Unit 5
What was the primary goal of the Homestead Act of 1862?
The primary goal of the Homestead Act was to encourage westward expansion by granting 160 acres of public land to settlers who agreed to farm the land for at least five years.
What major event in 1898 signaled the emergence of the United States as a global imperial power?
The Spanish-American War in 1898 marked the emergence of the United States as a global imperial power, resulting in the acquisition of territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines.
What was the main purpose of the 19th Amendment, ratified in 1920?
The 19th Amendment granted women the right to vote, achieving a significant milestone in the women's suffrage movement.
What was the primary goal of President Harry S. Truman's foreign policy during the Cold War?
President Truman's policy of containment aimed to prevent the spread of communism and Soviet influence beyond its existing boundaries, particularly in Europe and Asia.
What was the significance of the Homestead Strike of 1892 during the Gilded Age?
The Homestead Strike was a labor dispute at Carnegie Steel Company's Homestead Mill in Pennsylvania. It highlighted tensions between labor and management during the industrial era and demonstrated the challenges faced by workers in organizing for better working conditions.
What was the significance of the Compromise of 1850 in relation to the issue of slavery?
The Compromise of 1850 attempted to settle disputes over the expansion of slavery by admitting California as a free state, creating popular sovereignty in Utah and New Mexico territories, strengthening the Fugitive Slave Act, and abolishing the slave trade in Washington, D.C.
How did the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad in 1869 impact the development of the United States?
The completion of the Transcontinental Railroad facilitated the movement of people and goods across the country, promoted economic growth by connecting the East and West coasts, and encouraged settlement and expansion into the western territories.
How did the Great Migration of African Americans from the South to Northern cities during the early 20th century impact urban demographics and racial dynamics?
The Great Migration increased the African American population in Northern cities, leading to the development of African American communities leading to the Harlem Renaissance.
Describe the impact of the Marshall Plan on post-World War II Europe and U.S. foreign policy.
The Marshall Plan provided economic aid to Western European countries after World War II. It helped rebuild war-torn economies, strengthened U.S. alliances, and served as a key component of America's Cold War strategy against Soviet expansion.
How did the Treaty of Versailles contribute to political instability in Europe following World War I?
The Treaty of Versailles imposed harsh terms on Germany, leading to resentment and economic hardship that fueled nationalism and extremism in Germany. This contributed to the rise of Adolf Hitler and the outbreak of World War II.
How did the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854 lead to increased sectional tensions and violence in the United States?
The Kansas-Nebraska Act repealed the Missouri Compromise of 1820 and allowed popular sovereignty to determine the status of slavery in these territories. This led to violent clashes between pro-slavery and anti-slavery settlers in Kansas, known as "Bleeding Kansas," escalating sectional tensions between North and South.
What were the main objectives of the Progressive Era (1890s-1920s) in the United States?
The Progressive Era aimed to address social, political, and economic problems caused by industrialization and urbanization. Objectives included promoting social welfare, regulating big business, expanding democracy, and conserving natural resources.
Evaluate the impact of the New Deal programs implemented by President Franklin D. Roosevelt during the 1930s on American society and government
The New Deal programs aimed to address the economic challenges of the Great Depression by implementing relief, recovery, and reform measures. These programs expanded the role of the federal government in the economy.
Evaluate the successes of President Lyndon B. Johnson's "Great Society" domestic agenda during the 1960s.
President Johnson's Great Society aimed to combat poverty, medicare, promote civil rights, and expand social welfare programs.
Analyze the impact of the Scopes Monkey Trial (1925) on the debate over evolution and education in the United States.
The Scopes Trial highlighted the clash between science and religion in American society and sparked ongoing debates over education and intellectual freedom.
What were the main objectives of the Reconstruction Era (1865-1877) following the Civil War?
The main objectives of Reconstruction were to bring the Southern states into the Union, rebuild the South's economy, and secure civil rights for newly freed slaves.
Evaluate the significance of the Pullman Strike of 1894 in the context of labor relations and the rise of organized labor movements.
The Pullman Strike was a nationwide railroad strike against the Pullman Company's wage cuts and working conditions. It demonstrated the growing influence of labor unions and led to government intervention, highlighting tensions between labor and capital during the Gilded Age.
Analyze the impact of the Harlem Renaissance on African American culture, literature, and music in the 1920s.
The Harlem Renaissance was a cultural movement that celebrated African American art, literature, and music, fostering pride and identity within the black community. It contributed to the development of a distinct African American cultural voice and influenced broader American society
Analyze the factors that contributed to the escalation of the Korean War (1950-1953) and its impact on international relations.
The Korean War was triggered by the North Korean invasion of South Korea, fueled by Cold War tensions. The conflict escalated into a proxy war between the United States and China, leading to a divided Korea and shaping Cold War dynamics in Asia.
Evaluate the significance of the United States' involvement in the Vietnam War (1960s-1970s) on American foreign policy and domestic politics.
The Vietnam War divided American society, fueled anti-war protests, and led to a reevaluation of U.S. foreign policy.
Discuss the impact of the Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) Supreme Court decision on the rights of African Americans in the United States.
The Plessy v. Ferguson decision established the "separate but equal" doctrine, allowing racial segregation in public facilities. This decision legitimized discriminatory practices and upheld racial segregation laws, contributing to institutionalized racism.
How did the United States' foreign policy shift from isolationism to imperialism during the late 19th and early 20th centuries impact global politics and American identity?
The shift from isolationism to imperialism reflected America's desire for international power and resources. This shift also sparked debates about American identity, with some supporting expansionism and others criticizing it.
Discuss the significance of the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II and its effects on civil liberties in the United States.
The internment of Japanese Americans reflected wartime hysteria (Red Scare) and racial prejudice, leading to the violation of civil liberties for thousands of innocent individuals. This event highlighted the complexities of balancing national security with individual rights during times of crisis.
Discuss the impact of the Civil Rights Movement on American society and politics during the 1950s and 1960s
The Civil Rights Movement challenged racial segregation and discrimination, leading to significant legislative reforms such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Analyze the impact of the Social Security Act of 1935 on American society and government.
The Social Security Act established a system of elderly pensions and unemployment insurance, providing economic security for millions of Americans during the Great Depression and is still in place today.