Industrialization
What kinds of problems did factory workers face in tenements and the workplace?
Overcrowding, poor ventilation, unsafe machinery, long hours, and fire hazards.
What was the main goal of the Progressive movement overall?
To solve the economic and social problems caused by industrialization and make government more responsive to people.
What happened to the U.S.S. Maine and how did it influence war?
It exploded in Havana Harbor, increasing support for war with Spain.
What event officially triggered WWI?
The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
What might make someone want to leave their home country (push factor) vs. move to the U.S. (pull factor)?
Push: war, famine, persecution. Pull: jobs, freedom, safety.
Why might business owners support monopolies, and why did reformers oppose them?
Owners benefited from less competition and higher profits; reformers opposed them for limiting choice and raising prices.
Who were muckrakers and what kinds of issues did they expose?
Journalists who exposed corruption, poor working conditions, and urban poverty.
How did the U.S. justify its expansion into places like the Philippines or Hawaii?
They claimed it would bring civilization, help trade, and increase military strength.
What was the Harlem Renaissance, and why was it culturally important?
A movement celebrating Black art, music, and identity; shifted American culture.
What were some challenges immigrants faced once they arrived in the U.S.?
Language barriers, discrimination, low wages, and difficult working/living conditions.
What was the impact of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire?
It led to public outrage and new fire safety laws and labor reforms.
How did Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. Du Bois differ in their views on equality?
Washington promoted gradual equality through education and work; Du Bois demanded full civil rights immediately.
What were some arguments for and against U.S. imperialism?
For: economic/military power. Against: anti-democratic, racist, violated self-rule
How did trench warfare make WWI different from previous wars?
It caused long stalemates, poor conditions, and high casualties.
What was Ellis Island’s role in immigration, and what happened there?
It was a processing center where immigrants were inspected, questioned, and sometimes detained.
Why were labor unions formed, and what strategies did they use to demand change?
Workers wanted better pay, hours, and conditions. They went on strike, organized protests, and negotiated with employers.
What problem did Upton Sinclair expose, and what changes did it lead to?
He exposed unsanitary meatpacking conditions; led to the Pure Food and Drug Act and Meat Inspection Act.
What message might a cartoon showing Uncle Sam teaching 'colonies' be sending?
It might show imperialist attitudes; seeing colonies as needing guidance or control, often with racist overtones.
What caused the Great Depression, and how did the New Deal respond?
Caused by stock market crash and bank failures; New Deal programs created jobs and supported recovery.
How did nativist attitudes affect immigration policy in the U.S.?
Nativism led to discrimination, restrictive laws like the Chinese Exclusion Act, and harsh treatment.
Name one progressive reformer, and how they tried to solve the problems caused by industrialization.
Progressive reformers pushed for regulations, improved housing, workplace safety, and trust-busting laws.
What types of reforms were made during the Progressive Era to address monopolies?
Laws like the Sherman and Clayton Antitrust Acts were passed to break up monopolies.
What were the outcomes of the Spanish-American War for the U.S.?
U.S. gained control of the Philippines, Puerto Rico, and Guam; emerged as a global power.
Why did the U.S. enter WWI, and what impact did that have?
German U-boat attacks and the Zimmerman Telegram; U.S. helped turn the tide of the war.
Why were tenements commonly used by new immigrants?
They were the cheapest available housing near factory jobs.