Unit 6 DCUSH

Manifest Destiny

The belief that it was the United States' God-given right to expand across the continent, from the Atlantic to the Pacific.

Causes of Western Expansion

Economic opportunities, desire for land, and belief in Manifest Destiny.

Effects of Western Expansion

Displacement of Native American populations, expansion of the railroad network, and economic growth.

Populist Party

A political group that emerged in the late 1800s, supported by farmers and laborers, advocating for bimetallism and government intervention.

Bimetallism

Using both gold and silver to back currency to inflate the money supply and aid debt-ridden farmers.

William Jennings Bryan

A key Populist leader who advocated for bimetallism and protection of farmers.

The Dawes Act

1887 act aimed at assimilating Native Americans by dividing tribal lands into individual plots.

Social Darwinism

The belief that society operates like a natural ecosystem where only the 'fittest' survive.

Robber Barons

Wealthy businessmen criticized for exploiting workers and creating monopolies.

Captains of Industry

Term emphasizing wealthy business leaders' role in driving economic growth.

Monopolies

Large companies that dominate the market, often through consolidation of industries.

Trusts

Business arrangements where companies combine operations to reduce competition.

Unionization

Workers united to demand better wages, working conditions, and hours.

Immigration and Labor

Immigrants provided a cheap labor force for businesses.

Political Machines

Organizations that controlled local governments, often through corruption.

Chinese Exclusion Act

1882 law that banned Chinese immigration and naturalization in the U.S.

The Social Gospel

A religious movement emphasizing social justice and helping the poor.

W.E.B. Du Bois

African American leader advocating for civil rights and higher education for Black Americans.

Ida B. Wells

Journalist and activist who fought against lynching and racial discrimination.

Muckrakers

Journalists who investigated and exposed corruption and social injustice.

Settlement Houses

Community centers providing education, healthcare, and social activities to immigrants and the poor.

18th Amendment

Prohibition amendment banning the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcohol.

19th Amendment

Granted women the right to vote in 1920.

Teddy Roosevelt and Trust Busting

Used the Sherman Antitrust Act to break up monopolies and promote competition.

Suffragettes

Women who fought for women's right to vote.

Reformers

Middle-class citizens seeking to improve society through political, social, and economic reforms.