1. Colonialism
1. Reasons for European expansion overseas
● Religious persecution
● Primogeniture- 1st born son inherits land and wealth
● The 3 g’s- God, Gold and Glory
● Debt
Who settled where:
England: East coast US
Spain: South America & Central America & Caribbean
France: Canada and North
The Dutch: New York
Early English Settlements:
3 types of charters
1. Royal -King
2. Proprietary -King owes money but doesn’t have to pay back just a possible
colony. Gives land instead of money
3. Corporate- Business venture and investment in a company to try and start a
colony
Jamestown 1607: (corporate) Chesapeake is the origin of the American South
● Goal: To find gold
● Characteristics of settlers: men who had enough money to put resources
together to invest in the settlement
● Geography: Woodland area and rich soil
● Why they survived: Native Americans, John Rolfe (tobacco), & John Smith
(don’t work, don’t eat)
Plymouth: 1620 Pilgrims/ puritans first settlers (corporate to royal)
● Goal: Separatists/Pilgrims; Church was God’s spirit (Predestination)
● Characteristic of settlers: Families (men and women)
● Geography/ economy: Rocky soil (based on trade & shipbuilding & fishing)
Massachusetts Bay 1630: (royal)
● Non-separatists; stay with Church of England. They wanted to purify Church of
England because it was “too catholic”
● Founder- John Winthrop- famous sermon ​Model of Christian Charity​: Boston will
become a “city upon a hill”
● Motivation-- a city upon a hill
Maryland (proprietary):
● Type of colony/purpose: For Catholics
● Founder: Lord Baltimore
Rhode Island
● Founders: Anne Hutchinson and Roger Williams; they were both booted
● Purpose: Williams- believed in complete religious tolerance and separation of
church and state
Hutchinson: antanomimium didn’t have to live by a moral code and sinning
didn’t threaten them.
Connecticut (multiple royal charters)
● Founder: Thomas Hooker
○ Founded for puritan haven; fundamental orders of Connecticut is the
most important part (constitution)
The Carolinas
● Type of colony: proprietary
● Purpose: To grow food crops in Carribeans & wanted some protection from
Spain and Native Americans
○ Reason for Louisiana Purchase
New York
● Type of colony: Royal
● Geography: mixture of New England and South; great for food crops
○ Erie makes it prosper even more later on
Pennsylvania
● Founder: William Penn
● Type of colony: proprietary
● Purpose-- the holy experiment: place where all religions are welcome
● Beliefs of a Quaker: life of god could be found in every person; wanted religious
tolerance, gender and racial equalities, & believed in sign of deference
(showing people that they are better than you)
Georgia (Corporate)
● Founder: James Oglethorpe
● Purpose: debtors & wanted a bigger buffer (like carolinas)
Examples of Government/Democracy
● Mayflower Compact: early version of democracy because before they got off
the Mayflower they made an agreement on how they would make decisions;
majority rule
● Virginia House of Burgess: first Representative Government in the new world;
colonists representing people of the colonies (they were elected)
● Fundamental Orders of Connecticut: the first written Constitution ​Up Above
Examples of Religious toleration
● South: Maryland Act of Toleration- Designed to protect all people who were
Christian, but not protection for people who were not Christians.
● North: Halfway Covenant and the Elect- The government and the religion are
one (theocracy) Church membership was dropping so puritans became
desperate and they wanted to up their numbers so they extend a halfway
covenant so if you used to be a member you could come back and work
towards full membership again. (conversion)
● Everywhere: First Great Awakening- where colonists go from being very
religious to super religious (even more religious); it is the first common
unifying experience that impacts all of the colonies (revival movement)
○ Important people of this: Jonathan Edwards and George Whitfield
○ Impact: one had a choice in their salvation; increase in democracy
Examples of Unity
● New England Confederation 1643: effort of the colonies to unify against threats
(specifically the Native Americans in New England)
● The Dominion of New England 1686-1689: England tried to reorganize the
colonies into a more manageable political unit (Edmund Andros and
eventually was despised; salutary neglect)
Threats to Social Order
● The South- Bacon’s Rebellion: led by Nathaniel Bacon who was a former
indentured servant; try to restore the society that they hoped to establish
● The North- Salem Witch Hunt: wealthy women of salem were being accused of
being witches by women of the outskirts (felt mistreated)
Role in the English Empire
● Mercantilism: the mother country uses the natural resources of the colonies
to become self sufficient Goal: sell more than you buy
● The Navigation Acts: Certain goods had to be sent to England first before other
foreign countries so England could control the profits
○ Both were not heavily regulated
● Positive aspects of Mercantilism: colonies had a regular trading partner,
provided naval protection, & regular source of revenue
● Negative aspects of mercantilism: Not regulated,& England wins twice
(overcharges the other countries and couldn’t manufacture)
Imperial War- The French and Indian war: 7 years war
● Causes: Wanted the land of the Ohio RIver
○ George Washington was sent
● Albany Plan of Union 1754: Benjamin Franklin proposed it (Join or die cartoon);
to protect themselves from native americans and the french; people would
become unified and would put taxes together. British and colonists rejected
this idea because they didn’t want one combined colony to tell them what to
do.
● Results: William Pitt became prime minister and makes a promise to
Americans that they would get the land and if you get behind the war effort the
British will pay for the war; didn’t follow through but helped people join the
war. Relationship falls apart
● Impact on relationship between Americans and British
○ Proclamation of 1763- due to one native american was leading a
movement to continue the fight (Pontiac rebellion) British was in great
debt but they said that colonists can’t move West of the Appalachians
mountains and they gave the land back to the Native Americans;
colonists are furious.
2. Road to American Revolution
Economic causes of the revolution
● Taxes- from French & Indian war
○ “Taxation without representation”
● Crack down on Smuggling (Navigation Acts)
● End of salutary neglect
● Mercantilism
Political causes of the revolution
● Disdain for monarchy (belief republican rule is taking root)
● Unity between the colonies
○ Result: opposition of the monarchy
● Lack of representation- no one from the colonies to protect their needs
Who was James Otis, and what did he believe?
● Very young boston lawyer demanded that parliament remove acts
○ Challenging the constitutionalist 1760-1761
○ “No taxation without Representation”
How did Pontiac’s Rebellion lead to a growing tension between the Americans and
the British?
● Proclamation of 1763- Limited westward settlement; couldn’t move past
appalachians mountains. Americans believed they fought all for nothing and
were angered
What were the economic goals of George Greenville?
● British Prime Minister, sought to enforce the Navigation Acts. He put more of
the burden of defending the colonies to the colonists. He wanted colonies to
pay higher taxes and to stop smuggling.
How did Greenville change the economic relationship with Americans?
● He wanted to reduce debt to protect the colonies; end of salutary neglect
● Britain thought they should pay a ⅓ of that but he believed it wasn’t a big deal
What did the Sugar Act (1764) do?
● Updated version of the Molasses Act. It was the first act ever made to raise
revenue for the crown. It was an external tax; like a tariff
○ It was not enforced effectively
What did the Currency Act of 1764 do?
● Britain restricted the colonial printing of paper money. They wanted colonists
to pay back loans and debts with hard money (gold and silver)
○ Becomes a huge issue; no hard money
What did the Stamp Act (1765) do?
● Single most important act that led to the revolution. Its purpose was to raise
revenue to support new British military provisions in the colonies.
● Internal tax and direct tax
What ideological arguments came after the Greenville laws were passed?
● Paying what you were expected to pay
How did Americans protest the Stamp Act?
● Colonists didn’t have a say. Sons of Liberty protesting led by Samuel Adams.
(tar and feathering, speeches, gatherings, violence, boycotts, etc.)
○ Stamp Act Congress- for formal complaints for Parliament
○ It was repealed in 1766; proved that parliament could be persuaded
What loophole did Charles Townshend use to put more duties on the colonies
without upsetting them in 1767?
● Americans were not against external taxes; but they were being used for royal
colonies.
How did the following protest the Townshend duties?
● John Dickinson- “Letters From a Pennsylvania Farmer”- unfair for the crown to
tax the colonies simply for the purpose of raising revenue. Challenge the
distinction between the different types of taxes
● Samuel Adams and the Sons of Liberty- used the idea of no taxation without
representation; unfair to levy taxes without colonists’ consent. Protest, boycott
and refuse to import British goods.
What was the Boston Massacre?
● 4 people (innocent) were killed; peaceful arrival of soldiers but Americans
protested them because they thought they were trying to suppress them
which caused this.
What became of the Townshend duties?
● They were repealed(except for tax on tea)
What was the Gaspee Incident?
● British taxing ships and americans set fire to the ship; Samuel Adams= :)
What was the purpose of Lord North’s Tea Act in 1773?
● Protect the British east india company from competing with the dutch
company. Americans are already smuggling in the dutch tea
How did colonists respond?
● Boston tea party happens; Sons of Liberty dress as Indians and board the
ships and dump the tea into the harbor
How did the British respond to the Boston Tea Party?
● They made the Intolerable Acts to punish Boston. Ports were closed and
Massachusetts charter was revoked
What was the Quebec Act?
● Created with Intolerable Acts, Quebec would be a royal colony; Catholic was
official religion. It wasn’t meant to punish them
What was done by the First Continental Congress?
● In response to the intolerable acts. Bostonians agreed to end all trade with
Britain and encouraged other colonies to join in with them. Approved of
raising an army. Main purpose is to redress grievances
How did the King respond to American actions?
● Declared that Americans to be in a state of rebellion
What happened at Lexington and Concord?
● Went to arrest John Hancock; men were refusing to disperse. Shots occurred
around the world. Redcoats sent to get guns and gunpowder and arrest
Samuel Adams.
What was the Olive Branch Petition?
● Attempt by the British colonies to ask the king to intervene on their behalf and
argue for them. They wanted the king to speak to Parliament, but he refused to
recognize it.
What was the impact of Thomas Paine’s Common Sense?
● A tiny land shouldn’t rule over a lot of land. Independence is a real possibility.
It broke emotional connection with the monarchy. A lot of people became
Patriots.
