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Native Americans Organized by tribe. Geography influences culture for various groups. Northwest Coast Pacific ocean, whales, totem poles, log homes. Southwest Desert and canyons, cliff homes. Great Plains Buffalo, teepee homes made of animal hide. Eastern Woodland Long houses or other wood homes, Iroquois nation, 5 civilized tribes. Farmed the Three Sisters - beans, corn and squash. Animism Religious belief that there are spirits in inanimate objects (mountains, rivers, animals). Columbian Exchange Transfer of biological material (animals, plants and disease) between the New World and Europe during the age of exploration. Jamestown Settled by businessmen from England who sought to make money by growing and selling tobacco. Massachusetts Bay Settled by Puritans from England who were seeking religious freedom for themselves. New England Colonies Influenced by good harbors, abundant forests, rocky soil, and a short growing season. Middle Colonies Culturally diverse, bread-basket because of grain farming. Southern Colonies Provided agricultural products that were processed in the North and in Europe. Triangular Trade Led directly to the increased importation of enslaved Africans to the Western Hemisphere. Middle Passage The journey of slaves from Africa to the new world. British Mercantilism Economic policy used by the British in which the American Colonies served as a source of raw materials and a market to sell goods. French and Indian War Caused by disputed land claims in the Ohio River valley between the French and the British. Virginia House of Burgesses Early colonial efforts in self-government contributing to the development of representative democracy. Mayflower Compact Early colonial efforts in self-government contributing to the development of representative democracy. Town Hall Meetings Early colonial efforts in self-government contributing to the development of representative democracy. Albany Plan of Union Early attempt to unify American colonies but under British rule. Declaration of Independence States the colonial grievances against British rule and was written by Thomas Jefferson. John Locke's theory of natural rights Power to govern belongs to the people ('consent of the governed'). Bill of Rights Both documents support limitations on governmental power and stress the importance of individual liberty. NO TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION Many colonists believed they could not be taxed by the British because they had no representatives in the British government, which means that the British did not have the consent of the governed. Thomas Paine Published Common Sense which was influential in persuading American colonists to support colonial independence from Britain. Convinced many Americans who had been undecided about declaring independence from Britain. Response to Mercantilist Policies Committees of Correspondence/Non-importation Agreements/Boston Tea Party First Continental Congress. Sugar and Stamp Acts Tax foreign molasses and printed material. Quartering Act Requires colonists to house and feed British soldiers. Townshend Acts Taxes imported goods and tea. Boston Massacre Five people killed by British soldiers. Revolutionary War Begins shortly after the signing of the Declaration of Independence. American Colonies Win the war and independence with the help of familiar land and foreign aid from France. Mississippi River Became the western boundary of the U.S. at the end of the Revolutionary War. Articles of Confederation First form of government used by the U.S. after independence from Britain. The first plan of union for the original 13 states. Decentralized Political System Power is broken up and divided among many groups, not unified. Problems and Weaknesses of Articles Largely unsuccessful at solving many major problems because most powers remained with the state governments. Congress Depended on the states for men and money to support an army. The federal government could not enforce its laws. States' Powers Had the power to collect taxes, coin money, and control trade. Success of the Articles Provided a system for governing the Western territories and a process for admitting new states to the union. Constitutional Convention (1787) Major American delegates meet in Philadelphia to correct the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation. Shays' Rebellion (1786) Significant because it convinced many Americans of the need for a stronger national government. Exposed the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation. Bicameral Legislature Created a legislature with two houses that write and vote on laws. Three-Fifths Compromise Determined that 3/5 of the slave population would be counted for representation in the House. U.S. Constitution A statement of rules and procedures for governing the U.S. Sovereignty Derived from the consent of the governed (only the citizens give the government the power to rule). Democracy A government for the people by the people. A democracy must have citizen participation in government. Democratic Government A government characterized by a free and open election process. Republican Government A government in which representatives are elected by the people. Division of Power The concept included in the Constitution to prevent unlimited government power through federalism, checks & balances, and separation of powers. Federalism The division of powers between the national and state government. Legislative Branch The branch of government that includes Congress (House of Representatives and Senate) which proposes, writes, votes on laws, and approves treaties. Executive Branch The branch of government that includes the President of the U.S. and his cabinet. Judicial Branch The branch of government that includes federal courts and the Supreme Court. Marbury v. Madison A landmark case that established judicial review and strengthened the Judiciary branch of the U.S. Checks & Balances A system where each branch of government checks the others to ensure no one branch has too much power. Impeachment The process by which the President can be removed from office by trial conducted by Congress. Veto The power of the President to reject a bill passed by Congress. Override of Veto The process by which Congress can pass a bill despite a presidential veto, requiring a two-thirds vote of both houses. Elastic Clause A clause that allows Congress to pass laws necessary and proper to fulfill its duties, broadening its power. Judicial Review The power of the courts to declare laws unconstitutional. Electoral College The body that elects the President of the U.S. based on electoral votes from each state, not a popular vote. George Washington The first President of the U.S. who set precedents for future presidents and issued the Proclamation of Neutrality. Whiskey Rebellion A rebellion in western Pennsylvania against a new excise tax, which Washington suppressed using state militia. Farewell Address A speech by Washington urging the U.S. to avoid European conflicts and alliances. Louisiana Purchase (1803) The acquisition of the Louisiana Territory by Thomas Jefferson, which contradicted his strict interpretation of the Constitution. Mississippi River Control The goal of the Louisiana Purchase to secure U.S. control of the Mississippi River for trade. Ohio River Valley The region whose farmers gained the greatest economic benefit from the Louisiana