Chapter 15 & 16 Vocabulary/Questions: Urban America & Politics and Reform
Immigration in 1890
By 1890, the majority of immigrants to America originated from Eastern and Southern Europe.
Nativism
"Nativism" is defined as discrimination against immigrants by native-born individuals.
Nativist Opposition to Immigration
Nativists opposed immigration due to fears that Catholics would grant the Catholic Church excessive power within the American government.
The Gilded Age
The "Gilded Age" refers to an era that seemed prosperous on the surface but was characterized by underlying issues such as poverty, crime, and corruption.
(The transcript does not contain answer, it only contains the question.) Why were the Irish treated so poorly as immigrants?
Chinese Exclusionary Act
The Chinese Exclusionary Act prohibited Chinese immigration for a period of 10 years and also prevented Chinese immigrants from becoming citizens.
Political Machines
Political Machines were political groups formed with the primary goal of acquiring and maintaining political power.
Granger Laws
Granger Laws established maximum rates for railroads and prohibited them from charging higher rates for short hauls compared to long hauls.
Pendleton Act
The Pendleton Act authorized the president to establish rules for federal jobs based on bipartisan criteria.
Plessy v. Ferguson
In "Plessy v. Ferguson," Homer Plessy was arrested for sitting in a railroad car designated for whites only. The court ruled against Plessy, establishing the legal doctrine of "separate but equal."
Monopolies and the Sherman Anti-Trust Act
The Sherman Anti-Trust Act declared illegal any combination (such as a trust or conspiracy) that restrained trade or commerce among the states.