progressive movement?

A major one—progressives promoted temperance and moral improvement.

What was the progressive ideology?

The government should regulate industry, reduce corruption, and improve society.

What role did bigotry play in the progressive movement and this time period?

Many progressives held racist and nativist views, limiting reforms for minorities and immigrants.

Teddy Roosevelt was considered the embodiment of progressivism. Was he?

Yes, he pushed major reforms, but he still favored certain groups over others.

Was Roosevelt's Square Deal a square deal for everyone?

No, it mostly benefited middle-class workers and regulated big business, not minorities or the poor.

William Howard Taft had the "New Nationalism" which created what kind of problems for him? What did it lead to?

It split the Republican Party by dividing progressives and conservatives.

What type of president was Woodrow Wilson and how did his New Freedom program work?

He was a reformer who aimed to increase competition and reduce corporate power.

The progressives searched for order and stability in domestic affairs

why did they try to bring order overseas in such places as China, the Caribbean, and Mexico?, To protect U.S. trade and investments and promote stability abroad.

When he became president what type of economic policy did Teddy Roosevelt adopt, especially in regards to tariffs? And why?

He supported fair tariffs to protect industry but balance consumer interests.

What role did Teddy Roosevelt believe the military should play for our nation?

A tool to project power, deter threats, and defend U.S. interests.

How is Teddy Roosevelt's foreign policy best described? In regard to Latin America? China?

Assertive and interventionist; in Latin America he enforced stability, in China he promoted open trade.

What is the Roosevelt Corollary?

An addition to the Monroe Doctrine allowing U.S. intervention in Latin America to maintain order.

The authors talk about Roosevelt losing his balance in foreign policy. What did they mean by that and what countries were involved?

He overused intervention and risked conflict in Venezuela, the Dominican Republic, and Panama.

What was his "Big Stick" diplomacy? Did it work?

"Speak softly and carry a big stick"—negotiate peacefully but use force if needed; partly successful.

How did President William Howard Taft change Roosevelt's foreign policy?

He used "Dollar Diplomacy," focusing on economic influence instead of military force.

Why did the authors believe that Woodrow Wilson was the ultimate progressive diplomat?

He mixed moral ideals with diplomacy and promoted democracy worldwide.

What is the Ashcan school of art?

A movement showing realistic urban life and working-class struggles.

What is the Open Door?

A U.S. policy promoting equal trade access in China and preserving its territorial integrity.

What did Wilson believe the role of the United States should be in the world and how much should we depend on other nations?

The U.S. should lead morally and promote democracy while staying independent.

What is meant by Marine Corps progressivism?

Using Marines for small interventions to enforce U.S. interests and maintain order abroad.

Where was the first twentieth century revolution and how were we involved?

The Mexican Revolution; the U.S. intervened to protect citizens and investments.

What were the three phases of the United States entry into WWI?

Neutrality and aid to Allies, tension with Germany, and full military involvement.

How did our country prepare for war and what new policies were adopted to achieve those ends?

The U.S. expanded the military through the draft, increased production, and regulated the economy.

What reforms came out of the war?

Labor protections, women's suffrage, and better social programs.

How did the war affect politics and what kind of propaganda was produced?

Power centralized, and propaganda promoted unity, liberty bonds, and anti-German sentiment.

How did Wilson sell the idea of war to the American people? What were the phrases he used to get support?

He said it was to "make the world safe for democracy" and "a war to end all wars."

How did Americans respond to those espousing socialism and pacifism during the war?

They were harassed, arrested, and censored for being "unpatriotic."

How did the country deal with dissent during the war?

The Espionage and Sedition Acts restricted speech and punished antiwar activity.

How did the war lead to the revolution in Russia and how did this impact the United States?

The war weakened Russia and led to communism, which sparked fear in America.

What was the Red Scare

who led it, what did it do to the United States?, Led by A. Mitchell Palmer; caused raids, arrests, and fear of communism.

What was the Red Summer or the Black Scare?

A wave of racial violence and riots in 1919 showing deep racial tensions.

What was taking place in the nation's pastime baseball, at this time?

Baseball's popularity grew, but the 1919 Black Sox Scandal damaged its image.

How did President Wilson prepare for the peace conference that would end WWI?

He created his Fourteen Points and pushed for a League of Nations.

What took place at the Paris Peace Conference? Did Wilson get his Fourteen Points? Why or why not?

He got the League of Nations but most points were rejected as Europe wanted to punish Germany.

How did the Congress and the American people respond to the treaty Wilson brought home?

Congress rejected it and the U.S. refused to join the League of Nations.