US History Unit I: Populism and Industrialization

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What was one of the primary economic goals of the Populist Party as outlined in the Omaha Platform?

Limit the power of industrialists (correct)

Ban the use of silver currency

Establish government-owned railroads

Implement a flat tax system

Which of the following was not a concern for farmers in the 1870s and 1880s?

Excessive rainfall (correct)

High freight costs

Falling crop prices

Rising costs of farming machinery

What economic policy did the Populist Party support that proposed to increase inflation to reduce farmers' debts?

Gold standard

Bimetallism (correct)

Deflationary measures

Industrial subsidies

How did the federal government generally respond to the influx of immigrants?

By claiming immigrants disrupted local communities Signup and view all the answers

Which group of immigrants was reportedly welcomed more compared to others?

Immigrants from Northern and Western Europe Signup and view all the answers

Which act was influenced by the Populist movement and aimed to prohibit monopolies?

Sherman Antitrust Act Signup and view all the answers

What was a common belief held by some individuals regarding immigrants and local workers?

Immigrants steal jobs from local White workers Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of Social Darwinism was used to justify discrimination against certain immigrant groups?

Some ethnic groups are superior to others Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary purpose of the Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA)?

To reduce crop production by paying farmers to grow less. Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the NRA (National Recovery Act) as ruled by the Supreme Court?

It was ruled unconstitutional. Signup and view all the answers

What effect did Japan's invasion of Manchuria have on the League of Nations?

It displayed the League's inability to enforce its resolutions. Signup and view all the answers

Which event is associated with the policy of appeasement by Great Britain and France?

The annexation of Austria (Anschluss). Signup and view all the answers

What was a major challenge faced by the League of Nations?

It lacked enforcement power due to key nations not participating. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes Roosevelt's attempt at court packing?

It damaged his reputation and credibility. Signup and view all the answers

What was one effect of the Bank Holiday / Emergency Bank Act?

It helped stabilize the banking system in the long term. Signup and view all the answers

What triggered the Abyssinian Crisis?

Italy's desire to connect two colonies in Africa. Signup and view all the answers

What was a notable negative aspect of the Tennessee Valley Authority?

It caused major pollution. Signup and view all the answers

How did the song mentioned reflect views on Roosevelt's policies?

It highlighted the failures and despair faced by citizens. Signup and view all the answers

What was a consequence of Wilson's refusal to recognize Huerta's government in Mexico?

The U.S. military was sent to seize the port following an arrest of American sailors. Signup and view all the answers

What event led to the U.S. abandoning neutrality and entering WWI?

Germany's use of unrestricted submarine warfare. Signup and view all the answers

What did Wilson's Fourteen Points primarily aim to accomplish?

Promote democracy and protect national independence. Signup and view all the answers

How did the Red Scare affect government actions in the U.S.?

It prompted the government to conduct widespread arrests of suspected communists. Signup and view all the answers

What was a key characteristic of Wilson's 'Moral Diplomacy'?

Believing that the U.S. had a moral duty to spread democracy. Signup and view all the answers

What caused the disillusionment with the League of Nations in the U.S.?

Opposition from Congress and public favoring isolationism. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the impacts of the Boston Police Strike of 1919?

It demonstrated the fear of unionization being associated with communism. Signup and view all the answers

What was a major consequence of the Spanish Flu pandemic from 1918 to 1920?

It resulted in worldwide deaths estimated between 20 to 50 million. Signup and view all the answers

What did the Scopes 'Monkey Trial' highlight in American society?

The divide between modernism and traditionalism in education. Signup and view all the answers

Which policy aimed to keep the U.S. out of foreign wars during the 1930s?

The Neutrality Acts. Signup and view all the answers

Why did the U.S. implement the Lend-Lease policy?

To assist allied nations while limiting U.S. military engagement. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant result of the Palmer Raids?

They heightened anti-immigrant sentiment and discrimination. Signup and view all the answers

What was Wilson's motivation behind his agenda during the Treaty of Versailles?

To establish a fair peace and prevent future conflicts. Signup and view all the answers

How did public perception shift regarding labor movements after the Bolshevik Revolution?

Labor movements were viewed as potentially communist threats. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the main economic conditions leading to the Great Depression?

Large wealth disparity Signup and view all the answers

Which action did FDR take to combat the effects of the Great Depression through the New Deal?

Job creation through public works projects Signup and view all the answers

What event prompted the U.S. to officially enter World War II?

The attack on Pearl Harbor Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)?

To regulate the stock market Signup and view all the answers

What caused the collapse of the U.S. banking system during the Great Depression?

Too many people withdrawing money Signup and view all the answers

Which New Deal program was designed specifically to assist the homeless and unemployed?

