-
YMCA
The YMCA (Young Men's Christian Association), was founded in London, England as a result of the Social Gospel Movement. This was built in response to the slums and unhealthy living conditions that existed in big cities towards the end of the Industrial Revolution. The organizations provided a wide varitey of accomedation for families. These accomodations include: kitchens, libraries, fitness, and housing. -
Period: to
Transforming the West
-
Homestead Act
The Homestead Act was established during the transformation of the west. Its purpose was to help populate the western part of the country. To accomplish this, the act granted 160 acres of free land to its claimants. Those who claimed this land varied from landless farmers, former slaves, and single women. It gave everyone a fair chance. This act was then improved on for the next five years. -
The Morril Land Grant College Act
This act was put in place during the western expansion of the United States. The Morrill Land Grant donated public land to several states in order to construct colleges and universities that would educate the people within the state. The schools were meant to work in the benefit of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts. This acted therefore funded universities in sparsely populated areas. -
Period: to
Becoming an Industrial Power
-
Knights of Labor
This was one of the largest and most significant labor organizations in the United States during the late nineteenth century. The organization wanted to exchange market competition for a more cooperative one. This was open to all workers looking to escape exploitation and was made secret to avoid any intervention or sabotage for greedy employers. Because of its efforts, Labor Day was made a national holiday, the eight hour work day was established, and men and women were given equal pay. -
Laissez Faire
Laissez Faire is an economic system in which the government should stay out of the private sphere of business. Meaning, private parties are free from government interventions such as regulations, tariffs, and privileges. With this in place, the market will take care of itself. -
Political Machine
A political machine is an organized party that is headed by a single boss or a small group of leaders. The bosses of political machines were referred to as ward bosses, precinct captains, district captains, etc. Most of them held close relationships with business and gave immigrants jobs. These were established as a way to provide large cities with a new political structure. The machine was designed to command votes in favor of a certain party. Thus, the winner's supporters would be rewarded. -
Robber Barons
Robber Barons describes a concept where greedy capitalists earn their wealth through shady, unscrupulous business practices. These practices include political manipulation and worker exploitation. This metaphor refers to prominent American businessmen from the late nineteenth century such as Andrew Carnegie, John Rockefeller, and Vanderbilt. Also, the concept amassed wealth and power during the period of large economic and industrial growth follwing the Civil War. -
Exploitation
During the Industrial Revolution, exploitation was common within the workforce. Strict rules would be placed on employees such as expecting to work in silence. Foremen and managers would enforce these rules onto the employees, those who didn't cooperate would face fines and/or termination. Employers would also threaten non-compliant employees with being blacklisted. Meaning, they would be put on a circulated list of "bad" workers which would prevent them from being hired. -
Battle of Little Bighorn
The Battle of Little Big Horn was fought near the Little Bighorn River within Montana territory. Led by Lieutenant Colonel George Amstrong Custer, federal troops took the offensive against a band of Lakota Sioux and Cheyenne warriors. Custer underestimated the strength of the Native American warriors and ended up being slaughter along with his troops before any reinforcements arrived. The loss of this battle was then used as an excuse for further settlements and reservations. -
George Armstrong Custer
George Armstrong Custer was a United States Army officer during the American Civil War and the American-Indian War. He led federal troops onto the battlefield of Little Big Horn against a band of Lakota Sioux and Cheyenne warriors. Custer underestimated the power of the warriors and took the offensive before any reinforcements arrived. His impulsiveness was due to his desire of being a hero like his war buddies. He and his troops were slaughtered in the battle but were portrayed as heroes. -
Period: to
The Gilded Age
-
Social Darwinism
This is a theory that individuals are subject to the same laws of natural selection that occurs in both plants and animals. Meaning, it is the concept of survival of the fittest. This relates to the theory of evolution. To illustrate, the wealthy are considered the fittest being intelligent, strong and adaptable. Therefore making poor people to be considered unfit. This theory was then used to protest the idea of helping the poor, making them seem unworthy of any help or sympathy. -
Exodusters
This was a name given former slaves who migrated from states along the Mississippi River to Kansas in the late nineteenth century as part of the Exodus movement in 1879. This movement was the first extensive migration made by African Americans following the Civil War. Some were successful when they settled, others settled on bad land, lacked money, and even returned to the south. Other times they would travel further west in search of better opportunity. -
