Midterm

Here’s a breakdown of the key terms from your study guide. I’ll provide brief explanations for each term to help you prepare.

Checks and Balances – A system in the U.S. Constitution that ensures no branch of government becomes too powerful by allowing each to check the others.
Purpose of the Bill of Rights – The first ten amendments to the Constitution, designed to protect individual liberties and limit government power.
Problems with the Articles of Confederation – Weak central government, inability to tax, no executive branch, and difficulty passing laws.
Reasons why the 13 Colonies wanted to break away from Britain – Taxation without representation, trade restrictions, and lack of colonial self-government.
Great Awakening – A religious revival movement in the 1730s-1740s that emphasized individual faith and helped shape American identity.
Three-Fifths Compromise – A constitutional agreement counting enslaved people as three-fifths of a person for representation and taxation.
Missouri Compromise – A law in 1820 admitting Missouri as a slave state, Maine as a free state, and banning slavery north of the 36°30′ latitude.
Compromise of 1850 – A set of laws admitting California as a free state, enforcing a stricter Fugitive Slave Law, and allowing new territories to decide on slavery.

John C. Fremont & C.A. – Fremont was an explorer and military officer who played a key role in California’s independence from Mexico.
Gettysburg Address – Abraham Lincoln’s speech emphasizing democracy, equality, and the importance of preserving the Union.
Freedmen’s Bureau – An organization helping formerly enslaved people transition to freedom by providing education, housing, and legal aid.
13th Amendment – Abolished slavery in the United States.
14th Amendment – Granted citizenship and equal protection under the law to all persons born or naturalized in the U.S.
15th Amendment – Granted African American men the right to vote.
Goal of the KKK – Originally aimed to intimidate and suppress African Americans and Republicans in the South during Reconstruction.

Causes of Industrialization – Technological advancements, abundant resources, immigration, and expansion of transportation.
Causes of Urbanization – Job opportunities, industrial growth, and immigration leading to population shifts into cities.
Robber Barons – Wealthy business leaders accused of exploiting workers and corrupting government.
Captains of Industry – Business leaders seen as benefiting society through innovation and philanthropy.
Battle of Little Bighorn – A Native American victory where the Sioux, led by Sitting Bull, defeated General Custer’s forces.
Massacre at Wounded Knee – A deadly attack by U.S. troops on Lakota Sioux, marking the end of Native American resistance.
Knights of Labor – One of the first labor unions advocating for workers' rights and better wages.
Why did some people want Socialism? – Many workers sought government intervention to address economic inequality and improve working conditions.

Three causes of imperialism – Economic expansion, military strategy, and belief in cultural superiority.
Purpose of Yellow Journalism – Sensationalized news used to influence public opinion and encourage war (e.g., Spanish-American War).
Three theories of the Maine explosion – 1) Spanish sabotage, 2) accidental explosion, 3) U.S. propaganda to justify war.
Treaty of Paris (1898) – Ended the Spanish-American War, giving the U.S. control over Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines.
Why did the Chinese start the Boxer Rebellion? – Chinese nationalists opposed foreign influence and Christian missionaries.
What is the Open Door Policy and why did the U.S. support it? – Ensured equal trade opportunities in China, preventing colonization by European powers.
Gentleman’s Agreement – A deal between the U.S. and Japan to limit Japanese immigration in exchange for better treatment of Japanese already in America.
Why did Teddy send the Great White Fleet around the world? – To showcase U.S. naval power and influence global politics.

Push reasons for coming to America – Escape persecution, economic opportunities, and political freedom.
Pull reasons for coming to America – Jobs, land, and religious freedom.
Populist Party – A political movement advocating for farmers, government control of railroads, and silver-backed currency.
Goals of Progressives – Reforming government, improving working conditions, and expanding democracy.
Roosevelt’s Accomplishments – Trust-busting, conservation, and regulating big business.
LaFollette and Progressives’ four reforms and definitions – Initiative, referendum, recall, and direct primary to increase democracy.

Newland Reclamation Act – Funded irrigation projects for Western states.
Settlement Houses – Community centers helping immigrants and the poor (e.g., Hull House).
New Nationalism – Roosevelt’s progressive policy focusing on government intervention in the economy.
National Consumers League – Advocated for workers’ rights, child labor laws, and fair wages.
Triangle Shirtwaist Factory – A tragic fire highlighting the need for workplace safety laws.
Foraker Act – Established a civilian government in Puerto Rico under U.S. control.
Platt Amendment – Gave the U.S. control over Cuba’s foreign policy and allowed military intervention.
TR’s Big Stick Diplomacy – Using military power to influence foreign affairs.
Taft’s Dollar Diplomacy – Encouraging U.S. businesses to invest in Latin America.
Wilson’s Moral Diplomacy – Promoting democracy and ethical foreign policies.