Gilded Age - era of rapid economic growth in the US post civil war
Battle of Little Big Horn - decisive Native American victory against US forces
Captains of Industry - business leaders who amassed great wealth and power
Chinese Exclusion - legislation prohibiting Chinese immigration to the US
Gentlemen's Agreement - informal agreement or understanding between two parties, based on trust and honor
Homestead Act - law granting land to settlers willing to farm it
Horizontal Consolidation - merging of companies at the same stage of production
Massacre at Wounded Knee - violent clash between US troops and Native Americans in 1890
Monroe Doctrine - US policy opposing European colonization in the Americas
Panama Canal - artificial waterway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans
Plessy v Ferguson - separate but equal segregation laws
Robber Barons - businessmen who used unethical methods to amass wealth
Sherman Antitrust Act - legislation regulating monopolies and promoting fair competition
Social Darwinism - belief in survival of the fittest applied to society
The Jungle - book exposing the unsanitary conditions of the meatpacking industry
Transcontinental Railroad - railway connecting the East and West coasts of the US
Vertical Consolidation - merging of companies involved in different stages of production
Yellow Journalism - sensationalized and exaggerated reporting in newspapers
1. Who were John Rockefeller & Andrew Carnegie? How did each change the face of
industry in the US? Why were they viewed as both good and bad guys? John Rockefeller revolutionized the oil industry and controlled almost the entire US oil industry. He was admired for his business acumen but criticized for monopolistic practices. Andrew Carnegie was an industrialist of the steel industry and had a vast steel empire. He was admired for his contributions to the economy but criticized for treatment of workers and anti-union stance.
2. What were the causes and effects/outcomes of the Spanish-American War? The Spanish-American War was caused the sinking of the USS Maine, American support for Cuban independence, and yellow journalism. The war resulted in the US gaining territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines, and marked the emergence of the US as a global power.
3. List and explain the major events of the Spanish-American War. (1898-1901)
The sinking of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor in 1898, which led to increased tensions between the US and Spain.
The declaration of war by the US against Spain in April 1898.
The Battle of Manila Bay in May 1898, where the US Navy under Commodore George Dewey defeated the Spanish Fleet in the Philippines.
The Battle of San Juan Hill in July 1898, where American forces, including the Rough Riders led by Theodore Roosevelt, played a significant role in defeating Spanish forces in Cuba.
The signing of the Treat of Paris in December 1898, which officially ended the war and resulted in Spain ceding control of Cuba, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines to the US.
4. What were the major parts of the Progressive platform? The Progressive platform included advocacy for workers’ rights and labor reforms, regulation of big businesses and trusts, women’s suffrage and gender equality, social welfare programs to address poverty and inequality, and political and electoral reforms to increase democracy and transparency.
5. List the major groups that immigrated to the United States in the late 1800s.
German immigrants, who were escaping political unrest and seeking religious freedom.
Irish immigrants, who were fleeing the Great Famine and seeking better economic opportunities.
Italian immigrants, who were lookng for better economic prospects and escaping poverty.
Jewish immigrants, who were fleeing persecution.
Chinese immigrants, who were drawn to the US by the California Gold Rush and job opportunities.
6. Explain the differences between the foreign policy approaches of Roosevelt, Taft,
and Wilson. Roosevelt’s foreign policy was characterized by “speak softly and carry a big stick,” emphasizing American power and influence. Taft focused on “dollar diplomacy,” using economic investments to expand American influence abroad. Wilson’s foreign policy was centered around promoting democracy and self determination, as seen in his support for the League of Nations and his “Fourteen Points” plan for peace after WW1.
7. Describe the interaction that took place between the Native Americans and white
settlers during the period of Westward expansion. What were some of the major
conflicts and why did they occur? During Westward expansion, the interaction between Native Americans and white settlers was often marked by conflict. Major conflicts, such as Battle of Little Bighorn and the Wounded Knee Massacre, occured due to disputes over land, resources, and cultural differences. Many settlers disregarded Native American rights, leading to tensions and violence between the two groups.