Summarize the American perception of the Revolution
● ⅓ for, ⅓ against, & ⅓ indifferent
What was the British perception
● Greedy, spoiled people. They felt that the colonies didn’t appreciate it.
3. American Revolution and the New Republic
What did the Declaration of Independence do?
● It listed the grievances against the King
● Justified independence under natural law
● Appealed to the sympathies of British
What flaws/hypocrisies exist in the Declaration of Independence?
● Slavery- Declaration was slightly exaggerated
● America was complaining that England wasn’t Democratic enough
What advantages were held by the English during the American Revolutionary war?
● Army
● Strong Central government
● Have loyalists in America
● Big population
● Lord Dunmore’s army
What advantages were held by Americans?
● Familiar with terrain
● United by a common cause
● George Washington
● Faster mobilization
How did the US win the war?
1. Raising armies
- Offered freedom of slaves
- Appealed to French for help
- Organized militia ready to fight
2. Raising money
- Had help from France
3. Raising allies
- France
4. A war of attrition
- Used guerilla warfare
- Became too costly for Britain
Who were the Tories?
● Loyalists they were wealthier
1. Why did they remain loyal?
a. Couldn’t quite break ties
2. What happened to them at the end of the war?
a. Compensated for loss of property
b. Some moved to England
What impact did the war have on society?
● More equality between the rich and the poor
● Role of women evolves- direct connection to the American Revolution
● Some slaves were given freedom
What were the results of the Peace of Paris?
● It established Independence
● America pays debts to British merchants
What was the structure of the Articles of Confederation?
Executive: No presidential power
Legislative: Unicameral; 2 vote per state
Judicial: there wasn’t one
States: functioned as Independent powers
Powers: They could distribute land and wage war
Powers lacking: Couldn’t coin money, couldn’t regulate commerce or raise
taxes
How did the Articles of Confederation reflect our recent war with Great Britain?
● It was designed to give all powers to states
What are some of the successes of the Articles of Confederation?
● It won war
● Northwest Ordinance (1777); took position in slavery, created states
● Land Ordinance (1785); set aside land for public education and allowed selling
of land to make money
What were some of the failures of the Articles?
● State over country created unrest
Why did the Articles of Confederation ultimately get replaced by a new government?
● Farmers rebel against Boston creditors
Newburgh Conspiracy- George Washington’s officers were furious they weren’t
getting payed,
Annapolis Convention: Hamilton called for Philadelphia conventionconstitutional convention
What characteristics were predominant among the delegates at the Constitutional
Convention in Philadelphia?
● White, college-educated, Protestant, relatively young, mainly lawyers,
predominantly wealthy
● George Washington, Madison. Jefferson and Adams not there
According to historian Charles Beard, what was the motive of the framers at the
Constitutional Convention?
● Argued framers were preserving their wealth and prosperity
In what way was this new Constitution a series of compromises?
1. Representation- bicameral
2. Slavery- ⅗ compromise, 20 years until Congress could act on issue
3. Trade- Federal government regulated commerce, taxed imports (tariffs)
4. Presidential powers- Has ability to veto with possibility of override, 2 term
limit, and electoral college process
Explain the arguments of the following on the Constitution:
1. Federalists- George Washington, Ben Franklin, James Madison and Alexander
Hamilton
2. Arguments- wanted strong central government
3. The Federalist papers- written by Hamilton, Jay and Madison
Anti-Federalists
1. Who?- Patrick Henry, Sam Adams, Monroe, & George Mason
2. Arguments- Were fearful that government would be too strong; wanted Bill of
Rights
What precedents were established by President George Washington?
● Cabinet- formed positions/departments and leaders; Jefferson, Knox,
Hamilton and Randolph were his cabinet
● Two term
● No rebellion in our borders- Whiskey Rebellion (no taxation without
representation)
● Neutrality- George Washington established foreign policy
● Presidential etiquette- the term president= less monarch like
Leaders
Alexander Hamilton
Thomas Jefferson
View of Constitution
Loose interpretation
Strict interpretation
Foreign Policy
British
French
Military Policy
Large peacetime military
Small standing army
Domestic Policy
Assistance to business
National bank
Tariffs
Agriculture
No bank
No tariffs
Chief Supporters
Large landowners and
federalists
Skilled workers, small
farmers, and plantation
owners
Explain the components of Alexander Hamilton’s financial plan?
● Fed assumption of state debt to pay off national debt
● High tariffs (designed to protect the industry)
● National bank
● Excise taxes (whiskey)
● Selling stocks and western land to raise revenue (wanted to buy bonds)
The French Revolution
● Should America support the French? Washington dropped the Proc. of
Neutrality
Proclamation of Neutrality (1793)
● George Washington set precedent of neutrality
The “Citizen” Genet Affair
● He traveled to states to get Americans to support the Revolution behind
Washington’s back
● Washington was furious
The Jay Treaty
● Kept peace with Great Britain
● Britain agreed to vacate a port on Western frontier
The Pinckney Treaty
● Spain didn’t want to be left out and wanted to secure a future for their country
● Gave America use of the Mississippi River and right of deposit
What recommendations did Washington make in the farewell Address?
● Avoid foreign entanglements
● Warned against political parties
● Warned against sectionalism
How successfully did John Adams continue Washington’s policy of neutrality?
● He kept the country neutral for the most part
● XYZ Affair threatens neutrality (with France)
What were the Alien and Sedition Acts- Federal laws passed to silence anyone who
spoke out against law and democratic republicans
1. Naturalization Act- changed amount of years needed to become a citizen
2. Alien Acts- Government can deport or detain dangerous aliens
3. Sedition Acts- Illegal to criticize president or Congress
How were these acts blatantly political and partisan in Nature?
● They were set to expire the day the new president took office (jefferson)
How did Republicans respond to the Alien and Sedition Acts and what important
precedent did they establish in this process?
● The Virginia and Kentucky resolutions= those states would nullify Alien and
Sedition Acts
4. Jeffersonian America
Why did John Adams lose reelection in 1800?
● Alien and Sedition Acts- set off his opposition
● He increased taxes to build up the military “Father of the US Navy”
Was the election of 1800 truly the “Revolution of 1800?”
● Patly yes and no
○ yes - a new political party will dominant the presidency. There is a
peaceful change and some emphasis on the “Common Man” Promoted
liberty over government control
○ No- no profound change in government during his presidency. No0
redistribution of wealth
Who were the Quida?
● Democratic republicans who believed Jefferson wasn’t democratic republic
enough and too much of a federalists John Randolph is the leader (Strict
Construction)
How did Jefferson handle all of the following precedents established by the federalist
Presidents?
1. Military size- reduced it drastically; opposite of Adams
2. National bank- opposed when he was in the cabinet but actually renewed it
during his presidency
3. Excise taxes- repealed them
4. Neutrality- continued it for the most part
5. Alien and Sedition Acts- expired when he came into office
6. Size of government- reduced it (Republican move)
7. Permanent domestic debt- reduced
What circumstances brought about the Louisiana Purchase?
● French and British were at war; French regain control of Louisiana territory
● US signed Pinckney treaty with Spain
● Desire to remove Europeans from our borders
● French loses Haiti
● Jefferson agrarian dream- all men should have territory
● He didn't want to pass up the offer even though he had a strict interpretation;
only $15 million
How was the Louisiana Purchase a challenge to Jefferson’s fundamental belief?
● It was against the strict interpretation of the Constitution
How did President Jefferson handle the following challenges?
1. Aaron Burr- Tried to break New England away from the US and parts of Mexico
later. Jefferson eventually had him arrested for treason but was found not
guilty (first major treason charge) which showed how difficult it was
2. The tribute paid to the barbary pirates- forcing Americans to pay a bribe to
pass into the Mediterranean Sea for trade and to avoid a war. Jefferson sets up
a blockade and makes an agreement to not have to pay bribes any longer (Acts
as a federalist)
3. A federalist Court System- Judicial impeachments, successfully removes
justice, Timothy Pickering, who was an alcoholic. Goes after Samuel Chase but
he wasn’t bad so he was unsuccessful
4. The Chesapeake-Leopard Affair- Chesapeake- American Leopard- British.
British blew a hole in the ship because they wanted to board the ship, due to
seizure of American goods and impressment.
How successful was the Embargo Act in achieving the goals of Jefferson?
● Destroyed economy of England and stopped trade going in and out of US
(biggest mistake)
○ Backfired; British turned elsewhere to find goods in Latin America
● New England wanted to succeed because they were furious
● 1809 Embargo Act is repealed
How did Madison handle the commercial crisis that he inherited from Jefferson?
● Non-Intercourse Act- US will not trade with Britain and France because of
impressment and seizure
● Macon’s Bill #2- it is an offer to whoever agrees to stop impressment to
become best friends for trade and French takes the deal but eventually begins
to seizure the US ships again
What factor caused the War of 1812?
● Neutral rights because they wouldn’t let US trade with whoever they wanted to,
impressment of ships, on the frontier British encouraged Native Americans to
try to fight again Western Movement (Tecumseh and “The Profit’ fought and
resisted against Americans) Battle of Tippecanoe occurs
● War hawks; Calhoun and Henry Clay because desire for new land (Canada)
Who opposed the War of 1812?
● New England because they thought it would affect their trade
● Federalists and the Quids
What major military campaigns/battles occurred during the War or 1812?
● Invasion of Canada and burning city of York; burning of DC in retaliation
● Naval battles on the Great Lakes
● Battle of Fort McHenry; Star Spangled Banner is made
● Battle of New Orleans; “won American war” but actually ended earlier
How did the Treaty of Ghent settle to the War of 1812?
● Status Quo Antebellum- returned all land that they conquered
What were the federalists trying to achieve at the Hartford Convention?
● Wanted no president from the same state twice in a row (because virginia)
● One term for presidency
● Wanted ⅔ to pass Embargo
● ⅔ majority to declare war
● Possibility of proposing secession matter
What impact did the Hartford Convention have on the federalist Party?
● It killed their party
What is the legacy of the War of 1812?
● Increased nationalism and increased respect from other world powers
● End to federalists
What factors made this period an “Era of Good Feeling?”
