Industrial Age: Key Terms & Review Questions

A legal agreement in which a group of companies or shareholders combine to form a monopoly, reducing competition.

A business strategy where a company owns and controls every step of production, from raw materials to finished goods.

A business strategy where a company acquires or merges with its competitors to gain market dominance.

A period in U.S. history (1870-1890) characterized by rapid industrialization and economic growth, but also by significant wealth inequality and social problems.

A philosophy that applied Darwin's theory of natural selection to human society, suggesting that the wealthy and powerful were naturally more fit.

A tax levied on land ownership, advocated by Henry George as a way to redistribute wealth and reduce poverty.

A reform movement that sought to apply Christian principles to social problems, advocating for improving working conditions, reducing poverty, and promoting social justice.

A radical labor organization advocating for the rights of workers, including both skilled and unskilled.

A foreign policy based on promoting democracy and international cooperation, often through economic means.

An extension of the Monroe Doctrine, stating that the U.S. had the right to intervene in Latin American affairs to maintain stability and protect U.S. interests.

A policy that used American economic power to influence foreign policy, investing in foreign enterprises and using economic leverage to achieve political goals.

A belief that American values and institutions were superior and should be spread to other nations, often through military intervention or economic pressure.

A British passenger ship sunk by a German U-boat in 1915, killing 128 Americans and causing widespread outrage in the U.S.

A document outlining President Wilson's vision for a just and lasting peace after World War I, including self-determination for nations, open diplomacy, and a League of Nations.

A law passed in 1917 during World War I that required all men between the ages of 18 and 45 to register for military service.

A government agency created during World War I to coordinate industrial production and ensure the efficient supply of war materials.

A series of programs and reforms championed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in response to the Great Depression, aimed at providing relief, recovery, and reform.

A government agency established by the New Deal to provide jobs and conserve natural resources.

A 1935 law that created a system of old-age insurance, unemployment insurance, and aid for dependent children.

A government agency established to oversee the construction of public works projects, such as dams, bridges, and buildings.

A period of intense legislative activity during the first 100 days of President Roosevelt's administration.

An economic policy enacted by the New Deal that aimed to regulate industry and create jobs.

A government agency established to regulate and manage the Tennessee Valley, focusing on flood control, hydroelectric power, and agricultural development.

A program of federal aid and assistance for Native Americans, aimed at promoting economic development and cultural preservation.

The Redeemers were a group of white Southern Democrats who aimed to regain political control of the South after Reconstruction. They sought to reverse the social and economic changes brought about by Reconstruction, particularly those benefiting African Americans. Their policies led to a decline in the rights and opportunities for African Americans and the rise of Jim Crow laws.

In the New South, the intertwined factors of changing politics, economics, social conditions, and violence had a profound impact on African Americans. Politically, the rise of Redeemers and Jim Crow laws stripped them of their voting rights and limited political participation. Economically, they were often relegated to low-paying agricultural work, facing discrimination in access to land and loans. Socially, segregation laws imposed strict racial divisions, isolating them from white communities. Violence, ranging from intimidation to lynchings, became a constant threat, stifling any attempts at social advancement.

Religion and the idea of the Lost Cause, the romanticized version of the Confederacy, reinforced a specific interpretation of the Civil War in the South. Religious figures often portrayed the Confederacy as a noble cause defending its way of life, even justifying slavery as a divinely ordained institution. The Lost Cause narrative romanticized the Confederacy and perpetuated the belief in white superiority, contributing to racial prejudice and the persistence of segregation.

Various ideas and interests motivated the United States to embark on an imperial path in the late 19th century. Economic factors included the desire for new markets and resources, driven by industrial growth and increasing competition with European powers. Strategically, they sought to expand their influence globally to secure naval bases and protect trade routes. Additionally, a sense of national exceptionalism and a belief in America's destiny to spread democracy and civilization influenced this expansionist drive.

The Progressive movement was driven by various groups and ideas committed to social and political reform addressing issues like corruption, poverty, and inequality. They believed in improving society through government intervention and scientific methods. Key groups included reformers like journalists, activists, and social workers, all advocating for change. Their shared ideas encompassed social justice, government efficiency, and a belief in individual responsibility.

Fordism, the industrial production system pioneered by Henry Ford, transformed American industry and consumer society. It introduced the assembly line, mass production, and the moving assembly line, drastically increasing efficiency and output. It also raised worker wages, leading to increased consumer spending and a booming economy. The system's emphasis on standardization and efficiency spread throughout American industry, creating a more consumer-oriented society.

Immigration to the United States during the Progressive Era was part of a global movement of people motivated by various factors, including poverty, oppression, and economic opportunities. It resulted in the rise of diverse immigrant communities, contributing to the rapidly growing American population and influencing its cultural landscape. It led to both challenges and opportunities for immigrants trying to adapt to their new home.

The Socialist Party, advocating for government ownership of key industries and social reforms, gained considerable popularity in the early 20th century. The party attracted workers and farmers facing economic hardship and campaigned for improved working conditions, public ownership of utilities, and progressive social policies. While its electoral success was limited, its ideas influenced other progressive movements and highlighted the growing awareness of social inequality and the need for economic justice.

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