Andrew Jackson:
Considered one of the more controversial presidents in American history.
Was impeached but not removed from office, later leading to Lincoln's vice presidency due to Junior Lincoln's assassination.
His presidency is marked by controversial policies, particularly those that marginalized Native Americans and enforced racist ideologies.
Gilded: Derived from the term for something covered in gold, indicating a superficial glitter that disguises deeper issues.
This era saw a significant economic boom, yet the benefits were not evenly distributed, leading to stark class disparities.
The term "Gilded Age" highlights the rapid industrialization and the emergence of multimillionaires during this time, juxtaposed with the struggle experienced by ordinary people.
Pejorative: A term expressing contempt or disapproval.
Analysis: Examination and interpretation of significant details.
Historiography: The study of historical writing and perspectives.
Antebellum: Referring to the period before a major war, particularly the Civil War.
Postbellum: Referring to the period following a major war.
Gilded Age: As defined earlier, a period marked by significant economic growth alongside social challenges.
Social Darwinism: The belief that societal progress comes from the survival of the fittest individuals and groups.
Robber Barons: A pejorative for business magnates who engaged in unscrupulous practices to amass wealth.
Vertical Integration: A business strategy where a company controls multiple supply chain steps within its industry.
Horizontal Integration: A strategy where a company acquires or merges with competitors to increase market share.
Trust: A combination of firms or corporations formed by a legal agreement to reduce competition.
Boss Tweed: A leader of Tammany Hall, known for his corrupt political tactics in New York City.
Tammany Hall: A New York City political organization that was known for its corruption in the late 19th century.
Populism: A political movement representing the interests of ordinary people, often against established elites.
Turner Frontier Thesis: A theory positing that the American democracy was formed by the experience of westward expansion.
Knights of Labor: An early labor organization in the United States aimed at promoting the rights of workers.
Single Tax: A tax system proposed by Henry George that taxes property value increases while abolishing all other taxes.
Socialism: A political and economic theory advocating for collective or governmental ownership of production and distribution.
Social Gospel: A movement that emerged in the late 19th century advocating for social justice motivated by Christian ideals.
Pinkerton Detectives: A private security guard and detective agency known for its role in labor disputes.
Haymarket Affair: A labor protest in Chicago in 1886 that turned violent and became a symbolic event in labor history.
Dawes Act: A 1887 law aimed at assimilating Native Americans into American society by allotting them individual parcels of land.
Notable for running for president four times (1896, 1900, 1908, and 1920) without success.
Was a prominent figure in advocating for reform and addressing issues concerning the working classes during the progressive era.
Symbolizes the struggles and hopes of poor immigrants arriving in America, often depicting their aspirations for a better life.
The double-headed eagle motif is significant in the iconography representing various ethnic groups, particularly Jewish immigrants seeking refuge.
An artwork that illustrates the transcontinental railroad, emphasizing the theme of American expansion.
Highlights the disregard for Native American land rights and the displacement experienced in the name of progress.
During the Gilded Age, public schooling began to rise significantly, although the Southern states lagged behind in educational reforms.
A notable trend of westward migration shaped the educational landscape with varying degrees of access and quality.
Characterized as the party aligning with business interests, African American communities, and some elite groups during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
A Scottish immigrant who pioneered the steel industry, transforming America’s infrastructure.
Known for introducing Vertical Integration, controlling all aspects of steel production from raw iron extraction to final product manufacturing.
Became immensely wealthy, contributing much of his fortune to philanthropic causes, believing in the responsibility of the affluent to give back to society.
Founder of Standard Oil Company, he is emblematic of the oil industry's rise in America.
Initially employed Horizontal Integration, dominating the oil market by acquiring competing firms.
The actions of both Rockefeller and Carnegie sparked debates about their roles as either 'Captains of Industry' or 'Robber Barons' due to their market strategies.
Recognized as a powerful financial figure during the Gilded Age; he helped stabilize the economy during downturns and is viewed positively for his business acumen.
Expansionism: Ideology supporting territorial or economic expansion.
American Empire: The concept of the U.S. extending its influence and control over other territories.
Populists (People's Party): A political party that sought to represent the interests of ordinary working people and advocated for economic reforms.
Farmers' Alliance: A movement focused on the interests and struggles of farmers, advocating for more favorable economic policies.
AFL/Samuel Gompers: Gompers was a key figure in American labor history, founding the American Federation of Labor (AFL).
Exodusters: African Americans who migrated to Kansas in the late 19th century, seeking freedom from racial oppression.
Redeemers: A political coalition in the Southern United States in the late 19th century that aimed to restore white supremacy.