● Political party
● Economic development increases drastically
● American system by Henry Clay
● First Industrial revolution in American history
● National Anthem is created
● Increased emphasis on American art and literature
Who were the three political leaders that emerged in this period, known as the Great
Triumvirate?
● Calhoun, Clay and Webster- more influential than any president in this time
period
What was the overall goal of Clay’s American System and what three things did he
propose to achieve this goal?
● Self-Sufficiency wanted an interconnected American society
● National bank, tariffs (1816), and internal improvements
How successful were these 3 ingredients of the American System?
● National bank was kept until Jackson became President
● Tariff was the “first true protective tariff in American history”
● Internal improvements- canal boom and many states benefited from it
What factors contributed to Western development in the Era of Good Feelings?
● Removal of Indians from their land in the Ohio River Valley
● Embargo Act- failure in Businesses looked elsewhere to make money
● In the East soil was bad from tobacco so went west
● Better transportation
● Old Immigrants from Ireland and Germany
What sparked the Missouri Compromise?
● Manifest Destiny
How did they settle this dispute?
● Missouri becomes slave state; Mason dixon line splits slave and free
● Maine becomes a free State
Explain the following Era of Good Feelings foreign achievements
1. Rush-Bagot- Limited the navy on the Great Lakes to make it more of a peaceful
border
2. Treaty of 1818- established joint occupation of Oregon and established 49th
parallel (Northern border of Louisiana territory)
3. Florida Purchase Treaty (Adams Onis)-Seminole Indians were an issue so
Jackson went and wiped out all of the Indians in Florida. US purchase florida
from Spain due to the conflict with Native Americans
4. The Monroe Doctrine- ​John Quincy Adams wrote it- US would try to keep
European countries form resettling. British supported this and help with their
military
a) Transportation changes- early roads are innovative roads for transportation,
change of construction of roads to stop erosion. National road went from
Maryland to Illinois. Erie Canal had a huge impact especially for farmers in the
West who now could sell their products. Steamboat invention. Railroads were
created
b) Population growth (Immigration)- Ireland and Germany
c) Industrial Growth
i)
Samuel Slater- “Slater the traitor” stole secrets from the British and
created textiles from this
ii)
Inventions- Eli Whitney- interchangeable parts and cotton gin
iii)
The Factory System- women worked in the factories and Lowell mill
iv)
Labor needs- Women, children and immigrants
v)
Unions- Thought of as bad in the beginning and were hated early on
d) Commercial agriculture- cotton becomes King, people make more and more
products (commercial farming takes over), plantations are primarily
producing staple crops
How did the Election of 1824 end the Era of Good Feeling
● A corrupt bargain
What general positions were held by the marshall Court?
● Pro federal government; marshall was “Last federalist”
a) Marbury v Madison (1803)
i)
Issue- midnight justices and marbury didn’t receive his commission
from madison
ii)
Decision- unconstitutional (judiciary act) established judicial review
iii)
Significance- judicial review was established
b) McCulloch v Maryland (1819)- state cannot tax national entities
c) Gibbons v Ogden- only the national government regulate interstate commerce
d) Fletcher v Peck- federal government can declare state laws unconstitutional
e) Dartmouth College v Woodward- private contracts cannot be violated by the
states
Later Courts
a) Dred Scott v. Sanford (1857)- ​A Missouri slave sued for his freedom, claiming
that his four year stay in the northern portion of the Louisiana Territory made
free land by the Missouri Compromise had made him a free man. The U.S,
Supreme Court decided he couldn't sue in federal court because he was
property, not a citizen.
b) Worcester v. Georgia (1831)- ​In 1832, when the court invalidated a Georgia law
that attempted to regulate access by U.S. citizens to Cherokee country.
Marshall claimed only the federal govt. could do that. He explained that the
tribes were sovereign entities in much the same way Georgia was a sovereign
entity. In defending the power of the federal government, he was also affirming
and explaining the rights of the tribes to remain free from the authority of
state governments.
c) Plessy v. Ferguson (1896)- ​Ruled that separate but equal facilities for African
Americans are constitutional
d) Schenck v. United States (1919)- ​Held that the clear-and-present danger
principle should be used as the test of whether a government may limit free
speech
e) Schechter Poultry Corp. v. US (1935)- ​FDR's National Industrial Recovery Act
(NIRA) declared unconstitutional; economic situation of the US didn't justify
gov't codes of fair competition for different industries.
f) Korematsu v. US (1944)- ​Supreme court ruled that an entire race could be
labeled a "suspect classification," meaning the gov. was permitted to deny the
Japanese their constitutional rights because of military considerations
Warren Court
a) Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka (1954)- ​Ruled that separation of the
races in public schools is unconstitutional; reversed the Plessy v. Ferguson
decision
b) Baker v. Carr (1962)- ​Established the principle of "one person, one vote" and
made such patterns of representation illegal. The Court asserted that the
federal courts had the right to tell states to reapportion their districts for more
equal representation.
c) Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)- ​Held that defendants have the right to be
represented by counsel in state trails and that lawyers must be provided to
defendants who cannot afford to pay for them
d) Miranda v. Arizona (1966)- d​eclared that if accused persons have not been
informed of their right to remain silent, then any statements they make may
not be used as evidence against them
e) Roe v. Wade (1973)- ​Established a woman's legal right to an abortion under
certain circumstances
f) Engel v. Vitale (1962)- ​Held that public schools cannot require students to say
prayers
g) Griswold v. Connecticut (1965)- ​Ruled that the Constitution did guarantee
certain zones of privacy
5. Jacksonian America
What examples are there increased democracy during the Age of Jackson
1. Voting trends- increased democracy, voting by the people, lower middle class,
appeal to masses
2. Education- increased for the common people; more democracy
3. Newspaper circulation- more informed voters and more informed politicians
4. Universal male suffrage- rather than property qualifications; common man is
more influential in the economy
5. Party nominating conventions- End of King caucus
6. Popular election of president- people directly elect the electors
7. Campaigns- increasingly popular, more slogans; seeking out votes by going
after a certain group of individuals
8. Third parties- the “Know Nothings,” the liberty party, and the working man’s
party
9. More elected offices- Jackson wanted more of a rotation in office
10. Spoils system- jackson wanted to reward party loyalty; patronage system
11. Rotation of officeholders- they had limited terms and maximize people
working in office
How did John Quincy Adams performance as president lead to a desire for a more
“common” president?
● Seen as a aristocrat, out of touch with the common man, was a big spender
(federal spendings and internal improvements). He raised the tariffs
Describe the dirty campaign of 1828
● It had to do with Jackson’s wife; she was a mistress (previously married).
National republicans would support Adams
How was Andrew Jackson different from previous presidents?
● He was a westerner, common man, born in a cabin, did not have formal
education.
How did Jackson change the role of the presidency in the federal government?
● He increased federal power, opposed federal spending, seen as protector of
common man and had more vetoes than any other presidents
What issue helped destroy Jackson’s official cabinet and whom did he turn to
instead for advice?
● The Peggy-Eaton affair was the issue. He turned to his kitchen cabinet
(unofficial advisors he would talk to)
How did Andrew Jackson handle the following
1. Native Americans- Completely ignored John Marshall’s ruling, Indian Removal
Act of 1830
2. The National Bank- hated it, destroyed the bank, and distrusted big business.
He put his money in pet banks
3. Internal improvements- He opposed them, vetoed several of them
4. Protective tariff- he opposed them, but forces South Carolina to give up
nullification through a tariff
Democrats (Jackson)
Whigs(Clay)
Position on the issue
Pro local rule, pro limited
government, pro free
trade, pro equal economic
opportunity for the white
man
Supported American
System, the bank of the
US, internal
improvements and
protective tariffs. Anti
immigration and anti
immorality
Base of voter support
The South, the west, small
farmers & urban workers
New England, Mid
Atlantic, Protestant
groups & upper Mid
western
After defeating the attempt to recharter the Second bank of the US how did Jackson
kill the bank?
● Pet banks: transferred money from the banks to these
How was Jackson’s successor, Martin Van Buren, doomed to have an unsuccessful
presidency?
● He was handpicked by Jackson; Panic of 1837 (over speculation) mainly
because of jackson’s pet banks
Describe the “Log Cabin, Hard Cider” campaign of 1840?
● Whigs created falses facts about Harrison, lots of new slogans and ads.
Harrison defeated Van buren, it was the first mass turnout in election in US
history.
What factors contributed to the spirit of reform during the Jacksonian period?
● The 2nd Great Awakening; growth in desire of democracy, and change in
religious beliefs
How did the Second Great Awakening differ from the first one?
● Much larger scale
Who was most responsible for spreading the revivalist spirit in the Second Great
Awakening?
● Charles Finney
Explain the beliefs of these religious groups
1. Millennialists- They believed the return of Christ was coming soon
2. Mormons- founded by Joseph Smith
Who were the transcendentalists?
● Believed some things could not be explained by science or natural laws
Founder
Beliefs
Results
Brook farm
(Massachusetts
1841-1846)
George Ripley
Spiritual matters
Destroyed by a fire
&
and had a lot of
transcendentalism debt
The Shakers
(1774)
Mother Ann Lee
Christ Second
coming; against
sexual intercourse,
secual equality
and opposed
marriage
Die from their
belief of no
intercourse
New Harmony
(Indiana 1825)
Robert Owen
Industrial
Socialism- all
people shared the
wealth of the
company
Founded first
public school and
first public library;
failed for financial
reasons
Oneida, NY (1848)
John Humphrey
Second coming of
christ but it had
already taking
place, New form of
perfectionism,
everyone was
married to
everyone;
practiced birth
control
Lasted for about
30 years, produced
Steel and
eventually turned
into silver plates.
Failed because
marriage issues
Fourier Phalanxes
(Ohio 1840s)
Charles Fourier
Share the work
They died very
quickly
How did the methods used to encourage reform evolve during the reform period?
