Higher Education and American Society: Post-Civil War to Early 20th Century

This set of flashcards covers key concepts in higher education and significant social developments in America from the post-Civil War era to the early 20th century, elaborating on the evolution of educational policies, societal changes, women's rights, and U.S. expansionism.

Morrill Act

Federal law of 1862 that granted public lands to states to establish colleges focused on agriculture and the mechanical arts.

Hatch Act

1887 act that extended the Morrill Act and provided funding for agricultural experiment stations.

Vocational Education

Educational programs aimed at providing students with the skills needed for specific trades or professions.

Dewey vs. Du Bois

Debate between educational philosophies; Du Bois advocated for liberal arts education for African Americans while Dewey supported vocational training.

Johns Hopkins University

Established in 1876, it was the first research university in the U.S. focusing on graduate-level education.

Social Gospel Movement

Religious movement that emphasized social justice and the obligation to help the poor, often linked to increased donations to universities.

Yellow Journalism

Sensationalized news reporting that exaggerates or fabricates facts to attract readers.

Ida B. Wells

African American journalist and civil rights activist who led an anti-lynching crusade in the United States.

Victoria Woodhull

Women's rights activist and advocate for sexual freedom in the 19th century.

Comstock Law

1873 federal law that criminalized the distribution of obscene or immoral materials, impacting discussions on women's rights.

National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA)

Organization founded in 1890 that fought for women's suffrage in the U.S.

Dawes Severalty Act

1887 law that aimed to assimilate Native Americans by allotting them individual plots of land.

eugenics

Movement aimed at improving the genetic quality of the human population through selective breeding and sterilization.

Pragmatism

Philosophical approach emphasizing practical consequences and real-world applications of ideas, associated with William James.

Carlisle Indian School

Established in 1879, it aimed at assimilating Native American children into Euro-American culture.

Spanish-American War

Conflict in 1898 between the United States and Spain, resulting in U.S. acquisition of territories including Puerto Rico and the Philippines.

Teller Amendment

Legislation passed in 1898 affirming that the United States would not annex Cuba after defeating Spain.

Platt Amendment

1901 amendment that allowed the U.S. to intervene in Cuban affairs and established the U.S. naval base at Guantanamo Bay.

Gentlemen's Agreement

1907 agreement between the U.S. and Japan limiting Japanese immigration to the U.S. in response to anti-Japanese sentiment.

Roosevelt Corollary

1904 extension of the Monroe Doctrine asserting that the U.S. would intervene in Latin American affairs to maintain stability.

Insular Cases

A series of Supreme Court cases that addressed the status of U.S. territories acquired in the Spanish-American War.

Open Door Policy

U.S. policy aimed at ensuring equal trading rights for all nations in China.

Portsmouth Treaty

Peace treaty negotiating the end of the Russo-Japanese War, mediated by Theodore Roosevelt.