Booker T. Washington: An influential African American educator and advisor who promoted vocational training.
Social Gospel: A movement focusing on applying Christian ethics to social problems.
Atlanta Compromise Speech: A speech by Washington advocating for the education of African Americans while contending that social equality would come slowly.
Plessy v. Ferguson (1896): A Supreme Court decision that upheld racial segregation under the doctrine of "separate but equal."
Disenfranchisement: The revocation of the right to vote from a group of people, often through discriminatory laws.
Grandfather Clause: A legal mechanism that allowed individuals to bypass literacy tests and poll taxes based on their ancestors' voting rights.
Lynching: The illegal execution of individuals by a mob, frequently used against African Americans to enforce social control.
Spanish-American War: A conflict in 1898 between Spain and the United States, resulting in significant territorial gains for the U.S.
Lost Cause: The historical narrative that romanticizes the Confederacy and downplays the impact of slavery.
Yellow Journalism: Exaggerated news reporting intended to provoke public emotion and influence political opinions.
U.S.S. Maine: A U.S. Navy ship that exploded in Havana Harbor, sparking the Spanish-American War.
February 4th
America annexed Cuba, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines after the war.
Media sensationalism played a critical role in public perception, creating pressure for intervention.
The Spanish-American War was brief, lasting only four months, resulting in a swift victory for the U.S. against Spain.
The Platt Amendment stipulated the U.S. would withdraw from Cuba but maintain a permanent lease on Guantanamo Bay.
The Philippine-American War was far bloodier and prolonged, raising questions about U.S. imperialism and the treatment of Filipinos.
Focused on the Populist and Progressive Eras, emphasizing various social and political reforms.
Progressivism sought to address the ills of society through more democratic governance and social justice initiatives.
Scientific Management and Fordism represented an industrial shift towards efficiency and mass production, prominently through the Moving Assembly Line.
A pivotal event that highlighted the dangers of unregulated industrial workplaces, leading to significant reforms in labor laws and workplace safety.
The fire’s aftermath sparked a national outcry for better working conditions and regulations protecting workers, especially women and children.
A form of investigative journalism that aimed to expose corruption and social injustices, with notable figures like Upton Sinclair whose book The Jungle prompted food safety reforms.
February 6th
A sharp increase in immigration during this era, with most immigrants arriving via Ellis Island, settling into ethnic enclaves throughout cities.
The rise of consumer freedom characterized a shift toward widespread availability of goods, fostering a new understanding of freedom tied to material abundance and leisure activities.
Women entered the workforce in increasing numbers due to both necessity and changing social norms, becoming symbols of female independence despite facing discrimination and low wages.
The rising standard of living became a hallmark of American identity, tied to the concept of prosperity and the accessibility of consumer goods to the populace.
The rise of advertising played a crucial role in linking consumer goods to the ideas of freedom and self-expression.
Economic freedom became a rallying call for the Socialist party, advocating for equal opportunities in education, improved labor conditions, and public ownership of essential services.
Continued labor unrest marked this period, with significant strikes orchestrated by groups like the AFL and IWW, highlighting ongoing worker discontent and demands for rights.
The West saw unique forms of progressivism, such as the Oregon System promoting direct democracy through initiatives, referendums, and recalls.
Reforms sought to reinvigorate democracy but often had contradictory outcomes, such as disenfranchising black voters in the South while advocating for women’s suffrage.
The belief in the power of educated professionals led to a system where management and governance were handled by those seen as more qualified than the average citizen.
Teddy Roosevelt championed American intervention in Latin America, demonstrating a shift in U.S. foreign policy towards assertive imperialism.
An extension of the Monroe Doctrine justifying U.S. intervention in Latin American nations to stabilize economies and prevent European intervention.
February 18
Figures like W.E.B. Du Bois spearheaded efforts to address racial inequality through education and political activism, notably through the Niagara Movement.
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was founded to fight for enforceable civil rights.
African American service members during WWI hoped their contributions would lead to racial equality and societal improvements upon their return.
Significant movement of African Americans from the South to the North in search of better employment, education, and living conditions, but many faced challenges and disappointments.
Stemming from a combination of labor unrest and paranoia following the Bolshevik Revolution, leading to widespread raids on suspected radical organizations and the deportation of many immigrants.
Vocabulary:
Sacco and Vanzetti Trial: A controversial trial of two Italian immigrants accused of murder, highlighting the era's nativism and anti-immigrant sentiment.
Equal Rights Amendment: A proposed amendment aiming to guarantee equal legal rights for all American citizens regardless of sex.
Flappers: Young women in the 1920s who defied traditional gender norms through fashionable attire and social behaviors seen as liberated.
