AP US history unit 6

American Federation of Labor: A national federation of labor unions in the United States founded in 1886, representing skilled workers and advocating for better working conditions, wages, and hours.

• Founded by Samuel Gompers, it focused on practical economic goals rather than broader social issues.

Battle of the Little Bighorn: A significant battle in 1876 between United States Army forces led by Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer and the Lakota Sioux and Cheyenne warriors.

• Custer's defeat marked a major victory for Native American tribes and highlighted tensions between the U.S. government and indigenous peoples.

Billion Dollar Congress: A term referring to the U.S. Congress of 1890-1891, which saw vast expenditures and the first billion-dollar budget in U.S. history.

• Known for passing several significant laws, including the Sherman Antitrust Act and the McKinley Tariff, affecting economic policies.

Buffalo Soldiers: African American soldiers who served in the U.S. Army, primarily in the Western frontier post-Civil War.

• Played a crucial role in the Indian Wars and the protection of national parks, symbolizing strength and resilience despite facing racial discrimination.

Californios: The Mexican settlers and descendants who lived in California before and after the U.S. annexation in 1848.

• Their culture blended Mexican and American influences, and they faced challenges related to land rights and cultural preservation.

Chinese Exclusion Act: A federal law passed in 1882 that prohibited Chinese laborers from immigrating to the United States.

• This act reflected rising anti-Chinese sentiment and laid the groundwork for future restrictive immigration legislation.

Collective Bargaining: The process by which labor unions negotiate with employers on behalf of workers regarding terms of employment, including wages, hours, and working conditions.

• Essential for improving workers' rights, it allows for more organized and effective negotiations than individual contracts.

Comstock Lode: A massive silver ore discovery in Nevada in 1859 that triggered a mining boom and significantly impacted the U.S. economy and westward expansion.

• The mine yielded over $400 million worth of silver, contributing to the finance of the Civil War and subsequent industrialization.

Convict Lease: A system allowing private contractors to use prisoners for labor, particularly in southern states after the Civil War.

• Often resulted in harsh treatment and exploitation, it perpetuated systemic racial inequalities and the exploitation of labor.

Corporate Capitalism: An economic system characterized by private ownership of capital goods and the accumulation of wealth by corporations.

• This system can lead to increased production efficiency and innovation but also raises concerns about monopoly power and economic inequality.

Corporation: A legal entity separate from its owners, which can own property, enter contracts, and sue or be sued.

• Corporations shield owners from personal liability but can also concentrate wealth and influence in the hands of a few individuals.

Coxey’s Army: A march led by businessman Jacob Coxey in 1894, where unemployed workers marched on Washington, D.C., to demand government employment programs.

• The march highlighted the plight of the unemployed during the Great Depression of the 1890s and emphasized the need for government intervention in the economy.

Dawes Act: An 1887 law intended to assimilate Native Americans into American society by allotting them individual plots of land and granting U.S. citizenship.

• This act led to the significant loss of tribal land and attempted to eradicate indigenous cultures, causing long-lasting harm to Native communities.

Deflation: A decline in the general price level of goods and services, often occurring during economic downturns.

• In the 1890s, deflation hurt farmers and workers, exacerbating their economic struggles and leading to social unrest.

Depression of 1893: A severe national economic depression marked by bank failures, high unemployment, and falling industrial production.

• It prompted significant social and political changes, including the rise of the Populist movement advocating for the rights of farmers and laborers.

Eugenics: A movement aimed at improving the genetic quality of the human population, which gained popularity in the early 20th century.

• Often associated with discriminatory practices, eugenics fueled racial and class-based policies, including forced sterilizations.

Farmer’s Alliances: Various regional groups formed in the late 19th century to advocate for issues affecting farmers, including debt relief and fair pricing for crops.

• These alliances sought to unite farmers across the nation to influence politics and gain economic power.

Frontier Thesis: Historian Frederick Jackson Turner's assertion that the American frontier shaped national character and democracy.

• His thesis suggested that the movement westward fostered individualism and played a crucial role in forging American identity.

Ghettos: Urban areas where minority populations are concentrated, often resulting from systemic discrimination and economic hardship.

• These neighborhoods frequently struggle with poverty, limited access to education, and inadequate public services.

Ghost Dance: A spiritual movement among Native American tribes in the late 19th century, aiming to restore indigenous culture and remove European settlers.

• The movement was seen as a threat by authorities, leading to violent confrontations such as the Wounded Knee Massacre.

Gilded Age: A period of rapid economic growth in the late 19th century characterized by industrialization, political corruption, and stark social inequalities.

• Named by Mark Twain, the term underscores the contrast between the era's wealth and the social issues beneath the surface.

The Gospel of Wealth: An essay by Andrew Carnegie promoting the idea that wealthy individuals have a moral obligation to distribute their surplus wealth for the betterment of society.

• This perspective influenced philanthropic efforts and set the foundation for modern charitable practices.