● Created sermons and pamphlets, a lot of persuasion was used in these
pamphlets
Temperance:
a) Moral suasion- Formed in Boston (1826) to urge drinkers to give up alcohol
b) Political action- Increase in taxing of liquor; at local and state level
Explain the impact of the following reformers/reform movements
a) Dorothea Dix- Worked to improve the treatment of the mentally handicapped;
most successful reformer of this time. She looked at prison treatment
b) Samuel Gridley Howe- School for the blind
c) The Auburn System- Petitions to try to reform prisoners
d) Horace Mann- Educational reformer who argued for better public education
use property tax for better education
e) William Holmes McGuffey- (1800-1873) grade school readers were created
(books), focuses on morality and patriotism
f) Sylvester graham- Invented graham crackers, healthy reform and dietary
reforms
Explain the cult of domesticity
● Women’s place is in the home to cook and clean; educate the children to have
good morals
What successes/failures were met by the early reformers of women’s rights?
● Combined with abolitionist movement, Seneca Falls Convention (lead by Mott
and Statton); launched women’s rights
What divisions existed in the anti-slavery movement?
● Immediate versus gradual; compensation versus no compensation
Describe the impact of the following to the anti-slavery movement
American Colonization Society- Send them to Africa
American Antislavery Society- immediate abolition with no compensation
Liberty Party- opposed slavery
Black abolitionists- Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman
Violents abolitionists
a) David Walker- Wrote book to encourage slaves to fight their masters; lead to
violent revolts
b) Nat Turner- Slave revolts and killed hundreds of blacks; eventually captured
and killed
6. Manifest Destiny and the Road to Civil War
What is Manifest Destiny?
● The belief that US had divine mission to extend across North America
● God chose the Americas to control the Western Hemisphere
What forces drove manifest destiny?
● To spread religion, Nationalism, economic development & technology
What circumstances prompted the flood of Americans into Mexico (Texas)?
● Mexico invited settlers; white farmers to come in
Why did the people of Texas revolt against the Mexican government?
● They maxed out slavery, required to be catholics, and also wanted texas to
follow mexican laws
Why did the US finally decide to annex Texas, and why did it take so long?
● Northerners didn’t want another slave state
● Concerned of possible threat of war with Mexico in 1845
What conflict existed between the US and Canada over the Maine border, and how
was it resolved?
● Webster Ashburton Treaty of 1842: US retained over half of the territory
What claims did both the US and Britain have to the Oregon territory?
● Lewis and Clark & Oregon Trail & the fur trade & Oregon treaty of 1846: stated
that they would share at the 49th parallel
Who won the election of 1844, and what campaign promises prompted his election?
● James K. Polk; expression of manifest destiny. The major issue was Texas. Polk
was supported by expansionist democrats
How was Texas annexation achieved by President Tyler?
● The Joint resolution in Congress to avoid the ⅔ senate needed for treaties
Why can John Tyler rightfully be called a “man without a party?”
● He didn’t have support from his party (democrats); they tried to impeach him.
He was very Jacksonian in some traits.
What did James K Polk do to settle the issue of Oregon after he took office?
● They have the compromise that essentially split it in half
What were the four goals of James K Polk, all of which he achieved?
1. California
2. Oregon
3. Independent Treasury System
4. Lower tariffs
What did John Slidell attempt to do in his negotiations with Mexico?
● Persuaded Mexico to sell California and New Mexico
● Looked at settlement between Mexico and Texas dispute
● Polk wanted California for gateway to the Pacific
What caused the Mexican War (1846-1848)?
● “American blood for American Soil”
● Annexation with Texas caused a lot of issues with Mexico
Describe how the United States successfully defeated the Mexicans
● Zachary taylor became a huge hero because he crossed into the Rio Grande
and took over.
Explain the Consequences of the War with Mexico
a) Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo- (1848) US gained California and Mexican
succession (Utah, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico) ; Mexico lost ½ of their
territory
b) Wilmot proviso- (1848) It was a proposed law but didn’t pass Congress; slavery
should never exist in the new territory gained by Mexico. Southerners now
resent the Northerners because of this.
c) Prelude to Civil War- Renewed debate of slavery
Discuss the following other examples of Manifest Destiny as Americans continued to
look to Latin America for new territory
a) The Ostend Manifesto (1854)- US secretly demanded Cuba for $130 million; if
spain refused US would still take it by force. It backfired because free soilers
and angry northerners were blocking this. They claimed it was a slaveholder’s
plot and a scheme to buy Cuba.
b) The Walker Expedition of Nicaragua (1855-1857) private takeover by
Southerners. James Walker sailed here to meet with locals to gain support to
take over. Pierce is president during this time.
c) The Clayton-Bulwer Treaty (1850)- US and Britain agreed that neither would try
to create a monopoly or canals without the others consent
d) The Gadsden Purchase (1853)- US were seeking a transcontinental railroad;
but Northerners and Southerners argued for which would receive the railroad
and they eventually agreed that the South would receive it.
The Road to Civil War
What are the major causes of the break between North and South?
● Slavery
● Constitutional disputes; mainly state’s rights
● Economic differences: tariffs, banks and internal improvements
What were the 3 conflicting opinions on how to deal with the newly acquired territory
from Mexico?
a) Free-soilers- Coalition of Northern Antislavery, whigs, democrats and some
from the liberty party. They supported the Wilmot Proviso and they wanted free
labor, free soil, free men and free speech.
b) The Southern position- They said the expansion of slavery should be a right
c) Lewis Cass-- popular sovereignty- Let the voters decide
What prompted the desire to add California to the US more quickly?
● The Gold Rush; California is being put in as a free state
What issues divided the nation in 1850?
● California and New Mexico, the Slave Trade and the Fugitive Slave laws
How were these issues solved by the Compromise of 1850, proposed by Henry Clay?
● California is admitted as a free state
● Abolition of the slave trade in DC
● Popular sovereignty with the Mexican succession
● Stricter Fugitive slave laws
How did Stephen A. Douglas engineer the successful passage of the 1850
compromise?
● Played most important role in passing it in Congress; he split it up to vote on
it individually
How did the Fugitive Slave Law increase sectional tension between North and South?
● Most important issue between North and South. Other states are passing
personal liberty laws.
Explain the impact/position on slavery depicted in these two pieces of literature
a) Uncle Tom’s Cabin- Anti-slavery; it said the masters were cruel and inhumane.
b) Impending Crisis of the South- North said slavery negatively affected the
economy; South said slavery was necessary to grow the economy
How did Southerners respond to these anti-slave positions?
● Slavery was positive and Northerners did not understand because they needed
it for their economy.
Explain the impact of the Kansas-Nebraska Act
● It was made to build a railroad; this was the biggest short term cause of the
Civil War.
● Repealed the Missouri Compromise
● One impact of of sectionalism was the weakening of the 2 major political
parties, first the whigs and then the Democrats
Describe the positions of the following parties that grew during this sectional crisis:
a) The Know-Nothings- white anglo saxons , anti-immigration, anti-slavery:
b) The Republicans- Whigs and Democrats
What were the results of the Election of 1856?
● James Buchanan (Democrat) won.
● Strong support from the south
● Pierce was seen as ineffective
What was the Bleeding Kansas?
● Pro versus anti-slavery groups; New England aid company send in 2,000 men
to Kansas to stop slavery
What was Bleeding Sumner?
● The caneing of Charles Sumner by Preston Brooks on the floor of Congress
● Aka Sumner-Brooks affair
What do these two events show about the pending crisis?
● Shows the growing hatred and the presidents are doing nothing. Pierce did
nothing during Bleeding Kansas.
Both popular sovereignty and the free-soil (Republican) argument suffered under
President Buchanan because of the following issues:
a) The Lecompton Constitution- (1857) Kansas was applying for sovereignty. Free
soilers would approve this Constitution and so did Buchanan. Douglas was
against it. Free-soilers gained a victory
b) The Dred Scott Decision (1857)- Blacks are not citizens and they can’t be taken
from their owners without dual process of law. Missouri compromise is ruled
unconstitutional.
What is important about the Lincoln-Douglas debates?
● They are debating over slavery
● Douglas was a leading Democrat; supported popular sovereignty.
● Lincoln wanted to end slavery
● Non-extension of slavery
What did John Brown attempt to do at harpers ferry, and how did all that work out for
him?
● Secret invasion and create Slave Rebellion
● 7 innocent people are killed
● Brown was executed
Explain the outcome of the 1860 election?
● Abraham Lincoln wins the election with 180 electoral votes; wanted
transcontinental railroads and internal improvements
How did the South respond to his election?
● They succeeded and created a Confederacy
What was the Crittenden compromise?
● Proposed Constitution to extent the 32-30 line and it failed
7. Civil War and Reconstruction
What was Lincoln’s initial position on secession?
● He thought it was illegal; didn’t want to recognize the south succeeded.
● Johnson agreed with him
What circumstances led to the outbreak of the Civil War?
● Fort Sumter being attacked
In what ways did Lincoln expand the executive powers of his office?
● He declared Martial Law; suspension of habeas corpus (no right to a trial) and
emancipated the slaves on an executive order
What impact did Lincoln’s reaction to Fort Sumter have on the Confederacy?
● Sent in troops and tried to defend it. Result: 4 upper states succeed from the
Union
Why did the border states remain part of the Union?
● They weren’t the ones who started the war and martial law made it work for
them.
List the advantages of the North and South in the following areas:
North
South
Military
More men, more guns,
Navy
Better generals, more of a
defensive war, and had
home-field advantage
Economic
industry, railroad, farm
goods, crops
Steady supply of workers,
cotton
Political
Abraham Lincoln and had
Unity
No Advantages; far too
independent and divided
What was the Union strategy for defeating the Confederacy in the Civil War?
● Anaconda Plan; strangle south by blockading the coast.
● Control the Mississippi river to cut Confederacy in half
● Cut through Georgia and send troops North
● Capture Richmond
Briefly describe the significance of the following battles:
a) First Bull Run (1861) - first major battle of the Civil War. Union was very close to
victory but then were surprised. North realized this was going to be a long,
bloody war. Soldiers in the South deserted because they believed the war was
already over
b) Antietam (1862)- most important battles of the war; the victory Lincoln needed
to justify freeing the slaves. Bloodiest day of the war.
c) Monitor v Merrimac (March 1862)- First armored ship battle. Battle of the
Ironclads. Ended in a stalemate after 4 hours, but both sides claimed victory
How did the South attempt to enlist foreign support for its battle with the North?