Tenements
Tenements are apartments or buildings that existed in the slums of cities during the late nineteenth century. These tenements were commonly in poor condition and unsanitary. Multiple families would live in these dwellings. They were also poorly ventilated, little to no light, and had a lack of maintenance. Rent would soar due to overcrowding, those who failed to pay the money would be evicted. Due to the overcrowding and unsanitary conditions, diseases would rapidly spread in these buildings. -
Chinese Exclusion Act
The Chinese Exclusion Act was a federal law that was established in order to prevent the immigration of all Chinese laborers. This act was passed in an effort to preserve the white American workforce. In addition to this, the law was one of the first laws passed that restricted immigration in the United States. It encouraged discrimination towards the Chinese community, especially on the west coast. Many employers would place low wages and put the labors in the worst working conditions. -
Haymarket Riot
This was a labor protest rally that occurred Haymarket square, soon breaking out into a riot. About three hundred policemen came to break up the crowd, a bomb then exploded near the force. Thus, furious policemen began to attack the people with batons and guns. The riot left at least seven police officers dead. Radical labor activists were arrested due to their connection with the bombing. Therefore leading critical damage towards the labor movement. -
Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola is a popular soft drink that was first introduced by John Pemberton. Originally, Pemberton invented the mixture to serve as a nerve stimulant and headache stimulant calling it, "French Wine Coca". But a prohibition act made him change it. The first Coke contained cocaine, from the Cocoa plant, but this was changed after people started to find out it was unhealthy. The drink also played a big part in the international market by exporting products overseas. -
Dawes Severalty Act
The Dawes Severalty Act called for the break up of Indian reservations. This was done to increase assimilation of Native Americans into American Christian society. The act was also meant to emphasize the treatment of Native Americans as individuals rather than as members of tribes. The act was significant to tribal life because it reduced the tribe's ability to live in their traditional ways. The governement then used the reservation land to sell it to white americans for a higher price. -
Andrew Carnegie
Andrew Carnegie was a Scottish immigrant who was poor growing up. He later became an industrialist, and philanthropist after arriving in America. Carnegie led the expansion of the steel industry during the late nineteenth century and owned Carnegie steel by the year 1889. He was the first to invest in the Bessemer process, the mass production of steel at low prices. Carnegie believed in the concept of hard work leading to success. -
The Great Migration
The Great Migration was the mass movement of over 300 K African Americans out of the rural south. These people were fleeing Jim Crow laws and traveled to the northern part of the United States. By the years 1890-1970, about 7 million African Americans had migrated out of the south. Immigrants were also apart of this movement, they were in search for better economic opportunities. Immigrants were also trying to escape war, persecution and starvation that occured in their native countries. -
Sherman Anti-Trust Act
This act was established in order to prohibit monopolies that have been growing in American business. During this time, there was a widespread of trust. Originally, the law made trusts illegal. Meaning, the act prohibits agreements in restraint of trade such as price-fixing and bid-rigging. Later, corporations would buy off politicians to work around the law. Thus, making the act ultimatly useless in dealing with monopolies. -
Bicycle Craze
The Bicycle Craze was a significant component of the New Women movement that occurred in the late 1800's. During this time, middle-class women had more free time and began to develop increasing roles within American society. In addition to this, women began to leave their homes without any supervision which was considered unclassy. They would go to the city while riding bikes with other women as a leisure activity. These women were criticized for being immoral for being to free. -
Killing of the Buffalo
The buffalos were the main source of life for the Native Americans. They would use the animal as a source of food and clothing by making sure to use every part of it, including the skin. The whites saw this as an advantage. Therefore, they hunted the buffalo to near extinction as an indirect way to exterminate the Native Americans without any direct encounters. Thus by the late 1880's, only a few thousand buffalo were left. -
John Rockefeller
John Rockefeller was the Carnegie of oil production. He did the same thing as Carnegie such as controlling 90% of domestic oil production. Similarly to Carnegie, Rockefeller went from Vertical integration to Horizontal integration. In addition to this, Rockefeller invented two important aspects in business; trusts and holding companies. In contrast to Carnegie, Rockefeller was apart of a wealthy America family throughout his life. -
Currency Reform