8. How did factory work change at the turn of the century? Were workers better or
worse off than they were before the Industrial Revolution? Factory work underwent significant changes at the turn of the century. While technological advancements increased productivity, workers often faced long hours, low wages, and unsafe working conditions. Compared to before the Industrial Revolution, workers generally had better wages and some improvements in labor rights, but many still endured challenging conditions and exploitation.
9. Why did labor unions emerge during the Industrial Revolution? What were some
of the conditions the workers wanted to change? Were unions successful in
helping them achieve this change? During the Industrial Revolution, labor unions emerged as workers sought to improve their working conditions, wages, and hours. They aimed to address issues such as long work hours, low pay, unsafe conditions, and lack of job security. While unions faced challenges, improvements in workers’ rights, including shorter work hours, higher wages, and improved safety standards.
10. What were political machines? Why did they emerge in the inner-city
neighborhoods at the turn of the century? Political machines were powerful political organizations that emerged in inner city neighborhoods at the turn of the century. They provided social services and resources in exchange for political support, often targeting immigrants and the working class. The machines gained influence by addressing the needs of these communities and using their support to maintain political control.
11. How did life for women and minorities change during the turn of the century? Women made strides in the fight for suffrage and gained more educational and employment opportunities. However, they still faced gender discrimination and limited rights. African Americans and immigrants, faced continual racial discrimination and segregation, although some progress was made towards civil rights.
12. What were some of the arguments made for and against imperialism that took
place in the late 1800s? Some arguments for imperialism included economic benefits, such as access to new markets and resources, and the spread of civilization and Christianity. On the other hand, arguments against imperialism focused on the exploitation of indigenous populations, loss of sovereignty, and the potential for conflict and war.
13. Who were the progressives? What kinds of reform did they help to bring about in
the early 1900s? The progressives were a diverse group of reformers in the early 1900s who aimed to address social, political, and economic issues. They advocated for reforms such as women’s suffrage, workers’ rights, child labor laws, and regulation of big businesses. Their efforts led to important changes in areas like labor conditions, public health, and political corruption.
14. What were the major pieces of progressive legislation that were passed during
this time?
Pure Food and Drug Act which aimed to ensure the safety of food and drugs.
Clayton Anitrust Act which sought to regulate monopolistic practices.
Federal Reserve Act which established a central banking system and promoted financial stability.
Big Four -
Allied powers: United States, UK, France, and Italy
Central powers: Germany, Austria-Hungary, and the Ottoman Empire
People: Woodrow Wilson (USA), David Lloyd George (UK), Georges Clemenceau (France), and Vittorio Orlando (Italy)
Dog fights - intense aerial battles between fighter planes in close-range combat
League of Nations - an international organization formed after WWI to promote peace and prevent future wars
Lusitania - a British ocean liner that was sunk by a German submarine and led to a significant loss of civilian lives, led the US to join WWI
Selective Service Act - a law requiring men to register for military service during WWI and other conflicts
Sussex Pledge - a promise made by Germany during WWI that they would stop unrestricted submarine warfare, which had been sinking civilian ships from neutral countries like the US
Von Schlieffen Plan - a military strategy which aimed to defeat France in a two-front war by encircling Paris and mobilizing troops in Belgium, but it failed
Treaty of Versailles - peace treaty which placed heavy reparations on Germany which led to the loss of territories and military restrictions
Zimmerman Telegram - secret communication proposing a military alliance between Germany and Mexico during WWI
1. Explain the direct and indirect causes of WWI. The direct causes of WWI included the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and the system of alliances between countries. Indirect causes included militarism, imperialism, and nationalism.
2. What event(s) drew the US into WWI? The sinking of the Lusitania, the Zimmerman telegram, and German unrestricted submarine warfare led the US into WWI.
3. How would the first few years of WWI be best described? The first few years of WWI were filled with intense fighting, devastating casualties, and stalemate on the Western Front. It was a period of rapid technological advancements and the emergence of new strategies, such as trench warfare.