Grangers: Members of the Patrons of Husbandry, a grassroots movement founded in the 1860s to address the social and economic issues faced by farmers.

• Grangers fought for regulations against railroad monopolies and pushed for rural education and community building.

Great Plains: A vast, flat region of North America known for its agricultural potential and as a central area for westward expansion.

• The challenges of farming in this region included drought, harsh weather, and conflicts with Native American populations.

GDP (Gross Domestic Product): A measure of the total economic output of a country, often used to gauge national prosperity and growth.

• GDP can influence government policy and investor confidence, reflecting how well an economy is performing.

Haymarket Riot: A labor protest in Chicago in 1886 that turned violent, leading to several deaths and a backlash against labor movements.

• It is often viewed as a pivotal moment in the fight for workers' rights, highlighting the tensions between laborers and industrialists.

Holding Company: A corporation that owns enough voting stock in other companies to control their policies and management.

• Holding companies can facilitate monopolies and reduce competition in various industries.

Homestead Act: An 1862 law that granted 160 acres of public land to settlers for a small fee and a commitment to improve the land.

• The act encouraged westward migration and settlement but often ignored the rights of Native Americans already inhabiting these lands.

Homestead Strike: A violent labor dispute in 1892 between the Carnegie Steel Company and its workers, highlighting tensions in labor relations.

• The strike resulted in significant injuries and deaths and was a setback for the labor movement in the U.S.

Horizontal Integration: A business strategy where a company acquires or merges with competitors to increase market share and reduce competition.

• This approach can lead to monopolies and has significant implications for pricing and consumer choice.

Industrial Workers of the World (IWW): A radical labor union founded in 1905, known for advocating for the rights of unskilled workers and promoting direct action.

• The IWW aimed to unite all workers across industries to fight for better wages and working conditions, challenging the existing labor order.

Interlocking Directorates: A practice where members of a corporate board serve on multiple corporate boards, potentially reducing competition and promoting collusion.

• This can lead to monopolistic practices and reduce accountability in corporate governance.

Interstate Commerce Commission: Established in 1887, it was the first federal agency formed to regulate interstate commerce, particularly railroads.

• The ICC sought to prevent unfair pricing and practices in transportation, laying the foundation for future regulatory agencies.

Jim Crow: A system of racial segregation laws enacted in the southern United States after the Reconstruction era, enforced until the civil rights movement.

• These laws institutionalized racial discrimination and economic disparities between African Americans and white Americans.

Knights of Labor: A labor organization founded in 1869 that promoted workers' rights and sought to organize all workers into a single union regardless of skill level.

• The Knights advocated for an eight-hour workday and were involved in several significant strikes and protests.

Laissez-faire: An economic philosophy advocating minimal government intervention in the economy and promoting free markets.

• Proponents believe that competition leads to efficiency and innovation, while critics highlight the potential for exploitation and inequality.

Land Rush: A period in which thousands of settlers raced to claim land in new territories, particularly in Oklahoma in the late 19th century.

• The land rushes often disregarded the rights of Native Americans and led to violent conflicts as settlers encroached on indigenous lands.

Long Drive: The process of herding cattle over long distances to railroads for shipment to market, particularly prominent in the late 19th century.

• The Long Drive symbolized the cattle ranching industry's growth and played a crucial role in the cowboy culture of the American West.

Melting Pot: A metaphor for American society representing a mixture of cultures, ethnicities, and nationalities blending to form a unique American identity.

• This concept highlights immigration's role in shaping modern America but also raises questions about assimilation and cultural preservation.

Mormons: Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, founded in the 1820s, known for their unique religious beliefs and practices, including polygamy.

• Mormons faced persecution and migration westward to establish Salt Lake City as their religious haven, significantly impacting westward expansion.

Nativism: A socio-political movement that favors the interests of native-born inhabitants over those of immigrants.

• Nativism often results in discriminatory practices and legislative measures aimed at restricting immigrant rights and opportunities.

New South: A term referring to the post-Civil War South, emphasizing modernization and economic diversification beyond cotton agriculture.

• The New South sought to improve industrial development and race relations, but often faced resistance from entrenched interests and societal divisions.

Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act: An 1883 act that established a merit-based system for federal employment, ending the spoils system.

• This legislation aimed to reduce corruption in government and improve the efficiency and integrity of public service roles.

Pinkertons: A private security agency used often by businesses to prevent strikes and labor unrest, known for violent confrontations with labor activists.

• The Pinkertons' involvement in labor disputes, such as the Homestead Strike, highlighted the contentious relationships between corporations and labor movements.

Plessy v. Ferguson: An 1896 Supreme Court case that upheld the constitutionality of racial segregation under the “separate but equal” doctrine.

• This landmark case provided legal justification for Jim Crow laws and institutional racism for decades to follow.

Political Boss: A powerful leader or figure in a political machine who controls votes and party nominations, often through corruption and patronage.

• Political bosses wield significant influence over local governments, often leading to widespread corruption and inefficiency.