The Currency Reform occurred when issues in implementing a standard national currency arose within the American Economy during the Gilded Age. The Republican party and corporations wanted to maintain the current status quo, which was gold. In contrast, Democrats and labors wanted to use paper money as currency, for "hard money" could support an expanding economy. This led to a compromise with the Silver Act for Democrats and high tarrifs to favor the Republicans. -
Social Gospel Movement
The Social Gospel Movement was a religious movement that originated in England. The movement was responsible for advocating for the poor. It was led by liberal Protestant progressives who were upset about Social Darwinism. They didn't like how the theory was used to justify the lack of help that was given to the poor. In addition to this, the religious leader began to tie salvation and good works together. Therefore, the Salvation Army was created along with the YMCA. -
Progressives
The Progressives took on a more philosophical approach rather than a moment. Their purpose was to transcend politics. To illustrate, they wanted to increase democracy in America in order to fight off corruption within the government and businesses. They also made an effort to bring equal rights to minorities and suffrage to women. Progressves were also in favor of capitalism, the middle class, and government protection. -
Period: to
Imperialism
-
Wounded Knee
Wounded Knee is located in southwestern South Dakota and the was the sight of conflict between North American Indians and representative of the United States government. Here, around 300 Sioux were killed while performing a ghost dance. A gun had accidentally gone off, leading to a massacre of innocent Native American men, women, and children. These people were guilty of no crime and were not engaged in combat, therefore making this a massacre. -
Queen Liliuokalani
Queen Liliuokalani was the last sovereign of the Kamehameha dynasty. This dynasty ruled over the Hawaiian kingdom for generations. By the time she acquired control over the throne, a new Hawaiian constitution had removed much of the monarch's power in favor of elite, American businessmen. When the queen tried to gain back her authority, the United States brought in the military. Eventually disposing of her completely. Thus, Hawaii going from a monarchy to a provisional govenment. -
Ghost Dances
The Ghost Dance Movement was a religious movement incorporated into many Native American belief systems. It was used as resistance to white rule. The purpose of the dance was the belief of dead spirits returning from the grave and protecting the living from bullets. This practice was popular among western Native Americans. Military leaders saw the movement as a threat and saw for intervention. -
Hawaii
in 1849, the United States and Hawaii signed a treaty of friendship which served as the basis of official relations between the two parties. American business flourished here due to all the sugar available. In 1893, the last monarch of Hawaii was overthrown by a party of American businessmen, who then imposed a provisional government, eradicating Hawaiian religion. Sanford Dole then declared Hawaii an independent republic. Hawaii was then annexed as a state through the Spanish-American War. -
World's Columbian Exposition
The World's Columbian Exposition was a fair held in the city of Chicago as a way to celebrate the 400th anniversary Christopher Columbus' arrival to the new world in the year 1492. The purpose of this event was to display the White City's downtown area along with the progression of American civilization such as new technologies. The fair also displayed 100 exhibits and innovations in science, architecture, and urban design. -
Period: to
Progressive Era
-
Yellow Journalism
Yellow Journalism is a type of journalism based on dramatic, sensational and highly exaggerated stories. This tactic was used to increase newspaper sales and used against the Spanish. They constructed vivid, horrific stories of rape and murder in Cuba. Women being abused by the Spanish was also a popular story. In addtiion to this, newspapers blamed the Spanish for the sinking of the U.S.S Maine in 1898. These reports eventually sparked the Spanish-American War. -
The Spanish American War
When the U.S.S Maine sank explodes in the Havana Harbor, the media blamed the Spanish through yellow journalism. This led to Americans to demand war against Spain. President Mickenly tried to negotiate but was corned. The Spanish-American War was a conflict between the U.S. and Spain that ended Spanish colonial rule in the Americas and resulted in U.S. acquisition of territories in the western Pacific and Latin America. It was a short war that only last 4 months. -
Rough Riders
The Rough Riders the United States first voluntary calvary, led by Theodore Roosevelt. The cavalry was made up of athletes, cowboys, cops, Indian scouts, and African Americans. The army grew up to 300 thousand men. The Rough Riders made a heroic charge up San Juan Hill that cost them heavy casualties. Teller Amendment - A resolution by Congress in 1898 promising to grant Cuba independence after the war. -
Philipines
Americans questioned whether it was wise to annex a foreign territory and rule its government and its people. Businessmen wanted the islands to serve as a trading post for goods from Asia as well as a place for merchant ships to refuel. Other supporters believed that the United States would bring democracy to the Philippines. Some held that US rule of the islands was necessary to keep out European powers. Opponents of annexation responded that by denying the Philippines independence -