4. What was American involvement like during the first few years of WWI? The US initially adopted a policy of neutrality during the first few years of WWI. However, as the war progressed and events such as the sinking of the Lusitania and the Zimmerman Telegram unfolded, public opinion shifted. Eventually, the US entered the war in 1917, bringing significant resources and troops to aid the Allied Powers.
5. How did the Russian Revolution impact the war and American involvement? The revolution led to the collapse of the Russian monarchy and the rise of the Bolsheviks, who eventually established a communist government. This resulted in Russia withdrawing from the war, which allowed Germany to shift its forces from the Eastern Front to the Western Front. The American involvement increased as they saw the opportunity to support the Allies and counter the growing power of Germany.
6. What occurred during the Paris Peace Conference while creating the Treaty of
Versailles? Who was there, where were they from, what were their agendas /
Goals? During the Paris Peace Conference, representatives from the US, France, Britain, and Italy, gathered to negotiate the Treaty of Versailles. They aimed to establish peace, determine the terms of peace settlements, and assign blame for the war. The goals of each country varied, with the Allies seeking to punish Germany and redraw the map of Europe, while the US aimed to promote self-determination and create a lasting peace.
7. How did advances in weaponry affect WWI? What was the death toll like for
WWI? The introduction of machine guns, artillery, tanks, and chemical weapons led to high casualties and widespread destruction. The death toll was staggering, with millions of soldiers and civilians losing their lives in the conflict.
8. What were the major battles during WWI? What was the significance of each?
The Battle of Marne halted the German advance toward Paris and marked the beginning of trench warfare.
The Battle of Verdun was one of the longest and bloodiest battles.
The Battle of Somme aimed to relieve pressure on the French but resulted in heavy casualties on both sides.
The Battle of Passchendaele was fought in Belgium, characterized by its muddy and treacherous conditions, causing immense suffering.
The Battle of Amiens marked the beginning of the Hundred Days Offensive, a series of successful Allied offensive operations that led to the end of the war.
9. What were President Wilson's goals for peace in the post-war world? Did he
achieve these goals? Why or why not? President Wilson’s goals for peace in the post-war world were to establish the League of Nations, promote self-determination, and ensure lasting peace through collective security. While he played a significant role in shaping the Treaty of Versailles, the US did not ultimately join the League of Nations, limiting the effectiveness of Wilson’s goals.
10. What were the terms for Germany according to the Treaty of Versailles? The terms for Germany according to the Treaty of Versailles included accepting full responsibility for the war, paying reparations, reducing their military, and giving up territory. These terms were seen as harsh and contributed to Germany’s economic and political instability in the following years.
Roaring 20s - period of cultural change with economic prosperity and the rise of jazz music, flapper culture, and the Harlem Renaissance
Great Depression - triggered by the crash of the stock market which led to unemployment, poverty, and financial hardship
New Deal - a series of programs and reforms enacted by FDR to combat the Great Depression
18th Amendment - prohibited the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages in the US, later repealed by the 21st Amendment in 1933
19th Amendment - granted women the right to vote
FDIC - an independent agency of the US government that provides deposit insurance to depositors in banks and savings institutions, helps to maintain stability and protects people’s money in the event of bank failures
Henry Ford - an American industrialist and the founder of Ford revolutionized the automobile industry with the development of the assembly line production method
Prohibition - led to illegal alcohol production and distribution and speakeasies or underground bars
Red Scare - fear and paranoia of the spread of communism and radical leftist ideologies
Suffrage - women’s suffrage movement which fought for women’s right to vote
Dust Bowl - severe drought and dust storms in the Great Plains during the 1930s
1. What were some of the new inventions related to music and movies during the
1920s? Some new inventions were the radio, talking movies, and jukeboxes.
2. Were there warning signs that the economy was actually weakening during the
1920s? If so, what were they? There was an uneven distribution of wealth, overproduction in industries, and high levels of personal debt. These factors contributed to the eventual stock market crash in 1929.
3. Explain what happened during the Stock Market Crash in 1929. How did this
become a national and worldwide problem? During the stock market crash in 1929, the stock prices fell dramatically. This caused many investors to lose a lot of money. It became a national and worldwide problem because it led to a widespread financial crisis. Banks failed, businesses closed, and unemployment rates soared. The impact was felt not just in the US, but in many countries around the world.