Political Machine: A political organization controlled by a single party or boss, often characterized by corruption and the exchange of votes for favors.

• Political machines were adept at mobilizing voter turnout and securing political control, often at the expense of democratic principles.

Poll Tax: A fee required to vote, often used to disenfranchise poor and minority voters, particularly in the South after Reconstruction.

• Poll taxes were part of broader Jim Crow laws that systematically suppressed African American voting rights.

Populists: Members of a political movement in the late 19th century advocating for the rights of farmers and laborers against corporate interests and elites.

• The Populists sought reforms such as direct election of senators and government control of railroads to combat economic inequality.

Pullman Strike: A nationwide railroad strike in 1894 that disrupted rail services and was quelled by federal intervention, highlighting labor struggles in America.

• The strike underscored the growing tensions between labor, industry, and government, setting a precedent for federal involvement in labor disputes.

Robber Barons: A term describing wealthy and powerful 19th-century industrialists who were perceived as having used exploitative practices to amass their wealth.

• Figures like John D. Rockefeller and Andrew Carnegie were criticized for monopolistic practices while also contributing to economic growth and philanthropy.

Sand Creek Massacre: An attack on a Cheyenne and Arapaho village in 1864 by the U.S. Army, resulting in the deaths of many women and children.

• This event exemplified the violent conflicts between Native Americans and settlers during westward expansion.

Santa Clara County v. Southern Pacific Railroad Company: An 1886 Supreme Court case establishing that corporations are entitled to the same rights as individuals under the 14th Amendment.

• This ruling significantly impacted how corporations were treated under U.S. law, paving the way for increased corporate influence in politics.

Sherman Antitrust Act: An 1890 federal law aimed at preventing monopolistic practices and promoting competition in business.

• The act sought to curb the power of large corporations and was the first federal legislation to oversee Big Business practices.

Sherman Silver Purchase Act: An 1890 act aimed at increasing the amount of silver the government bought to support the economy.

• This legislation was part of a larger debate over currency and the economic issues faced by farmers and laborers during this period.

Social Darwinism: A belief that applied Darwin’s theory of natural selection to society, suggesting that certain races and classes were superior to others and justified social inequalities.

• This ideology was often used to justify imperialism, racism, and conservative economic policies during the Gilded Age.

Socialist Party of America: Founded in 1901, the party aimed to represent the interests of workers and promote social ownership of the means of production.

• It gained significant popularity during periods of economic strife, advocating for reforms such as an eight-hour workday and labor rights.

Subtreasury System: A proposal aimed at providing farmers with financial relief by allowing them to store their crops in government warehouses and obtain low-interest loans.

• Intended to help farmers manage their debts and improve their economic conditions, the system was advocated by the Populists.

Sweatshops: Factories or workshops where workers, often women and children, worked long hours under poor conditions for low pay.

• Sweatshops were prevalent during the Industrial Revolution and highlighted the need for labor reforms and protections.

Tammany Hall: A Democratic political machine in New York City known for its corruption and influence over local politics.

• Tammany Hall was instrumental in mobilizing immigrant voters and controlling political patronage during the Gilded Age.

Tenements: Overcrowded and often poorly maintained apartment buildings that housed low-income workers and immigrants in urban areas.

• They were associated with poor living conditions and the struggle for housing reform in the early 20th century.

Transcontinental Railroad: Completed in 1869, it connected the eastern and western United States, facilitating commerce and migration.

• The railroad significantly impacted the economy and the development of the American West, while also exacerbating conflicts with Native Americans.

Treaty of Fort Laramie: An 1868 treaty between the U.S. government and several Native American tribes, establishing reservations and guaranteeing their rights to those lands.

• The treaty was later violated by the U.S. government, leading to increased tensions and conflicts with Native populations.

Treaty of Medicine Lodge: An 1867 treaty between the U.S. government and various Native American tribes aimed at establishing peace and granting them reservation lands.

• It reflected an attempt to negotiate and redefine relations between the U.S. and Native Americans during westward expansion.

United States v. E.C. Knight Company: An 1895 Supreme Court case that ruled in favor of the Knight Company, limiting the government’s ability to regulate monopolies under the Sherman Antitrust Act.

• This decision signaled a setback for antitrust enforcement and reflected the tension between corporate interests and government regulation.

Vertical Integration: A business strategy in which a company controls every step of the production process, from raw materials to the final product.

• This approach can increase efficiency and reduce costs but raises concerns about monopolistic practices and market competition.

Williams v. Mississippi: An 1898 Supreme Court decision that upheld the legality of state poll taxes and literacy tests, effectively disenfranchising African American voters.

• The case exemplified the legal upholding of Jim Crow laws and the systemic barriers to voting for minorities.

Wounded Knee Massacre: A tragic event in 1890 where U.S. troops killed hundreds of Lakota Sioux at Wounded Knee Creek, symbolizing the violent suppression of Native peoples.

• This event marked the end of the Indian Wars and highlighted the brutal enforcement of U.S. policies towards Native Americans.