Purchase. Westward Expansion The focus of the U.S. following the Louisiana Purchase, promoting settlement and development of western territories. Articles of Confederation The first constitution of the United States, which established a weak federal government. Washington's Precedents The traditions and practices established by George Washington during his presidency. Constitutional Convention The 1787 meeting in Philadelphia where the U.S. Constitution was created. Shays Rebellion An armed uprising in 1786-1787 by farmers in Massachusetts protesting economic injustices. US Constitution The supreme law of the United States, establishing the framework of government. Great Compromise The agreement that established a bicameral legislature in the U.S. Congress; Settled a dispute over state representation in national Congress. ⅗ compromise The agreement that slaves would count as three-fifths of a person for representation purposes. Commerce Compromise The agreement that allowed Congress to regulate commerce but prohibited export taxes. Bill of Rights The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution that guarantee individual liberties. Federalists/Antifederalists Federalists supported the Constitution; Antifederalists opposed it, fearing too much central power. 3 branches of government The division of government into the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. Checks and Balances A system that ensures no one branch of government becomes too powerful. Louisiana Purchase The 1803 acquisition of territory from France that doubled the size of the United States. Loose/strict constructionists Loose constructionists interpret the Constitution broadly; strict constructionists interpret it narrowly. Indian Removal The policy of relocating Native American tribes to lands west of the Mississippi River. Civilization The process of assimilating Native Americans into American culture. Trail of Tears The forced relocation of Native Americans from their homelands, resulting in thousands of deaths. Worcester v. Georgia A Supreme Court case that ruled in favor of Native Americans but was not enforced by Jackson. Andrew Jackson The seventh President of the United States known for his populist policies and Indian removal. Manifest Destiny The belief that the U.S. was destined to expand across the North American continent. Cotton Gin A machine that quickly and efficiently removes seeds from cotton fibers. Missouri Compromise An agreement passed in 1820 that allowed Missouri to enter the Union as a slave state and Maine as a free state. Compromise of 1850 A package of five separate bills passed by the United States Congress to defuse a political confrontation between slave and free states. Abolitionists Individuals who advocated for the immediate end of slavery in the United States. Kansas Nebraska Act A law that allowed voters in Kansas and Nebraska to choose whether to allow slavery, effectively repealing the Missouri Compromise. Dred Scott v Sanford An 1857 Supreme Court case that ruled that African Americans could not be American citizens and that Congress had no authority to prohibit slavery in federal territories. Bleeding Kansas A series of violent political confrontations in the United States involving anti-slavery and pro-slavery elements in Kansas. Uncle Tom's Cabin An anti-slavery novel by Harriet Beecher Stowe published in 1852 that depicted the harsh realities of slavery. Underground Railroad A network of secret routes and safe houses used by enslaved African Americans to escape to free states and Canada. Horace Mann An American educational reformer who promoted public education and is known as the 'Father of the American Public School System.' Seneca Falls Convention The first women's rights convention held in 1848, which launched the women's suffrage movement in the United States. 2nd Great Awakening A Protestant religious revival during the early 19th century in the United States that emphasized individual piety and a personal relationship with God. Temperance A social movement against the consumption of alcoholic beverages. Civil War A conflict from 1861 to 1865 between the Northern states (Union) and Southern states (Confederate States) over issues including states' rights and slavery. Abraham Lincoln The 16th President of the United States who led the country during the Civil War and worked to end slavery. Emancipation Proclamation An executive order issued by Abraham Lincoln in 1862 that declared the freedom of all slaves in Confederate-held territory. Reasons for North (Union) Victory The North was better prepared economically, had more human resources, and superior war material. Reconstruction Era The period following the Civil War during which the Southern states were reorganized and reintegrated into the Union. Lincoln's Plan for Reconstruction Aimed to restore Southern representation in Congress and offered amnesty to Confederates who swore allegiance to the U.S. Radical Republicans A faction of the Republican Party that sought to impose harsh penalties on the Southern states and promote civil rights for freed slaves. Andrew Johnson The 17th President of the United States who succeeded Abraham Lincoln and oversaw the early years of Reconstruction. Reconstruction A policy supported by Lincoln to allow Southern States to reenter the nation as quickly as possible. Radical Republicans Members of Congress who disagreed with Johnson about how to handle Reconstruction, leading to Johnson's impeachment. Impeachment of Johnson Johnson was impeached for firing Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton without Senate approval, but the impeachment failed. 13th Amendment Law that formally abolished slavery in the U.S. in 1865. 14th Amendment Law that officially gave citizenship to African Americans and legally protected them under the Bill of Rights and U.S. Constitution. 15th Amendment Law that granted African Americans voting rights. Poll Taxes Fees collected by Southern States to restrict African Americans from exercising their voting rights. Literacy Tests Requirements imposed by Southern States to limit African Americans' voting rights. Jim Crow Laws Laws enacted in the 1870s and 1880s to restrict the freedoms of African Americans after the Civil War. Plessy v. Ferguson Supreme Court case in 1896 that upheld Jim Crow Laws based on 'separate but equal' public facilities for African Americans. Black Codes Laws aimed at restricting the rights of former slaves and limiting the effectiveness of the 14th and 15th amendments. Ku Klux Klan Group that attempted to restrict the rights of former slaves. Sharecropping System of farming in Southern States after the Civil War that kept former slaves economically dependent on farms. New South Term describing changes in the Southern economy, including industrial development and agricultural diversification. Sectionalism The division between the North and South that contributed to tensions leading up to the Civil War. Gilded Age Period marked by economic growth and industrialization in the U.S. Industrial Revolution Causes Factors such as capital, labor supply, Erie Canal, and transcontinental railroads that contributed to industrial growth. Mechanization of Agriculture The use of machines in farming that led to an increase in production. Effects of Industrial Revolution Challenges for smaller industries, development of monopolies, widening economic gap, and increased immigration. Social Darwinism Theory which believed that the