Boxer Rebellion
The Boxer Rebellion was an uprising that occurred in the year 1900, boxers attacked Western missionaries and traders in northern China, killing more than 200 people. This uprising was supported by certain Chinese government officials. The Boxers laid siege to the large, walled-in foreign settlement in Beijing, the capital of China. Foreign countries responded by sending troops to the country. In August, after an eight-week siege, the international force rescued the foreigners. -
City Beautiful Movement
The City Beautiful Movement was an urban-planning movement that was put in place in order to eliminate city problems through architectural means. This led to the development of public squares, large open parks, boulevards, and classical architecture. The intent was to embrace the monumental vastness in American cities. -
Big Stick Policy
This refers to president Theodore Roosevelt's foreign policy. “Speak softly” is a metaphor meaning to be persuasive yet gentle, and the term “carry a big stick” can closely be translated to release a strong force of firepower when it is necessary. Therefore, what he meant when he said this is to be prepared to use force when it is needed This related to foreign policy by referring to the idea that you should be ready to use force in order to acquire what you need for the benefit of the country. -
Teddy Roosevelt
Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt, at the age of 42, was the youngest man to be elected president. He was described to be energetic and full of enthusiasm. Roosevelt was a likable man, he once saved a baby cub which earned him to be named after the popular toy, "teddy bear". During his presidency, he believed that the country was at a crossroads. Also, he was a mediator of strikes, fired suits against trusts, and was pragmatic. As president, his top priotity was the public's interst. -
Russo-Japanese War
The Russo-Japanese War developed out of the rivalry between Japan and Russia. The two countries were disputing over who could control Korea and Manchuria. As a result of the war, Japan embarrassed the Russians. Also, Teddy Roosevelt then interfered and negotiated a peace treaty. Another compelling aspect of this war is that it was the first all-out war in the modern era with a non-European power defeating one of Europes great powers. -
The Jungle
The Jungle is a novel written by the American journalist, Upton Sinclair. Sinclar wrote this novel to display the harsh conditions and exploitations immigrants face in the United States, specifically in industrialized cities. He also wrote the novel to expose the unsanitary working conditions in the meatpacking industry. This included rotten meat, severed fingers, and rat feces. The appaling truth left the public traumatized. Thus, leading to the establishment of the Meat Inspection Act. -
Meat Inspection Act
The Meat Inspection Act set sanitary standards for the meat-packing industry.Meaning, it was illegal to misbrand meat products that are being sold as food. It was passed the same year that Upton Sinclair's book The Jungle was published, as The Jungle had gained the country's attention over the poor conditions in slaughterhouses. The Pure Food and Drug Act, which required merchants to label their food and drugs correctly, was passed during the same time -
Mexican Revolution
The Mexican Revolution happened due to the rising tensions between Mexico and the United States. American support corrupted the Mexican government. The war was averted, yet president Wilson was actively planning to engage in war. While this was going on, Germany resumes merchant ship attack. Along with this, Germany had an interest in Mexico, therefore leading them to support the Mexican rebels. All of this was done as a way to distract the United States. -
Election of 1912
In the election, Roosevelt runs again. Yet, the Republican party votes in favor of William Taft. In addition to this, the Progressive "Bullmoose Party" developed, they wanted new nationalism. Thus, Progressive Republicans followed Roosevelt. New Jersey governor, Woodrow Wilson ran as a Democrat, he believed in new freedom for the country. Wilson also wants a competitive market for the "small guy". As a result, Wilson wins the election, as president, he cuts tariffs and passes the 16th Amendment. -
Henry Ford
Henry Ford was the founder of the Ford Motor Company. He revolutionalized the auto industry by developing the assembly line. This process standardized auto parts, improved machinery, and produced more cars for less cost. In addition to this, Ford passed benefits on to his employees. They earned $5 a day, had an eight hour work day, and even bought his products. Yet, he did have rules for the $5 pay such as no gambling, men must live with their families, and no excessive drinking. -
Woodrow Wilson
In 1912, the Progressive Party entered the presidential race. The Republicans renominated Taft, and so progressive Republicans who supported Roosevelt formed the Bull Moose Party. Woodrow Wilson was the nominee of the Democratic Party. He had successfully passed the Federal Reserve Act and the Banking system. He also promised a series of reforms he called the New Freedom. Woodrow Wilson defeated Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, and Eugene Debs and won the election. -
17th Amendment
