Thematic Connections

Graphic Organizer Overview

  • Objective: Utilize vocabulary, class notes, and College Board videos to categorize historical events by theme, president, context, and year. This exercise aids in the chronological arrangement of events, enhancing the understanding of the historical timeline.

Key Terms and Concepts
1. William Seward/Seward’s Folly

  • Theme: Understanding of American expansionism.

  • Context/Definition: Refers to the purchase of Alaska from Russia in 1867 for $7.2 million, which was criticized by some contemporary observers as "Seward's Folly" because they believed the territory was remote and devoid of valuable resources. However, the discovery of gold and oil later proved its worth.

  • Year (Dates/APUSH Period): 1867.

2. Employment of the Monroe Doctrine in the 20th Century

  • Theme: American foreign policy and imperialism.

  • Context/Definition: The Monroe Doctrine, originally established in 1823 to deter European colonization in the Americas, was expanded in the 20th century, particularly under President Theodore Roosevelt, to justify American intervention in Latin American countries, marking a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy towards a more proactive role in the Western Hemisphere.

  • Year (Dates/APUSH Period): Primarily 1898 onward.

3. Pan-American Conference

  • President/Context: James G. Blaine.

  • Definition: Series of meetings among countries in the Americas aimed at establishing closer political and economic relationships, particularly in response to European influence, promoting cooperation and consultation among the nations of the Americas.

  • Year (Dates/APUSH Period): 1889, and subsequent meetings in 1901, 1906, etc.

4. Annexation of Hawaii

  • Theme: Colonialism and imperialism.

  • Context/Definition: The U.S. annexed Hawaii in 1898 following the overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani, driven by strategic military interests and economic benefits—namely the establishment of Pearl Harbor as a naval base and the suitability of Hawaiian sugar for American markets.

  • Year (Dates/APUSH Period): 1898.

5. International Darwinism

  • Theme: Social Darwinism and imperialism.

  • Context/Definition: This concept applied Charles Darwin's theories of survival of the fittest to international relations, suggesting that nations, like species, would compete for dominance and that imperialist expansion was a natural progression of national strength and civilization.

6. Alfred Thayer Mahan

  • Theme: Naval strategy and imperialism.

  • Context/Definition: A prominent naval officer and historian who argued in his seminal work "The Influence of Sea Power upon History" (1890) that national power and greatness were fundamentally tied to a strong navy, influencing U.S. naval expansion and strategy in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

7. Cuban Revolt/Platt Amendment

  • Theme: U.S. intervention in Cuba and imperialism.

  • Context/Definition: The Platt Amendment (1901) was an addition to the Cuban Constitution that limited Cuba's sovereignty and allowed for American intervention in Cuban affairs, reflecting U.S. dominance in the Caribbean and direct involvement in Cuban political matters.

8. Jingoism/Yellow Journalism

  • Theme: Media influence on public opinion and foreign policy.

  • Context/Definition: Jingoism represents extreme patriotism marked by a willingness to intervene militarily, while yellow journalism refers to sensationalized news reporting aimed at provoking public support for war, particularly regarding the Spanish-American War.

9. De Lome Letter

  • Theme: Prelude to war, foreign relations.

  • Context/Definition: A private letter written by the Spanish ambassador to the U.S., Enrique Dupuy de Lome, in which he criticized President McKinley. The letter's publication inflamed tensions between the U.S. and Spain, rallying public sentiment in favor of war.

10. Sinking of the USS Maine

  • Theme: Path to war.

  • Context/Definition: The USS Maine, a U.S. battleship, exploded in Havana harbor in February 1898, leading to widespread speculation that Spain was responsible and contributing directly to the onset of the Spanish-American War.

11. Teller Amendment

  • Theme: War and foreign policy.

  • Context/Definition: An amendment passed in April 1898 that stated the U.S. would not establish permanent control over Cuba following the Spanish-American War, aiming to reassure the public and the international community of American intentions.

12. “A Splendid Little War”

  • Theme: Spanish-American War perceptions.

  • Context/Definition: A phrase coined by Secretary of State John Hay to describe the brief and successful military engagement of the U.S. against Spain in 1898, although it resulted in prolonged U.S. involvement in the Philippines and Cuba afterwards.

13. Rough Riders

  • Theme: Military action, American imperialism.

  • Context/Definition: This volunteer cavalry regiment, notably led by Theodore Roosevelt during the Spanish-American War, became famous for their charge up San Juan Hill, symbolizing American valor and the spirit of expansionism.

14. Guam, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Cuba

  • Context/Definition: Territories acquired by the United States as a result of the Spanish-American War, marking a significant expansion of U.S. territory and influence in the Caribbean and the Pacific, entrenching American imperialism in these regions.

15. Anti-Imperialist League

  • Theme: Opposition to imperialism.

