U.S. History Midterm

What were the successes of the Reconstruction era?

:: Successes of Reconstruction included the passage of the 13th Amendment abolishing slavery and the impeachment of Andrew Johnson, which showed limits on presidential power

What were the failures of the Reconstruction era?

Failures included Black Codes, the rise of the Ku Klux Klan, sharecropping and tenant farming, the Compromise of 1877, weak enforcement of the 14th and 15th Amendments, and the end of military Reconstruction.

How did African Americans’ lives change following the abolishment of slavery?

African Americans gained freedom, but faced discrimination, segregation, violence, and economic hardship as society’s attitudes did not change.

Why was America the destination of choice for many immigrants in the late 19th century?

America offered job opportunities, industrial work, land, and the promise of a better life.

What were some negatives that newly arrived immigrants experienced?

Immigrants faced discrimination, low wages, poor working conditions, overcrowded housing, and social exclusion.

What was the difference between “ideal” America and the “real” America for immigrants?

Immigrants expected high-paying jobs and success, but instead worked low-paying factory or farm jobs just to survive.

What were the positive effects of the Captains of Industry?

They helped grow the U.S. economy, increased production, created jobs, and improved infrastructure.

What were the negative effects of the Robber Barons?

They crushed competition, created monopolies, exploited workers, and caused economic inequality.

Why were farmers so upset during the rise of industry?

Industrial growth led to falling crop prices, high railroad fees, debt, and declining farm profits.

What were the successes and failures of the Silver Movement and the Populists?

Successes included raising awareness of economic inequality and uniting farmers and miners; failures included losing political momentum and failing to achieve long-term monetary reform.

How did the United States emerge as a world power prior to WWI?

The U.S. grew through industrial expansion, overseas territories, military strength, and increased global trade.

What reasons were given to justify American imperialism?

Economic expansion, access to new markets, military strategy, geographic position, and cultural beliefs like Social Darwinism.

What were the arguments against American imperialism?

Critics argued it violated democratic ideals, oppressed other nations, and dragged the U.S. into foreign conflicts.

How is Roosevelt’s Big Stick diplomacy connected to imperialism?

Both relied on military power, justified U.S. intervention abroad, expanded American influence, and protected economic interests.

What global factors led to the outbreak of WWI?

Militarism, Alliances, Imperialism, Nationalism, and the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand.

How did the role of the United States change during WWI?

The U.S. shifted from neutrality to supporting Allies through trade and eventually military involvement.

What arguments were made against U.S. involvement in WWI?

Opponents believed the U.S. should stay neutral and avoid foreign wars.

Why were the 1920s considered a time of great cultural change?

New technology, postwar rebuilding, changing social norms, and greater freedoms—especially for women—reshaped American life.

Why were the 1920s a shift from traditional values?

Americans rejected old rules, embraced modern lifestyles, challenged authority, and defied traditional social norms.