Podcast
Questions and Answers
What was one of the main goals of the Spanish American War?
What was one of the main goals of the Spanish American War?
What amendment indicated a shift in US policy towards imperialism after the Spanish American War?
What amendment indicated a shift in US policy towards imperialism after the Spanish American War?
What was Teddy Roosevelt's approach to reforms during his presidency known as?
What was Teddy Roosevelt's approach to reforms during his presidency known as?
What was a significant consequence of the split within the Republican Party during the election of 1912?
What was a significant consequence of the split within the Republican Party during the election of 1912?
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What was the primary emphasis of Woodrow Wilson's presidency in relation to American democracy?
What was the primary emphasis of Woodrow Wilson's presidency in relation to American democracy?
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What was the primary purpose of the Homestead Act of 1862?
What was the primary purpose of the Homestead Act of 1862?
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Which group was primarily involved in the Oklahoma Land Rush of 1889?
Which group was primarily involved in the Oklahoma Land Rush of 1889?
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What was a major consequence of the Gold Rush in California?
What was a major consequence of the Gold Rush in California?
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Which legislation aimed to assimilate Native Americans into American culture by breaking up tribal lands?
Which legislation aimed to assimilate Native Americans into American culture by breaking up tribal lands?
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What was one characteristic of the Gilded Age in America?
What was one characteristic of the Gilded Age in America?
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Which act made it illegal to restrain trade and aimed to combat monopolies?
Which act made it illegal to restrain trade and aimed to combat monopolies?
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What was the outcome of the Chinese Exclusion Act?
What was the outcome of the Chinese Exclusion Act?
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What economic benefit did the transcontinental railroad provide?
What economic benefit did the transcontinental railroad provide?
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How did industrialization contribute to social reform movements?
How did industrialization contribute to social reform movements?
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What concept describes the idea that wealthy individuals have a moral responsibility to use their wealth for the benefit of society?
What concept describes the idea that wealthy individuals have a moral responsibility to use their wealth for the benefit of society?
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What did the term 'robber baron' refer to during the Gilded Age?
What did the term 'robber baron' refer to during the Gilded Age?
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What was the focus of the Populist Party when it was formed?
What was the focus of the Populist Party when it was formed?
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Which statement best describes the urban poor in America during the late 1800s?
Which statement best describes the urban poor in America during the late 1800s?
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What was a primary reason for the mass immigration to urban areas in the late 19th century?
What was a primary reason for the mass immigration to urban areas in the late 19th century?
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Study Notes
Westward Expansion and Industrialization
- Manifest Destiny: Americans believed their destiny was to occupy the entire American continent. This fueled westward migration.
- Westward Movement: People (including Exodusters—freedmen—and Mexicans, immigrants like Irish and Chinese) moved west seeking opportunities.
- Homestead Act (1862): Offered 160 acres of land to settlers who lived on it for five years and improved it, costing $30. This was a key way to populate the West.
- Oklahoma Land Rush (1889): Congress opened land; Boomers (who waited) and Sooners (who arrived early) raced for claims.
- Populist Party: Formed to address the needs of farmers, dealing with problems related to railroads and the mining industry.
Railroads and Mining
- Railroad Bonanza: The Pacific Railway Act led to the transcontinental railroad, connecting the East and West coasts.
- Railroad Impact: Railroads connected economies, and their presence could benefit an area or be detrimental.
- Mining: Mining, especially gold rushes, drew people west, creating boom-and-bust towns that became ghost towns when minerals ran out.
- Foreign Miners Act/Chinese Exclusion Act: Legislation aimed at restricting immigration, often due to economic competition.
Native American Affairs
- Buffalo Annihilation: American actions led to the near-total eradication of buffalo herds, severely impacting Native American tribes.
- Assimilation Policies: The US government attempted to assimilate Native Americans through policies like the Dawes Severalty Act, which broke up tribal lands.
Rise of Big Business
- Gilded Age: "Laissez-faire" capitalism governed the period, limiting government intervention in businesses.
- Large Corporations: Large, powerful corporations gained dominance, reducing competition and risk. Techniques for success included vertical integration (owning every step of production) and horizontal integration (buying out competitors).
- Robber Barons vs. Captains of Industry: Debate about the ethics of business leaders.
- Monopolies: Large companies gained control of entire industries.
- Gospel of Wealth (Carnegie): The wealthy had a moral obligation to give back to society.
- Fixed vs. Operational Costs: Companies with high fixed costs and low operational costs were more resilient during recessions.
Immigration
- Old vs. New Immigration: "Old" immigrants were usually Protestant, educated, and more easily integrated, while "New" immigrants were mostly from different ethnic origins and faced discrimination.
- Ellis Island: A major immigration processing center.
- Mass Urbanization: Rapid movement of people from rural areas to cities, straining urban resources and environments.
Urban Life
- Urban Classes: Cities developed distinct social classes, with the poor often living in slums and facing harsh conditions.
- New Opportunities for Women: Women began working as stenographers, secretaries, and sales clerks.
Social and Political Reforms
- Progressive Era: Reform movements responded to the problems of industrialization, aiming to address economic inequalities, poor working conditions, and corruption.
- Social Gospel: Religious-based efforts to address social problems in urban areas.
- Sherman Antitrust Act: Federal legislation intended to reduce monopolies.
Spanish-American War and Imperialism
- Spanish-American War: A short war that increased American global influence and imperialism.
- Causes: American interest in Cuba, rebellions, and the destruction of sugar plantations.
- Yellow Journalism (yellow press): Sensationalized reporting that helped heighten war tensions.
- T.R.'s Presidency: Focused on domestic reforms ("Square Deal") and international affairs.
Progressive Era Reforms
- Trust Busting: Efforts to break up large monopolies.
- Labor and Unions: Progressive support for workers' rights.
- Consumer Protection: Efforts to ensure product safety.
- Environmental Concerns: Recognition of environmental impact.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the critical events and policies that shaped Westward Expansion and Industrialization in America. This quiz covers topics such as Manifest Destiny, the Homestead Act, and the impact of railroads and mining. Dive into the historical progression that defined a nation.