  • Context/Definition: An organization that emerged in 1898 opposing the annexation of the Philippines and advocating against the moral implications of American imperialism, expressing concerns over self-determination and the rights of other nations.

16. John Hay

  • Theme: Diplomacy and foreign policy.

  • Definition: As Secretary of State under Presidents McKinley and Roosevelt, he was instrumental in shaping U.S. foreign policy, notably through the Open Door Policy in China and management of U.S. interests during the Spanish-American War.

17. Open Door Policy

  • Theme: Economic policy and international relations.

  • Context/Definition: A proposal put forth by the U.S. to ensure equal trading rights for all nations in China, preventing any one power from monopolizing trade, reflecting the U.S.'s growing economic interests abroad.

18. Boxer Rebellion

  • Theme: Anti-imperialism in Asia.

  • Context/Definition: An uprising led by Chinese nationalists in 1900 aiming to expel foreign influence and missionaries from China. It was suppressed by an international coalition, demonstrating the tensions between national sovereignty and foreign domination.

19. “Big Stick Policy”

  • Theme: Theodore Roosevelt’s foreign policy.

  • Context/Definition: Roosevelt's foreign policy approach that advocated for peaceful negotiations backed by the threat of military action, summarized in his statement: "speak softly and carry a big stick."

20. Panama Canal

  • Theme: Engineering feat and imperialism.

  • Context/Definition: A significant U.S. project completed in 1914 that created a canal across Panama to facilitate naval movement and trade, representing American efforts to assert dominance in Central America.

21. Roosevelt Corollary

  • Theme: American interventionism.

  • Context/Definition: An extension of the Monroe Doctrine articulated by Roosevelt, it asserted that the U.S. would intervene in Latin American nations to stabilize the region and prevent European intervention, particularly in financial matters.

22. Russo-Japanese War

  • Theme: International relations and diplomacy.

  • Context/Definition: The 1904-1905 conflict between Russia and Japan, which saw Japan emerge victorious; it marked the first instance of an Asian power defeating a European one, and Roosevelt's mediation in the resulting treaty earned him the Nobel Peace Prize.

23. Gentleman’s Agreement

  • Theme: Immigration and relations with Japan.

  • Context/Definition: An informal agreement in 1907 between the U.S. and Japan where Japan agreed to limit emigration to the U.S. in exchange for the desegregation of Japanese students in San Francisco schools, reflecting the complexities of immigration policies during this period.

24. Root-Takahira Agreement

  • Theme: U.S.-Japan relations.

  • Context/Definition: A 1908 agreement that reaffirmed the sovereignty of both nations in the Pacific, promoting mutual respect and cooperation, contributing to a period of relatively stable relations between the U.S. and Japan.

25. Great White Fleet

  • Theme: Naval diplomacy.

  • Context/Definition: A fleet of U.S. Navy battleships that conducted a global tour from 1907 to 1909 to demonstrate American naval strength and foster international goodwill, reflecting the U.S.'s growing role in global affairs.

26. Henry Cabot Lodge

  • Theme: Republican foreign policy.

  • Context/Definition: A prominent U.S. Senator who strongly advocated for American imperialism and was a key figure in promoting the construction of the Panama Canal, aligning with the expansionist sentiment of the era.

27. Tampico Incident

  • Theme: Tensions with Mexico.

  • Context/Definition: An incident in 1914 in which U.S. sailors were detained in Tampico, Mexico, leading to heightened diplomatic tensions and a naval intervention ordered by President Wilson, demonstrating U.S. concern over stability in Mexico.

28. Pancho Villa

  • Theme: Mexican Revolution and U.S. involvement.

  • Context/Definition: A leading figure of the Mexican Revolution who led raids into the U.S. in 1916, prompting a military expedition by American forces under General John J. Pershing to capture him, highlighting U.S. interests in Mexican affairs.

29. Expeditionary Force

  • Theme: Military intervention.

  • Context/Definition: The American troops dispatched in pursuit of Pancho Villa during his raids, reflecting the U.S.'s military engagement in Latin America and its intent to secure borders and protect national interests.

30. John J. Pershing

  • Theme: Military leadership.

  • Context/Definition: A prominent U.S. general who commanded the American Expeditionary Forces during World War I and was responsible for various military operations, including the pursuit of Pancho Villa in Mexico.

31. John Dewey

  • Theme: Education and philosophy.

  • Context/Definition: An influential philosopher and educational reformer advocating for progressive education and democratic ideals that shaped American educational practices, emphasizing experiential learning and critical thinking.

32. Ida Tarbell

  • Theme: Muckrakers and reform.

  • Context/Definition: A key investigative journalist during the Progressive Era known for her exposé on the Standard Oil Company, highlighting monopolistic practices and leading to significant antitrust reforms.

33. Jacob Riis

  • Theme: Social reform.

  • Context/Definition: A journalist and social reformer recognized for his work documenting the living conditions of the urban poor in New York City through photography and writing, notably in his book "How the Other Half Lives."