Works Progress Administration (WPA) Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the criticisms of the New Deal programs?

They discriminated against African Americans Signup and view all the answers

What did the Federal Emergency Relief Act (FERA) accomplish?

It provided financial assistance to states Signup and view all the answers

What was the effect of buying on margin during the 1920s?

Investment risks for consumers Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the significance of the Atlantic Charter?

It outlined a vision for a post-war world Signup and view all the answers

What was the Smoot-Hawley Tariff's impact on international trade?

It raised tariffs and led to decreased trade Signup and view all the answers

What caused overproduction during the 1920s?

Advancements in manufacturing technology Signup and view all the answers

Which program was designed to reform the banking system?

Emergency Bank Act Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary aim of the Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA)?

Reduce agricultural production to raise prices Signup and view all the answers

What were the main goals of the Progressive Movement?

Improve conditions for workers and immigrants while increasing political participation Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the Emergency Quota Act of 1921?

To limit the number of immigrants from each nationality to 3% of their population based on the 1910 census Signup and view all the answers

How did U.S. foreign policy shift after McKinley's presidency?

From territorial expansion in North America to active imperialism overseas Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the Spanish-American War?

The U.S. acquired territories such as Guam and Puerto Rico Signup and view all the answers

What role did the Muckrakers play during the Progressive Era?

They were journalists who exposed societal issues to the public Signup and view all the answers

Which amendment established the direct election of senators?

17th Amendment Signup and view all the answers

What principle did the Monroe Doctrine emphasize?

The Americas should remain free from European colonization Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary aim of the Open Door Policy towards China?

To ensure equal trading rights for all nations in China Signup and view all the answers

What was one consequence of the Philippine-American War?

U.S. control led to significant civilian casualties Signup and view all the answers

Which act was designed to improve food safety and inspection standards?

Pure Food and Drug Act Signup and view all the answers

What technique did Roosevelt utilize to assert U.S. influence in the Americas?

Dollar Diplomacy Signup and view all the answers

Which American action led to the annexation of Hawaii?

American businessmen orchestrating a coup against the Hawaiian government Signup and view all the answers

What impact did the Clayton Antitrust Act have on monopolies?

It reduced the power of monopolies and protected competition Signup and view all the answers

What characterized the U.S. foreign policy before McKinley?

A focus on territorial expansion and non-intervention Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Unit I: Populism and Industrialization

Populist Party (1892) formed from Grange Movement, gaining national support from farmers and industrial workers, and supported by Democrats.
Farmers faced economic hardship in the 1870s-1880s due to falling crop prices, rising farming machinery and freight costs, railroad exploitation, and debt cycles.
Railroads overcharged farmers for transportation and storage, contributing to their economic struggles. Lack of railroad regulation exacerbated the issue.
Omaha Platform (1892) outlined Populist Party goals: limiting industrialists' power, implementing a graduated income tax, regulating railroads and banks, and supporting bimetallism.
Populists also sought political reforms like direct election of Senators, initiatives/referendums, and secret ballots.
Industrial workers supported 8-hour work days and immigration control.
Impacts of Populism included the Sherman Antitrust Act, initiatives/referendums in states, and some unions achieving 8-hour work days.

Immigration

Immigrants came to the U.S. seeking opportunity, fleeing crises, supporting families, escaping oppression, and responding to employer recruitment.
Reactions to immigrants were mixed. Some employers favored cheap labor, while others feared job displacement for native-born White workers.
Concerns about crime, social disruption, and inferiority were also expressed, particularly towards immigrants from Asia, Southern Europe, and Eastern Europe.
"Social Darwinism," a racist ideology, argued for the superiority of certain ethnic/racial groups.
The federal government claimed that immigrants endangered communities and brought radical ideas.
Immigrants from Northern and Western Europe were often welcomed due to perceived cultural/religious similarities.
Know Nothing Party advocated for tighter immigration restrictions, including limiting voting rights and citizenship requirements for immigrants.

Immigration Policies

Emergency Quota Act (1921): Limited immigration from each nationality to 3% of their population in the U.S. based on 1910 census.
National Origins Quota Act (1924): Further limited immigration to 2%, based on the 1890 census.

Unit II: Progressive Era (1890’s - 1920’s)

Progressive Movement: A period of political and social reform responding to industrialization and immigration problems.
Muckrakers: Investigative journalists who exposed societal problems.
Progressives included middle-class people (especially women), clergy, and others.
Goals: Government regulation, increased voting rights, limiting political bosses, improving workers' rights and conditions for immigrants/poor, cleaning up cities, ending Jim Crow and segregation, and moving beyond laissez-faire economics.
Impacts included the Clayton Antitrust Act, improved building codes, better sanitation, Pure Food and Drug Act, Meat Inspection Act, labor rights reform, greater use of initiatives/referendums, and recall rights for voters.
Amendments 16, 17, and 19 were also passed. Unfortunately, segregation was also established or exacerbated during the Progressive Era.

