Imperialism
What did the U.S. prove to the world when they won the Spanish-American War?
The U.S. proved that it was a rising world power capable of defeating a long-established European nation (Spain). It demonstrated America’s growing military strength and ability to project power overseas.
Who did progressives think needed to fix the problems in America? Who are they helping?
Progressives believed that the government needed to take a larger role in fixing societal and economic problems in America caused by industrialization, urbanization, and corruption.
What event began WWI?
The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary on June 28, 1914, in Sarajevo triggered World War I. This event set off a chain reaction of alliances and declarations of war.
What is a flapper?
A flapper was a term used in the 1920s to describe young women who challenged traditional social norms. They wore short skirts, bobbed their hair, drank, smoked, and embraced jazz music and modern ideas. Flappers symbolized women's newfound freedom and rebellion against Victorian-era values.
Explain how the Dust Bowl impacted farmers during the Great Depression and how the government responded.
The Dust Bowl was a series of severe dust storms during the 1930s that devastated the Great Plains region. Farmers experienced massive crop failures due to the loss of topsoil, leading to financial ruin and displacement. Thousands of "Okies" (from Oklahoma) and others migrated to states like California in search of work.
What 3 colonies were gained by the Spanish-American War?
Puerto Rico (Caribbean)
Guam (Pacific)
3. The Philippines (Pacific)
What was Jacob Riis’ book How the Other Half Lives about?
Jacob Riis’ How the Other Half Lives (1890) was a groundbreaking book that exposed the harsh living conditions of the urban poor, especially immigrants, in New York City’s tenements. Using photographs and descriptions, Riis raised awareness about poverty and helped push for housing reforms.
Name 3 Allies.
France
United Kingdom (Britain)
Russia (until 1917, when it withdrew)
What is the Harlem Renaissance?
The Harlem Renaissance was a cultural, artistic, and intellectual movement centered in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City during the 1920s. It celebrated African American culture, art, literature, and music, fostering pride in Black identity. Key figures included Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, and Louis Armstrong.
What were the key causes of the Great Depression? Provide at least two examples and explain their impact
Stock Market Speculation and Crash (1929): Excessive speculation led to inflated stock prices. When the bubble burst, stock values plummeted, causing investors to lose fortunes and eroding public confidence.
Impact: Businesses failed, workers lost jobs, and banks began to collapse.
Bank Failures: Banks had lent heavily to investors, and when stock values fell, banks couldn’t collect loans. Bank runs drained reserves.
Impact: Millions lost their life savings, businesses lacked capital, and unemployment soared.
What was the Open Door Policy?
The Open Door Policy (1899) was a U.S. proposal advocating for equal trading rights for all nations in China.
What are muckrakers?
Muckrakers were investigative journalists during the Progressive Era who exposed corruption, abuses, and injustices in society, business, and government. They aimed to bring about reform by informing the public.
What was a victory garden?
A victory garden was a home garden planted by civilians to grow food for their families. This helped conserve food supplies for the troops and support the war effort.
What is the 18th Amendment?
The 18th Amendment (1919) prohibited the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages in the United States, marking the start of Prohibition.
How did the stock market crash of 1929 affect banks and individuals across the United States?
Banks: Many banks invested depositors' money in stocks. After the crash, banks failed due to unpaid loans and lack of reserves. Bank runs worsened the problem as people withdrew funds en masse.
Individuals: Savings disappeared, wages dropped, and unemployment skyrocketed. Middle- and lower-class families faced severe poverty, homelessness, and food insecurity.
8. What is Dollar Diplomacy?
Dollar Diplomacy was President William Howard Taft’s foreign policy aimed at promoting American economic interests abroad.
Define the 17th Amendment.
The 17th Amendment (1913) established the direct election of U.S. Senators by the people, rather than being chosen by state legislatures. This gave more political power to citizens and reduced corruption.
How did the U.S. get more soldiers for the war once they realized there were not enough volunteers?
The U.S. implemented the Selective Service Act of 1917, which required men between the ages of 21 and 30 to register for the military draft.
Why did people buy so many new products during the 1920s?
Economic Prosperity: Higher wages and the post-WWI economic boom increased disposable income.
Credit and Installment Plans: People could buy goods on credit, making expensive items like cars and appliances more accessible.
Advertising: Mass advertising encouraged consumerism and created demand for modern conveniences like radios, refrigerators, and cars.
Technological Innovations: New products improved living standards and became status symbols.
What lasting effects did the New Deal have on the role of the federal government in the United States? Provide at least one example.
The New Deal expanded the federal government’s role in the economy and welfare:
Example: The Social Security Act established the precedent for federal responsibility in providing economic safety nets for citizens.
Government regulation of banks and industries, such as through the FDIC and SEC, created long-term stability.
What was the point of Teddy Roosevelt sending out the Great White Fleet?
Demonstrate America’s naval power to the world.
Showcase the strength and reach of the U.S. Navy.
Promote goodwill and remind other nations of America’s growing global influence.
Define referendum.
A referendum is a process where citizens can vote on laws proposed or passed by the legislature to approve or reject them.
What was the Zimmerman Telegram?
The Zimmerman Telegram was a secret message sent by Germany to Mexico in 1917. Germany proposed an alliance, promising Mexico the return of lost territories (Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona) if Mexico attacked the United States.
What is the Sacco-Vanzetti case about?
The Sacco-Vanzetti case involved two Italian immigrants, Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti, who were accused of robbery and murder in 1920.
Key Issues: The trial was highly controversial because many believed it was influenced by anti-immigrant and anti-radical bias rather than evidence.
Outcome: Sacco and Vanzetti were convicted and executed in 1927. The case symbolized the era’s nativism, xenophobia, and fear of anarchists.
Describe the purpose and significance of the Social Security Act. How did it aim to support vulnerable populations?
Purpose: To support the elderly, unemployed, and disabled through retirement benefits, unemployment insurance, and aid for dependent children.
Significance: It established a safety net for citizens and laid the foundation for the modern welfare system in the United States.