In 1913, both the 16th and the 17th amendment were ratified. The 17th Amendment changed how senators were elected. It gave the people the power to elect senators in direct elections, rather than having senators appointed by state legislatures. This amendment was established as a way to make the government and the country more democratic. Since Americans could directly elect their senators, this developed a stronger bond between the citizens and the federal government. -
Trench Warfare
Trench warfare is a type of combat that was first introduced during the first world war, it involves using occupied fighting lines. Troops would use the trenches was protection from enemy firearms and small artillery. This type of warfare often left soldiers with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or shell shock. The land between the trenches was no-mans land and was full of barbed wire, artillery shell holes, and many dead bodies. Soldiers spent 3 weeks in trenches and often contracted infections. -
Western Front
The main theatre of fighting in World War I was the Western Front, a meandering line which ran from the Swiss border in the south to the North Sea. Most of the Western Front’s 700-kilometer length traversed the north-east of France, with its ends in Belgium and southern Germany. When in the trench, soldiers couldn't go past 20 miles. Here, new developments in warfare arose such as mustard gas, airplanes, tanks, and machine guns. Millions die on the western fronts of WW1 -
Period: to
World War 1
-
Archduke Franz Ferdinand
Archduke Franz Ferdinand was the leader of the Astr-Hungarian Empire. Franz Ferdinand and his wife, Sophie the Duchess of Hohenburg, are killed by Bosnian Serb nationalist and Black Hand member, Gavrilo Princip. The Austrian government suspects that Serbia is responsible. With tension rising, Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia. Therefore, his assassination is what sparks the first world war. -
Panama Canal
In 1901 Secretary of State John Hay began negotiations with the Republic of Columbia, including Panama. The Panama Canal was the shortest route between the Carribean and the Pacific Ocean. It was started by the French, who encountered disease and mudslides. Theodore Roosevelt then bought the right to build in for $40 million. Yet, Colombia resisted this change, while Panama revolted. The United States for 14 years constructed a system of lock and officially opened the canal in 1914. -
Booker T. Washington
, Booker T. Washington, a prominent Black intellectual, and founder of the Tuskegee Institute, sought for black economic improvement. He believed in the concept of African Americans had the right to maintain an equal economic status to white people and to be viewed as equals rather than inferior to the whites. Washington also thought that the black community should be able to hold up vocational jobs such as manufacturing, healthcare, and teaching. -
First Red Scare
The First Red Scare was a period during the early 20th century in the United States that was marked by fear of the rise of Bolshevism and Anarchism due to the Russian Revolution and recent anarchist bombings. American's fear led to new immigrant restrictions not only for Russians but also Germans. As a result, anarchists and communists were deported, yet innocent people were also mixed into the group of deported immigrants. Therefore revealing how paranoid Americans were. -
Espionage Act
The Espionage Act was a United States federal law that was put in place shortly after the country's entrance to the first world war. The act was established to make it a crime for any person to convey information intended to interfere with the U.S. armed forces prosecution of the war effort or to promote the success of the country's enemies. It was also illegal to tamper with the United States military recruitment and spread lies. This happened due to all the hysteria in the country during WW1. -
American Expeditionary Force
The American Expeditionary Force was made up of the fighting soldiers of the United States Army during the first world war. The force was led by General John Pershing, he helped stop the German's in France during the war. He did this by leading his men to push the Germans back into the trench. Therefore making their first major offensive in Europe as an independent army a success. Their victory was a major turning point for the Allies in World War 1. -
Spanish Flu
The Spanish Flu was one of the most deadly pandemics in modern history. This virus infected at least 500 million people worldwide, this was nearly one-third of the world's population during this time. It killed about 20 to 50 million victims at the time. Common symptoms were, nausea, aches and diarrhea. Many developed severe pneumonia attack. Dark spots would appear on the cheeks and patients would turn blue, suffocating from a lack of oxygen as lungs filled with a frothy, bloody substance. -
14 Points
14 Points was a statement of principles for peace that was established as a way to construct peace negotiations in order to put an end to the first world war. Basically, it was a blueprint for world peace. The statement involved democracy, free trade, disarmament, and resolutions to territorial disputes. Not only was it meant for peace among nations but it was meant to build lasting peace for th world. The 14 Points system was introduced by president Woodrow Wilson, near the end of his term. -
Sedition Act
The Sedition Act was constructed largely by A. Mitchell Palmer, the United States attorney general under President Woodrow Wilson. The Espionage Act, passed shortly after the U.S. entrance into the war in early April 1917, made it a crime for any person to convey information intended to interfere with the U.S. armed forces’ prosecution of the war effort or to promote the success of the country’s enemies. -