34. 17th Amendment

  • Theme: Political reform.

  • Context/Definition: Ratified in 1913, this constitutional amendment established the direct election of U.S. Senators by popular vote, moving away from legislative selection and increasing democratic participation.

35. Initiative, Referendum, Recall

  • Theme: Direct democracy.

  • Context/Definition: Mechanisms designed to enhance voter involvement in government; initiatives allow citizens to propose laws, referendums let voters decide on legislation, and recalls enable voters to remove elected officials from office, all reflecting Progressive Era reforms to increase public agency.

36. Hughes

  • Theme: Political figure.

  • Context/Definition: Charles Evans Hughes served as Governor of New York and later as Chief Justice of the United States, influential in both state and national politics with a focus on reforms, particularly in regulating businesses.

37. Hiram Johnson

  • Theme: Progressive politics.

  • Context/Definition: A significant Progressive reformer and Governor of California who advocated for initiatives to limit corporate power and enhance democratic processes at the state level, contributing to the broader reform movement of the time.

38. National Child Labor Committee

  • Theme: Labor reform.

  • Context/Definition: Established in 1904, this organization aimed to abolish child labor and improve working conditions for children, reflecting growing concern over labor practices in the industrial era.

39. Muller v. Oregon

  • Theme: Labor laws and reform.

  • Context/Definition: A pivotal Supreme Court case in 1908 that upheld a state law limiting women's working hours, recognizing the state's interest in protecting women's health and welfare, setting a precedent for labor rights legislation.

40. Triangle Shirtwaist Fire

  • Theme: Workplace safety and reform.

  • Context/Definition: A catastrophic fire in a garment factory in New York City in 1911 that resulted in the deaths of 146 workers, prompting immediate reforms in labor laws and building safety regulations.

41. Square Deal

  • Theme: Roosevelt's domestic policy.

  • Context/Definition: President Theodore Roosevelt's domestic program focusing on consumer protection, conservation of natural resources, and curbing corporate power, embodied in the principle of fairness for all Americans.

42. Trust-Busting

  • Theme: Regulation of big business.

  • Context/Definition: Refers to the government actions aimed at breaking up monopolies and trusts, particularly pursued during Roosevelt’s presidency, to promote competition and protect consumers.

43. Elkins Act

  • Theme: Economic reform.

  • Context/Definition: Enacted in 1903, this law imposed heavy fines on railroads that offered rebates to favored customers, aimed at curtailing unfair business practices and promoting fair competition.

44. Hepburn Act

  • Theme: Regulating railroads.

  • Context/Definition: A federal law passed in 1906 that strengthened the Interstate Commerce Commission's ability to set maximum railroad rates, reflecting the growing demand for government regulation of industry.

45. Upton Sinclair

  • Theme: Muckraker literature.

  • Context/Definition: Author of "The Jungle," Sinclair's novel exposed the unsanitary conditions in the meatpacking industry, leading to public outrage and significant reforms in food safety regulations.

46. The Jungle/Pure Food and Drug Act

  • Theme: Food safety reform.

  • Context/Definition: Sinclair's work was pivotal in bringing public attention to health violations in the food industry, resulting in the Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906, which aimed to regulate food and pharmaceuticals for consumer protection.

47. Meat Inspection Act

  • Theme: Food safety reform.

  • Context/Definition: A law passed in 1906 to ensure that meat products were processed under sanitary conditions, a response to the public outcry following Sinclair's revelations about the meatpacking industry.

48. Eugene v. Debs

  • Theme: Labor and socialism.

  • Context/Definition: A legal case involving the arrest of labor leader Eugene Debs during World War I for opposing the war, reflecting the tensions between labor movements and governmental authority.

49. Bull Moose Party

  • Theme: Progressive politics.

  • Context/Definition: A political party established by Theodore Roosevelt in 1912 following a split from the Republican Party, advocating for progressive reforms, including women's suffrage and anti-trust measures.

50. New Nationalism/New Freedom

  • Theme: Roosevelt vs. Wilson in domestic policy.

  • Context/Definition: Roosevelt's "New Nationalism" emphasized a strong federal government to curb capitalism's excesses, while Wilson's "New Freedom" focused on promoting competition and limiting government intervention.

51. 16th Amendment

  • Theme: Taxation reform.

  • Context/Definition: Ratified in 1913, it authorized Congress to impose a federal income tax, transforming the American fiscal landscape and providing the government with a stable revenue source.

52. Federal Reserve Act

  • Theme: Economic reform.

  • Context/Definition: Enacted in 1913, this law established the Federal Reserve System to regulate the nation's monetary policy and stabilize the economy, particularly during times of economic turmoil.

53. Underwood Tariff

  • Theme: Tariff reform.

  • Context/Definition: A tariff reform law passed in 1913 that significantly reduced tariffs on imported goods and implemented a graduated income tax, aiming to lower consumer prices and activate competition.

