Unit 7: 1890-1945 (10-17%)

Unit Overview: This unit examines significant historical events and changes between 1890 and 1945, including the emergence of the Progressive Era, the impact of World War I, the Great Depression, and the role of the United States in World War II. Key Themes:

  • Social Reforms: The rise of movements aimed at improving labor rights, women's suffrage, and civil rights.

  • Economic Changes: Analyzing the economic boom of the 1920s followed by the devastating effects of the Great Depression.

  • Global Conflict: Understanding how World War I and World War II reshaped international relations and national identities. Cultural Shifts: Exploring the transformation of American culture through the Harlem Renaissance, the Jazz Age, and changing social norms.

The "Triple Wall of Privilege" refers to the systemic barriers that women, particularly women of color, face in achieving economic equality and access to wealth. This concept highlights three primary areas of privilege that perpetuate inequality:

  • Race: The intersection of racial discrimination limits economic opportunities for women of color compared to their white counterparts.

  • Gender: Women, in general, often earn less than men for similar work and face additional barriers in career advancement.

  • Class: Economic disparities also play a significant role, as women from lower socio-economic backgrounds often have fewer resources and opportunities for upward mobility.

Wabash, St. Louis & Pacific Railway Company v. Illinois (1886) was a landmark U.S. Supreme Court case that addressed the regulation of railroad rates by states. The case arose after Illinois tried to regulate fares that the Wabash railroad charged for interstate shipping. The Court ruled that states could not regulate the rates charged for interstate commerce, as only Congress had the authority to regulate interstate commerce.

Munn v. Illinois (1877) was an earlier case that established the precedent that states could regulate private industries that affected the public interest. The Supreme Court upheld Illinois's right to regulate grain warehouse rates, asserting that businesses involved in public commerce were subject to public regulation. It was significant because it allowed for state regulation of private enterprise if they served the public good, but was ultimately limited by the Wabash case.