growth of large business at the expense of others was merely survival of the fittest (the stronger businesses will succeed and the weaker one will fail). Laissez-faire Capitalism Economic policy which argues that government should limit any interference in the economy (the government should leave the economy alone). Rise of Big Business (1865-1900) Federal Government followed laissez-faire economic policy. Trusts and monopolies were created by entrepreneurs to maintain control of the market. Robber Baron Term used during the Gilded Age to characterize leaders of big business who used ruthless tactics when dealing with competitors. Gilded Age Mark Twain labeled the late 1800's ________ to describe the extremes of wealth and poverty (big differences between the rich and the poor). Urbanization Rural (countryside) residents move to urban (inner city) areas in search of jobs. Size of cities increase. How the Other Half Lives Book by Jacob Riis that exposed the living conditions of urban slums (working-class, inner-city neighborhoods). Working Conditions Rapid industrial growth leads to shift from rural to urban lifestyle, widespread use of child labor, and growth of tenements & slums. Immigration Many immigrants traveling to the U.S. settled in urban areas in the North because rapid industrialization created many job opportunities. New Immigrants Came primarily from southern and eastern Europe (Ex: Italy & Russia) between 1890-1915. Were culturally different from the earlier immigrants. Chinese Exclusion Act (1882) Limited the number of Chinese immigrants entering the U.S. An example of Nativism. Nativists Group of Americans who were angry about Immigrants taking jobs from Americans and working for cheaper wages. Trust Titans Business leaders who controlled large monopolies and trusts. Philanthropy The desire to promote the welfare of others, expressed especially by the donation of money to good causes. Gospel of Wealth Philosophy that wealthy individuals have a responsibility to use their wealth for the greater good of society. Industrial Revolution Period of major industrialization that took place during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Monopolies/trusts Entities that dominate a market and restrict competition. Gentlemen's Agreement Informal agreement between the U.S. and Japan that restricted Japanese immigration. America Expands Between the 1890's and the start of World War I (1914), the U.S. expanded its access to overseas markets and raw materials through the policy of imperialism. Reasons for Imperialism Due to the expansion of American industry during the 1800's, the U.S. needed to obtain raw materials and new markets. Dollar Diplomacy Attempted to increase the U.S. power in Latin America, indicating a U.S. desire to interact with foreign countries in ways that were profitable to U.S. corporations. Economic Nationalism U.S. practices economic nationalism by implementing protective tariffs to help American industry. Protective Tariff A tax on foreign products making them more expensive so people will buy American products instead. Open Door Policy (1899-1900) Issued in order to secure equal trade opportunities in China and guarantee access to its markets. Annexation of Hawaii U.S. annexes (takes over) Hawaii and the Philippines. Spanish American War A conflict in 1898 that resulted in the U.S. obtaining overseas colonies and being recognized as a world power. Yellow Journalism Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst used yellow journalism to generate public support for the Spanish American War. Panama Canal Built as a result of the Spanish American War to allow quicker movement between oceans for trade and military security. Progressive Movement A movement to correct the economic and social abuses of industrial society, supporting consumer protection, women's suffrage, and other reforms. Progressives Believed the government needs to regulate big business to protect consumers and workers, opposing the Laissez-faire attitude. Jane Adams A prominent social reformer and activist during progressive era, who established settlement houses that provided assistance to the poor. W.E.B. Du Bois Formed the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) to end segregation and win equal rights. Booker T. Washington Believed that African Americans should pursue education as the key to improving social status and founded a vocational training institution. Labor Union An organization of employees formed to bargain with the employer for better working conditions, benefits, and pay. Clayton Antitrust Act Made unions legal, allowing them to organize and improve conditions. Collective Bargaining Discussions between labor union leaders and management to agree on a contract for workers. Wagner Act (1935) Legalized collective bargaining. Triangle Shirtwaist Company Fire A tragedy where many women workers were killed in a factory fire, drawing national attention to worker safety. Samuel Gompers The person who founded the AFL; Organized workers into unions to strive for better conditions and pay. American Federation of Labor The first long-lasting, successful labor union in the U.S., focusing on the rights of skilled workers. Pure Food & Drug Act (1906) Law that provided federal inspection of meat products and forbade unsafe food products and poisonous medicines. Meat Inspection Act Created sanitary standards established for slaughterhouses and meat processing plants. Muckraker Writers during the progressive era that exposed social ills of inner cities, factory conditions, and political corruption. The Jungle A publication by Upton Sinclair that led Congress to pass the Meat Inspection Act. Upton Sinclair An author known for his muckraking work, particularly The Jungle. Ida M Tarbell A muckraker who focused on issues including the monopoly of Standard Oil. Lincoln Steffens A muckraker who exposed political corruption in cities. Jacob Riis A muckraker known for his work How the Other Half Lives. Booker T Washington An African American educator and leader who advocated for vocational training. WEB Dubois An African American sociologist and civil rights activist who co-founded the NAACP. Nativism A political policy favoring the interests of established inhabitants over those of immigrants. Labor Unions Organizations formed by workers to advocate for better working conditions and wages. Collective bargaining The negotiation process between employers and a group of employees aimed at reaching agreements. Triangle Shirtwaist Fire A tragic industrial disaster that highlighted the need for better workplace safety regulations. AFL The American Federation of Labor, a national federation of labor unions in the United States. Plessy v Fergusun A landmark Supreme Court case that upheld racial segregation under the 'separate but equal' doctrine. Woodrow Wilson The 28th President of the United States who led the nation during World War I. Neutrality A policy of not taking sides in a conflict, adopted by Wilson at the beginning of World War I. Unrestricted submarine warfare A type of naval warfare in which submarines sink vessels without warning. Espionage Act A law enacted in 1917 to prohibit interference with military operations or support for U.S. enemies. Sedition Act A law that made it a crime to criticize the government during World War I. Schenck v. U.S. A Supreme Court case that ruled that freedom of speech could be limited during wartime. Fourteen Points A statement of