HIST 2516 Final Exam Study Guide Flashcards
Part One: Cumulative Question (50 Points)
Answer one of two questions.
Support your answer with specific examples from both American life and baseball.
"Roaring Twenties" and "Swinging Sixties"
Similarities:
Often viewed as two of the most colorful decades in U.S. history.
Significant social, cultural, and economic changes.
The Roaring Twenties saw the rise of jazz music, flapper culture, and consumerism, while the Swinging Sixties were marked by the Civil Rights Movement, the Vietnam War protests, and the sexual revolution.
Differences:
Consider the specific events, social norms, and cultural trends that distinguished each decade.
The 1920s were characterized by economic prosperity followed by the Great Depression, while the 1960s were marked by political and social upheaval.
American Life:
Discuss the key events, trends, and social changes.
In the 1920s, urbanization and industrial growth led to new forms of entertainment and leisure, while the 1960s saw increased awareness of social inequalities and the fight for civil rights.
Baseball:
How did baseball reflect American society at large during these decades?
Baseball in the 1920s was dominated by legendary figures like Babe Ruth and reflected the nation's optimistic spirit. In contrast, the 1960s saw baseball grappling with issues of race and integration, mirroring the broader social changes occurring in America.
Race Relations
Late 19th and First Half of the 20th Century:
Factors that defined race relations.
Jim Crow laws, segregation, and racial violence characterized this period. Systemic discrimination was prevalent in all aspects of life, including housing, education, and employment.
Second Half of the 20th Century:
Changes in race relations.
The Civil Rights Movement led to significant legislative changes, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which aimed to dismantle segregation and protect voting rights for African Americans.
Factors contributing to those changes.
Activism, legal challenges, and shifts in public opinion played a crucial role in advancing civil rights.
Baseball:
How did baseball reflect race relations in the century and a half following the Civil War?
Baseball's integration, starting with Jackie Robinson in 1947, mirrored the broader struggle for racial equality in America. However, racial tensions and inequalities persisted within the sport for many years.
Organized Labor
Emergence of Labor Unions:
When and why did labor unions emerge in the United States?
Labor unions arose in the late 19th century in response to poor working conditions, low wages, and long hours. Workers sought to collectively bargain for better treatment and improved standards of living.
Federal Government's Policy Towards Unions:
1877 to 1902: Initial policies.
The federal government often sided with employers during labor disputes, using military force to suppress strikes and protect business interests.
1902 to 1981: Policy changes and reasons for those changes.
The New Deal era saw the passage of legislation that protected workers' rights and promoted collective bargaining. However, subsequent administrations varied in their support for organized labor.
Since 1981: Current policies and their impact.
Policies have become more business-friendly, which has led to declines in union membership and weakened workers' rights.
Baseball Unions:
When and why did labor unions emerge in baseball?
Baseball unions emerged in response to issues such as low pay, lack of job security, and the Reserve Clause, which restricted players' freedom to negotiate with other teams.
19th Century: Was a baseball union successful? Why or why not?
Early attempts at forming baseball unions were largely unsuccessful due to management opposition and a lack of player solidarity.
Second Half of the 20th Century: Was a baseball union successful? Why or why not?
The Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA), led by Marvin Miller, achieved significant gains for players, including higher salaries, free agency, and greater control over their careers.
Reserve Clause:
What was the Reserve Clause?
A provision in player contracts that bound them to a particular team indefinitely, limiting their ability to negotiate with other teams.
Why and when was it adopted?
Adopted in the late 19th century to control player movement and keep salaries down.
How did baseball players attempt to get rid of it in the 19th century?
Players formed their own leagues and unions to challenge the Reserve Clause, but these efforts were largely unsuccessful.
What 20th-century event convinced baseball players to get rid of it? Why?
The Curt Flood case, in which Flood challenged the Reserve Clause on antitrust grounds, galvanized players and paved the way for free agency.
What successful strategy did two baseball players adopt in the 20th century to get rid of it?
Challenging the clause through the court system and collective bargaining.
Who were those players?