● Cotton diplomacy; it would gain them allies with Britain and France. Nations
eventually found cotton elsewhere
How did the US nearly drive the British into support for the South?
● The Trent Affair; Union ships boarded British vessels; took Confederate
diplomats as prisoners. Offended the English and Lincoln stepped in and freed
the prisoners.
Why did the South’s diplomatic efforts ultimately fail?
● British has a surplus of cotton; no relationship needed. North sent lots of food.
Why was Lincoln reluctant to free the slaves?
● He did not know he legally could. If he freed them it would state that the South
succeeded. He did not want to drive the states out of the unions.
What were the Confiscation Acts?
● Test for Emancipation; eventually allowed captured slaves considered
contraband and slaves that would escape could not return to their owners.
What were the consequences of the Emancipation proclamation?
● It did little to immediately change situation of slaves. Emancipation became
effective in January 1863. Civil war became more crusade. Lincoln’s immediate
goal was not to free the slaves and gave reason to go to war. In response,
Northerners from border states believed he went too far. Abolitionists believe
he didn’t do enough.
What role did African Americans freedmen play in the war?
● They cleaned roads, cleared brush, did not fight early on but eventually did.
They became more eager to use African Americans in the war. 180,000 African
Americans were apart of the Union army. Black volunteers were initially
rejected.
Discuss the following turning points in the war?
Vicksburg: Splitting the Confederacy in two; Union controlled the Mississippi
River. It helped boost Union morale.
Gettysburg: Crushing defeat of Lee’s army. South would never try to cross into
the North again
Chattanooga: Opened the door to Georgia
Sherman’s March: Destroyed everything in their path. Took war to the civilians
Appomattox: Lee surrendered to Grant
What impact did the war have on:
Politics in the North- Created political divisions, Republicans became in power
and dominated the White house. Northern Democrats suffered greatly
Civil Liberties- People would be tried in military courts, repressed with
suspension of Habeas Corpus and martial law.
Northern Economy- Had inflation, printed a bunch of money (not good); Saw
growth in their industry. North prevailed before the Civil War.
Southern Economy- Destroyed, labor sources were depleted, cotton production
fell greatly. Southern prevailed after the war.
Reconstruction
What questions had to be answered by Reconstruction?
● What should be done with Confederate leaders?
● How do States rejoin the Union?
● What do we do with slaves? (Gradual vs Immediate)
● Who is controlling this process? South? North? President? Congress? etc..
What was Abraham Lincoln’s initial plan for reconstruction?
● 10 percent plan- Had to obey emancipation and support the union; Wanted
this process to be quick.
● Creation of states- recognize the states coming in
How did Congress respond to that plan?
● Wade- Davis Bill (1864)- 50 percent of voters to take oath of allegiance. Lincoln
vetoed it.
What was the Freedmen’s Bureau?
● Created by Congress; provided clothing, food, education and resources to the
poor and unskilled people. Encouraged the reading of the bible. It expired later.
What was Andrew Johnson’s plan for reconstruction?
● Initially was like Lincoln, excluded those who were worth a certain amount. He
said that states never really left the Union. Wanted to take care of all the debt
and wanted to ratify the 13th amendment.
How did the Southern governments look under Johnson’s plan?
● Much like they did prior to the war
What items did Johnson veto while president?
● Civil Rights Bill and Freedman’s Bureau
What was Congressional (Radical) Reconstruction?
● The Republicans were furious with Johnson's because so many
ex-confederates were put back into office. More Southern states denied voting
rights to Blacks. South is divided into military districts.
What legislative changes were passed under Congressional reconstruction?
● The 14th and 15th amendment
Why was President Johnson impeached by Congress?
● He had removed Edwin M. Stanton, the Secretary of War, from office. Violated
the Tenure of Office Act. Attempted to replace him. Also, his reconstruction
plan. “High Crimes and Misdemeanors”
What did the Southern governments look like under Congressional reconstruction?
● It was dominated by 3 groups; carpetbaggers, freedmen, and scalawags
What accomplishments were achieved by Radical Republicans in the South?
● Schools, built roads and rebuilt the economy
What were their failures?
● Freemen went from being slaves to working on sharecropping farmers then to
tenant farmers; no real rights and still did not have the money they needed.
What was life like for the freedmen under Reconstruction?
● They were tenant farmers who were trapped with the endless cycle of debt; led
to Jim Crow Laws and poll tax
What factors contributed to the end of Reconstruction and the success of the
Bourbon Redeemers in the South?
● The North giving up support, government failed with dealing with corruption of
governors. Hayes becomes President during this time and series of
compromises take place and result was South threatened to succeed again.
Hayes takes out troops which ended reconstruction.
8. Economic Frontiers
What factors brought the following people to the West?
a) Mining Frontier- Gold Rush in 1849 and silver
b) Cowboys- cattle frontier: miserable and were a short term period take cattle
from South to Midwest to put on a train to East
c) Farmers- Most people were farmers during this time. It was made possible by
the Homestead Act which promised 160 acres of land to people who would
become farmers. The Great Plains was hard to farm so they used irrigation
which actually made it worse and led to the Dust Bowl.
What was the Turner Thesis?
● Belief that the frontier defines American development and culture. Everytime
new frontier= new culture ideas
How did the American government deal with Western Indians?
a) Reservation Policy- made possible by Fort Laramie Treaty. Divided up the lands
into smaller reserves and government would aid Natives
b) Indian Wars- army was sent out to confront Indians; Sand Creek Massacre and
Custer’s Last Stand
c) Assimilation- taking other cultures and forcing them to take their own
cultures. Try to Christianize and teach how to farm, gave them white names
and educational opportunities.
i)
Carlisle Indian School- One of the schools created for education
ii)
Dawes Severalty Act- Reservation lands divided into plots. The idea was
to have Indians live like whites. Quote was “Everyman is a Chief”
Who was Helen Hunt Jackson and what position did she hold?
● Believed American policy against Indians was a disgrace. The book ​Century of
Dishonor​ is similar to ​Uncle Tom’s Cabin​.
What was the Ghost Dance Movement, and what impact did it have?
● Jack Wilson created this movement. If dance was performed the buffalo would
return and white men would leave which would put things back to the way
things were. Whites saw it as a threat which lead to Wounded Knee in 1890.
What was the New South Creed promoted by Henry W. Grady?
● A South that still embraced agriculture but open up to a dual economy
(Industrialization)
How did the economy differ under the New South?
● More Industry, Cotton farming was still key ingredient also had factories.
How was the economy the same?
● Relied on agriculture which needed labor
How were African Americans effectively disenfranchised in the New South?
● Poll Taxes, Literacy tests, Grandfather clause, and Jim Crow Laws.
How did Segregation spread throughout the South?
● Jim Crow Laws- segregation of public places. Plessy v. Ferguson (1896)
What were the ideas for equality preached by Booker T Washington?
● Accommodationist- believed blacks should stand up for their beliefs. Made
Atlanta Compromise speech
● It was a very patient approach similar to Martin Luther King.
What were the ideas preached by WEB Dubois?
● Didn’t believe in Patient approach. Equality was needed right away. He wants a
Liberalist education (white-collar)
What factors caused the Industrialization of the late 19th century?
● Cheap labor is readily available (Old Immigrants)
● Natural Resources
● American Innovation
● Improved communication
● Increase transportation
What characteristics dominated during the rise of big business during the last 19th
century?
● Cut throat practices
● Spirited innovation and new technologies
● Consolidation of management; Corporations are developed
How did Andrew Carnegie transform the steel industry?
● Vertical integration- purchase all means of production
How did John D Rockefeller transform the oil industry?
● Horizontal integration
● Monopoly became Standard Oil and was later sold to JP Morgan (lowered price
of oil)
What is a trust?
● One company oversees smaller companies
To what extent did the business of the late 19th century abuse the public?
● Rebates for railroad took advantage of people who couldn’t fight back
(farmers)
● Kept prices high
Explain the importance of the following economic theories
a) Laissez Faire- hands off approach (used a lot in late 1800’s)
b) Social Darwinism- Only the strong survive. It justified accumulation of wealth
and wealthy were the dominants in society.
c) The Gospel of Wealth- People owe it to themselves to try to get rich but also
owe it to society to try to give it back (Carnegie believed in this)
What important inventions of the late 19th century helped to advance the nation?
● Telephone, railroad, airplane, and automobiles
Who was Horatio Alger and what ideas were reflected by his writings?
● Author who fueled myth about self-made American man
● He wrote that any american can be rich
Were the Industrial tycoons of the late 19th century industrial statesmen or robber
barons?
● They made many things readily available, new technologies and trampled on
everyone.
What legal and logistical obstacles were faced by early unions?
● Seen as conspiracy organizations and they were often persecuted.
What challenges made it difficult to organize for workers?
● Varying opinions (not unified) over race, gender, and type of work (Unskilled
and Skilled)
What tools were used by labor unions in the early 19th century?
● Strike (organized to wildcat)
● Pull together to support strikes
● Union shops and closed shops (Union members only allowed)
What tools were used by management against labor unions?
● Scabs (other people willing to work)
● Pinkerton agents
● Yellow Dog contract
● Lock out workers
a) Knights of Labor
i)
Famous Leader- Terence v Powderly
ii)
Characteristics- unskilled workers
iii)
What they wanted- Bread and Butter reform and political change long
term
iv)
Why they decline- Haymarket Affair (accused of bombing crowd)
b) American Federation of Labor
i)
Famous leader- Samuel Gompers
ii)
Characteristics- skilled workers
iii)
What they wanted- more conservative, Bread and Butter
Explain the significance of the following labor incidents
a) Great Railroad Strike of 1877- First national strike, it became increasingly
violent. Response: Rutherford Hayes sent in troops.
b) The Haymarket Affair- Ended Knight of Labor. It was a bombing in Chicago
c) The rise of anarchists- Eastern Europeans were coming in because
governmental upheaval so they were seen as anarchists because they
wouldn’t be happy with our government either
d) Homestead Strike- Carnegie's Steel mill; workers seized control of steel
refinery. To put down the strike they sent in Pennsylvania militia and
Pinkerton agents came in.
e) Pullman Strike- Lead by Eugene v Debs. Cleveland attached a mail car
(violation of federal law) to solve the strike
Who were the Wobblies?
