U.S. History: Populism Overview (1870–1950)

A collection of 70 vocabulary flashcards to help students review key concepts from the lecture on U.S. history and the populist movement from 1870 to 1950.

Populism

A political and social movement advocating for the rights and power of ordinary people against elite and corporate dominance.

People’s Party

Also known as the Populist Party, formed to represent the interests of farmers and laborers.

Economic Independence

Desire for self-sufficiency and reduced reliance on banks or monopolies.

Democratic Self-Government

Expansion of voting rights and grassroots participation in political decisions.

Limiting Corporate Power

Opposition to monopolies and exploitation of rural communities by large businesses.

Modern Political Techniques

Use of communication and organizational tools to mobilize the working class.

Nostalgia

A longing for a past era, often idealized; contrasted with populism's forward-thinking approach.

MAGA Movement

Modern populism appealing to working-class dissatisfaction and a nostalgic view of America.

Tea Party Movement

Conservative populism focused on government overreach and taxation.

Occupy Wall Street

Progressive populism targeting economic inequality and corporate greed.

Jeffersonian Ideals

Belief that economic independence equals freedom and that small producers are the backbone of the nation.

Dignity of Labor

The belief that all productive work has inherent worth and contributes to American identity.

Economic Regulation

The idea that government should regulate business for the public good to prevent exploitation.

Wage Slavery

Fear of becoming dependent on employers for survival, losing autonomy and dignity.

Midwest and South

Geographic regions where populism thrived, particularly among agricultural communities.

Populist Policies

Proposals aimed at benefiting farmers and reducing corporate influence in politics.

Republicans as the Party of Business

Historical alignment of the Republican Party with business interests and limited government.

Neoliberalism

Economic philosophy promoting free markets, reduced government spending, and deregulation.

NAFTA

North American Free Trade Agreement, reflecting support for globalization and caused job losses in U.S. manufacturing.

Working-Class Voting Trends

Shifts in voter support among Latino and Black men towards Republican candidates.

Election of 1896

William McKinley defeated William Jennings Bryan, highlighting the divide between urban industrial and rural populist interests.

Spanish–American War

Conflict leading to U.S. control over territories like the Philippines, justified by economic and nationalist motives.

Theodore Roosevelt

President who embodied rugged masculinity and promoted American imperialism and naval expansion.

Panama Canal

Waterway constructed to shorten shipping routes, benefiting American trade and military mobility.

Open Door Policy

U.S. policy ensuring equal trade access to China, reflecting America's new willingness to intervene diplomatically.

Scramble for Africa

Period when European nations divided African territories for resources, highlighting global competition.

American Exceptionalism

Ideology that America has a moral duty to uplift 'inferior' nations.

Progressivism

A reform movement aimed at addressing the issues caused by industrialization and corruption.

Jane Addams

Social reformer who founded Hull House to help immigrants and promote social reform.

Middle-Class Reformers

Individuals who aimed to uplift the poor through education and public health initiatives.

Child Labor

Exploitation of children in factories, revealing the social costs of economic progress.

Legislative Reform

Government intervention promoted for social welfare, public education, and public health.

Economic Inequality

The imbalance in wealth and resources, highlighting the need for reform.

Farm Foreclosures

The loss of farms due to economic distress, prompting populist demands for government regulation.

Excessive Freight Rates

Unfairly high rates charged by railroads that exploited farmers, leading to calls for regulation.

Corporate Influence

The power that corporations hold over politics and policy, often at the expense of ordinary citizens.

Grassroots Participation

Direct involvement of ordinary citizens in political processes and community decision-making.

Labor Exploitation

Unfair treatment of workers, often characterized by poor conditions and low wages.

Anti-Elite Rhetoric

Public discourse that criticizes and challenges the power dynamics between elites and the working class.

Rural Discontent

The frustration and dissatisfaction experienced by rural communities, often driving populist movements.

Political Mobilization

The process of engaging and organizing people for political action and influence.

Federal Regulation

Government oversight aimed at protecting citizens and ensuring fair practices in business.

Civic Virtue

The notion that citizens should actively participate in political and civic life for the common good.

New Markets

Opportunities for trade and investment, often sought by countries during economic hardship.

Monopoly

The exclusive control of a commodity or service in the market, detrimental to competition.

Public Health

The health and well-being of the population as a whole, often promoted through social reforms.

Economic Growth

Increase in the production of goods and services, which can lead to disparities without social responsibility.

Class Hierarchies

Societal structures that rank individuals based on economic status and power.

Labor Rights

Rights that protect workers’ interests, including fair wages and safe working conditions.

Urban Laborers

Workers in cities, often facing different challenges and identities compared to rural producers.