U.S. History: Westward Expansion, Native American Conflicts, and Progressive Era

What fueled Eastern industry during the settlement of the Western Frontier (1865-1900)?

Raw materials such as timber, minerals, and cattle.

What impact did the destruction of buffalo herds have on Native Americans?

It devastated their way of life.

What event involved the slaughter of Cheyenne and Arapaho by Colorado militia in 1864?

The Chivington Massacre.

What sparked the Great Sioux War in 1876?

The discovery of gold in the Black Hills.

What was the outcome of the Battle of Little Bighorn?

Custer's 'Last Stand' against the Sioux.

What occurred during the Wounded Knee Massacre in 1890?

The U.S. Army killed over 200 Lakota after the Ghost Dance movement was seen as threatening.

What was the Homestead Act of 1862?

It provided 160 free acres of land if improved within 5 years, but much land went to speculators and railroads.

What did the Dawes Act of 1887 aim to achieve?

It aimed at the assimilation of Native Americans by dividing reservations into private farms, leading to major land loss.

What was the trend in urbanization by 1920 in the U.S.?

50% of Americans lived in urban areas, up from 1/6 in 1865.

What were some causes of urbanization in the late 19th century?

Technological advancements like elevators and streetcars, and migration from farms and massive immigration.

What were the push factors for immigration from Europe?

Poverty, famine, and religious persecution.

What were the pull factors for immigrants coming to the U.S.?

Jobs, freedoms, and land.

What distinguishes old immigrants from new immigrants?

Old immigrants (before 1880) were mainly from Northern/Western Europe, while new immigrants (after 1880) were from Southern/Eastern Europe.

What was the role of urban political machines in the Gilded Age?

They provided jobs and services to immigrants in exchange for votes.

What was the Pendleton Civil Service Act of 1883?

It began merit-based hiring for federal jobs, reducing the spoils system.

What were the main political parties during the Gilded Age?

Republicans were strong in the North/Midwest, while Democrats were strong in the South and urban immigrant cities.

What was the significance of the election of 1896?

William McKinley supported the gold standard, while William Jennings Bryan advocated for silver coinage.

What were the main goals of the Progressive Era (1890-1920)?

To end corruption, regulate industry, address poverty and urban issues, and expand democracy.

What was the purpose of settlement houses during the Progressive Era?

To provide education, childcare, health services, and Americanization.

What did the 19th Amendment achieve?

It granted women the right to vote.

What was the outcome of the Spanish-American War in 1898?

The U.S. gained the Philippines, Guam, and Puerto Rico, and Cuba became a U.S. protectorate.

What was Theodore Roosevelt's approach to foreign policy?

He advocated for the Panama Canal, the Great White Fleet, and the Roosevelt Corollary.

What was the significance of the Treaty of Versailles in 1919?

It punished Germany and established the League of Nations, which the U.S. Senate refused to join.