Imperialism to 1950's Test

A social movement advocating for government reforms to address issues like economic injustice, poverty, and corruption.

A diverse group of individuals, including reformers, union leaders, and feminists, who shared a belief in the need for government-driven reforms.

A philosophy that emphasizes practical outcomes and tests the truth of an idea by its usefulness and effectiveness.

Journalists who used investigative reporting to expose societal problems such as corruption, poverty, and unsafe working conditions.

A voting reform that allows voters to cast their vote secretly, reducing the risk of voter intimidation or coercion.

A reform that empowered party members to directly choose their candidates, weakening the power of party bosses.

A constitutional amendment passed in 1913 that established the direct election of senators by voters, rather than by state legislatures.

The process of declining importance and influence of muckraking journalism.

A situation where businesses produce more goods than consumers can afford to buy, leading to surplus products and financial hardship for companies.

Excessive borrowing and spending encouraged by low interest rates and optimistic economic outlook, ultimately causing loan defaults and bank failures.

The practice of buying stocks with borrowed money, leading to financial ruin when stock prices fall because investors can't repay their debts.

The wealthiest 5% of Americans earned over 33% of all income, leading to reduced consumer spending and economic decline as businesses cut jobs.

Farmers faced economic challenges due to overproduction, high debts, low prices, and severe weather, leading to further hardship during the Great Depression.

Government policies such as high tariffs and adherence to the gold standard hindered international trade and contributed to the economic crisis.

The interconnected global economy was fragile after World War I, further burdened by the United States' demand for war debt repayment and high tariffs, worsening the global economic situation.

A severe economic contraction that saw the gross national product halved and a sharp rise in unemployment, leading to widespread poverty and social hardship.

The assembly line, perfected by Ford in 1914, minimized worker movement, allowing them to perform repetitive tasks quickly. This innovative approach, widely adopted in the 1920s, significantly boosted overall productivity across industries.

The shift to utilizing oil and electricity drastically fueled economic growth. Oil powered factories and vehicles, while electricity transformed homes and industries.

The government's hands-off approach, known as laissez-faire, contributed to the economic expansion. Tax cuts for corporations and relaxed antitrust laws fostered an environment where businesses could thrive and grow.

The availability of credit, alongside the affordability of automobiles, fueled consumer spending and contributed to the expanding consumer economy. This, however, also led to economic instability down the line.

The introduction of the automobile significantly impacted American society, boosting industries like steel, rubber, and gasoline. It changed daily life in terms of commuting, leisure, and social interactions.

Farmers, despite the overall economic prosperity, faced declining fortunes due to falling crop prices. Overproduction, exacerbated by technological advancements, increased yield but not profitability, setting the stage for economic difficulties in rural America.

While wages rose, labor union membership declined due to the prevalence of "open shop" policies and corporate strategies like welfare capitalism, which aimed to weaken unionization efforts.

The economic boom was driven by a 64% increase in manufacturing output between 1919 and 1929. Increased productivity and technological innovations such as the assembly line played pivotal roles in this growth.

The Treaty of Versailles was a peace treaty signed in 1919 after World War I. It dictated harsh terms to Germany, including heavy reparations, territorial losses, and military restrictions. However, it also incorporated the League of Nations, aimed at maintaining world peace through collective security and diplomacy. The League was a personal triumph for President Wilson, but the Treaty's punitive aspects sowed the seeds of future unrest.

The Treaty of Versailles's ratification faced significant opposition in the U.S. Senate, particularly regarding the League of Nations section, which aimed to maintain world peace through international collaboration. Many senators, especially those from the Republican Party, feared that joining the League could undermine American sovereignty and force the U.S. into unwanted foreign conflicts, potentially limiting its ability to act independently.

The U.S. Senate's opposition to the Treaty of Versailles was divided into two major groups. The Irreconcilables adamantly opposed U.S. membership in the League under any circumstances, fearing it would compromise American independence. The Reservationists, led by Henry Cabot Lodge, demanded significant changes to the League's covenant before allowing the U.S. to join. Both groups saw the League as a threat to American sovereignty.

The U.S. Senate ultimately rejected the Treaty of Versailles, marking a major setback for President Wilson's vision of international cooperation. The League of Nations was designed to maintain peace through collective security and diplomatic efforts, but the U.S. choosing not to participate weakened this organization's strength. The Senate's decision also highlighted the growing partisan division within the U.S., preventing the ratification of the Treaty.

During World War I, the U.S. government took steps to mobilize its resources and support the war effort. Various agencies were set up to regulate industries and resources, ensuring efficient contribution to the war. This included the Food Administration led by Herbert Hoover, which encouraged voluntary conservation among American households.

Herbert Hoover, leader of the Food Administration during World War I, championed voluntary conservation among American households. He aimed to ensure sufficient food supplies for the U.S. forces and its allies. His efforts were successful, significantly increasing food shipments to the Allied countries.

The Food Administration, led by Herbert Hoover during World War I, encouraged Americans to conserve food through voluntary measures. This included planting 'Victory Gardens' and reducing food consumption. This effort proved successful, significantly increasing food shipments to the Allied countries and contributing to the war effort.

During World War I, the U.S. Food Administration sought to ensure efficient distribution of food supplies to the Allies while preventing waste and shortages at home. The public was encouraged to conserve food, resulting in increased food shipments overseas. It highlighted the collective effort of American citizens in supporting the war effort.

A government program that provided jobs to young men on conservation projects on federal land. It also offered financial aid to their families.

A regional development project in the Tennessee Valley that built dams, power plants, and other infrastructure. It significantly lowered electricity costs for the area.

This Act allowed the government to inspect banks and reopen those that were financially stable.

This act increased regulations on banks and restricted how they could use customer deposits.

This organization provided government insurance for bank deposits, giving depositors more confidence in their money.

This administration extended low-interest loans and mortgages to farmers, preventing them from losing their land.

This administration aimed to stabilize industry by setting fair practices and labor standards but was later ruled unconstitutional.

This administration encouraged farmers to reduce crop production to raise market prices. The government paid farmers to not produce crops, a policy that was also ruled unconstitutional.

The intense rivalry between the U.S. and the Soviet Union that characterized the period from 1945 to 1980.

The U.S. national debt significantly increased as a result of the massive financial expenditures during World War II.

The devastated infrastructure and economies of Europe contrast sharply with the intact infrastructure and robust economy of the U.S., solidifying its position as a dominant economic power after the war.

The U.S., as the leader of the victorious Allied forces, exerted significant influence on global politics, establishing itself as the world's leading power.

The idea of a new international organization to maintain peace and cooperation was initiated in 1944 at Dumbarton Oaks, with representatives from the U.S., USSR, Great Britain, and China.

The U.S. Senate's swift approval of American membership in the UN contrasted with their rejection of the League of Nations after World War I, showcasing a shift in U.S. foreign policy.

The United Nations came into being on October 24, 1945, after ratification by a majority of member nations, marking the beginning of a new era in global cooperation.

The U.S.'s involvement as a permanent member of the United Nations signaled a departure from its previous policy of isolationism.