54. Clayton Antitrust Act

  • Theme: Business regulation.

  • Context/Definition: Passed in 1914, this law strengthened existing antitrust legislation by prohibiting specific anti-competitive practices and ensuring fair competition.

55. Booker T. Washington

  • Theme: African American leadership.

  • Context/Definition: An influential African American leader who emphasized vocational training and economic self-reliance for African Americans, advocating for gradual civil rights through education and labor.

56. NAACP

  • Theme: Civil rights movement.

  • Context/Definition: The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People was founded in 1909 to combat racial discrimination and fight for civil rights through legal means and advocacy, playing a crucial role in the civil rights movement.

57. Carrie Chapman Catt

  • Theme: Women's suffrage.

  • Context/Definition: A leading suffragist who played a crucial role in the women's suffrage movement, particularly through her leadership of the National American Woman Suffrage Association, instrumental in securing the passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920.

58. 19th Amendment

  • Theme: Women’s rights and suffrage.

  • Context/Definition: Ratified in 1920, this amendment granted women the legal right to vote, marking a monumental victory for the women's suffrage movement and representation in American democracy.

59. Neutrality Prior to WWI

  • Theme: Foreign policy and World War I.

  • Context/Definition: Initially, the United States practiced neutrality during the lead-up to World War I, reflecting a desire to avoid entanglement in European conflicts until growing tensions and international incidents compelled involvement.

60. Allied/Central Powers

  • Theme: World War I alliances.

  • Context/Definition: The two principal military alliances in WWI; the Allies included France, Britain, Russia, and later the United States, while the Central Powers consisted of Germany, Austria-Hungary, and the Ottoman Empire, reflecting the conflict's global scale.

61. Lusitania/Unrestricted Submarine Warfare

  • Theme: Triggers for U.S. involvement in WWI.

  • Context/Definition: The sinking of the Lusitania, a British passenger liner by a German U-boat in 1915, and Germany's policy of unrestricted submarine warfare against shipping catalyzed U.S. public outrage and increased calls for military action.

62. Zimmerman Telegram

  • Theme: Military intelligence.

  • Context/Definition: A secret diplomatic communication from Germany to Mexico proposing a military alliance against the United States during WWI; its interception and publication angered the American public and pushed the U.S. towards war.

63. Russian Revolution

  • Theme: Political change and U.S. response.

  • Context/Definition: The 1917 revolution that resulted in the collapse of the Tsarist regime and the Bolshevik takeover, altering the Eastern Front dynamics in WWI and influencing U.S. perceptions of communism.

64. War Industry Boards

  • Theme: Economic mobilization during WWI.

  • Context/Definition: Government agencies established during the war to coordinate industrial production for military needs, ensuring efficient procurement and use of resources for the war effort, marking a significant expansion of government control over the economy.

65. Selective Service Act

  • Theme: Military conscription.

  • Context/Definition: Passed in 1917, this law authorized the federal government to draft men into military service for World War I, reflecting the need for a large and prepared military force.

66. Espionage and Sedition Acts

  • Theme: Civil liberties during wartime.

  • Context/Definition: Enacted in 1917-1918, these laws limited free speech by criminalizing dissent against the war efforts, highlighting tensions between national security and civil liberties during wartime.

67. Schenck v. United States

  • Theme: Free speech and wartime actions.

  • Context/Definition: A 1919 Supreme Court case establishing that the government could restrict speech deemed a "clear and present danger" to national security, particularly relating to protests against military conscription.

68. Fourteen Point Plan

  • Theme: Wilson’s plan for peace.

  • Context/Definition: President Woodrow Wilson's 1918 proposal for post-war peace focused on principles like self-determination, free trade, and the formation of a League of Nations, aiming to prevent future conflicts through cooperation.

69. Big Four

  • Theme: Treaty negotiations post-WWI.

  • Context/Definition: Refers to the leaders of the U.S. (Woodrow Wilson), Britain (David Lloyd George), France (Georges Clemenceau), and Italy (Vittorio Orlando) who played central roles in discussions regarding the terms and conditions of the Treaty of Versailles.

70. Treaty of Versailles

  • Theme: Aftermath of WWI.

  • Context/Definition: The peace treaty that officially concluded WWI in 1919, imposing heavy reparations on Germany and redrawing European borders, ultimately generating resentment that contributed to WWII.

71. First Red Scare

  • Theme: Fear of communism.

  • Context/Definition: A period between 1919 and 1920 marked by intense anti-communist hysteria in the U.S., leading to widespread government crackdowns on suspected radicals and leftist groups.

72. Palmer Raids

  • Theme: Response to perceived threats.

  • Context/Definition: A series of raids conducted in 1919 by Attorney General A. Mitchell Palmer against radicals, particularly targeting anarchists and communists, resulting in mass arrests and deportations.

73. Teapot Dome Scandal

  • Theme: Corruption in government.