Unit III: U.S. Foreign Policy

Monroe Doctrine: An American statement that European powers should not interfere in the Americas, and the U.S. would not interfere in European affairs or colonize Europe.
Imperialism: One nation imposing its ideals onto another for political, economic, or military influence.
- McKinley Era Shifts: Shifting away from solely continental expansion; seeking global influence.
McKinley: Annexation of Hawaii (1898) following a coup by American businessmen, exploiting Hawaii's economic assets and strategically placing it as a military base. Spanish-American War (1898) led to seizing Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines after the U.S. Maine exploded in Havana Harbor. The Platt Amendment restricted Cuba's independence.
Philippine-American War (1899-1902): Filipino resistance to U.S. control led to a protracted war with significant civilian casualties.
Open Door Policy (1899-1900): Advocated for an open market in China and equal trade opportunity for all nations.
Roosevelt: Roosevelt Corollary (1904): Expanded the Monroe Doctrine to include intervention in disputes in the Western Hemisphere, establishing the US as “policeman of the Americas”. - Russo-Japanese War (1905-1906) mediation by Roosevelt showed US global influence. - Panama Canal (1907-1914) construction demonstrates US ambition and economic power.
Taft: Dollar Diplomacy (1909-1913): Advocated for using economic, not military, power to shape international relations. Mixed results in stability creation internationally.
Wilson: Intervention in Mexico (1911): U.S. involvement in Mexican conflicts, including sending troops to quell unrest, leading to conflicts and a prolonged intervention.
WWI (1914-1918) U.S. entry in 1917: Triggered by the Zimmermann Telegram (German attempt to ally Mexico against U.S.), German unrestricted submarine warfare (Lusitania and Sussex), yellow journalism and British propaganda, financial ties to Great Britain, and the U.S.'s desire for global democratic ideals.
Wilson’s “Moral Diplomacy” aimed to spread American ideals abroad.
Cultural/Social Issues: Bolshevik Revolution, Red Scare (1917-1920), Palmer Raids (1919), Spanish Pandemic (1918-1920), Boston Police Strike (1919), Sacco and Vanzetti Trial (1920-1921), Scopes Monkey Trial (1925): Led to fear of communism and harsh discrimination against immigrant groups. League of Nations failure contributed towards isolationism after WWI.
Moving Towards WWII: Isolationist tendencies and Neutrality Acts (1935, 1937), Cash and Carry (1938), Lend-Lease (1939), and Four Freedoms (1941) reflect the gradual shift away from isolationism and acknowledgement of global threats. - Pearl Harbor (1941): Japan’s attack on U.S. naval base, triggering U.S. entry into World War II.

Unit IV: Great Depression (1929–1939)

Economic Situation After WWI: Buying on margin, wealth inequality, overproduction, underconsumption, and bank issues created an unstable market vulnerable to a crash.
Causes of Great Depression: Stock Market Crash (1929), bank failures, international trade collapse, exacerbated by tariffs.
U.S. Presidents: Harding (Return to Normalcy); Coolidge (Laissez-Faire); Hoover (Bonus March, Smoot-Hawley Tariff, Hoovervilles).

Unit V: The New Deal

New Deal: Roosevelt’s plan to combat the Great Depression with relief, recovery, and reform.
Successes: Fireside Chats, Works Progress Administration, Civilian Conservation Corps, Federal Emergency Relief Act, Securities and Exchange Commission, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Tennessee Valley Authority.
Failures: Discrimination against African Americans in New Deal programs, the National Recovery Act's unconstitutionality, Supreme Court opposition to New Deal legislation, issues with the Agricultural Adjustment Act, and potentially, the Tennessee Valley Authority’s unintended consequences.

Unit VI: Movement Towards WWII

Events Leading to War: Japan’s invasion of Manchuria, the Abyssinian Crisis, German expansion (Rhineland, Anschluss, Sudetenland), Spanish Civil War, and the ineffective League of Nations challenged pre-war international order.
Challenges of the League of Nations: Failure to effectively enforce treaties, resolve conflicts, or prevent further aggressive expansion.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the rise of the Populist Party and its role in the socioeconomic struggles faced by farmers and industrial workers in late 19th century America. This quiz covers key concepts like the Omaha Platform, railroad regulation, and political reforms sought by the Populists. Test your knowledge on the impacts of Populism on American society and legislation.