U.S. Reconstruction, Native American Policies, and Big Business History

What was the main goal of Presidential Reconstruction (1863-1866)?

To quickly reunite the country without punishing the South, pardoning them and giving control back to Southerners.

What was a key feature of Congressional Reconstruction (1866-1873)?

It aimed to establish rules for rejoining the Union and was more hostile towards the South.

What were Jim Crow Laws?

Laws that enforced racial segregation and were often referred to as 'slavery in disguise', promoting 'separate but equal' policies.

What was the purpose of the Freedmen's Bureau?

To provide aid to former slaves and help them transition into society.

What event marked the end of Reconstruction?

Compromise of 1877

What was the Panic of 1873?

A financial crisis that started due to economic problems.

What was the Indian Removal Act?

Legislation that removed Native Americans from their homelands and forced them to relocate.

What was the significance of the Battle of Little Bighorn?

General George Armstrong Custer and his cavalry were defeated by Native American forces, highlighting the tensions between settlers and Native Americans.

What was the Oklahoma Land Rush?

A race for free land where approximately 2,000,000 acres were made available, with 'Sooners' cheating to gain an early start.

What is capitalism?

An economic system where individuals or businesses own and control the flow of production.

What does 'survival of the fittest' refer to in the context of Social Darwinism?

The idea that in society, those who are most capable will succeed, often used to justify monopolies.

Who was John D. Rockefeller?

The owner of the Standard Oil Company, which was a major oil monopoly.

What is vertical integration?

A business strategy where a company controls multiple levels of production within the same industry.

What is horizontal integration?

A business strategy where a company consolidates with competitors to eliminate competition.

What was the Homestead Act?

An act that granted 160 acres of land for free to settlers who worked the land for five years.

What was the purpose of the Sherman Antitrust Act?

To prohibit monopolies and promote competition in the marketplace.

What were the conditions for industrial workers during the rise of big business?

Workers faced long hours, short breaks, and unsafe working conditions, leading to the formation of labor unions.

What were the Knights of Labor?

A national labor union that aimed to organize all workers regardless of skill level or gender.

What does it mean to be blacklisted?

To be placed on a list that prevents an individual from being employed in the future.