Andrew Jackson:
Considered one of the more controversial presidents in American history.
Was impeached but not removed from office, later leading to Lincoln's vice presidency due to Junior Lincoln's assassination.
His presidency is marked by controversial policies, particularly those that marginalized Native Americans and enforced racist ideologies.
Gilded: Derived from the term for something covered in gold, indicating a superficial glitter that disguises deeper issues.
This era saw a significant economic boom, yet the benefits were not evenly distributed, leading to stark class disparities.
The term "Gilded Age" highlights the rapid industrialization and the emergence of multimillionaires during this time, juxtaposed with the struggle experienced by ordinary people.
Pejorative: A term expressing contempt or disapproval.
Analysis: Examination and interpretation of significant details.
Historiography: The study of historical writing and perspectives.
Antebellum: Referring to the period before a major war, particularly the Civil War.
Postbellum: Referring to the period following a major war.
Gilded Age: As defined earlier, a period marked by significant economic growth alongside social challenges.
Social Darwinism: The belief that societal progress comes from the survival of the fittest individuals and groups.
Robber Barons: A pejorative for business magnates who engaged in unscrupulous practices to amass wealth.
Vertical Integration: A business strategy where a company controls multiple supply chain steps within its industry.
Horizontal Integration: A strategy where a company acquires or merges with competitors to increase market share.
Trust: A combination of firms or corporations formed by a legal agreement to reduce competition.
Boss Tweed: A leader of Tammany Hall, known for his corrupt political tactics in New York City.
Tammany Hall: A New York City political organization that was known for its corruption in the late 19th century.
Populism: A political movement representing the interests of ordinary people, often against established elites.
Turner Frontier Thesis: A theory positing that the American democracy was formed by the experience of westward expansion.
Knights of Labor: An early labor organization in the United States aimed at promoting the rights of workers.
Single Tax: A tax system proposed by Henry George that taxes property value increases while abolishing all other taxes.
Socialism: A political and economic theory advocating for collective or governmental ownership of production and distribution.
Social Gospel: A movement that emerged in the late 19th century advocating for social justice motivated by Christian ideals.
Pinkerton Detectives: A private security guard and detective agency known for its role in labor disputes.
Haymarket Affair: A labor protest in Chicago in 1886 that turned violent and became a symbolic event in labor history.
Dawes Act: A 1887 law aimed at assimilating Native Americans into American society by allotting them individual parcels of land.
Notable for running for president four times (1896, 1900, 1908, and 1920) without success.
Was a prominent figure in advocating for reform and addressing issues concerning the working classes during the progressive era.
Symbolizes the struggles and hopes of poor immigrants arriving in America, often depicting their aspirations for a better life.
The double-headed eagle motif is significant in the iconography representing various ethnic groups, particularly Jewish immigrants seeking refuge.
An artwork that illustrates the transcontinental railroad, emphasizing the theme of American expansion.
Highlights the disregard for Native American land rights and the displacement experienced in the name of progress.
During the Gilded Age, public schooling began to rise significantly, although the Southern states lagged behind in educational reforms.
A notable trend of westward migration shaped the educational landscape with varying degrees of access and quality.
Characterized as the party aligning with business interests, African American communities, and some elite groups during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
A Scottish immigrant who pioneered the steel industry, transforming America’s infrastructure.
Known for introducing Vertical Integration, controlling all aspects of steel production from raw iron extraction to final product manufacturing.
Became immensely wealthy, contributing much of his fortune to philanthropic causes, believing in the responsibility of the affluent to give back to society.
Founder of Standard Oil Company, he is emblematic of the oil industry's rise in America.
Initially employed Horizontal Integration, dominating the oil market by acquiring competing firms.
The actions of both Rockefeller and Carnegie sparked debates about their roles as either 'Captains of Industry' or 'Robber Barons' due to their market strategies.
Recognized as a powerful financial figure during the Gilded Age; he helped stabilize the economy during downturns and is viewed positively for his business acumen.
Expansionism: Ideology supporting territorial or economic expansion.
American Empire: The concept of the U.S. extending its influence and control over other territories.
Populists (People's Party): A political party that sought to represent the interests of ordinary working people and advocated for economic reforms.
Farmers' Alliance: A movement focused on the interests and struggles of farmers, advocating for more favorable economic policies.
AFL/Samuel Gompers: Gompers was a key figure in American labor history, founding the American Federation of Labor (AFL).
Exodusters: African Americans who migrated to Kansas in the late 19th century, seeking freedom from racial oppression.
Redeemers: A political coalition in the Southern United States in the late 19th century that aimed to restore white supremacy.