principles proposed by President Wilson to govern the postwar world. League of Nations An international organization established after World War I to promote peace and cooperation. Isolationism A foreign policy of avoiding involvement in international conflicts, followed by the U.S. in the 1920s and 30s. Treaty of Versailles Congress refuses to sign the Treaty of Versailles because many Senators objected to the U.S. membership in the League of Nations, fearing that it would pull the U.S. into another major war. Washington Naval Conferences Attempts by the U.S. to achieve peace and arms control in the decade after WWI. Kellog-Briand Pact Attempts by the U.S. to achieve peace and arms control in the decade after WWI. Bolshevik Revolution Communist takeover of Russia in 1917 increased nativism leading to the Red Scare (fear of Communism in the U.S. following WWI). Immigration quota acts of 1921 & 1924 Restricted the number of immigrants from Southern and Eastern Europe due to a recurrence of nativist attitudes following WWI. 19th Amendment Women were granted the right to vote during the Progressive Era (1917). Women's suffrage The national effort to ratify women's suffrage was strengthened by the economic opportunities created by World War I. Major female leaders of the women's rights movement Susan B. Anthony, Carrie Chapman Catt, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Lucretia Mott. Roaring Twenties The 1920's are called the 'Roaring Twenties' because of widespread social and economic change and changing cultural values. Prohibition Law authorized by the 18th Amendment that banned the manufacture and sale of alcoholic beverages. Sacco and Vanzetti Two immigrant anarchists who were convicted of murder and executed with very little evidence during the height of the Red Scare. Scopes Trial John Scopes was convicted in 1925 for teaching about evolution, illustrating a conflict concerning religious beliefs and scientific theories. Harlem Renaissance African American authors and artists used literature and art to celebrate the richness of their heritage. Flappers Women during the 1920's that rejected traditional feminine roles and refused to conform to society's expectations. Henry Ford Use of the assembly line in the production of automobiles led directly to a decrease in the cost of automobiles. Economic growth during the 1920's Development of many new consumer goods led to rapid economic growth. Automobiles, radio, and motion pictures Standardized American culture and influenced what people considered to be 'American culture'. Red Scare A period of intense fear of Communism in the U.S. following WWI. Cultural conflict in the 1920s Illustrated by the Scopes Trial and the Harlem Renaissance, reflecting tensions between traditional values and modern ideas. Consumer Culture Emergence of a culture where buying is encouraged by advertising and installment payments. Installment Buying Paying for something a little at a time rather than all at once. Stock Speculation Heavy increases in stock investments driven by a belief in never-ending prosperity. Government's Role in the Economy (1920s) Prevailing view that the government should interfere as little as possible. Warren G. Harding President who called for 'a return to normalcy' and advocated for reduced international involvement and less government regulation of business. Calvin Coolidge President who believed the economy functions best if government allows business to operate freely. Overproduction of Farm Crops Demand for American farm goods dropped dramatically during the 1920s due to decreased European need for imports. Dust Bowl Environmental disaster caused by over-farming and severe drought, leading to increased westward migration. Stock Market Crash of 1929 Considered the start of the Great Depression, largely caused by speculators buying stocks on margin. Decline in Farm Prosperity A significant decrease in the economic well-being of farmers during the Great Depression. Overproduction and Underconsumption Situation where U.S. businesses produced more products than the population could buy, leading to low consumer demand. Global Financial Interdependence Evidence that economies worldwide are interconnected; if one falls, they all fall. Herbert Hoover President of the U.S. at the start of the Great Depression, whose policies favored big business. Hoovervilles Nickname for poor communities due to Hoover's refusal to provide direct federal aid to the homeless. Bonus Army WWI veterans who marched on Washington demanding payment for their services. Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) President who won an easy victory over Hoover in 1932, advocating for government intervention in economic problems. Court Packing FDR's proposal to increase the size of the Supreme Court to make it favorable to New Deal laws. Deficit Spending Used by FDR to stimulate economic growth. FDR Reelected to 3rd Term Controversial event in 1940 as it challenged the tradition of presidents stepping down after two terms. FDR's reelection to 3rd term Eventually led to the establishment of presidential term limits. New Deal Most immediate goal was to provide work for the unemployed. Public works jobs Tried to stimulate economic recovery by creating public works jobs. Social welfare programs Were expanded during the New Deal. Government involvement Increased government involvement with both business and labor. Agricultural Adjustment Acts Designed to increase prices of farm products by reducing farm output. Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Created in 1933 to improve economic conditions in a poor rural region. Social Security Act 1935 Considered an important program because it extended support to elderly/retired citizens. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) Tried to restore public confidence in banks by safeguarding savings. Bank holiday (1933) Declared to restore confidence in the nation's banks. WPA Intended to help unemployed workers. Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Intended to help unemployed workers. National Labor Relations Act (Wagner Act) Strengthened labor unions by legalizing collective bargaining. Opposition to New Deal The strongest opposition came from business leaders. Laissez-Faire The tradition that government shouldn't interfere with the economy. Critics of the New Deal Claimed the TVA and Social Security System threatened the U.S. economy by applying socialist principles. Impact of New Deal Raised national debt and expanded the power of the Federal Government. Political thinking change Supported the idea that the government should become more involved in the social and economic life of the people. WWII start Started when Germany invaded Poland in 1939. U.S. Neutrality In the 1930's, the primary objective was to avoid involvement in Asian and European conflicts. Neutrality Acts Passed in mid 1930's to avoid mistakes that led to WWI. Lend-Lease Act Efforts to help the Allies without formally declaring war. Bombing of Pearl Harbor Brought the U.S. directly into World War II. Totalitarian aggression The U.S. became involved to fight totalitarian aggression from Germany, Italy, and Japan. D-Day Invasion June 1944- Important to the outcome of WWII because it opened a new Allied front in Europe (Germany had to fight enemies from the East and West instead of just the East). Key challenge faced by the U.S. during WWII Fighting the war on several fronts (Europe and Asia). U.S. and Soviet Union cooperation during WWII Supports the idea that alliances are built upon mutual self-interest (the U.S. and Soviet Union were enemies but formed an alliance because they were both enemies with Germany). 