World Christian Fundamentals Association
The World Christian Fundamentals Association was an organization that arose in the late 19th century in reaction to theological modernism, which aimed to revise traditional Christian beliefs to accommodate new developments in the natural and social sciences, especially the theory of biological evolution. Therefore, the organization made an effort to ban the teaching of evolution in schools in order to preserve traditional Christian values. -
18th Amendment
Due to pressures from members of the Temperance Movement, many state governments passed state-wide prohibition in the early 1900s. Responding to this growing support, Congress passed a resolution in 1917 regarding nationwide prohibition to be presented to the states for ratification. The 18th Amendment was ratified in 1919, banning the manufacture, transportation, and sale of alcohol. This began the Prohibition Era, which lasted until the passage of 21st Amendment in 1933. -
Hospitality
During the Roaring 20's, car ownership boomed in the United States. More people owned cars, therefore more families went on road trips and vacations. This helped spark the hospitality business. Cottages, roadside accommodations and motels were constructed and made available to the public. Also, since more people were on the road, billboards became a major key to advertising. Restaurants and gas station also grew more common around the nation with more people moving around. -
Working Life
During the first world war, the American government guaranteed worker safety, unions, and good wages. Following the end of the war, all of these promises suddenly dissolved. Big business was back to normal, strikers were accused to be communists, and union membership was at an all-time high. Since republican presidents were in favor of big business, they let things slide, therefore trust laws were not enforced. -
The Lost Generation
The Lost Generation is the generation that grew up in the times of world war 1. They were referred to as "lost" because the young adults were disillusioned with the world and filled with remorse after the first world war. Thus, making them unwilling to settle into a normal life. This generation was against public codes of conduct, favored sexual liberation, and used alcohol as a release. Popular authors of this time are F. Scott Fitzgerald, T.S Elliot, and Gertrude Stein. -
Period: to
1920's
-
League of Nations
The League of Nations was an international organization that was established to enforce the Treaty of Versailles and other peace agreement that concluded WW1. The main purpose the organization was to prevent any future secret deals and/or and to settle international disputes through open diplomacy and peaceful interaction. Each nation had their own representative, for example, president Woodrow Wilson represented the United States. The organization was quite successful during its time. -
Women's Suffrage
The women’s suffrage movement was the struggle for the right of women to vote and run for office. In the mid-19th century, women in the U.S. formed organizations to fight for suffrage. In 1888, the first international women’s rights organization formed, the International Council of Women. President Woodrow Wilson was supportive of Sufferage. When the United States Congress had passed the 19th amendment in 1920, women had finally earned they're right to vote. -
Benefits
After the first world war, working life was working in favor of big businesses and corporations. However, employees also received benefits as labors in the 1920's. Their employers gave them benefits like sick leave, paid vacation, stock ownership, medical insurance, and pensions. These benefits had a purpose though, big business owners provided their workers with such commodities as a way to instill their loyalty to the industry. -
Tea Pot Dome Scandal
During the Tea Pot Dome Scandal, Albert Fall was found guilty of a bribe while in office as the secretary of the interior in President Warren G. Harding's cabinet. Fall had accepted leased oil preserves, he also accepted leases without bidding. He was therefore vigorously investigated by the Senate. Making him the first person to be convicted of a crime while being a presidential cabinet member. This was then the largest scandal to occur in the 20th century. -
Ku Klux Klan
Conservative White Americans have been living in paranoia following the Red Scare, Women's Sufferage, prohibition, and immigration. Therefore, they developed an organization of white brotherhood and supremacy in order to feel secure and empowered within the changing society. Initially, the KKK was suppressed by the government, but by the 1920's, the KKK had acquired millions of members. Black, Jew, Catholic, Feminists, and immigrants were targets for assualt by the KKK. -
American Indian Citizenship Act
This act was established as a way for Congress to grant American citizenship to all Native Americans who were born in the United States. Yet, after this act was passed some Native Americans weren't allowed to vote because the right to vote was governed by the state. Therefore, Native Americans haven't fully gained the right the vote until the 1940's. -
Immigration Act of 1924
Due to rising fears of anarchism in the United States, the American government established the Immigration Act of 1924. The main reason for American's paranoia was the recent anarchist bombing that had occurred, along with the Russian Revolution, and WW1. Therefore, communists, anarchists, and even Germans were deported from the United States. However, it was common for innocent people to be deported for being under suspicion of criminal activity. These accusations were based on nationality. -
