History mid term

A. Civil War

1. Sectionalism and the Civil War

• Sectionalism: Loyalty to one's region over the country.

• Contributed to divisions between the North and South, leading to unrest.

• Economic differences fueled conflict—industrial North vs. agrarian South.

2. Causes of the Civil War

• Slavery: Central issue creating division.

• States' rights: Southern states wanted more autonomy.

• Economic disputes: Tariffs and taxation issues spurred tensions.

• Cultural differences: Diverging ways of life between regions.

3. Catalyst for Secession

• Election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860 was seen as a threat to slavery.

• First seven states seceded following his election, fearing loss of political power.

4. Battle of Vicksburg: Turning Point

• The Union's victory in July 1863 gained control of the Mississippi River.

• Split the Confederacy and was crucial for Union supply lines.

• Demonstrated the effectiveness of Union strategies.

5. Consequences/Legacy of the Civil War

• End of slavery and the 13th Amendment.

• Reconstruction era: Efforts to reintegrate the South into the Union.

• Economic and social changes in both North and South.

• Long-term racial tensions and division persisted.

B. Reconstruction

1. Lincoln's Plan for Reconstruction

• Focused on reunifying the nation with a lenient approach.

• Offered amnesty to those who would take an oath of loyalty.

• Wanted to readmit states quickly through the Ten Percent Plan.

2. Radical Republicans' Plan

• Sought harsher punishment for the South and protection for freedmen.

• Proposed the Military Reconstruction Act to oversee Southern states.

3. Opposition to Lincoln/Johnson's Plan

• Radical Republicans felt Lincoln's plan was too lenient.

• Wanted to ensure civil rights for freedmen and prevent Southern leaders from regaining power.

4. Carpetbaggers

• Northerners who moved South during Reconstruction.

• Seen negatively by Southerners, perceived as opportunists exploiting the South’s difficulties.

5. Amendment Ending Slavery

• The 13th Amendment abolished slavery in the United States.

6. Amendment Extending Voting Rights

• The 15th Amendment granted African American men the right to vote.

7. Amendment Overruling Dred Scott Decision

• The 14th Amendment provided citizenship and equal protection under the law.

8. Sharecropping and Debt Peonage

• Sharecropping relied on tenant farming, often leading to cycles of debt.

• Landowners manipulated terms, trapping sharecroppers in a cycle of poverty.

9. Freedmen's Bureau

• Established to aid freed slaves in adapting to freedom.

• Provided food, housing, medical care, and education.

• Helped establish schools and promote civil rights.

10. Black Codes vs. Jim Crow Laws

• Black Codes: Laws aimed at restricting African American freedoms post-Civil War.

• Jim Crow laws: State and local laws enforcing racial segregation.

• Both aimed at maintaining white supremacy.

C. Native Americans and Westward Expansion

1. Goal of the Dawes Act

• Aimed to assimilate Native Americans by allotting individual plots of land.

• Sought to break down tribal identities and promote farming.

2. Impact of Indian Boarding Schools

• Intended to assimilate Native American children into European American culture.

• Often led to loss of language, culture, and identity.

3. Causes of Indian Wars

• Sand Creek Massacre: Tensions over land and resources led to violence against Cheyenne.

• Battle of Little Big Horn: Custer's forces were decimated; signified resistance against U.S. expansion.

• Wounded Knee Massacre: Marked the end of armed conflict; collective punishment of Native Americans.

4. Factors for Settlement of Western Frontier

• Availability of land (Homestead Act), discovery of gold/silver, and railroad expansion.

• The promise of a fresh start attracted many settlers.

D. Farmers/Populists

1. Policy Demands of the Populist Party

• Sought government control of railroads, graduated income tax, and direct election of senators.

• Aimed to address the needs of farmers against corporate interests.

2. Goals of the Granger Laws

• Laws designed to regulate railroad rates and grain elevator charges.

• Enhanced the power of farmers to fight against monopolistic practices.

3. Bimetallism

• Economic policy advocating the use of both gold and silver to back currency.

• William Jennings Bryan: Democratic candidate supporting bimetallism in 1896.

4. Purpose of the Interstate Commerce Act

• Aimed to regulate railroad rates and prevent monopolistic practices in the railroads.

• Established the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC).

E. Industrial Revolution

1. Social Darwinism

• Application of Darwin's theories of evolution to justify social and economic policies.

• Supporters favored laissez faire, arguing that competition led to progress.

2. First vs. Second Industrial Revolution

• First: Focused on textiles and steam power; Second: Emphasized steel, electricity, and railroads.

• The Second Industrial Revolution saw broader technological advances and industrial growth.

3. Purpose of the Sherman Antitrust Act

• Aimed to prevent monopolies and promote competition.

• First federal action against monopolistic practices.

4. Vertical Integration

• A business model where a company controls multiple stages of production.

• Example: A steel company owning mines, production facilities, and distribution.

5. Horizontal Integration

• A business strategy where a company acquires competitors to establish a monopoly.

• Example: Absorption of smaller steel manufacturers by larger corporations.

6. Key Innovators

• Henry Bessemer: Developed the Bessemer process for mass steel production.

• Henry Flagler: Key figure in the development of the Florida East Coast Railway.

• Madam C.J. Walker: First female self-made millionaire, known for haircare products.

• Andrew Carnegie: Led the steel industry; known for philanthropy.

• Alexander Graham Bell: Inventor of the telephone.

• Thomas Edison: Inventor associated with electricity and electric light.

7. Formation and Response of Labor Unions

• Labor unions emerged to fight for workers' rights and better conditions.

• Often organized strikes and protests against businesses to voice their demands.

8. Trusts and Opposition

• Trusts consolidated multiple companies under a single board, limiting competition.

• Many Americans opposed trusts for creating monopolies and harming consumers.

F. Immigration and Urbanization

1. Limitations on Chinese Immigration

• The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 limited immigration of Chinese laborers into the U.S.

2. The Gentlemen's Agreement

• An informal agreement between the U.S. and Japan to limit Japanese immigration.

3. Impact of Immigration on Cities

• Large influx of immigrants led to urbanization and cultural diversity.

• Increased demand for jobs and housing, often leading to overcrowded conditions.

4. Patronage Definition and Example

• Patronage: The practice of giving government jobs to supporters and allies.

• Example: The awarding of jobs to political supporters under various administrations.

5. Political Bosses and Immigrants

• Political bosses often helped immigrants find jobs and housing in exchange for political loyalty.

6. Technical Innovations in Cities (1865-1890)

• Innovations such as electric streetcars and skyscrapers transformed urban landscapes.

7. Shift from Rural to Urban Centers

• Factors include job opportunities in industry, agricultural mechanization, and population growth.