  • Context/Definition: A significant 1920s scandal in which government officials were bribed to lease oil reserves at Teapot Dome in Wyoming, highlighting corruption in the Harding administration and leading to calls for reform.

74. Herbert Hoover

  • Theme: Economic policy and Great Depression.

  • Context/Definition: President during the onset of the Great Depression, Hoover believed in voluntary cooperation and limited government intervention, a stance criticized for being ineffective in addressing the economic crisis.

75. Calvin Coolidge

  • Theme: Republican philosophy.

  • Context/Definition: U.S. President known for his pro-business philosophy and promotion of minimal government intervention in the economy, prioritizing economic growth during the 1920s.

76. Henry Ford

  • Theme: Industrial innovation.

  • Context/Definition: Founder of the Ford Motor Company and innovator of assembly line production techniques, Ford's practices revolutionized manufacturing and significantly impacted the American economy and labor market.

77. Impact of the Automobile

  • Theme: Social and economic change.

  • Context/Definition: The rise of automobiles transformed American culture and economy, influencing urban development, leisure activities, and the rise of suburbia through increased mobility.

78. Harlem Renaissance

  • Theme: Cultural revival.

  • Context/Definition: A vibrant cultural movement in the 1920s centered in Harlem, celebrating African American cultural expression through literature, art, and music, significantly influencing American culture.

79. Marcus Garvey

  • Theme: Black nationalism.

  • Context/Definition: A key figure in the Pan-Africanism movement during the 1920s advocating for economic independence and a return to Africa for people of African descent, promoting racial pride and self-determination.

80. Scopes Trial/Clarence Darrow

  • Theme: Education and evolution.

  • Context/Definition: A pivotal legal case in 1925 challenging the teaching of evolution in schools, pitting modern science against traditional beliefs, and highlighting the cultural tensions of the era.

81. 21st Amendment

  • Theme: Prohibition repeal.

  • Context/Definition: Ratified in 1933, this amendment repealed the 18th Amendment, effectively ending Prohibition and reflecting changing societal attitudes towards alcohol consumption and regulation.

82. Sacco and Vanzetti Case

  • Theme: Justice and social issues.

  • Context/Definition: A controversial murder trial in the 1920s that resulted in the execution of two Italian immigrants, raising significant debates about bias, judicial fairness, and social justice in a climate of anti-immigrant sentiment.

83. Kellogg-Briand Pact

  • Theme: International peace efforts.

  • Context/Definition: A 1928 agreement in which signatory nations pledged not to use war as a means of resolving disputes, reflecting idealistic efforts toward peace despite lacking enforceability.

84. Dawes Plan (1924)

  • Theme: Economic recovery post-WWI.

  • Context/Definition: A plan devised to alleviate Germany's reparations burden post-WWI through American loans, aiming to stabilize the German economy and promote European recovery amid interconnected economies.

85. Stock Market Crash/Black Tuesday

  • Theme: Economic crisis.

  • Context/Definition: The catastrophic crash on October 29, 1929, marked the beginning of the Great Depression, leading to a significant loss of wealth, widespread unemployment, and economic instability in the U.S. and abroad.

86. Buying on Margin

  • Theme: Financial speculation.

  • Context/Definition: The practice of borrowing money to invest in stock purchases, which significantly contributed to market instability and inflated stock prices prior to the market crash of 1929.

87. Postwar Europe (WWI, how did it exacerbate the Great Depression in America)?

  • Theme: Global economic interdependence.

  • Context/Definition: Economic instability and reparations in post-WWI Europe had a substantial negative impact on American exports, which contributed to the deepening of the Great Depression in the U.S.

88. Herbert Hoover (what was his approach to the Great Depression)?

  • Theme: Government response to crisis.

  • Context/Definition: Hoover's response to the Great Depression was characterized by a belief in voluntary measures and limited government, which ultimately proved inadequate to address the widespread suffering and economic collapse.

89. Hawley-Smoot Tariff

  • Theme: Trade and economic policy.

  • Context/Definition: Enacted in 1930, this tariff raised duties on imported goods, worsening the Great Depression by reducing international trade and triggering retaliatory tariffs from other nations.

90. 20th Amendment (lame duck).

  • Theme: Political reform.

  • Context/Definition: Ratified in 1933, this amendment amended the Constitution to change the dates of presidential and congressional terms to reduce the time elected officials remained in office after losing elections.

91. New Deal/Relief, Recovery, Reform

  • Theme: Government intervention in economic crisis.

  • Context/Definition: A series of programs and policies initiated by Franklin D. Roosevelt aimed at providing direct relief to the unemployed, fostering economic recovery, and implementing reforms in the financial system to prevent future crises.

92. FDR's Hundred Days

  • Theme: Speed of reform.

  • Context/Definition: This term describes the first 100 days of Franklin D. Roosevelt's presidency, during which he enacted an unprecedented number of legislative reforms to address the economic crisis.

