Important People!
American president, 1913-1921. "Progressive" Democrat. He "kept us out of war"... then didn't. Segregated the federal government.
Woodrow Wilson
"trust-busting"
Included in Wilson's "14 Points" meant to keep peace in Europe after WWI. Officially created, but the U.S never joined and member nations cared more about plundering Germany.
League of Nations
Vehicle made affordable to most middle class individuals. Connected city and country like ever before. Helped give farmers access to markets, but contributed to plummeting prices.
Henry Ford's Model T
The National Recovery Administration (NRA) was created in 1933 to stabilize the economy, improve labor conditions, and reduce unemployment. Cooperating businesses used this symbol to show their support for the program.
blue eagle
Progressive reformer. Pioneered social work in the U.S. Established the Hull House, which provided education, job training, child care, and healthcare for immigrants. One of the founders of the NAACP.
Jane Addams
U.S Supreme Court Case. Prevented a merger of major railroad companies which would have eliminated competition. Began T. Roosevelt's trust busting efforts.
Northern Securities Case
Extension of the Monroe Doctrine. Stated that the U.S had a right to intervene in Latin American countries to "maintain stability," prevent European interference, and to preserve its economic interests in the region.
Roosevelt Corollary
Political scandal during the Harding administration. Involved the secret leasing of federal oil reserves to private oil companies without competitive bidding in exchange for large bribes.
Teapot Dome scandal
formed in 1935 as a result of a split from the American Federation of Labor (AFL). The AFL, which primarily represented skilled workers, was not supportive of organizing unskilled workers in mass production industries. In contrast, John L. Lewis, the president of the United Mine Workers, and other labor leaders believed that organizing industrial workers in sectors like steel, automobile, and manufacturing was key to improving labor conditions.
Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO)
American politician from Louisiana. Rose to fame during the Great Depression for this "share the wealth" campaign. Many feared he had dictatorial ambitions.
Huey Long
Organization founded in 1909 by W.E.B Du Bois, Ida B. Wells and others in response to race riots and to promote civil rights causes.
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)
Aimed to ensure that all nations would have equal access to trade and investment opportunities in China, without any one country dominating the region. Sought to preserve China's territorial integrity while allowing the U.S. to trade freely in China alongside other foreign powers
Open Door Policy
Policy aimed to limit immigration from Southern and Eastern Europe, as well as virtually exclude immigrants from Asia. Far fewer restrictions on immigrants from Northern and Western Europe.
National Origins act of 1924
Established in 1933, aimed to provide jobs for young, unemployed men and improve the nation's public lands through conservation and environmental projects. Employed over 3 million young men, who worked on projects such as planting trees, building national parks, constructing trails, and controlling erosion. It helped conserve natural resources and contributed to environmental preservation.
Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC)
Southern "Progressive" Democrat. Senator and governor of Mississippi. Virulent racist and member of the Ku Klux Klan.
Theodore Bilbo
Movement against the consumption of "intoxicating liquors." Leaders saw drunkenness as society's primary issue. Culminated in the 18th Amendment (1919-1933).
temperance movement
Signed in 1928, was an international agreement in which signatory countries, including the United States, France, and many others, pledged to renounce war as a means of resolving disputes or conflicts. Had no enforcement mechanisms and ultimately failed.
Kellogg-Briand Pact of 1928
Nationwide cultural, artistic, and intellectual movement that took place in the 1920s centered in New York City. Saw the flourishing of African American literature, music, art, and performance. Celebrated Black culture, challenged racial stereotypes, and marked an era of belligerency against racism.
Harlem Renaissance
Created in 1933 to address the severe economic and environmental challenges facing Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia, North Carolina, and Virginia. Designed to modernize the region by providing affordable electricity, improving navigation on the Tennessee River, controlling flooding, and promoting economic development.
Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)
American President, 1921-1923. Republican who ran on a "return to normalcy." Famous for an affair with his mistress and a famously corrupt cabinet.
Warren G. Harding
Legal clauses in property deeds or contracts that prohibited homeowners from selling or renting property to certain groups of people, most often African Americans, Jewish Americans, Asian Americans, and other minority groups. Became increasingly popular after the Great Migration of the 1910's-1930's.
restrictive covenants
Taft administration foreign policy. Encouraged American businesses to invest in and expand their operations in Latin America, the Caribbean, and East Asia. By increasing economic ties and investments, the U.S. hoped to promote stability and secure American interests in these regions, while also preventing European powers from gaining influence there. Often supported corrupt governments and prioritized American business interests over local welfare.
Dollar Diplomacy
Borrowing money from a broker to buy stocks. Instead of paying the full price for the stock, you only pay part of it, and the broker lends you the rest. Encouraged excessive speculation. Many investors borrowed large sums of money to buy stocks, and were unable to pay when the market declined, triggering panic selling and worsening the crash
"buying on margin"
Created in 1935, a large-scale public works program aimed to create jobs through government-funded construction projects, such as building roads, bridges, schools, and public buildings. It also employed workers in non-construction roles, including in arts, theater, and literary projects, supporting artists, writers, and musicians.
Works Progress Administration (WPA)-
Not to be confused with the Public Works Administration (PWA) !!