1944 election of FDR Can be attributed to the unwillingness of voters to change leadership during a major crisis. FDR's personal diplomacy during WWII Strengthened the President's role in shaping U.S. foreign policy. Women in wartime industries Women replaced men in essential wartime industries. Economic opportunities for women during WWII Expanded for women. Post-war job situation for women Many working women left their factory jobs because they were forced to give up their jobs to returning war veterans. Migration of African Americans during WWII More African Americans migrated to large cities because industry was expanding. GI Bill (1944) Extended educational and housing opportunities to war veterans. Provided federal funds for veterans to attend college. Rationing during WWII Ordered by the U.S. government to conserve raw materials for the war effort. Funding WWII The U.S. government relied heavily on the sale of war bonds (lends from citizens to help fund the war. Also contributed to the national debt). Economic impact of WWII on the U.S. Accelerated its recovery from the Great Depression. Korematsu v. U.S. The U.S. government considered Japanese Americans a threat to national security during WWII, causing them to place Japanese Americans in confinement in internment camps. Supreme Court ruling on Japanese internment Said that the removal of Japanese Americans from their homes was constitutional because this type of action was necessary during a national emergency. Wartime conditions and civil liberties Supreme Court ruled that wartime conditions justified limitations being placed on civil liberties. Impact of WWII on Japanese Americans Many Japanese lost their homes and businesses. President Harry Truman's decision on atomic bombs Decided to drop atomic bombs on Japan (Hiroshima & Nagasaki). Truman's use of atomic weapons Decided to use atomic weapons against Japan in order to end the war while limiting the loss of American lives. Truman's impact on civil rights Advanced the cause of civil rights for African Americans by ordering the desegregation of the Armed Forces (Black and White troops fight together and are no longer separated). Truman Doctrine Originally designed to contain communism by giving aid to Greece and Turkey (later expanded by Eisenhower). Truman and General MacArthur Relieved General Douglas MacArthur of his command in the Korean conflict because General MacArthur challenged the concept of civilian control over the military. Loyalty checks during Truman's presidency Required loyalty checks due to the fear of communist influence in government. Nuremberg Trials Held to make German leaders accountable for the Holocaust (mass genocide against Jews and other minorities). Established the principle that leaders of a nation may be held accountable (put on trial) for crimes against humanity/ war crimes. United Nations Replaced the League of Nations in order to prevent international disputes from escalating into major wars. Marshall Plan (1948-1952) U.S. provided economic aid in order to help Europe's economic recovery after WWII. U.S. foreign policy after WWII Changed as the U.S. became more involved in world affairs. Eleanor Roosevelt's contribution Helped create the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Post-WWII economic growth In the decade after WWII, rapid growth in personal income contributed to the expansion of the middle class. Appeasement A diplomatic policy aimed at avoiding conflict by making concessions to an aggressor. African Americans in WW2 Refers to the contributions and experiences of African Americans during World War II. Rosie the Riveter A cultural icon representing women who worked in factories and shipyards during World War II; used as a poster in order to recruit women Japanese Internment The forced relocation and incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II. Rationing The controlled distribution of scarce resources, goods, or services during wartime. Pearl Harbor The site of the surprise military attack by the Japanese on December 7, 1941, leading the U.S. to enter WWII. War Bonds Debt securities issued by a government to finance military operations during times of war. Manhattan Project A secret U.S. project during World War II that developed the first nuclear weapons. Desegregation of the Military The process of eliminating racial segregation within the United States Armed Forces. United Nations (UN) An international organization founded in 1945 to promote peace, security, and cooperation among countries. Selective Service The system by which men are registered for military conscription in the United States. Lend Lease A U.S. program during WWII that supplied Allied nations with vast amounts of war material. NATO North Atlantic Treaty Organization, a military alliance formed in 1949 for mutual defense against aggression. Cold War An era of political tension and military rivalry between the U.S. and Soviet Union from 1946 to 1989. Baby Boom A significant increase in the birth rate following WWII, particularly in the 1950s and 1960s. Iron Curtain The boundary dividing Europe into two separate areas of political influence during the Cold War. Sputnik Launch The 1957 launch of the first artificial satellite by the Soviet Union, marking the start of the space race. Containment A U.S. policy aimed at preventing the spread of communism during the Cold War. Berlin Airlift The U.S. operation to supply West Berlin after the Soviet blockade in 1948-1949. McCarthy Era A period of intense anti-communist suspicion in the U.S. during the early 1950s. Senator Joseph McCarthy A U.S. senator known for leading the anti-communist witch hunts during the McCarthy Era. McCarthyism The practice of making accusations of subversion or treason without proper evidence. Korean War A conflict from 1950 to 1953 between Communist North Korea and South Korea, supported by the U.S. and UN. United Nations military force First time the United Nations used military force to oppose aggression. General Douglas MacArthur Relieved of command in the Korean War for threatening civilian control of the military. Presidential wartime powers Expanded during the Korean War. Outcome of the Korean War Korea continued to be a divided nation. Vietnam War Civil war between Communist North Vietnam and U.S.-backed South Vietnam. Domino Theory Idea that if one country falls to communism, others around it will as well. Vietnam War protests Significant protests in the U.S. including Berkeley demonstrations and Kent State protest. 26th Amendment Lowered the voting age to 18 as a result of U.S. participation in the Vietnam War. War Powers Act 1973 Limited the president's ability to send troops into combat abroad. Public opinion on foreign policy Showed that foreign policy can be altered by public opinion. Trust in government Greater public distrust of governmental policies post-Vietnam War. Military technology and victory U.S. experience in the Vietnam War showed that superior military technology does not guarantee victory. Peace Corps Established by President John F. Kennedy to support developing nations. Bay of Pigs Invasion 1961 Kennedy's effort to remove Fidel Castro from power in Cuba, considered his most significant foreign policy failure. Cuban Missile Crisis 1962 Soviet Union placed nuclear weapons in Cuba; Kennedy imposed a naval blockade. Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Negotiated by Kennedy to limit nuclear testing following the Cuban Missile Crisis. New Frontier Kennedy's program that expanded the U.S. space program. Détente Policy to ease tensions between the U.S. and Soviet Union. Strategic Arms Limitations Talks (SALT) Part of the presidential policy of détente aimed at reducing world tensions. Nixon's visit to China 1972 Attempt to reduce tensions between the U.S. and Communist China. Watergate Scandal Break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters leading to Nixon's resignation. Trust in elected officials Undermined as a lasting effect of the Watergate scandal. Executive privilege Weakened as a result of the Watergate scandal. Nixon (1974) Supreme Court case that directly limited the president's power of executive. Civil Rights Movement Movement to end segregation based on race during the 1960's. Civil Disobedience Nonviolent attempts to oppose segregation, such as lunch counter sit-ins and freedom riders. Jackie Robinson Broke color barrier in Major League Baseball. President Truman's Executive Order Desegregated armed forces. NAACP National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, focused on higher education, full political participation, and continued support for civil rights. Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka Required the integration (desegregation) of all public schools in the U.S. and overturned Plessy v. Ferguson ruling. Eisenhower's Federal Troops Sent into Little Rock, Arkansas in 1957 to enforce a Supreme Court decision to desegregate public schools. Martin Luther King Jr. Leader of the civil rights movement during the 1960's, advocated for nonviolent protest. Malcolm X Civil rights leader during 1950's and 60's that advocated black separatism. Rosa Parks Practiced civil disobedience by refusing to give up her seat on a bus to a white man in Montgomery, Alabama. Civil Rights Act 1964 Passed to correct racial and gender discrimination and ended Jim Crow laws. Voting Rights Act 1965 Removed the literacy test as a voting qualification to eliminate racial barriers within voting. Affirmative Action Programs Main goal is to promote economic gains for minorities and women. Fair Housing Act Government efforts to end discrimination against various groups. Americans with Disabilities Act Government efforts to end discrimination against individuals with disabilities. Chief Justice Earl Warren Followed a policy of judicial activism and expanded individual rights in criminal cases. Supply-Side Economics Lowered tax rates on personal and business income and supported economic changes favoring big business. Trickle Down Economics Believed that economic growth depends on making increased amounts of capital available to business. National Debt in the 1980s Increased greatly due to the Federal Government's reliance on deficit spending. Reagan's Federal Budget Proposals Came under criticism for including very large deficits. Involvement in World Affairs in the 1980s Based on a concern for advancing the nation's self-interest. North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) Increased commerce and eliminated tariffs. Encouraged countries to participate in the global economy. Reflected the U.S. commitment to globalization. Persian Gulf War A direct result was that the U.S. liberated Kuwait from Iraqi control. Election of 2000 George Bush won even though Al Gore received more popular votes, because of the way the Electoral College votes came out. USA Patriot Act Increased government surveillance of citizens, increased cooperation between law enforcement and intelligence. War on Terror War in Afghanistan against Taliban and Al Qaeda. War in Iraq Saddam Hussein accused of having WMD's and wouldn't allow inspection. Barrack Obama First African-American elected to the Presidency. Obamacare Passed major health insurance reform package. September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks Attacks on World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Rise of the Tea Party Extreme right wing conservatives opposed to most government spending. Supply-side economics Economic theory that advocates reducing taxes and decreasing regulation to stimulate economic growth. George Bush Committed U.S. troops to the Persian Gulf War to assure the flow of Middle East oil to the U.S. and its allies. Bill Clinton Supported NAFTA because it would stimulate economic growth in the U.S. U.S. troops in Haiti and Bosnia Sent during the 1990's to stop conflicts within those nations. Bombing of Kosovo Participated in 1999 because of human rights violations. Economic stimulus package Passed by Barrack Obama to prop up the economy. Withdrawal of American troops Began from Iraq and Afghanistan under Barrack Obama. Mission to find Osama bin Laden Ordered by Barrack Obama that resulted in the killing of Al Qaeda leader.
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Missouri Compromise (1820) An agreement that admitted Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a free state, maintaining the balance of power in Congress. It also prohibited slavery north of the 36°30' latitude line in the Louisiana Territory. Manifest Destiny The 19th-century belief that the expansion of the U.S. across the North American continent was justified and inevitable. Compromise of 1850 A package of five laws designed to defuse tensions between free and slave states, including the Fugitive Slave Act and the admission of California as a free state. Harriet Beecher Stowe Author of 'Uncle Tom's Cabin,' a novel that depicted the horrors of slavery and increased support for abolition in the North. Uncle Tom's Cabin (1852) Influential anti-slavery novel that shaped public opinion and intensified sectional conflict. Kansas-Nebraska Act (1854) Allowed territories to decide on slavery by popular sovereignty, leading to violent conflict known as 'Bleeding Kansas.' Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857) Supreme Court decision stating that slaves were property, not citizens, and Congress had no power to ban slavery in the territories. John Brown's Raid (1859) Failed attempt to start a slave rebellion by seizing a federal arsenal at Harpers Ferry, further polarizing North and South. Tenth Amendment Part of the Bill of Rights; states that powers not delegated to the federal government are reserved to the states or the people. Anaconda Plan Union military strategy during the Civil War to blockade Southern ports and capture the Mississippi River to suffocate the Confederacy. Emancipation Proclamation (1863) Issued by President Lincoln; declared all slaves in Confederate states to be free. Battle of Gettysburg (1863) Turning point in the Civil War; Union victory that halted Confederate General Robert E. Lee's invasion of the North. Gettysburg Address (1863) Short speech by Lincoln emphasizing national unity, liberty, and democracy. A Century of Dishonor (1881) Book by Helen Hunt Jackson exposing the mistreatment of Native Americans by the U.S. government. 13th Amendment (1865) Abolished slavery in the United States. 