93. CCC

  • Theme: Relief and employment programs.

  • Context/Definition: The Civilian Conservation Corps was a New Deal program that provided jobs to young men in environmental conservation projects, contributing to economic recovery and public works.

94. TVA

  • Theme: Regional development.

  • Context/Definition: The Tennessee Valley Authority was established to improve economic conditions and provide electricity to rural areas of the Tennessee Valley, exemplifying New Deal initiatives aimed at regional revitalization.

95. National Recovery Administration

  • Theme: Economic regulation.

  • Context/Definition: A New Deal agency tasked with stimulating recovery by regulating industry and encouraging fair trade practices, aimed at stabilizing the economy during the Great Depression.

96. SEC

  • Theme: Financial reform.

  • Context/Definition: The Securities and Exchange Commission, founded in 1934, was established to regulate the stock market and protect investors, ensuring transparency and fairness in financial transactions.

97. FHA

  • Theme: Housing and economic recovery.

  • Context/Definition: The Federal Housing Administration, created to improve housing standards and increase homeownership by insuring mortgage loans, thus facilitating access to housing for many Americans.

98. WPA

  • Theme: Employment and infrastructure.

  • Context/Definition: The Works Progress Administration was a New Deal agency that provided millions of jobs through funding extensive public works projects across the United States, contributing to infrastructure development and employment.

99. Wagner Act

  • Theme: Labor rights.

  • Context/Definition: The National Labor Relations Act of 1935 that strengthened workers' rights to unionize and engage in collective bargaining, enhancing labor rights and supporting the labor movement during the Great Depression.

100. Social Security Act (1935)

  • Theme: Social safety net.

  • Context/Definition: A landmark New Deal program establishing a system of social insurance, including old-age pensions and unemployment insurance, which laid the groundwork for the modern social safety net in the U.S.

101. John Maynard Keynes

  • Theme: Economic theory.

  • Context/Definition: An influential economist who advocated for increased government spending to stimulate economic activity during downturns, his ideas formed the basis for many of the New Deal policies aimed at recovery from the Great Depression.

102. Father Charles Coughlin

  • Theme: Criticism of economic policies.

  • Context/Definition: A popular radio priest known for his criticism of Roosevelt's New Deal, advocating for monetary reform and capturing public sentiment during the economic crisis of the Great Depression.

103. Court Packing Under FDR

  • Theme: Judicial authority and reform.

  • Context/Definition: A controversial initiative proposed by Roosevelt to increase the number of Supreme Court justices in order to secure favorable rulings for New Deal legislation, raising significant debates over judicial independence and executive power.

104. The Grapes of Wrath

  • Theme: Literature and social issues.

  • Context/Definition: A famous novel by John Steinbeck depicting the harrowing experiences of migrant families during the Great Depression, highlighting struggles caused by economic hardship and dislocation.

105. Dust Bowl

  • Theme: Environmental and economic crisis.

  • Context/Definition: A decade-long environmental disaster in the 1930s that involved severe drought and soil erosion in the Midwest, compounding the economic difficulties of the Great Depression and leading to widespread displacement of farming families.

106. Japan Takes Manchuria

  • Theme: Expansion and aggression.

  • Context/Definition: Japan's 1931 invasion of Manchuria represented a turning point in its militarism and imperialism, signaling an aggressive expansionist policy that would lead to further conflicts in Asia.

107. German Nazi Party/Adolf Hitler

  • Theme: Rise of totalitarianism.

  • Context/Definition: The emergence of the National Socialist German Workers' Party (Nazi Party), led by Adolf Hitler, which championed extreme nationalism and anti-Semitism, ultimately leading Germany into World War II.

108. Italian Fascist Party/Benito Mussolini

  • Theme: Fascism and totalitarianism.

  • Context/Definition: The rise of Mussolini's Fascist Party in Italy, characterized by authoritarianism, nationalism, and a rejection of democratic norms, laying the groundwork for World War II.

109. Sudetenland

  • Theme: Aggression and pre-war tensions.

  • Context/Definition: A region in Czechoslovakia with a large ethnic German population, whose annexation by Nazi Germany in 1938 was a critical step leading to the outbreak of World War II.

110. Neutrality Acts

  • Theme: Isolationism in the U.S.

  • Context/Definition: A series of laws passed in the 1930s aimed at preventing U.S. involvement in foreign conflicts, reflecting widespread isolationist sentiment following the experiences of World War I.

111. Lend-Lease Act

  • Theme: Support for Allies in WWII.

  • Context/Definition: Implemented in 1941, this act allowed the U.S. to supply Allied nations with military equipment and aid, marking a clear shift away from neutrality as the U.S. supported the war effort.

112. Atlantic Charter

  • Theme: Allied cooperation and post-war vision.

