Social Gospel: A religious movement from the late 19th and early 20th centuries that aimed to apply Christian ethics to social problems. It emphasized that faith must translate into action to address issues like poverty and inequality, influencing progressive reforms.
Muckrakers: Journalists and writers in the early 20th century who focused on exposing corruption, social injustices, and unethical practices in politics and business. Their work raised public awareness and led to significant reforms.
Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire (1911): A catastrophic industrial disaster in New York City that resulted in the deaths of 146 garment workers, mostly young women. The tragedy highlighted the dire need for workplace safety regulations and led to reforms in labor laws.
Society of American Indians: Founded in 1911, this organization aimed to address issues facing Native Americans and promote their rights. It marked a shift toward a more organized and political approach to advocating for indigenous people.
Antiquities Act of 1906: A U.S. law that allows the president to designate national monuments. It was significant in preserving cultural and natural resources, establishing a precedent for future conservation efforts.
Hull House: A settlement house co-founded by Jane Addams in Chicago in 1889, providing various community services to immigrants and the poor. It became a model for social work and community organization.
Margaret Sanger: A birth control activist and sex educator who founded the American Birth Control League in 1921, advocating for women's rights to control their reproductive health, which was a controversial issue during her time.
Green Corn Rebellion (1917): A farmers' revolt in Oklahoma protesting World War I conscription. It highlighted tensions between rural populations and government policies, particularly concerning military service.
"Closing of the Frontier": A term describing the end of the American frontier, marked in 1890. It influenced social thought about identity, manifest destiny, and westward expansion.
Punitive Expedition (1916): An American military operation led by General Pershing to capture Pancho Villa after his raid on Columbus, New Mexico. It was significant for its implications on U.S.-Mexico relations.
Sacco and Vanzetti: An infamous case in the 1920s involving two Italian immigrants convicted of murder, largely based on their political beliefs and ethnic background. It reflected the era's xenophobia and raised questions about the fairness of the American justice system.
"Crime of the Century": Refers to the sensationalized kidnapping and murder of Charles Lindbergh Jr. in 1932, which captured national attention and had lasting effects on law enforcement and child protection laws.
Great Migration: The mass movement of African Americans from the rural South to urban cities in the North, particularly during the 1910s and 1920s, significantly impacting demographics and culture in America.
Dust Bowl: A severe drought in the 1930s that devastated agriculture in the Great Plains. It led to massive economic and social dislocation, prompting New Deal interventions.
Tulsa Race Massacre (1921): A racially motivated attack on the prosperous Black community of Greenwood in Tulsa, Oklahoma, resulting in significant loss of life and property. It highlighted racial tensions in America.
National Recovery Administration (NRA): Part of FDR's New Deal created to stimulate economic recovery. It set fair practice codes for industries, though it faced criticism and was later declared unconstitutional.
Zimmerman Telegram: A 1917 secret diplomatic communication from Germany to Mexico proposing a military alliance against the U.S. Its interception helped spark American involvement in World War I.
First Hundred Days: The early period of Franklin D. Roosevelt's presidency (1933) marked by rapid legislative action to address the Great Depression, setting the tone for his administration.
Double V Campaign: A World War II-era campaign advocating for victory against fascism abroad and racial discrimination at home. It was a crucial moment in the civil rights movement.
Bonus Army (1932): A group of World War I veterans who marched on Washington, D.C., demanding early payment of a bonus scheduled for later. Their eviction by the military sparked public outrage.
Migrant Mother: An iconic photograph taken by Dorothea Lange during the Great Depression, representing the struggles of displaced families and influencing public sympathy for economic relief.
Port Chicago: A 1944 munitions explosion that killed 320 sailors and civilians, highlighting racial segregation and labor issues, as both the disaster and subsequent trials involved predominantly Black workers.
Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC): A New Deal program established in 1933 aimed at employing young men in outdoor public works projects, contributing to environmental conservation and lowering unemployment.
GI Bill: Legislation passed in 1944 providing benefits to World War II veterans, including education and housing assistance. It significantly boosted the post-war economy and higher education enrollment.