Contextualizing Period 7: 1890–1945

Progressives

A social and political movement aimed at addressing issues caused by industrialization and urbanization through reforms.

New Deal

A series of programs and reforms introduced by Franklin D. Roosevelt aimed at economic recovery during the Great Depression.

Laissez-faire

An economic philosophy of minimal government intervention in the market; challenged during the Great Depression.

Isolationism

A foreign policy stance adopted by the U.S. during the interwar period, favoring non-involvement in international conflicts.

Great Depression

A severe worldwide economic downturn that lasted from 1929 until the late 1930s, marked by high unemployment and low production.

Social Security Act

A 1935 law that created a system of old-age benefits for workers, unemployment insurance, and welfare provisions.

Fireside Chats

A series of radio addresses by Franklin D. Roosevelt to communicate directly with the American public during the Great Depression.

Sacco and Vanzetti

Italian immigrants and anarchists executed in 1927, whose trial highlighted issues of nativism and the American justice system.

Spanish-American War

A conflict in 1898 in which the U.S. emerged as a world power by defeating Spain and gaining territories

Nativism

Nativism is an anti-immigrant ideology favoring the interests of established inhabitants over newcomers