F. Scott Fitzgerald
F. Scott Fitzgerald was an American author that rose to prominence during the 1920's. He rose to fame after publishing the novel, The Great Gatsby. It's considered a literary masterpiece up to this day. In this novel, Fitzgerald accurately depicts the lifestyle, and mood of the Jazz Age. It was a period of wild economic prosperity, cultural flowering and a shaking up of social mores. The fun lasted for 10 years then, as he so eloquently said, "leaped to a spectacular death in October 1929." -
The Crash
The origins of the crash was an overproduction of goods. Thus leading to a fall in demand in the market, and limiting purchasing power. Meaning, money became less and less valuable.There was also unequal income distribution that existed at the time. Corporations would gain 62% of profit while the labors were only given 8%. Therefore developing a poor working class in American society. In addition to this, there were high tariffs which increased tensions in the American economy even more. -
Period: to
The Great Depression
-
Herbert Hoover
Herbert Hoover was an American businessman, engineer and politician who became president in the year 1928. As a child, he was an orphan, but he grew up to be a humanitarian. He was an introvert and was then considered a poor public speaker and couldn't connect with his audience. At the beginning of his term he was a rather good leader, he limited government intervention when it came to big businesses and corporations. -
Hoovervilles
During the Great Depression, shantytowns appeared across the U.S. as unemployed people were evicted from their homes. As the Depression worsened, causing severe hardships for millions of Americans, many sought relief from the government. When the government failed to provide assitance, Hoover was blamed for the intolerable economic and social conditions, and the shantytowns that cropped up across the nation, primarily on the outskirts of major cities, became known as Hoovervilles. -
Eleanor Roosevelt
Eleanor Roosevelt was Teddy Roosevelt's niece, making her Franklin Delano Roosevelt's cousin. She became F.D.R's wife, and his right hand. She was an exceptional person, she genuinely cared about others and their plight. Eleanor had traveled 30,000 miles, never really spending a lot of time in Washington D.C. She was the first out-spoken first lady, setting the bar for future first ladies. She hated the south for their treatment of Black people and then became a woman in politics. -
Bank Holiday
When the new president, Franklin Delano Roosevelt was inaugurated in March 1933, banks in all 48 states had either closed or had placed restrictions on how much money depositors could withdraw. FDR's first act as President was to declare a national "bank holiday" – closing the banks for a 3 day cooling off period. People deposited more than they withdrew at the time. The most memorable line from the President's speech was about the bank crisis, "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." -
The New Deal
The New Deal was the set of federal programs launched by President Franklin D. Roosevelt after taking office in 1933, in response to the calamity of the Great Depression, and lasting until the American entry into the Second World War in 1942. It had four major goals and achievements: economic recovery, job creation, civic lift, and the investment in public works. This deal has reignited the progressive era, establishing dozens of new government agencies along the way. -
Franklin Delano Roosevelt
In the election of 1932, Frankin Delano Roosevelt was nominated the Democratic Party's candidate to run for the presidency. He runs a rather conservative campaign, winning overwhelmingly. F.D.R was the 5th cousin of Teddy Roosevelt. In contrast to Herbert Hoover, Roosevelt was charismatic and likable. He was more capable of charming his audience due to his skill in public speaking. Roosevelt was then diagnosed with Polio and hid it from the public. Then he was elected four times. -
Glass-Steagall Act
The Glass-Steagall Act is a law that prevented banks from using depositors' funds for risky investments, such as the stock market. It was also known as the Banking Act of 1933. It gave power to the Federal Reserve to regulate retail banks. It also prohibited bank sales of securities. It created the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation which provided government insured small accounts. The act also separated investment from commercial banking. -
Federal Housing Authority
During the Great Depression, American families were on the verge of losing their homes. The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) revolutionized home ownership by creating our current financial mortgaging system. The FHA helped families buy homes, and refinanced homes by using a smaller down payment. In the process, it produced a lending structure which helped to solidify the racial segregation that still exists today. -
Great Depression in Germany
The United States depression spreads worldwide, hitting Germany in the process. This is where Hitler's radical ideas take hold, for the Germans are desperate for a change. He sways his audience through his empowering and charismatic speeches that address the nation's financial state. The Nazi party gains millions of new members, causing Hitler to become chancellor. When the Reichstag burns down, Hitler gets emergency powers and bans other political parties. Leading him to become the Fuhrer. -