4. Explain the ripple effect. The ripple effect refers to the way that one event or action can have a series of consequences or impacts that spread outwards, much like ripples in water. In the context of the stock market crash in 1929, the ripple effect refers to how the initial crash affected not just the stock market, but also the banking system, business, employment rates, and the overall economy. It created a chain reaction of negative consequences that spread throughout the nation and even globally.
5. Who and what does the Great Depression affect? About what percentage of
Americans were unemployed at the highest point during the Great Depression. The Great Depression affected millions of Americans. At its highest point, around 25% of Americans were unemployed. It had a widespread impact on individuals, families, businesses, and the overall economy.
6. How were Hoover and FDR different in their approaches to ending the Great
Depression? Hoover believed in a more hands-off approach, encouraging voluntary cooperation between businesses and providing limited government intervention. FDR implemented the New Deal, which involved government intervention, public works projects, and social welfare programs to stimulate the economy and provide relief tothose affected by the Depression.
7. Explain Roosevelt's New Deal. What were his first steps in dealing with the
effects of the stock market crash? How did he focus on fixing economic problems
differently during the Ist and 2nd "hundred days"? The New Deal was a series of programs and reforms implemented by President Roosevelt to combat the effects of the stock market crash. In the first “hundred days,” he focused on immediate relief measures like creating jobs and providing financial assistance. In the second “hundred days,” he shifted his focus to long-term recovery and reform, implementing programs to regulate banks, protect workers’ rights, and stimulate the economy.
8. What were some of the protections established to prevent another?
Securities Act of 1933 which required companies to provide full and accurate information to investors.
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 which created the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to regulate the stock market and protect investors.
9. What were some critiques of the New Deal? What do modern-day critics of the
New Day say about it? Some critiques of the New Deal include concerns about excessive government intervention, the expansion of federal power, and the potential for creating dependency on government programs. Modern-day critics argue that the New Deal did no fully solve the economic crisis and that it prolonged the Great Depression by discouraging private investment and stifling free-market competition. They also point to the long-term impact of increased government spending and the national debt.
10. How had Roosevelt's New Deal changed the role of the government in 1932?
What parts of his legacy remain today? Roosevelt’s New Deal expanded the role of the government in 1932 by implementing various programs and reforms to address the Great Depression. This led to increased government intervention in the economy and the establishment of social welfare programs. Some parts of his legacy that still remain today include Social Security, the Federal Deposit Insurance Coporation (FDIC), and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). These institutions continue to play important roles in providing economic security and regulating the financial industry.
Appeasem*nt - a policy that attempted to avoid conflict with Nazi Germany, making compromises with Hitler in hopes of maintaining peace
Blitzkrieg - military tactic emphasizing speed and surprise, used notably by Germany in WWII
D-Day - allied forces launched a massive invasion of German-occupied France, troops landed on the beaches of Normandy and marked a turning point in the war
Executive Order 9066 - order by FDR authorizing the internment of Japanese Americans during WWII
Kamikaze - suicide attacks by military pilots who would crash their planes into enemy targets
Lend-lease Act - US policy providing military aid to Allied nations during WWII
Manhattan Project - secret US project to develop the atomic bomb during WWII
Normandy Invasion - a large-scale assault on the beaches of Normandy, France to establish a foothold in Western Europe and liberate German-occupied France
1. Why did so many dictators come to power in the 1930s? Explain how each
totalitarian leader came to power in Germany, Japan, Italy, and the USSR. In Germany, Adolf Hitler rose to power through propaganda, exploiting economic hardships, and promoting nationalism. In Japan, Emperor Hirohito’s power was consolidated by militaristic factions seeking expansion and imperial control. In Italy, Benito Mussolini capitalized on political unrest, forming the Fascist Party and gaining support from the middle class. In the USSR, Joseph Stalin seized power after the death of Lenin, using a combination of political maneuvering and purges to establish a totalitarian regime.
2. What were the major events that led to the start of the war in Europe? In the
Pacific?