● Industrial workers of the world wanted grand strike to overthrows capitalism
to put all wealth for workers.
● Most radical group
How did the 1902 Anthracite Coal Strike and Teddy Roosevelt’s reaction impact the
labor movement?
● Huge Coal Strike
● Roosevelt invited union representatives to meet with him
● Coal Miners didn’t get their way but got a seat for a say in it.
● Victory for labor unions overall
9. Populism and Progressivism
What are the main changes and themes of this unit?
● The reaction to the Industrial america; big business vs small farmers.
○ Farmers suffered from the Industry
● Reform movements, and politics (hard-money vs soft-money)
Describe the political climate of the so-called gilded age?
● It was forgettable presidents
● Politicians are ignored and creating issues.
● It was a time of high voter turnout and great party loyalty
● Laissez-Faire governments taking place
What was the difference between the Stalwarts and halfbreeds?
● Stalwarts- motivated republicans who were harsh towards the south and
opposed Civil Service reform and patriotism
● Half Breeds- James Blaine, the leader. More moderate, support civil service
reform and lenient towards the south
How did James Garfield's assassination impact civil service reform?
● Shot by Stalwart; pushing through the Pendleton Act.
What did the Pendleton Act do?
● Created civil service reform
Explain the following things associated with president Grover Cleveland:
a) Tariff reduction- reduce government surplus
b) Grand Army of the Republic- made up of union war veterans, vetoed pension
plans they had
How effectively did the Interstate Commerce Act and Sherman Antitrust Act?
● Interstate: Helped railroads; partially effective
● Sherman: It wasn’t enforced
Explain the division over the Money question.
● Hard money vs Soft-money; Do we take money out of circulation? Do we use
gold or silver? Do we put money into circulation? (Increase inflation which
would be good for farmers). Result: Tried to put money into circulation but it
wasn’t enough to help farmers
What was the Greenback party?
● Advocated for increase of paper currency and Inflation
What was the Crime of 1873?
● The government stopped coining silver
What problems did farmers face in the Gilded Age?
● Low agriculture prices, foreign competition, high interest rates, payments to
the middle-man, high prices for consumer goods, and isolation.
How did the Grange and the Farmers’ Alliances help them to overcome these
problems? (1877)
● Advocated for reform for farmers and also wanted to have candidates and
people to represent farmers. Made a lot of social events to do this.
● Farmers’ Alliance dealt with more of the social events
Explain the impact of Populists like Mary Lease and Pitchfork Ben Tillman.
● Lease- “Raise less corn and more hell” meaning that the farmers should start
protesting and advocate for themselves
● Tillman- support Progressivism and supported white supremacy
What proposals were offered by the populist party in their Omaha Platform in 1892?
● Ignatius Downley- free and unlimited coinage of silver at ratio of 16:1 to
stimulate inflation
● Wanted gradual income tax to redistribute wealth
● Wanted Government ownership of telephone, telegraph, and railroads
● Postal Savings bank
● Initiative, referendum and recall
How did Coxey’s army respond to the threat of the Gold Standard in 1893?
● They went to Washington to protest most famous of industrial army. Wanted
government to spend money on public works to create jobs and increase
money supply. They arrested for walking on the grass. Washington borrowed
money from JP Morgan
Who ran for President in 1896?
● William Jennings Bryan: Democrat supported by populist (free-silver)
● McKinley advocating for Gold Standard and had a love affair because of Hanna
which was like his Puppet Master.
● Most Important election since Lincoln
Why did William McKinley win the election of 1896?
● Mckinley appealed to the middle-class voters and well organized and some
people argued that Bryan was unaware of the Populists.
What impact did the election have on politics and the Populist movement?
● End of Populist movement which is the rise of the Progressive movement
● Strong national government and Republican dominance in industry
How did the Progressive movement compare to the Populist movement?
● Progressives focused on urban groups and populists focused on rural groups
What were the features of Progressivism?
● The Progressives were former Mugwumps with desire to return to
pre-monopoly America and believed government could restore order to society
and saw government as an agency of human welfare.
● Look at Excessive power of trusts, political machines, voting reforms, better
working conditions, prohibition of alcohol, women suffrage and banking
reform.
Who were the Progressives?
a) Muckrakers- Journalists who exposed horrible working conditions
b) Social Gospel- Movement that emphasized role of christianity in reforming
urban society. Tried to help the poor and salvation army.
c) Settlement House movement- Jane Addams came up with them
d) Presidents- Teddy Roosevelt (Lots of reforms and known as modern, Three C’s:
Corporate Regulation, Consumer Protection, and Conservation), Taft (Trust
busting) and Wilson (Women’s suffrage)
e) Robert La Follette- A very progressive governor and wanted local government
reform. First Progressive government and helped destroy political machines
and wanted direct primary and direct election of senators. Initiative,
Referendum and Recall.
What caused the Progressive movement?
● Rise of the middle class
Explain the impact of the following Progressives:
a) Lincoln Steffens ​The Shame of the Cities,​ Tweed days in St. Louis- 1902 looked at
political corruption and detailed the alliance between big business and city
government
b) Ida Tarbell ​The History of the Standard Oil Company​- personal issue which
exposed standard oil company (Rockefeller) to crush competitions and he was
going against her father’s business. Broke up standard oil trust in response.
c) Jacob Riis ​How the Other Half Lives​- 1890 looking at immigration and the
tenement houses they were living in
d) Upton Sinclair​ The Jungle​- 1906 Exposed the Meat-packing Industry. Result:
Teddy Roosevelt making inspection of meat and cleanliness of businesses
with food (Pure Food and Drug Act).
What impact did Progressivism have on democracy?
● Increased the voice of the have nots
a) Australian Ballot- Secret ballot introduced in states to counteract political
machines (reduce bribery), the illiterate were left out.
b) Direct Primaries- Replaced party policies
c) 17th amendment- Direct election of senators
d) Initiative- Voters force legislation to take up a bill
e) Referendum- Citizens can vote on proposed laws
f) Recall- Remove elected officials
How did Progressivism improve cities?
a) Commissioners and city managers- must be an expert and voters have more
of a say in this. Voted based on who had the most experience.
b) Gas and water socialism- cities own public utilities
c) Professionalization of city services- having expertise
d) City beautiful- beautify everything and create parks where people are living.
Created building and boulevards
What examples of personal reform took place during the Progressive Era?
● Prohibition, Temperance, Creation of organization to put moral voice in place
Who was Margaret Sanger, and what did she advocate?
● Advocating for birth control and women’s rights
What Progressive reforms were achieved by Teddy Roosevelt in:
a) Labor- Square deal (Owners and laborers, Three C’s, gave laborers power and
put less focus on management)
b) Trust busting- Enforced the Sherman-Antitrust Act
c) The Environment- Forest Reserve Act, putting federal land aside. Newland’s
Reclaim act dealt with irrigation. National Conservation Commission
d) Consumer protection- ​The Jungle​ being released, Meat Inspection Act and Pure
food and Drug Act
e) Railroad regulation- strengthened the ICC
What was Progressive achievements were made under President Taft?
a) Trust busting- more than Roosevelt. Brought 90 suits against trusts (twice as
much as Roosevelt)
b) Environment- Continues Roosevelt’s acts
c) Income tax- Graduated Income tax (16th amendment)
Why did President Taft upset Teddy Roosevelt?
● The trusts
How did their break impact the election of 1912?
● Splits the votes of Republicans (Bull-Moose party)
What Progressive reforms were achieved by Woodrow Wilson?
● Attacked triple wall of privilege; banks, tariffs, and trusts. (TBT)
What was the difference between Carrie Chapman Catt and Alice Paul on Suffrage
reform?
● Catt was moderate and wanted state change and worked with National
American Woman Suffrage Association.
● Paul was a congressional person who used militant actions to gain attention.
(ERA made) Equal Rights Amendment
Why did the women win the right to vote?
● Their efforts towards World War II
10. American Foreign Policy
What factors contributed to America imperial expansion?
a) Industrialization and commerce (China
● Commercial Interest
b) missionaries (Josiah Strong- Darwinism)
● White man’s burden about Social Darwinism (Superiores will succeed
and live)
● Christian duties
c) Alfred Thayer Mahan
● Influence of Sea Power on History-​ controlling the seas would mean world
dominance
d) Yellow press
● Exaggerating and increasing sentiment for war against Spain
(Nationalism and naval power)
e) jingoism
● Nationalism at its finest, it was very aggressive; it failed
What foreign policy achievements were made by WIlliam Seward?
a)The French in Mexico- Threatened to enforce Monroe Doctrine which lead to
the French withdrawing
b) The purchase of Alaska- Bought in 1867 from Russia; people thought it was
a bad idea at first. Eventually it brought fur, gold and oil
How did Grover Cleveland use the Monroe Doctrine in Venezuela?
● Britain agreed to settle this dispute; gold was discovered in Venezuela. Grover
warned Britain if they came it would violate the Monroe Doctrine
What were the causes of the Spanish-American War?
● De Lome letter (1898) -Criticizing McKinley, sinking of the Maine, yellow
journalism, Cuban Revolt and jingoism
What was the impact of the Teller Amendment?
● US proclaimed Cubans would get freedom when defeating Spain (Declaration
of war with Spain)
Discuss the conduct of the Spanish American War?
● Fought in Philippines and in Cuba
What were the results of the Spanish-American War?
a) Land acquisition- Puerto Rico, Guam, and Philippines
b) Insular cases- Supreme court addressed the extent to which constitutional
rights applied to newly acquired territories
What controversies were created by our conduct in the Philippines?
● US took Philippines from Spain and we needed to civilize them
Explain the impact of the Platt Amendment.
● Allowed the US to put its control in Cuba; they could intervene and act to
protect their own interests.
What were the goals and results of John Hay’s Open Door Policy?
● All countries have access to trade in China, urged all to respect China and
have fair economic competition (It was very weak)
How did the US respond to the Boxer Rebellion?
