U.S. History 19th Century Quiz

A policy that promoted the expansion of the United States westward to the Pacific Ocean, driven by the belief that it was America's destiny.

The Homestead Act provided free land to settlers, while the transcontinental railroad facilitated transportation and settlement in the West.

The arrival of settlers onto the Great Plains disrupted Native American lands and way of life, leading to conflicts.

The discovery of gold and silver attracted prospectors and settlers to California and other western territories, boosting their populations.

The railroads played a significant role in the development of the United States in the late 19th century, enabling transportation, settlement, and trade.

As corn production increases, prices tend to decrease.

Native Americans led by Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse defeated the U.S. Army at the Battle of Little Bighorn.

Over-hunting by white settlers drastically reduced the buffalo population, which was a vital resource for Native Americans.

The process of workers uniting to negotiate better working conditions with employers.

The movement of people from rural areas to cities, often driven by job opportunities in factories and industries.

A period of social activism in the early 20th century aimed at improving working conditions, reducing corruption, and promoting social justice.

Journalists and writers who exposed corruption and social problems in American society during the Progressive Era.

A Supreme Court decision that upheld racial segregation laws as long as facilities were equal for both races, despite the inherent inequality of segregated facilities.

A political ideology promoting the belief that one's nation is superior to others, often leading to aggressive foreign policies.

Germany's policy of sinking any ships, including neutral vessels, without warning during World War I.

The military innovations used in World War I, like poison gas and machine guns, resulted in a prolonged and devastating conflict with many casualties on both sides.

A form of journalism that exaggerates or sensationalizes news stories to attract readers. Often uses dramatic headlines, emotionally charged language, and fabricated stories.

A term used to describe the foreign policy of US President William McKinley, which favored the expansion of American trade and influence in Asia with the intention of maintaining open markets for American goods.

A term describing a strategy of using military force to protect US interests abroad. Roosevelt's motto: "Speak softly, but carry a big stick."

A foreign policy approach advocating for US intervention in the affairs of Latin American nations, primarily aimed at promoting democratic values, civil rights, and economic stability.

A foreign policy based on commercial and economic interests, using diplomacy and economic pressure to achieve foreign policy goals. Often associated with President William Howard Taft.

A form of journalism that focuses on objective reporting of factual information, avoiding sensationalism and bias.

A government agency established during World War I to coordinate the production of war supplies by private companies.

A government fundraising strategy during World War I, where citizens were encouraged to lend money to the government to support the war effort.

The formal act of a state claiming control over territory previously outside its boundaries.

Journalism characterized by sensationalism, exaggeration, and a focus on exciting stories, often at the expense of accuracy.

The policy of a country avoiding involvement in international affairs, especially alliances and wars.

Laws passed in the Southern states after the American Civil War to disenfranchise (deny rights) African Americans and enforce segregation.

The use of peaceful methods, negotiation, and communication to influence other countries' decisions and behaviors.

A period of social and political reform in the United States, from the 1890s to the 1920s, aimed at addressing issues like corruption, poverty, and inequality.

The belief that the United States has a unique mission to expand and spread its political and economic influence throughout the world.

The idea that the Great War would be the final war and that lasting peace would be achieved.

The economic and political expansion of the United States beyond its continental borders, especially after the Spanish-American War.

The rapid growth of large corporations and a shift from family-owned businesses towards a more interconnected industrial system.

The belief that American industrial success depended on finding new markets abroad to sell its surplus goods.

The idea that if the US failed to expand and find foreign markets, its economy would stall, leading to social unrest and radicalism.

Regions like Latin America and China were targeted as potential markets for American manufactured goods due to their growing economies.

The expansion of US economic interests in regions like Latin America was often achieved through political and military intervention to support American companies.

The growth of US power through economic and political influence became a significant factor in shaping US foreign policy in the Caribbean and Far East.

The combination of economic needs, political ambitions, and business desires drove the US to actively seek international expansion.

The rapid industrial growth in the late 1800s in the United States was accompanied by frequent economic downturns, leading to widespread unrest among workers.

The Spanish-American War marked a turning point in American history, transforming the nation into a global power with overseas colonies.

The concept of 'manifest destiny' was revived as a justification for American imperialism, claiming a divine right to expand American influence and culture abroad.

American imperialists argued that expanding overseas markets would provide new economic opportunities and prevent domestic unemployment.

The American government justified its colonization of the Philippines by portraying it as an effort to spread democracy and prepare Filipinos for self-governance.

The ideology of exporting democracy to legitimize imperialism created internal tensions and uncertainties within the United States.

The rapid economic growth in the late 1800s was fueled by industrialization, which had both positive and negative consequences for the nation.

The pursuit of overseas expansion, driven by economic and political motives, ultimately led to the United States becoming a global power with a colonial empire.