In Europe:
The Treaty of Versailles, which imposed harsh conditions on Germany after WWI.
The rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party in Germany.
Hitler’s aggressive foreign policies, including the annexation of Austria and the invasion of Czechoslovakia.
The signings of the Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact between Germany and the Soviet Union.
Germany’s invasion of Poland in 1939, which triggered the start of WWII.
In the Pacific:
Japan’s invasion of Manchuria in 1931, which marked the beginning of its imperial expansion.
The Second Sino-Japanese War, which started in 1937 and escalated tensions between Japan and China.
The attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, by the Japanese, leading to the US entry into WWII.
3. How did America and American lives on the home front change during WWII?
How did this affect the outcome of the war?
The conomy shifted to wartime production, leading to increased industrial output and job opportunities.
Rationing was implemented to conserve resources, affecting the availability of goods.
Women entered the workforce in large numbers, supporting the war effort and filling essential roles.
Propaganda campaigns promoted patriotism and encouraged citizens to support the war.
Scientific and technological advancements were made, such as the development of radar and nuclear weaopns.
These changes on the home front strengthened America’s war effort, boosting production and morale, ultimately contributing to the Allied victory.
4. What were the major battles of WWII in both the European and Pacific theaters?
What was the importance of each?
In Europe:
Battle of Stalingrad: turning point in the Eastern Front, where Soviet forces defeated the German army and halted their advance.
D-Day: Allied invasion of Normandy, marking the beginning of the end for Nazi Germany’s control in Western Europe.
Battle of the Bulge: last major German offensive on the Western Front, ultimately unsuccessful and weakened German forces.
Battle of Berlin: final battle in Europe, resulting in the capture of Berlin by Societ forces and the eventual surrender of Germany.
In the Pacific:
Battle of Midway: decisive naval battle, where the US defeated Japan and turned the tide of the war in the Pacfic.
Battle of Guadalcanal: first major offensive by ALlied forces against Japan, securing a crucial airfield and starting the isalnd-hopping campaign.
Battle of Iwo Jima: fierce battle between US Marines and Japanese forces, leading to the capture of the island and providing a strategic base for further attacks on Japan.
Battle of Okinawa: bloodiest battle in the Pacific, showcasing Japan’s fierce resistance and influecing the decision to use atomic bombs.
5. Who were the American leaders for each of the war efforts during WWII?
In Europe:
President Fraklin D. Roosevelt: led te US throughout most of the war and provided strategic direction.
General Dwight D. Eisenhower: he served as the Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Forces in Europe and played a key role in planning and executing the D-Day invasion.
General George S. Patton: he was a US Army general.
In the Pacific:
General Douglas MacArthur: he was the Supreme Commander of the Southwest Pacific Area and played a significant role in the Pacific campaigns, including the liberation of the Philippines.
6. After it began to regain territory, what strategy did the US adopt to win the war in
the Pacific? They adopted the strategy known as “island hopping”. This strategy involved selectively capturing key islands from Japanese forces while bypassing others. By doing so, the US forces could establish airfields nad naval bases on the captured islands, which allowed the to launch further attacks and bring the fight closer to Japan.
7. What were the alternatives Truman considered to using the Atomic Bomb? Why
did he ultimately decide to go with the bomb? The other alternatives to the atomic bomb included continuing conventional bombing campaigns, a full-scale invasion of Japan, and seeking a negotiated surrender. He decided to use the atomic bomb with the belief that using the bomb would bring a swift end to the war and save lives by avoiding a prolonged invasion. Truman wanted to demonstrate the immense power of the US to intimidate other nations and establish a position of strength in the post-war world.
8. What happened to Germany after WWII? After WWII, Germany was divided into four occupation zones. The Nazi regime was dismantled. Germany underwent denazification. East and West Germany were formed. Germany focused on rebuilding and experienced economic growth.
