US History Final Exam Study Guide

Reconstruction

A plan necessary to address the aftermath of the Civil War and reintegrate Southern states, with Presidential and Radical approaches and key amendments like the 13th, 14th, and 15th.

Freedmen's Bureau

Established to aid newly freed slaves in education, healthcare, and employment, notably successful in education during Reconstruction.

Compromise of 1877

Ended Reconstruction, withdrew federal troops, and led to the rise of Jim Crow laws, removing protections for African Americans.

Horizontal and Vertical Integration

Horizontal acquires similar companies, vertical controls production stages; former aims at market share, latter at efficiency and cost control.

Gilded Age

Marked by industrialization, urbanization, immigration, and the rise of big businesses, with impacts on job opportunities and living conditions.

Muckrakers

Investigative journalists exposing social injustices, corruption, and abuses of power, leading to public support for Progressive reforms.

Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire

Highlighted unsafe working conditions, prompting labor laws for worker protection and safety standards.

Sherman Antitrust Act

Enacted to prevent monopolies and promote fair competition, affecting businesses by prohibiting anti-competitive practices.

Late 19th Century Reforms

Introduced Referendum, Federal Reserve, and Pendleton Civil Service Act to enhance government transparency, regulate banking, and establish merit-based federal employment.