Exam 2 Study Guide Content
Exam 2 Study Guide Overview
This guide covers the material for Exam #1 and is applicable for use during the exam with the explicit exclusion of any other material sources. The following sections detail the primary subjects and concepts from the chapters to be tested.
Chapter 20: Key Figures and Movements in Progressivism
Ida M. Tarbell: A prominent muckraker known for her investigative journalism, particularly exposing the monopolistic practices of the Standard Oil Company.
Theodore Roosevelt’s Position on Environmental Conservation: Advocated for numerous conservation initiatives, significantly expanding national parks and wildlife refuges.
Settlement House Movement: A social reform movement aimed at improving the lives of the urban poor through community centers providing educational and social services.
Social Gospel: A religious movement emphasizing the application of ethical guidelines and social responsibility in combating social issues like poverty and inequality.
Taylorism: A management theory developed by Frederick Winslow Taylor that aims to improve economic efficiency and labor productivity through scientifically timed tasks.
Progressive Movement: Encompasses various historical leaders—presidents like Roosevelt and Wilson, as well as key reforms such as child labor laws and women's suffrage. Core assumptions include faith in progress and democracy.
Temperance in the Early 1900s: A movement advocating for the abstinence from alcohol, leading to the eventual passage of the Volstead Act and Prohibition.
Samuel S. McClure: An influential journalist and publisher, known for his contributions to muckraking and literary journalism.
Theodore Roosevelt’s Square Deal: A domestic program focusing on consumer protection, anti-trust, and environmental conservation, stating that all groups should receive fair treatment.
Progressive Platforms of 1892 and 1896: The platforms of the Populist Party advocated for reforms such as the direct election of senators, government control over railroads, and an income tax.
Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire: A devastating fire that highlighted workplace safety issues, resulting in significant labor reforms and changes to fire safety regulations.
Coal Strike of 1902: A strike by coal miners that led to the first use of federal intervention in a labor dispute, promoting Roosevelt's reputation as a fair mediator.
Gifford Pinchot: A key figure in American forestry and conservation, known for advocating the sustainable use of forests and natural resources.
Clayton Anti-Trust Act: A significant piece of legislation aimed at clarifying and supplementing the Sherman Antitrust Act, prohibiting specific anti-competitive practices and protecting labor unions from being prosecuted as monopolies.
Major Factors in Wilson’s Initial Rise to the Presidency: Included economic concerns, progressive reforms, and the impact of third-party candidates weakening the Republican vote.
Chapter 21: Impact of the Great War
Changes That Happened Because of the Great War: Significant shifts in social structures, gender roles, and economic balance; increased government intervention.
Characteristics of the Great War: Marked by trench warfare, technological advancements (like gas warfare), and a global scale of combat and coordination amongst allied forces.
Lusitania and Wilson’s Response: The sinking of a British ocean liner by a German U-boat, resulting in casualties and impacting U.S. neutrality; Wilson's call for peace without victory.
Trigger for the Great War: The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria, which set off a chain reaction of alliances and declarations of war.
Effects of the Great War on American Women and the US Economy: Women's increased workforce participation; economy initially boomed due to wartime production but faced strains post-war.
Woodrow Wilson Characteristics Before and After His Presidency: Initially an academic and reformist; significant changes in foreign policy approach and domestic progressive efforts during his tenure.
US Response to War in Europe: Initially neutral, gradually shifting to support the Allies through economic aid, shipbuilding, and eventually military involvement.
Germany’s Beliefs About the US: Germany perceived the U.S. as biased towards the Allies due to economic ties and propaganda efforts.
Nineteenth Amendment: Ratified in 1920; granted women the right to vote, a result of the suffrage movement and women's contributions during the war.
Immigration Act of 1917: Restricted immigration from specific countries, imposed literacy tests, and established a head tax.
Wilson’s Fourteen Points and Its Shortcomings: A statement of principles for peace negotiations to end WWI, emphasizing self-determination, free trade, and collective security but was met with resistance in Europe.
Espionage and Sedition Acts of 1917 and 1918: Laws that imposed penalties on individuals who opposed the war or could be seen as hindering the war effort, misusing First Amendment rights.
Objections to the Treaty of Versailles: Criticism mainly regarding the harsh reparations placed on Germany, and the League of Nations that many believed would jeopardize U.S. sovereignty.
Chapter 22: Economic and Social Developments in the New Era
Industries that Fueled Economic Growth in the New Era: Key sectors included automobiles, consumer goods, and construction, leading to a booming economy.
First Automobile Plant: Henry Ford's assembly line revolutionized manufacturing and made automobiles accessible to the general public.