Cold War Era:
38th Parallel - the line of latitude that divided Korea into the North and South, which led to the Korean war
Berlin Wall - a wall that divided the city of Berlin to prevent people from fleeing to West Berlin (Allied powers)
Brown v Board of Education - landmark Supreme Court case that declared segregation in schools unconstitutional
Containment - US policy to prevent the spread of communism during the Cold War and post-WWII
The Great Society - a set of domestic policies and programs implemented by President Lyndon B. Johnson to address poverty, racial inequality, and education
Iron Curtain - a symbol of division between Western and Eastern Europe during the Cold War
James Earl Ray - an American criminal who gained notoriety for assassinating MLK
Korean Conflict - war between North and South Korea from 1950-1953
Lee Harvey Oswald - a former American Marine who was accused of assassinating President John F. Kennedy
Marshall Plan - US initiative to aid Western Europe’s post-WWII economic recovery
Martin Luther King, Jr. - prominent civil rights leader and activist in the US
NATO - a military alliance of North American and European countries for collective defense
The New Frontier - President John F. Kennedy’s vision for the US that focused on civil rights, education, healthcare, and space exploration
Warsaw Pact - a military alliance between the Soviet Union and its satellite states in response to the formation of NATO, another collective defense agreement
Warren Commission Report - an investigation and report aimed to determine the facts surrounding the assassination of John F. Kennedy to provide an official account of the events, concluded that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone in the assassination
1. What two countries fought in the Cold War? Where did the "hot" portions of this war take place? During the Cold War, the two main countries involved were the US and the USSR. The “hot” portions of the war took place in Korea, Vietnam, and Afghanistan.
2. Explain the causes/effects of the Korean Conflict. The Korean War was primarily caused by the division of Korea into two seperate countries, North and South, after WWII. In 1950, North Korea invaded South Korea, leading to a conflict between the two sides. The war resulted in significant loss of life, with an estimated 2.5 million civilian and military casualties. The war ended in 1953 with an armistice, but no formal peace treaty was ever signed, leaving the two Koreas technicallt still at war. The conflict had long-lasting effects, as it solidified the division of Korea and heightened tensions between the US and USSR during the Cold War.
3. What were the major events of the Korean Conflict?
June 25, 1950: North Korea invades South Korea, marking the start of the war.
The United Nations, led by the US, supports South Korea and forms a coalition of 21 countries to defend against North Korea.
Battle of Inchon: In September 1950, UN forces launch a successful amphibious assault at Inchon, pushing North Korean forces back.
Chinese intervention: In October 1950, China enters the war on the side of North Korea.
Stalemate and negotiations: The war reaches a stalemate along the 38th parallel, and negotiations being 1951 to reach a ceasefire agreement.
Armistice signed on July 27, 1953.
4. After the Korean Conflict, what became of Korea? Korea remained divided into two seperate countries. The division along the 38th parallel continued, with North Korea becoming and communist state and South Korea adopting a democratic system.
5. What made the election of 1960 unique? How did this affect the outcome? The election of 1960 was unique because it featured the first-ever televised presidential debates between John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon. Kennedy appeared calm and confident on television, while Nixon appeared nervous and sweaty. This visual contrast helped Kennedy win over many voters and led to his victory in the election.
6. What happened during the Bay of Pigs invasion? Was this event successful? During the Bay of Pigs invasion, which took place in 1961, a group of Cuban exiles supported by the US attempted to overthrow the Cuban government led by Fidel Castro. The invasion was not successful. The Cuban exiles faced strong resistance from the Cuban military, and the operation ended in failure. The invasion had significant political consequences and strained relations between the US and Cuba.
7. What happened during the Cuban Missile Crisis? What options did Kennedy
consider during this dilemma? How was the crisis resolved? During the Cuban Missile Crisis, the US discovered hat the USSR had placed nuclear missiles in Cuba. President Kennedy considered options such as a military strike or a naval blockade. The crisis was resolved through a diplomatic agreement where the US agreed not to invade Cuba, and the USSR agreed to remove the missiles.
8. What happened to President Kennedy in Dallas in 1963? President Kenndy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas, in 1963. He was shot will riding in a motorcade through Dealey Plaza.
9. What happened to Martin Luther King, Jr. in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1968? He was assassinated on April 4, 1968, in Mempis Tennessee. He was standing on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel when he was shot.