14th Amendment (1868) Granted citizenship to all born in the U.S. and guaranteed equal protection under the law. 15th Amendment (1870) Gave African American men the right to vote. Scalawags Southern whites who supported Reconstruction and the Republican Party. Carpetbaggers Northerners who moved South during Reconstruction to seek economic or political opportunities. Sharecropping A system where freedmen and poor whites farmed land owned by others in exchange for a share of the crops, often leading to debt peonage. Compromise of 1877 Ended Reconstruction; Rutherford B. Hayes became president in exchange for removal of federal troops from the South. Jim Crow Laws State and local laws enforcing racial segregation in the South. Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) Supreme Court decision that upheld racial segregation under the 'separate but equal' doctrine. The Dawes Act (1887) Aimed to assimilate Native Americans by dividing tribal land into individual plots. Battle of Wounded Knee (1890) Last major armed conflict between U.S. troops and Native Americans; marked the end of the Indian Wars. Sitting Bull Lakota leader who resisted U.S. government policies and was killed shortly before the Wounded Knee Massacre. Transcontinental Railroad (1869) Railroad connecting the east and west coasts, promoting expansion and economic growth. Homestead Act (1862) Gave 160 acres of free land to settlers willing to live and work on it for five years. The Grange Organization of farmers to advocate for their interests and fight against unfair railroad practices. Farmers' Alliance Group that sought to improve conditions for farmers through cooperatives and political advocacy. Populist Party Political party formed to represent the interests of farmers and laborers, advocating for bimetallism and regulation of big business. Wabash v. Illinois (1886) Supreme Court case that limited states' rights to regulate interstate commerce, leading to federal regulation. Election of 1896 William McKinley defeated William Jennings Bryan; marked the end of the Populist movement. Cross of Gold Speech Speech by Bryan advocating for bimetallism and criticizing the gold standard. Buffalo Soldiers African American soldiers who served in the western U.S. after the Civil War. Morrill Land Grant Act (1862) Provided land for states to build agricultural and technical colleges. Time Zones Developed Standardized to aid train schedules and commerce as railroads expanded. Social Darwinism Belief that only the fittest survive in business and society; used to justify inequality. Gospel of Wealth Essay by Andrew Carnegie promoting philanthropy by the rich to improve society. Captains of Industry Positive term for wealthy business leaders who contributed to economic growth. Robber Barons Negative term for wealthy industrialists who exploited workers and resources. Great Railroad Strike (1877) First major nationwide labor strike, protesting wage cuts and poor working conditions. Knights of Labor Early labor union that included all workers and advocated for broad social reforms. Pullman Strike (1894) National railroad strike that ended after federal troops intervened. Old Immigration Immigrants from Northern and Western Europe before 1880. New Immigration Immigrants from Southern and Eastern Europe after 1880. Ellis Island Main immigration processing station in New York Harbor. Angel Island Immigration station on the West Coast, primarily for Asian immigrants. Nativism Anti-immigrant sentiment favoring native-born Americans. Chinese Exclusion Act (1882) First major law restricting immigration based on nationality. Gentlemen's Agreement (1907) Informal agreement to limit Japanese immigration. Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire (1911) Tragic factory fire that led to improved labor safety laws. Jane Addams Founder of Hull House and pioneer of the settlement house movement. Patronage The practice of giving government jobs to political supporters. Boss Tweed Leader of Tammany Hall political machine; known for corruption. Pendleton Act (1883) Law that reformed the civil service system to curb patronage. Sherman Antitrust Act (1890) First federal law to regulate monopolies and promote competition. Interstate Commerce Commission First federal agency to regulate business practices, especially railroads. W.E.B. Du Bois Civil rights activist who demanded immediate equality and co-founded the NAACP. Booker T. Washington Prominent Black leader who promoted vocational education and gradual equality. Ida B. Wells Journalist and anti-lynching activist who fought for civil rights and free speech. National Woman Suffrage Association Group that fought for women's right to vote. 19th Amendment (1920) Gave women the right to vote in national elections. White Man's Burden Idea that it was the duty of Western nations to civilize non-Western peoples. Spanish-American War (1898) U.S. defeated Spain, gaining territories like the Philippines, Guam, and Puerto Rico. Big Stick Diplomacy Roosevelt's foreign policy emphasizing military strength and negotiation. Open Door Policy U.S. policy promoting equal trade access in China. Roosevelt Corollary Addition to the Monroe Doctrine asserting U.S. right to intervene in Latin America. Panama Canal U.S.-built waterway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, completed in 1914. Flappers Young women of the 1920s who embraced new fashions and attitudes. Great Depression (1929) Severe economic downturn marked by bank failures, unemployment, and poverty. Dust Bowl Environmental disaster during the 1930s that forced many farmers to migrate west. New Deal FDR's programs to combat the Great Depression through relief, recovery, and reform. Social Security Act (1935) Provided financial assistance to the elderly, disabled, and unemployed. FDIC / SEC Agencies created to insure bank deposits and regulate the stock market. Pearl Harbor (1941) Surprise attack by Japan that led the U.S. into World War II. D-Day (1944) Allied invasion of Normandy, a turning point in World War II. Atomic Bomb / Manhattan Project Secret program that developed nuclear weapons used on Japan to end WWII. Containment / Truman Doctrine U.S. policy to stop the spread of communism after WWII. Civil Rights Act (1964) Landmark law prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
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AP U.S. History - Unit 7, Topic 2: American Imperialism (1898-1945) Definition of Imperialism Expansion of a country’s political, economic, and military influence over another. U.S. begins imperial expansion with the purchase of Alaska (1867) for $7.2 million (known as "Seward’s Folly"). Discovery of gold in 1898 increases interest in expansion. Westward expansion mindset extends beyond the continent after the closing of the frontier. Arguments for Imperialism Economic Interests Desire for raw materials (e.g., gold in Alaska). Need for new markets to sell American goods (manufactured & agricultural). Social Darwinism Belief that stronger nations naturally dominate weaker ones. Expansion seen as a way for the U.S. to become a world power. Racial & Religious Justifications Josiah Strong's book Our Country (1885): Argues Anglo-Saxon race is superior and must “civilize” others. Expansion is a Christian duty to spread Western civilization. Military & Strategic Reasons Alfred Thayer Mahan’s The Influence of Sea Power Upon History (1890): Nations with strong navies dominate world affairs. U.S. builds a steel navy and seeks territories for naval bases. Leads to the race for Pacific and Caribbean islands (e.g., Hawaii, Guam, Philippines). Arguments Against Imperialism Self-Determination Nations should have the right to govern themselves. Same argument used by Americans to justify independence from Britain. Tradition of Isolationism George Washington’s Farewell Address warned against foreign entanglements. Expansion could lead to unwanted wars and conflicts. Racial Concerns Debate over whether the Constitution follows the flag: If the U.S. takes over a territory, do its people become American citizens? Many anti-imperialists opposed granting rights to non-white populations. Key Takeaways Imperialists supported expansion for economic, military, and ideological reasons. Anti-imperialists opposed it on the grounds of self-determination, isolationism, and racial concerns. The debate shaped U.S. foreign policy and led to further territorial acquisitions, setting the stage for U.S. involvement in global affairs. End of Notes. The Spanish-American War & American Imperialism Background: The American Empire Late 19th-century industrialists and politicians sought U.S. expansion. Cuba, a Spanish colony, was a key target for expansion. 