  • Context/Definition: A 1941 agreement between the U.S. and Britain outlining common goals for post-war recovery, emphasizing the principles of democracy, self-determination, and economic collaboration.

113. Pearl Harbor

  • Theme: U.S. entry into WWII.

  • Context/Definition: The surprise attack by Japan on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, which led to America's formal entry into World War II, revolutionizing its foreign policy and military engagement.

114. Manhattan Project

  • Theme: Development of atomic weaponry.

  • Context/Definition: A secretive U.S. government project during WWII aimed at developing the atomic bomb, culminating in the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and reshaping global military dynamics.

115. Double V Campaign

  • Theme: Civil rights and wartime patriotism.

  • Context/Definition: A campaign initiated during WWII advocating for two victories: against fascism abroad and racial discrimination at home, highlighting the intersection of the war effort and civil rights activism.

116. Korematsu v. United States

  • Theme: Civil rights during wartime.

  • Context/Definition: A Supreme Court case that upheld the internment of Japanese Americans during WWII, raising significant questions about civil liberties and national security under wartime conditions.

117. Rosie the Riveter

  • Theme: Women in the workforce during WWII.

  • Context/Definition: A cultural icon symbolizing women who entered the workforce in traditionally male roles during World War II, representing the significant contributions of women to the war effort and social change in gender roles.

118. D-Day/Dwight Eisenhower

  • Theme: Milestone in WWII.

  • Context/Definition: The Allied invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944, planned by General Dwight D. Eisenhower, marked a significant turning point in WWII and the beginning of the liberation of Western Europe from Nazi control.

119. Island Hopping

  • Theme: Military strategy in the Pacific.

  • Context/Definition: A strategy employed by Allied forces during WWII to capture key islands in the Pacific while bypassing others, ultimately aiming to get closer to Japan and prepare for a decisive offensive.

120. Holocaust

  • Theme: Genocide and human rights.

  • Context/Definition: The systematic extermination of six million Jews and millions of other marginalized groups by Nazi Germany during WWII, serving as a stark reminder of the consequences of hatred and intolerance.

121. Hiroshima/Nagasaki

  • Theme: End of WWII and nuclear warfare.

  • Context/Definition: The atomic bombings of these two cities in August 1945 resulted in Japan's surrender and the conclusion of World War II, raising ethical questions about the use of nuclear weapons in warfare.

122. Big Three

  • Theme: Post-war diplomacy.

  • Context/Definition: The term referring to the leaders of the United States, Britain, and the Soviet Union during WWII, who met to discuss strategies, negotiations, and the future of Europe post-war.

123. Tehran/Yalta/Potsdam Conferences

  • Theme: Shaping the post-war world.

  • Context/Definition: A series of crucial meetings between Allied leaders that determined post-war strategies, territorial divisions, and peace agreements, highlighting the complexities of international relations that emerged after WWII.

124. United Nations

  • Theme: International cooperation.

  • Context/Definition: An intergovernmental organization founded in 1945 to promote peace, security, and cooperation among nations, established in the aftermath of WWII to prevent future global conflicts.

Chronological Reference: Years and Presidential Administrations

  1. William Seward/Seward’s Folly (1867): President Andrew Johnson. Seward purchased Alaska, initially seen as a mistake until gold and oil were found.

  2. Pan-American Conference (1889): President Benjamin Harrison. Managed by Secretary of State James G. Blaine to promote regional trade.

  3. Alfred Thayer Mahan - Influence of Sea Power (1890): President Benjamin Harrison. This work shaped modern naval strategy.

  4. Spanish-American War (1898): President William McKinley. Included the USS Maine (Feb 1898), Teller Amendment (Apr 1898), and "A Splendid Little War."

  5. Annexation of Hawaii (1898): President William McKinley. Hawaii was officially annexed during the fervor of the Spanish-American War.

  6. Anti-Imperialist League (1898): President William McKinley. Formed specifically to oppose the Treaty of Paris and annexation of the Philippines.

  7. Open Door Policy (1899-1900): President William McKinley. Negotiated by John Hay to ensure access to Chinese markets.

  8. Boxer Rebellion (1900): President William McKinley. Multi-national force intervened in China to protect foreign interests.

  9. Platt Amendment (1901): President William McKinley/Theodore Roosevelt. Effectively made Cuba a U.S. protectorate.

  10. Square Deal (1901-1909): President Theodore Roosevelt. Focused on conservation, trust-busting, and consumer protection.

  11. Elkins Act (1903): President Theodore Roosevelt. Outlawed railroad rebates.

  12. National Child Labor Committee (1904): President Theodore Roosevelt. Targeted child labor exploitation.

  13. Roosevelt Corollary (1904): President Theodore Roosevelt. Expansion of the Monroe Doctrine to allow U.S. police power in Latin America.

  14. Russo-Japanese War/Treaty of Portsmouth (1904–1905): President Theodore Roosevelt. T.R. mediated the peace, winning the Nobel Prize.