Charles A. Lindbergh Jr.’s: Celebrated for his solo transatlantic flight, a symbol of American ingenuity and spirit; influenced aviation and tourism industry.
Response to the 18th Amendment During the 1920s: A rise in illegal speakeasies and organized crime; widespread flouting of prohibition laws.
Result of the Great Migration and What It Was: A significant movement of African Americans from rural South to urban North seeking work and escape from racial discrimination.
Belief of Modernists: Advocated for a break from traditional values, incorporating new ideas about art, literature, and society, espousing rational thinking and science.
Economy During the 1920s: Characterized by rapid economic expansion, investment in technology, and significant cultural dynamism alongside growing consumer debt.
Amelia Earhart: An aviation pioneer whose accomplishments inspired many; symbolized the possibilities for women in traditionally male-dominated occupations.
NAACP: National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, focused on civil rights, combating racial discrimination and promoting African American professions and education.
Jazz in the 1920s: A cultural movement synonymous with the Harlem Renaissance, representing African American culture and influencing social change.
Warren Harding, His Election, and Progressivism: His presidency marked a return to normalcy after WWI, emphasizing less government intervention and tax cuts.
State of Sports in the 1920s: Rise of professional sports, increased media coverage, and cultural significance of athletes in American society.
Secular Modernism: A shift towards secular views, often contrasting with traditional religious beliefs, influencing literature and arts during this time.
Beliefs About Immigrants in the 1920s: Mixed sentiments; many viewed immigrants suspiciously, leading to restrictive immigration policies.
Effect of Isolationism: Growing sentiment in the U.S. to avoid foreign entanglements after WWI, affecting foreign policy and relations.
Ezra Pound: A major figure in modernist literature, known for his avant-garde style and contributions to poetry and criticism.
Margaret Sanger: Advocate for birth control rights and women's health; played a crucial role in the reproductive rights movement.
Marcus Garvey: Leader of the Pan-Africanism movement; promoted black nationalism and sought to establish a separate nation for African Americans in Africa.
Chapter 23: Crisis and Response During the Great Depression
Herbert Hoover Initial Response to Social Crises During the Great Depression: Advocated for limited government involvement and believed the economy would self-correct; faced criticism for ineffectiveness.
“Hooverville”: Term used to describe shantytowns where displaced homeless people lived during the Great Depression, reflecting public disdain for Hoover's policies.
Bonus Expeditionary Force: A group of WWI veterans who marched on Washington, D.C., demanding payment of veterans' bonuses; met with violent dispersal.
FDR and the Banking Crisis: Introduced measures like bank holidays and reforms through the Emergency Banking Act to restore public trust in the banking system.
1936 Presidential Election: Franklin D. Roosevelt won reelection against Alf Landon, supporting his New Deal policies amid ongoing economic challenges.
Social Security Act of 1935: Established a system of old-age benefits for workers, unemployment insurance, and aid to families with dependent children.
1937 Economic Slump: A recession occurring within the New Deal that raised concerns over the sustainability of economic recovery efforts.
The New Deal: A series of programs and reforms aimed at providing relief, recovery, and reform to address the effects of the Great Depression.
The Tennessee Valley Authority: A New Deal agency designed to improve economic development, electricity provision, and flood control in the Tennessee Valley through dam construction and resource management.
Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938: Established federal minimum wage, overtime pay eligibility, and child labor regulations, significantly impacting labor rights.
The Marx Brothers: Influential comedy group reflecting the cultural landscape of the time, contributing to entertainment and popular culture.
The Dust Bowl: A severe drought impacting agriculture in the 1930s, exacerbated by poor land management, leading to economic hardship for farmers.
Rise of Fascism in Europe in the 1930s: Political movements in Europe marked by authoritarianism and nationalism, influenced by the economic instability of the post-WWI period.
Second New Deal: A continuation of FDR’s initial plans, addressing social welfare and labor rights more directly.
Significance of John Steinbeck’s Novel The Grapes of Wrath: A portrayal of hardship faced by Dust Bowl migrants, highlighting social injustice and fueling new awareness of economic struggles.
African Americans in the 1930s - Lifestyle, Occupation: Faced systemic discrimination, predominantly working in low-paying jobs; the Great Migration changed some aspects of labor and community integration.
Franklin Roosevelt’s Struggle with Polio: A personal battle that humanized him and shaped his approach to leadership and empathy during his presidency.
Communist Party During the Great Depression: Gained traction by addressing worker rights and criticizing capitalist policies, prompting fears among political elites.
Frances Perkins: First woman to serve in a U.S. cabinet; as Secretary of Labor, she played a key role in shaping New Deal labor policies and workers' rights.
The Reconstruction Finance Corporation: Created to provide financial support to banks and businesses to stabilize the economy during the Great Depression.