Securities and Exchange Commission
In 1933, during the peak year of the Depression, Congress passed the Securities Act of 1933. Together with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which created the Securities and Exchange Commision, the legislation was designed to help investors feel more comfortable about putting their money back into the stock market. It reformed the buying and selling of stock, disclosed financl details to investers, and regulated stocks on short-term loans. -
Neutrality Acts
The Neutrality Acts were laws passed in 1935, 1936, 1937, and 1939 to limit U.S. involvement in future wars. They were based on the widespread disillusionment with World War I in the early 1930s and the belief that the United States had been drawn into the war through loans and trade with the Allies. Isolationism was particularly strong in the Midwest. The federal laws placed restrictions on the sale of firearms, loans, and other goods to warring nations. -
Munich Conference
Hitler, Chamberlain, Daladier of France and Mussolini of Italy met in Munich and agreed that Hitler should have the Sudetanland of Czechoslovakia. The Czechs were not represented at the meeting and realising that no country would come to their aid were forced to surrender the Sudetenland to Germany. Hitler assured those at the meeting that this was the extent of his ambitions for expansion. Chamberlain returned to England with a piece of paper signed by Hitler, proclaiming ‘peace in our time. -
Period: to
World War 2
-
Operation Barbarossa
Operation Barbarossa was code name for Germany's invasion of the Soviet Union during World War 2. Hitler sent 3 million soldiers and 3,500 tanks into Russia. The Russians were taken by surprise as they had signed a treaty with Germany in 1939. Stalin immediately signed a mutual assistance treaty with Britain and launched an Eastern front battle that would claim 20 million casualties. The USA, which had been supplying arms to Britain under a ‘Lend-Lease’ agreement, offered similar aid to USSR. -
Pearl Harbor
Pearl Harbor was a surprise attack on the United States by Japan. The Japanese, who were already waging war on the Chinese, attacked the US Pacific fleet at Pearl Harbour, Hawaii, as a preliminary to taking British, French and Dutch colonies in South East Asia. 8 battleships were damaged, along with planes and other supplies. However, the attack failed to cripple the American fleet, for the Air carries were not in sight of the attack. Neither were the battleships. Pushing the US into the war. -
Navajo Code Talkers
After the Navajo code was developed, the Marine Corps established a Code Talking school. As the war progressed, more than 400 Navajos were eventually recruited as Code Talkers. The training was intense. Following their basic training, the Code Talkers completed extensive training in communications and memorizing the code. Their role in war required intelligence and bravery. They developed and memorized a special code. They endured some of the most dangerous battles and remained calm under fire. -
D-Day
The allies launched an attack on Germany’s forces in Normandy, Western France. Thousands of transports carried an invasion army under the supreme command of General Eisenhower to the Normandy beaches. The Germans who had been fed false information about a landing near Calais rushed troops to the area but were unable to prevent the allies from forming a solid bridgehead. For the allies, it was essential to first capture a port. -
Operation Overlord
Operation Overlord was the code-name given to the Allied invasion of France. The commander of Operation Overlord was General Dwight Eisenhower. Other commanders for Overlord included Air Marshall Leigh-Mallory, Air Marshall Tedder, Field Marshall Bernard Montgomery and Admiral Bertram Ramsey. It required the type of logistical issues that no army had ever had to cope with before. The plan was for the Allies to have landed a vast amount of both men and equipment by the end of D-Day itself. -
Bombing of Hiroshima
The Americans dropped the world's second atomic bomb 4 days later after the first bomb dropping. The second bomb was dropped on Nagasaki, Japan and a day later Japan surrendered. It is believed that the USA dropped the atomic bombs to frighten the Russians from confronting the West, to test the weapon on humans, to quickly end the war saving lives and keeping Russians out the war, and as revenge for Pearl Harbor and Japanese war crimes against allied prisoners of war. -
Dwight D. Eisenhower
Dwight D. Eisenhower was a five-star general and the Supreme Allied Commander in Europe during World War 2. Eisenhower led the massive invasion of Nazi-occupied Europe that began on D-Day. He had a sophisticated plan of going by both air and sea. This was done to trick Germans on the invasion point. During his presidency, Eisenhower managed Cold War-era tensions with the Soviet Union and authorized a number of covert anti-communist operations by the CIA around the world. -
National Park System
Part of the Progressive reforms was to preserve nature and national monuments. Roosevelt was a conservationist and realist, he believed that nature and the environment should be preserved for future generations. The National Park System was established to do so. Big business conservationists advocated it, the public demanded its creation. Therefore, the system runs all national parks, monuments, and historical sights.