● Marched to Beijing and crushed the rebellion
What general impact did TR have on foreign policy?
● Aggressive and decisive; resulted in imperialism in western hemisphere.
Prepared navy and military
Discuss how Roosevelt handled the following in Latin America
a) Panama Canal- (1903) Revolution of Panama from Columbia
i)
Hay-Pauncefote- cancelled Clayton-Bulwer Treaty with Great Britain;
right to build a canal.
ii)
Hay-Bunau-Varilla- Grants US long term control of canal zone
b) Roosevelt Corollary- US would intervene in Latin AMerica to protect from
Europe
What was the impact of the following on East Asian diplomacy?
a) Treaty of Portsmouth- US negotiated to end Russo-Japanese war; war was
overports in Manchuria and Korea
b) Gentlemen’s Agreement- US would repeal discriminatory laws in California
and Japanese promised immigration would stop.
c) Great white fleet-Signified peace
d) Root-Takahira agreement- US and Japan to pledge to respect territorial
possessions and Open Door Policy
What was the goal of Dollar Diplomacy?
1. Foreign policy protected Wall Street Dollars
2. Taft encouraged Wall Street to include in foreign policy
● Reduce rival powers (Germany)
a) Chinese railroads- increased how much they were building
b) Nicaragua- send in marines to protect investment
What was the Lodge Corollary?
● Non-Europeans powers could not own land in Western Hemisphere
How did Woodrow WIlson attempt to right past wrongs in
a) The Philippines- gave Bill or Rights, male suffrage, and promised future
independence
b) Puerto Rico- Gave Puerto Ricans US citizenship
c) Panama canal- US exemption of tolls
d) Conciliation treaties- time to reconsider
In what ways did he violate his moral diplomacy by intervening in Mexico?
a) Nicaragua, Haiti and Dominican- military intervention
b) Tampico incident in Mexico- American sailors who were arrested
c) Pancho Villa- Mexican revolutionaries were killed. John Pershing was sent in by
Wilson but it didn’t work
What were the causes of World War I?
● Military, Alliances, Imperialism, Nationalism
How did the US respond initially to the war?
● Neutrality
What crisis threatened American neutrality?
a) Lusitania- Sinking of a British ship
What caused the Americans to enter the war on the side of the Allies?
a) Return to unrestricted submarine warfare- germany had unrestricted
submarine warfare and hoped to get US involved
b) Zimmerman Telegram- Germany to Mexico and interested by British; Mexico
would get land if they joined war.
c) British propaganda- pamphlets, paper and it was very Anti-german
d) Preference for British culture- US more related to British culture
e) Russian Revolution- Russia pulled out of war due to own Civil War; US had to
get involved
Why were many Americans opposed to entering the war?
● neutrality/isolationists
● War was going on for so long
What campaign slogan did Wilson use in his reelection campaign of 1916?
● I kept us out of war
How effectively did the US mobilize the homefront?
a) War Industries Board- production control of materials and prices.
b) Food Administration- Ration the goods (To regulate intake)
c) Liberty Boards- Sell war bonds
d) National War Labor Board- settles dispute between employers and laborers
e) Committee on Public Information- produced a lot more propaganda to let
everyone know about the war
What impact did the war have on…
a) African Americans- segregated units, french treated them with respect,
Northern Migration and they could join the war
b) Women- suffrage, more jobs and became nurses in the war
c) Mexicans- asked to takeover agriculture and mining
d) Civil liberties- very restricted, Sedition Acts
What was the impact of the 14 points of Wilson?
● Peace without victory
What was Wilson’s vision for the post war world?
● Peace, no more war and self-determination
How did the Allies change the Peace Treaty from Wilson’s original dream?
● Germany is forced to accept the blame for the whole war and had to agree to
the terms (reduction of land)
What mistakes did Wilson make that hurt his chances for getting the Treaty ratified?
● He asked voters to vote democratic to increase patriotism and it backfired
How were the senators divided over the ratification of the treaty?
● Some did not approve of the League of Nations and Reservationists would
approve with certain restriction
What ultimately came of the Treaty of Versailles for the US?
● It failed
11. Immigration
What parts of Europe did they come from?
● Ireland, Germany, and Europe
What socio-economic/cultural characteristics did they tend to have?
● Irish- poor, Catholic, drunk (Democrats)
● Germans- middle-class, protestant, seen as hardworking, and very serious
(Republicans)
● Most are literate and easily adapt to american society
Where did they NOT settle?
● The South
What brought about this surge in immigration?
● Jobs, opportunities, railroads, canals, political reform, market revolution, and
cheaper way to travel
What brought the Irish to the United States?
● Potato famine
Where did they settle and why?
● Eastern seaboard cities
What obstacles did the Irish face when they arrived in America?
● They did not have any money, discrimination was high, and most were
democrats
How did they overcome these obstacles?
● Hardwork and tried to prove themselves, also local politics.
What factors brought the 1 million Germans to the US during this period?
● Political turmoil; 1848 failed revolution
Where did they settle and why?
● Old Northwest because they are skilled farmers and will have more job
opportunities
How did they adjust to American society?
● Really well: opposed slavery and wanted education (wanted to fit in and were
willing to learn American ideals)
Who were the nativists and how did they get involved in American politics?
● Nativist: anti-immigration, anti-catholics and know-nothings
New Immigrants (1880-1910)
What push and pull factors brought immigrants to the US in the late 19th century?
● Push: Poverty because of farming, overcrowding, and unemployment in Europe
● Pulls: politics, religious freedoms, economic opportunities and cheap to get
here
What is a bird of passage?
● Immigrants who came temporarily to make money
How often did these immigrants stay in America?
● Between 1880-1920 about 25% of immigrants are returning home
Where did the New Immigrants come from?
● About 27 million immigrants came to the US between 1880 and 1920; most
from Eastern and Southern Europe (Hungarians, Bulgarians, Italians,
Croatians)
How were the New Immigrants different from Old Immigrants?
● New: struggling greatly to maintain their culture in America, illiterate and
couldn’t adapt to American society. They come from countries with little
Democracy. Result: Increase in Catholic schools for them to feel accustomed
to America and more stores, movies, etc.
● Old: Literate, adopted American society very easily
How did the following help new immigrants adjust to America?
a) Ghettos- cheap housing, surrounded themselves with other immigrants
b) Political machines- catering to the new Immigrants (pull factor), Boss Tweeds
trade jobs and services for votes
c) Settlement houses- became center for women activism and social reform
(Florence Kelley most important reformer)
How did American immigration policy change in the late 19th century?
a) Chinese Exclusion Act (1882)- Ended Chinese immigration, lasts until 1943
b) “Undesirable” restrictions- Criminals and mentally incompetent
c) Contract labor ban- set in motion to protect American workers
d) Ellis Island/ Angel Island- Ellis is in New York 1882-1954. Angel Island is in San
Francisco
Who supported the restrictions on immigrant groups?
a) Unions- They did not want to compete for their jobs
b) American Protective Association- They were Anti-Catholic and immigrants
were Catholic
c) Social Darwinists- They believed they were inferior to the immigrants and they
wanted “purebred” ideas
What fears did people have about New Immigrants by the 1920’s?
● They thought they were communists
How did the following impact immigration and immigration policy in the 1920’s?
a) Emergency Quota Act of 1921- 3% of foreign-born individuals and looked at 1910
census
b) National Origins Act of 1923- Banned Asians from immigrating to the US;
reduction of immigration to 2% of foreign-born individuals and then used 1890
census for this (Irish and Germans were not really affected)
c) Sacco and Vanzetti Trial- Two guys were convicted of robbing and killing and
caused a whole controversy on whether they did it or not; people believed the
judge just hated immigrants but they were actually guilty
d) The KKK- Expand who they dislike, anti catholic, anti communist, anti
foreigners, anti jews. They spread to the Southwest, and Midwest.
How did the Immigration Law of 1965 change the regulation of immigrants to the US?
● No quotas were based on origin and now focused on skills
How were the immigrants from the late 20th century different than those from
earlier generations?
● They were more diverse, less would be from Europe
How did the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 change immigration?
● Amnesty was given for those staying for 5 years
What challenges currently face the US in immigration law?
● Illegal immigration
​12. 20’s and 30’s
How did Warren Harding’s election in 1920 represent a rejection of the Progressive
movement and the World War I?
● Return to normalcy, against Wilson’s internationalism
What was the economic philosophy of the Republican presidents in the 1920?
● Laissez faire
What domestic changes were made by the President Harding administration?
● Higher tariffs, Bureau of budget, and general accounting office
What scandals plagued the Harding administration?
● Teapot Dome Scandal
Describe the presidency of Calvin Coolidge.
● Took over when harding died, Pro big business “Man who builds a factory
builds a castle”
What does the election of 1928 reveal about prejudice in the 1920’s?
● Hoover defeated Al Smith, it proved the nation was not ready for Catholic
president because of the Pope
Describe the extent of economic prosperity during the so-called Roaring Twenties
● Boom in factories, but farming was not thriving
What were the causes of this business prosperity?
● Hands off government and demand for consumer goods
Why didn’t farmers enjoy the prosperity?
● People were coming back from war creating more demand for crops
Did labor unions enjoy the prosperity as well?
● No unions didn’t do as well during economic booms
Discuss the impact of the following urban ideas on the 1920’s
a) Mass consumerism- Welfare capitalism, fordism
b) The automobile- Model T by Henry Ford, mass production, transportation,
assembly line
c) The radio-speeds up communication, advertisements
d) Movies- US values sent out to citizens, set standards
e) Celebrity- people worshipped celebrities
Discuss how the following challenged traditional, conservative ideas of the 1920’s
a) Flappers-defined behavior for women (smoking, drinking, and wearing
“scandalous” clothes
b) Speakeasies- Illegal places to drink during the Prohibition
c) Sigmund Freud- Challenges views about sex, controversy
d) Divorce- increased
e) Darwinism- after Scopes trial many believed in evolution
f) Marcus Garvey- Fought for black nationalism, segregation, “Back to Africa”
movement
g) Jazz and Harlem renaissance- celebrating black culture through music, art,
and poetry
h) The lost Generation-authors of this time wrote about dislikes and negatives of
material culture
Discuss the following ideas and events tried to reinforce conservative, rural values.
a) Palmer Raids- attack on communism
b) Billy Sunday and Aimee Semple McPherson--fundamentalism- belief of
traditional religion, literal word of the bible
c) The Scopes Trial- Brought attention to the teachings of evolution
d) National Origins Act- designed to eliminate New Immigrants, especially
Eastern Europeans
e) Sacco and Vanzetti Trial- Revealed extent of existing nativism, they were
executed with little evidence
f) KKK revival- national movement, hated more people
The Great Depression
What caused the Great Depression?
