Progressivism and the Progressive Era

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Questions and Answers

What event is primarily considered to have triggered World War I?

The assassination of Franz Ferdinand (correct)

The Zimmermann Note

The sinking of the Lusitania

The signing of the Treaty of Versailles

Which factor contributed to the United States declaring war in 1917?

The failure of the League of Nations

American interests in European territories

Germany's unrestricted submarine warfare (correct)

Domestic economic policies

Which of the following was a result of the United States joining the Allies in World War I?

The Treaty of Versailles was ignored

The League of Nations was formed immediately

The Central Powers launched a successful counterattack

Allies began winning many battles (correct)

What was the primary aim of the Treaty of Versailles?

To punish Germany and prevent future wars Signup and view all the answers

What characterized the Roaring Twenties in the United States?

Advancements in technology and consumer goods Signup and view all the answers

Which event marked the end of the Roaring Twenties and initiated the Great Depression?

The Wall Street Crash of 1929 Signup and view all the answers

What was one major consequence of the political landscape changes in the 1920s in America?

A dramatic return to isolationism Signup and view all the answers

Which scandal was associated with President Warren G. Harding's administration?

The Teapot Dome Scandal Signup and view all the answers

What economic condition characterized the post-World War I United States before the stock market crash?

Rising consumer debt and overconsumption Signup and view all the answers

Which countries were part of the Triple Alliance during World War I?

Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy Signup and view all the answers

What was one significant social issue addressed during the Progressive Era?

Women's suffrage Signup and view all the answers

Who coined the term 'muckrakers'?

Theodore Roosevelt Signup and view all the answers

What legislation was inspired by Upton Sinclair's work?

Pure Food and Drug Act Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the focus of progressivism?

Addressing societal issues to improve the country Signup and view all the answers

What was one outcome of Ida Tarbell's 'The History of Standard Oil'?

Break-up of Standard Oil Trust Signup and view all the answers

During the Progressive Era, which group saw little change in their social status?

African Americans Signup and view all the answers

What prompted the emergence of the Progressive Era?

Corruption during the Gilded Age Signup and view all the answers

Which muckraking magazine did prominent journalists write for?

McClure's Signup and view all the answers

What was the main goal of progressives concerning governmental action?

To regulate big business and improve societal conditions Signup and view all the answers

How did Theodore Roosevelt view the ills of society?

As issues that must be addressed for national strength Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Progressivism

Progressivism focused on improving society as a means of improving the country.
Politicians like Bryan and La Follette promoted progressivism in local government.
Theodore Roosevelt supported it, believing societal reform strengthened the nation.
Issues like child labor, working hours, and alcoholism were addressed during the Progressive Era.
Women's suffrage was a result of protests and changing attitudes.
African Americans and other people of color saw little progress during this era.

The Progressive Era and Muckrakers

The Progressive Era emerged due to Gilded Age corruption in the 1890s.
Muckrakers, journalists like Steffens, Tarbell, and Baker, exposed corruption and business malpractices.
Their work pressured the public and government officials like Roosevelt.
Ida Tarbell's work led to the breakup of Standard Oil.
Muckrakers like Sinclair influenced legislation like the Pure Food & Drug Act and Meat Inspection Act.
Muckraking's popularity declined by 1912, but its impact remained.

Causes of World War I

Alliances: Nations formed agreements to protect interests. The Triple Entente and Triple Alliance were prominent.
Nationalism: Increased national pride and connection led to competition and conflict.
Militarism: Increased military spending, weapons production, and recruitment.
Imperialism: Competition for power globally heightened tensions in Europe.

US Entry into World War I

The US initially sought neutrality.
American sympathies favored Britain.
The sinking of the Lusitania fueled U.S. outrage.
The Zimmermann Note, a German proposal to Mexico, was a key factor.
The U.S. declared war in April 1917.

World War I End and Aftermath

American entry convinced Central Powers of inevitable defeat.
The Paris Peace Conference established the Treaty of Versailles.
France and Britain strongly wanted to punish Germany.
Many groups involved in the war were excluded from the treatymaking process.
The League of Nations, a key fourteen point, faced U.S. Congressional opposition. Many of the fourteen points were largely ignored.

The Roaring Twenties

The 1920s saw economic and cultural prosperity in the U.S.
Technological advancements fueled consumerism.
Corporations like Ford innovated manufacturing and advertising.
Middle-class Americans adopted consumer goods (radios, cars).
Increased consumer debt due to heavy borrowing.
Flappers represented liberated women.
President Coolidge was seen as a figure that led this era.

The 1920s: Political Landscape

Post-WWI political atmosphere, absence of Wilsonian ideals
Warren G. Harding promised a return to normalcy
Harding pursued tax cuts and economic recovery.
Corruption, namely the Teapot Dome Scandal, marred Harding's administration
Calvin Coolidge took over, followed by Herbert Hoover.
Coolidge favored business and led to prosperity ("Roaring Twenties").
The Stock Market Crash of 1929 ended the period of prosperity.

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Description

Explore the transformative impact of Progressivism during the Progressive Era, highlighting key figures like Theodore Roosevelt and the role of muckrakers in exposing societal issues. This quiz delves into the challenges faced during this time, including labor rights and suffrage movements, as well as the limited progress for African Americans. Test your knowledge of this pivotal historical period.