  15. Hepburn Act (1906): President Theodore Roosevelt. ICC given power to set maximum railroad rates.

  16. Pure Food and Drug Act / Meat Inspection Act (1906): President Theodore Roosevelt. Spurred by Upton Sinclair's The Jungle.

  17. Gentleman’s Agreement (1907): President Theodore Roosevelt. Informal deal with Japan regarding school segregation and immigration.

  18. Great White Fleet (1907–1909): President Theodore Roosevelt. Global naval tour to demonstrate U.S. power.

  19. Muller v. Oregon (1908): President Theodore Roosevelt. SC upheld protective labor laws for women.

  20. Root-Takahira Agreement (1908): President Theodore Roosevelt. Reaffirmed Pacific status quo with Japan.

  21. Bull Moose Party / 1912 Election (1912): President William Howard Taft. T.R. split from Republicans to run as a Progressive.

  22. 16th, 17th Amendments & Federal Reserve Act (1913): President Woodrow Wilson. Reformed taxation, Senate elections, and banking.

  23. Panama Canal Completion (1914): President Woodrow Wilson. Realization of T.R.’s efforts to bridge the Atlantic and Pacific.

  24. Clayton Antitrust Act (1914): President Woodrow Wilson. Exempted labor unions from antitrust prosecution.

  25. Tampico Incident (1914): President Woodrow Wilson. Tensions leading to U.S. occupation of Veracruz, Mexico.

  26. Sinking of the Lusitania (1915): President Woodrow Wilson. Increased calls for U.S. entry into WWI.

  27. Pancho Villa Expedition (1916-1917): President Woodrow Wilson. General Pershing sent to Mexico after Villa raided New Mexico.

  28. Zimmerman Telegram & U.S. Entry into WWI (1917): President Woodrow Wilson. Intercepted German offer to Mexico.

  29. Espionage and Sedition Acts (1917–1918): President Woodrow Wilson. Restricted dissent against the war.

  30. Fourteen Points (1918): President Woodrow Wilson. Wilson's idealistic vision for the post-war order.

  31. Schenck v. United States & Treaty of Versailles (1919): President Woodrow Wilson. Established "clear and present danger" doctrine.

  32. First Red Scare & Palmer Raids (1919–1920): President Woodrow Wilson. Severe anti-radical hysteria following the Russian Revolution.

  33. 19th Amendment (1920): President Woodrow Wilson. Women’s suffrage ratified.

  34. Sacco and Vanzetti Trial (1921): President Warren G. Harding. Highlighted nativism and anti-radical sentiment of the 20s.

  35. Teapot Dome Scandal (1923): President Warren G. Harding/Calvin Coolidge. Corruption regarding oil leases.

  36. Dawes Plan (1924): President Calvin Coolidge. Circular loan system to stabilize Germany.

  37. Scopes Trial (1925): President Calvin Coolidge. Debate between modernism and fundamentalism in education.

  38. Kellogg-Briand Pact (1928): President Calvin Coolidge. International agreement attempting to outlaw war.

  39. Stock Market Crash/Black Tuesday (1929): President Herbert Hoover. The start of the Great Depression.

  40. Hawley-Smoot Tariff (1930): President Herbert Hoover. Highest tariff in history, worsened global trade collapse.

  41. Japan Invades Manchuria (1931): President Herbert Hoover. Challenged the League of Nations.

  42. 20th & 21st Amendments (1933): Presidents Hoover (Lame Duck)/FDR. Shortened term gaps and repealed Prohibition.

  43. First Hundred Days / New Deal (1933): President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Includes CCC, TVA, and NRA.

  44. SEC & FHA (1934): President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Regulation of stocks and stimulation of housing.

  45. Social Security Act & Wagner Act (1935): President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Second New Deal reforms for labor and the elderly.

  46. Dust Bowl (Peak mid-1930s): President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Environmental tragedy in the Great Plains.

  47. Court Packing Plan (1937): President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Roosevelt's attempt to restructure the Supreme Court.

  48. Neutrality Acts (1935–1937): President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Isolationist legislation to stay out of European wars.

  49. Lend-Lease Act & Atlantic Charter (1941): President Franklin D. Roosevelt. U.S. moves closer to direct involvement in WWII.

  50. Pearl Harbor (Dec 7, 1941): President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Immediate cause of U.S. entry into WWII.

  51. Executive Order 9066 (1942): President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Led to the internment of Japanese Americans.

  52. D-Day (1944): President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Allied invasion of Normandy.

  53. Manhattan Project / Hiroshima & Nagasaki (1945): Presidents FDR/Harry S. Truman. Atomic bombs ended the war in the Pacific.

  54. Yalta & Potsdam Conferences (1945): Presidents FDR/Harry S. Truman. Negotiations for post-war Europe.

  55. United Nations Founding (1945): President Harry S. Truman. Successor to the League of Nations.