Booker T. Washington: An influential African American educator and advisor who promoted vocational training.
Social Gospel: A movement focusing on applying Christian ethics to social problems.
Atlanta Compromise Speech: A speech by Washington advocating for the education of African Americans while contending that social equality would come slowly.
Plessy v. Ferguson (1896): A Supreme Court decision that upheld racial segregation under the doctrine of "separate but equal."
Disenfranchisement: The revocation of the right to vote from a group of people, often through discriminatory laws.
Grandfather Clause: A legal mechanism that allowed individuals to bypass literacy tests and poll taxes based on their ancestors' voting rights.
Lynching: The illegal execution of individuals by a mob, frequently used against African Americans to enforce social control.
Spanish-American War: A conflict in 1898 between Spain and the United States, resulting in significant territorial gains for the U.S.
Lost Cause: The historical narrative that romanticizes the Confederacy and downplays the impact of slavery.
Yellow Journalism: Exaggerated news reporting intended to provoke public emotion and influence political opinions.
U.S.S. Maine: A U.S. Navy ship that exploded in Havana Harbor, sparking the Spanish-American War.
February 4th
America annexed Cuba, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines after the war.
Media sensationalism played a critical role in public perception, creating pressure for intervention.
The Spanish-American War was brief, lasting only four months, resulting in a swift victory for the U.S. against Spain.
The Platt Amendment stipulated the U.S. would withdraw from Cuba but maintain a permanent lease on Guantanamo Bay.
The Philippine-American War was far bloodier and prolonged, raising questions about U.S. imperialism and the treatment of Filipinos.
Focused on the Populist and Progressive Eras, emphasizing various social and political reforms.
Progressivism sought to address the ills of society through more democratic governance and social justice initiatives.
Scientific Management and Fordism represented an industrial shift towards efficiency and mass production, prominently through the Moving Assembly Line.
A pivotal event that highlighted the dangers of unregulated industrial workplaces, leading to significant reforms in labor laws and workplace safety.
The fire’s aftermath sparked a national outcry for better working conditions and regulations protecting workers, especially women and children.
A form of investigative journalism that aimed to expose corruption and social injustices, with notable figures like Upton Sinclair whose book The Jungle prompted food safety reforms.
February 6th
A sharp increase in immigration during this era, with most immigrants arriving via Ellis Island, settling into ethnic enclaves throughout cities.
The rise of consumer freedom characterized a shift toward widespread availability of goods, fostering a new understanding of freedom tied to material abundance and leisure activities.
Women entered the workforce in increasing numbers due to both necessity and changing social norms, becoming symbols of female independence despite facing discrimination and low wages.
The rising standard of living became a hallmark of American identity, tied to the concept of prosperity and the accessibility of consumer goods to the populace.
The rise of advertising played a crucial role in linking consumer goods to the ideas of freedom and self-expression.
Economic freedom became a rallying call for the Socialist party, advocating for equal opportunities in education, improved labor conditions, and public ownership of essential services.
Continued labor unrest marked this period, with significant strikes orchestrated by groups like the AFL and IWW, highlighting ongoing worker discontent and demands for rights.
The West saw unique forms of progressivism, such as the Oregon System promoting direct democracy through initiatives, referendums, and recalls.
Reforms sought to reinvigorate democracy but often had contradictory outcomes, such as disenfranchising black voters in the South while advocating for women’s suffrage.
The belief in the power of educated professionals led to a system where management and governance were handled by those seen as more qualified than the average citizen.
Teddy Roosevelt championed American intervention in Latin America, demonstrating a shift in U.S. foreign policy towards assertive imperialism.
An extension of the Monroe Doctrine justifying U.S. intervention in Latin American nations to stabilize economies and prevent European intervention.
February 18
Figures like W.E.B. Du Bois spearheaded efforts to address racial inequality through education and political activism, notably through the Niagara Movement.
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was founded to fight for enforceable civil rights.
African American service members during WWI hoped their contributions would lead to racial equality and societal improvements upon their return.
Significant movement of African Americans from the South to the North in search of better employment, education, and living conditions, but many faced challenges and disappointments.
Stemming from a combination of labor unrest and paranoia following the Bolshevik Revolution, leading to widespread raids on suspected radical organizations and the deportation of many immigrants.
Vocabulary:
Sacco and Vanzetti Trial: A controversial trial of two Italian immigrants accused of murder, highlighting the era's nativism and anti-immigrant sentiment.
Equal Rights Amendment: A proposed amendment aiming to guarantee equal legal rights for all American citizens regardless of sex.
Flappers: Young women in the 1920s who defied traditional gender norms through fashionable attire and social behaviors seen as liberated.