● Stock market crashing, overproduction, underconsumption, buying on credit,
and stocks on margin
What were some of the effects of the Great Depression?
● 25% unemployment, bank failures, loss of savings
How did President Hoover respond to the Great Depression?
a) Voluntary action- volunteerism, come together as a nation, not successful
b) Hawley-Smoot tariff- highest tariff ever, lost of trade
c) Debt moratorium- forgiveness to other countries
d) Federal Farm board- stabilize prices and promote farm products
e) Reconstruction Finance Corporation- effort to help struggling banks
f) The Bonus March- WWI veterans march to get benefits, McArthur uses
violence against them
What was the philosophy behind the New Deal?
● Relief, Recovery, and Reform
Who were the Brain trust?
● FDR’s advisors that he trusted
How was Eleanor Roosevelt the first modern first lady?
● She had her own agenda and staff
Explain the impact of the following changes implemented in the 1st 100 days
a) The Bank Holiday- closed banks until sound
b) Repeal of Prohibition- need for revenue/ jobs
c) Fireside chats- FDR could explain and comfort and also build trust
d) Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)- insures bank deposits
e) Home Owners Loan Corporation (HOLC)- loan refinance to keep homes
f) Farm Credit Administration- loan refinance to keep farms
g) Federal Emergency Relief Administration- Provide immediate relief
h) Public Works Administration- Public works projects for jobs
i) Civilian Conservation Corps- young men camps for environmental work
projects
j) Tennessee valley Authority- dams built to provide electricity and jobs
k) National Industrial Recovery Act- Profit for businesses and keep workers,
businesses joined voluntarily
l) Agricultural Adjustment Administration-Unconstitutional, benefited farmers
not to grow crops
m) Security and Exchange Commission- regulation of stock market
n) End of the Gold Standard- took us off Gold Standard, Inflation
Explain the changes made by the Second New Deal
a) Works Progress Administration (WPA)- controversial, paid for public work
projects
b) Resettlement Administration- aid to those displaced from Dust Bowl
c) Wagner Act-guaranteed unions collective bargaining for negotiations
d) Social Security Act- pension program for dependents
How did the 2nd New Deal compare to the 1st?
● It was more liberal and radical, and had more permanent fixes
Describe the following critics of the New Deal?
a) Father Charles Coughlin- He said the New Deal was a failure and he was a
fascist
b) Dr. Francis Townsend- Father of Social Security
c) Huey Long- Take from rich and give to poor
d) Liberal Critics- New Deal did not go far enough
e) Conservative Critics- FDR destroyed capitalism
What the aim and impact of Roosevelt’s court Reorganization plan?
● Add 6 justices to Supreme Court to keep plans intact
What were the successes and failures of the New Deal?
● Successes- gave work, food and shelter
● Failures- did not solve the depression
What impact did the Depression have on
a) Oakies-people displaced from Oklahoma and went to California
b) African Americans- last hired and first fired and many were out of work, they
supported FDR
c) Mexican Americans- They were deported
d) Native Americans- 1935 Indian Reorganization Act gives them land back
13. WWII/Cold War
Describe American Foreign Policy?
● Isolationists after WWI (not completely isolated)
a) Washington Naval Conference- US hosted this to discuss disarmament of
large navy. 5 power treaty made ratio of battleships.
b) Kellogg-Briand pact- Pushed by US & France; the concept was that war should
never be used unless for defensive purposes
How did President Hoover respond when Japan invaded Manchuria in 1931?
Stimson Doctrine: US refused to recognize Japanese occupation of that region
Explain Franklin Roosevelt’s foreign policy achievements:
a) Good Neighbor Policy- Attempt to strengthen relationship with Latin America
and make allies
b) Soviet Union- US recognized them as as Independent sovereign nation
c) Philippines (Tydings McDuffie Act)- promised that the Philippines would gain
independence (occurs in 1946)
How did the US government respond to the growing threat of war in Europe:
a) NYE committee- US blamed munition factories for WWI (People who would
want to build health)
b) Neutrality Acts- Keep US out of war by not allowing to board ships from other
countries (Wanted to avoid Lusitania)
c) America First Committee- Lindbergh was the main person in this; this focused
on defending US from enemies
d) Quarantine Speech- Roosevelt believed that they needed to contain spread
fascism; people were durious because it was aggressive (proved that people
were not ready for war)
How did the US respond when the war actually began:
a) Cash and Carry- we will give weapons if paid in cash and willing to bring it out
on their own vessels (mainly for British)
b) Selective Service Act (1940)- Americans registered for draft US built military
during peacetime
c) Destroyers for Bases- Americans traded destroyers for British bases
d) Lend Lease Act- “Arsenal of Democracy”- help defend against germany (US was
no longer neutral)
e) Atlantic Charter- Churchill and FDR met about their after war vision. US was
not even in the war yet. It was a precursor of building the United Nations
f) Shoot on Site- FDR said that the US needed to shoot any German submarines
when in sight
What arguments could Japan use to justify the attack on Pearl Harbor?
● Saw Americans as hypocrite because of aggression
How did the US mobilize the home front after World War II?
a) War Production Board- transformed factories in order to meet war production
goals
b) Office of Price Administration- government took over prices and set wages for
workers in order to stop strikes
c) Smith-Connally Anti-Strike Act- Illegal for workers to go on strike
d) Financing- War bonds and increased taxes
What impact did the war have on the following:
a) African Americans- served in military and it was the last time they served in
desegregated units
i)
Double V- Victory of enemy and racism
ii)
A Philip Randolph- Pushed for more defense work for African Americans
workers. He threatened a march on Washington and FDR then gave
them the opportunities they asked for to prevent the march from
happening.
b) Mexican Americans
i)
Bracero movement- Work agricultural jobs
ii)
Zoot suit riots- Mexicans fought white naval soldiers; most violent
fights were in Los Angeles
c) Native Americans- Thousands were in military; cotalkers that the enemy could
not crack their codes
d) Women- working in factories, nurses and they prepared for war (WAVES)
e) Japanese Americans- Thousands in military, ones living in the west coast went
to internment camps
i)
Korematsu v. US- SC upheld internment of Japanese- Americans. This
violates their civil liberties
f) Freedom of Information- censorship was severe by the government
What important strategic decisions were made at the start of WWII?
● Roosevelt focuses on Europe first then said they would put 100% into fighting
the Japanese
What were the major turning points in the European Theater?
● D-Day (1944), Battle of the Bulge (Hitler’s last effort to break through Allies and
it was successful)
What were the major turning points and strategies used in the Pacific Theater?
● Island hopping, Okinawa and Iwo Jima battles because they were controlled by
the Japanese
What was accomplished at the following wartime conferences:
a) Yalta- Stalin makes promise of free elections in 1945
b) Potsdam- occupied Germany, Stalin promised to join war against Japanese
Cold War:
Why did the US successfully avoid another depression after WWII?
a) GI Bill of Rights- Returning soldiers came back with money and could then
attend college (lead to a rise in education)
b) Demand for consumer goods- Built up because everybody was focused on
making everything for the war
c) Baby boom- millions of babies born after WWII was over. It had a big impact on
economy later on
d) Levittown- Cheap houses in mass production; afford homes easier returning
from war
e) Growth of Sunbelt- Defense Industry continues to build due to the Cold War
Explain the following the events that occurred during Harry Truman’s presidency:
a) Civil Rights- desegregated military and federal government
b) Taft-Hartley Act- Republican government wanted to limit labor unions in post
war times (less striking)
c) The Fair Deal- large social program to provide healthcare for the people and
huge job plans. The issue was all of the money was going towards the Cold War
at the time
Why was it a surprise when Harry truman won the Election of 1948?
a) Henry Wallace- opposed him and people believed Truman was too
conservative
b) Strom Thurmond- elected to Congress; thought Truman was too liberal with
Civil RIghts. He was a dixiecrat.
Explain the importance of the following to the start of the Cold War:
a) Stalin’s goal in Eastern Europe- Satellite to buffer and to protect from
Germans
b) Occupation zones in Germany- divided up between the big 4; Allies got the
west and Soviets got the west
c) Iron Curtain- Churchill gave in MO, Stalin saw it as an aggressive foreign
policy towards the Soviets
Explain the following ingredients of containment:
a) Truman Doctrine- to help any country who needs help against communism
especially in Greece and Turkey
b) Marshall Plan- Sent billions of dollars to rebuild Western Europe and it was
against communism
c) NATO- Alliance with Democratic and anti communists. It was the first
peacetime alliance
d) National Security Act- created department of defense, NSC and CIA
e) NSC 68- National Security Council. US would spend more money on nuclear
war
f) George Kennan- Worked in State Department; he established the philosophy of
containment
How did the US handle the Soviet blockade of berlin?
● Berlin airlift; avoids direct contact between US and USSR
How successfully did the US contain communism in Asia:
a) Japan- completely rebuilt
b) China- fell to communism
c) Korea- maintained containment
How did the following impact the Red Scare:
a) Harry Truman- Issued loyalty checks on employees
b) HUAC- Held public hearings about who is communists
c) Alger Hiss- convinced he was communist; he was very high in the state
department.
d) The Rosenbergs- sentenced to death for treason (spread secrets of atomic
bombs)
e) Joseph McCarthy- accused people of being communists especially in the state
department. It was like a witch-hunt, nobody was ever exposed because he
had no evidence of any of his accusations.
f) Army McCarthy Hearings- brought end to Red Scare and it was put onto
television. Once this happened people began seeing it as a witch hunt and he
was not as popular