1895: Cuban nationalists rebelled against Spain, but Spain crushed the revolt. Yellow Journalism & the Path to War Yellow Journalism: Sensationalized news stories exaggerated Spanish atrocities in Cuba. Key figures: Joseph Pulitzer & William Randolph Hearst Encouraged U.S. intervention on humanitarian grounds. 1898: The U.S.S. Maine exploded in Havana Harbor, killing 200+ Americans. Yellow journalists blamed Spain, fueling war fever. Later investigations found the explosion was accidental. President McKinley issued an ultimatum to Spain; Spain agreed but the U.S. declared war anyway. The Spanish-American War (1898) Short war: America won and emerged as an imperial power. Effects of the war: Cuba gained independence, but the Platt Amendment gave the U.S. the right to intervene militarily. Philippines annexed after U.S. forces, led by Theodore Roosevelt, defeated Spain. Filipinos, expecting independence, rebelled under Emilio Aguinaldo → Led to the Philippine-American War (1899-1902). Hawaii annexed (1898) for strategic reasons (midpoint to the Philippines). The Open Door Policy (1899) China was divided into European spheres of influence. U.S. Secretary of State John Hay sent the Open Door Note to European powers, requesting equal trade access in China. Outcome: European powers did not reject the request, so the U.S. claimed success in securing trade rights. Significance The Spanish-American War marked the U.S.’s entry into imperialism. The U.S. expanded its influence globally through military power and economic policies. Let me know if you want any modifications! The Progressive Era (1890s-1920s) Main Idea: The Progressive Era was a time of social, political, and economic reform in response to issues caused by industrialization, urbanization, and corruption. Progressives believed government intervention was necessary to fix these problems. Who Were the Progressives? A diverse group: Protestants, feminists, labor leaders, African Americans, journalists Focused on issues like: Big business power (monopolies) Economic instability (Panic of 1893) Labor conflicts (strikes) Political corruption (machines like Tammany Hall) Jim Crow segregation Women’s suffrage Alcohol prohibition Muckrakers (Investigative Journalists) Exposed corruption and poor conditions in society Upton Sinclair - The Jungle (unsanitary meatpacking industry) Ida Tarbell - Exposed Standard Oil’s unfair business practices Jacob Riis - How the Other Half Lives (urban poverty and tenement conditions) Political Reforms (Expanding Democracy) Secret Ballot – Ended political bosses controlling votes. Direct Election of Senators (17th Amendment, 1913) – Senators now elected by the people instead of state legislatures. 18th Amendment (Prohibition, 1919) – Banned alcohol (led by groups like the Anti-Saloon League). 19th Amendment (Women’s Suffrage, 1920) – Gave women the right to vote. Initiative, Referendum, Recall – Gave citizens more power to propose, approve, and remove laws/politicians. Government Efficiency & Scientific Management Frederick Taylor’s "Scientific Management" (Taylorism) – Applied efficiency techniques to government & industry. Black Progressives & Civil Rights Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) – Legalized segregation (“separate but equal”). Niagara Movement (W.E.B. DuBois) – Advocated for immediate black rights. NAACP (1909) – Fought for racial justice through legal action. World War I (Unit 7, Topic 5) Causes of U.S. Involvement in WWI War Begins (1914): After Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated, two alliances formed: Allied Powers: Britain, France, Russia (formerly Triple Entente) Central Powers: Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy (formerly Triple Alliance) U.S. Neutrality: Initially stayed out of the war but faced mounting pressure due to events: Sinking of the Lusitania (1915): A German U-boat sank a British passenger ship, killing 128 Americans. Public outrage followed, but neutrality was maintained. Unrestricted Submarine Warfare: Germany resumed sinking ships, including American vessels. Zimmermann Telegram (1917): Germany proposed a military alliance with Mexico, promising to help regain lost territory if the U.S. joined the war. The U.S. intercepted the message, pushing Wilson to act. U.S. Declares War (1917) April 2, 1917: Woodrow Wilson asked Congress to declare war to “make the world safe for democracy.” American Expeditionary Forces (AEF): Led by General John J. Pershing, U.S. troops bolstered Allied forces and played a crucial role in turning the tide of the war. End of the War & Treaty of Versailles (1918-1919) November 11, 1918: Armistice signed, ending fighting. Treaty of Versailles (1919): Wilson proposed the Fourteen Points, advocating for self-determination, freedom of the seas, and the League of Nations. Britain and France sought to punish Germany, leading to harsh reparations and restrictions. League of Nations created, but the U.S. did not join due to congressional fears of being dragged into future wars. World War I: The Homefront (Unit 7, Topic 6) Total War & Mobilization The U.S. fully mobilized its economy, industry, and society for war. War Industries Board: Managed labor & factories to produce war supplies. Food Administration: Regulated food production for soldiers and civilians. Rural-to-urban migration increased as people sought industrial jobs. Civil Liberties & Government Control Espionage Act (1917) & Sedition Act (1918): Criminalized anti-war speech & draft resistance. Schenck v. United States (1919): Supreme Court ruled speech creating a "clear and present danger" (e.g., resisting the draft) could be restricted. Government censored reports on the Spanish Flu to maintain war morale. The First Red Scare (1919-1920) Fear of communist infiltration after the Russian Revolution. Palmer Raids: Over 6,000 suspected radicals, labor leaders, and immigrants arrested; 500+ deported. Immigration Restrictions Emergency Quota Act (1921) & National Origins Act (1924): Limited immigration, especially from Southern/Eastern Europe & Asia. Rooted in nativism (opposition to immigrants, especially Catholics & Jews). The Great Migration Large numbers of Black Americans moved from the South to Northern cities (e.g., Chicago, New York) for job opportunities & to escape Jim Crow laws. Faced discrimination & race riots in the North (e.g., 1919 race riots, Tulsa Race Massacre (1921)—300 Black people killed, 10,000 homeless)
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