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Urbanization
Referring to the shift of the general population from rural and farming areas to urban, city areas. Before the industrial revolution, this process was slow. But with the rise of factories, granting steady income and consistent jobs, more and more people moved away from their rural homes to urban cities. -
Manifest Destiny
A widely-held belief that Americans had a God-given right to expand the nation from coast to coast. It was meant to glorify the West, and make it seem much more alluring than it really was. In truth, the West was a dangerous place, and you were more likely to die than you were to find the "adventure" that was advertised. This term was credited to be first used by John O'Sullivan, an editor who used it to describe this Western magnetism. -
Susan B. Anthony
American social reformer & civil rights activist, played a big part in the movement for women's suffrage. She was born into a Quaker family, and worked toward abolishing slavery by age 17. She was a founder of many civil rights organizations, such as the New York Women's State Temperance Society, the Women's Loyal National League, and the American Equal Rights Association. Co-wrote the History of Woman Suffrage with Matilda Joslyn Gage later on. -
Civil Service Reform
Originally, federal employees were hired based on political affiliation. With this reform, this was changed, and people are now hired based on merit, or their ability to perform the job, rather than their political affiliation. For example, it doesn't really matter if your garbage man is Democratic, Republican, Libertarian, or anything, it just matters if he can pick up the can. -
Eugene V. Debs
A Union leader, one of the founders of the Industrial Workers of the World. A 5-time candidate for President from the Socialist Party of America, but early on participated in the Democratic party. In that time, he served as a Democratic member of the Indiana Senate. -
Jane Addams
Known as the mother of social work, she was an activist and reformer for settlements and rights. She co-founded the Hull House, a settlement house, which was a place to work to reform society & the economy for the better. She helped to address various inequalities and needs, and even world peace. -
Ida B. Wells
An African-American journalist and reformer, also a suffragist, sociologist, feminist, and an early leader of the Civil Rights movement. One of the founders of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. Well-known for her documentation of lynchings in the South, showing how they were not done for crimes, but rather to control African Americans. -
Populism & Progressivism
Populism is intended to contrast between the general population, and what are called the "privileged elite." This ties in with Progressivism, which is essentially support for a social reform. Both of these seek to outline society's shortcomings and inequalities, and try to find ways to reduce, or even remove them. -
Andrew Carnegie
Scottish-American, founded the Carnegie Steel Company. He later sold this company to J.P. Morgan for $480 million, and it became the U.S. Steel Company. He was well-known as a philanthropist, giving 90% of his fortune away to charities, and called for other wealthy people to use their wealth to improve society. -
William Jennings Bryan
American politician from Nebraska, stood as the Democratic Party Presidential Nominee three times. Served two terms in the House of Representatives, and lost re-election four years later. Known for his stance against our Gold Standard system of economy. -
Political Machines
A group led by a "boss" or small group that commands a corps of supporters. The power of said "political machine" is judged by how many votes the supporters can create for their boss when the time arises. While these tactics are commonly used in politics, a Political Machine is designed around a hierarchy in which the boss commands supporters, usually controlling them through "behind the scenes" payment. A famous cartoon was made in Puck magazine representing New York's machine. -
Theodore Roosevelt
26th president of the United States. A leader for reformation, promoted it during his presidency. Also famous for his distinctive "cowboy" personality. -
Upton Sinclair
An author who wrote nearly a hundred books, famous for specifically his book, The Jungle. This book exposed the poor labor and sanitary conditions of the US factory system. This led to a public outcry, which in turn made the Pure Food and Drug Act, along with the Meat Inspection Act. -
Dollar Diplomacy
Foreign policy in place during Taft's term, designed around investing in foreign countries to further the Unites States' economic power. The use of diplomacy to further economic agendas was not, however, new, and had also been promoted before. But during Taft's term, he encouraged American bankers to seek out investments outside the US, in order to expand our economy. -
16th Amendment
This amendment allows the government to levy a direct income tax. This being a direct tax means that it is not based on population, or decided by the states. This amendment stemmed from the Pollock v. Farmer's Loan & Trust Co. case, in which it was disputed whether or not income due to rent, dividends or interest was taxable. -
17th Amendment
This amendment states that the people of the States have the right to elect their Senators by popular vote. It also states that, if a vacancy arises in the Senate, then the State legislature can appoint a temporary Senator until another is elected. This temporary term will not affect the following election or term of the temporary Senate member, should they run for re-election. -
Clarence Darrow
A lawyer who led the American Civil Liberties Union, and an advocate for Georgist reform. Georgism states that people should own the money that they themselves generate, but value derived from land they own should benefit society, and not only the owner of the land. Clarence defended many clients in high-profile cases, which generally dealt with civil rights issues. -
Immigration & the American Dream
Many immigrants came from poor countries, and wanted to start a new life. Coming to America meant that they could have new job opportunities, make a name for themselves, perhaps even found their own business, and get rich. Some people lived this dream, but many immigrants just worked on the railroads, and other hard labor jobs. James Truslow Adams defined it such the that "life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement."