Curt Flood and Andy Messersmith.
What landmark decision limited the Reserve Clause to one year?
The Seitz Decision.
When did that happen?
1975.
What impact did that decision have on baseball?
It ushered in an era of free agency, dramatically altering the economics of the sport and empowering players to negotiate for higher salaries and greater control over their careers.
Part Two: Unit Question (30 Points)
Answer one of two questions.
Support your answer with specific examples from both American life and baseball.
Post-World War II American Society
How did American society change during the fifteen years following World War II?
Increased consumerism, suburbanization, and the rise of the middle class.
What factors caused these changes?
Economic prosperity, technological advancements, and government policies such as the GI Bill.
How were the changes taking place in American society following World War II reflected in baseball?
Increased attendance, the construction of new stadiums in suburban areas, and the integration of the sport.
1960s and Early 1970s: Political and Social Unrest
Examples of three major social movements from this period.
Civil Rights Movement, anti-war movement, and women's liberation movement.
What was the goal of these social movements?
To achieve equality, end discrimination, and promote social justice.
Were they successful in meeting their goal?
They achieved significant progress but faced ongoing challenges and setbacks.
What parallel movement took place in baseball during this period?
Players fought for greater rights and compensation through collective bargaining.
Was it successful in meeting its goal?
Yes, the MLBPA achieved significant gains for players during this time.
American Economy in the Mid-1970s
How did the American economy change in the mid-1970s?
The economy experienced stagflation, characterized by high inflation and unemployment.
Why did it change?
Rising oil prices, increased government spending, and declining productivity contributed to the economic downturn.
How did businesses respond to these changes?
By cutting costs, raising prices, and seeking government assistance.
How did the government respond to these changes?
By implementing wage and price controls, increasing interest rates, and reducing government spending.
How did the baseball economy change in the mid-1970s?
Teams faced rising costs and declining attendance.
Why did it change?
The economic recession and increased competition from other forms of entertainment contributed to the decline.
How did baseball respond to these changes?
By seeking new revenue streams, such as television contracts and stadium advertising, and by implementing cost-cutting measures.
Possible ID Terms (Four Points Each)
Define and give the importance of five of the following terms:
A Philip Randolph
A labor leader and civil rights activist who fought for equal employment opportunities for African Americans.
A.B. “Happy” Chandler
The Commissioner of Baseball who supported Jackie Robinson's integration into Major League Baseball.
Astroturf
Artificial turf used in sports stadiums, symbolizing the changing landscape of baseball in the modern era.
Brown v. Board of Ed.
A landmark Supreme Court decision that declared state-sponsored segregation in public schools unconstitutional, paving the way for integration in all areas of American life.
“Pee Wee” Reese
A Brooklyn Dodgers shortstop who publicly supported Jackie Robinson during his early years in the major leagues.
Charlie O. Finley
The controversial owner of the Oakland Athletics who introduced many innovative and unconventional ideas to baseball.
Green Light Letter
A letter from Commissioner of Baseball Kenesaw Mountain Landis to President Franklin D. Roosevelt, giving baseball the green light to continue playing during World War II.
Levittown
A planned suburban community that exemplified the post-World War II housing boom and the growth of suburbia.
Marvin Miller
The executive director of the MLBPA who transformed the union into a powerful force and led the fight for free agency.
Joe Nuxhall
A Cincinnati Reds pitcher who began his major league career at the age of 15, becoming one of the youngest players in MLB history.
Cincinnati Redlegs
The name briefly adopted by the Cincinnati Reds during the Red Scare of the 1950s to distance themselves from communism.
Curt Flood
A St. Louis Cardinals outfielder who challenged the Reserve Clause, paving the way for free agency in baseball.
The Ives-Quinn Bill
A New York State law that prohibited discrimination in employment, marking an early victory for civil rights advocates.
Walter O’Malley
The owner of the Brooklyn Dodgers, known for moving the team to Los Angeles and for his role in integrating baseball.
The Seitz Decision
A landmark ruling that affirmed the rights of players, ultimately impacting labor relations within the sport.