2 - United States History from 1877 to Present Flashcards
This deck covers U.S. history from 1877 to the present, focusing on imperialism, industrialization, urbanization, regional changes, political and economic shifts, the Great Depression, World Wars, the Cold War, and social movements.
Identify:
Characteristics of United States territorial imperialism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- Manifest Destiny
- Desire for new markets, resources, and investment opportunities
- Need to secure naval bases and protect trade routes in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans
- White supremacy
Identify:
Effects of United States territorial imperialism in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
- United States gained control of territories such as Hawaii, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Philippines, and the American Samoa
- Economic expansion
- Military build-up
- Anti-Imperialist Movement
Define:
industrialization
The shift from agricultural economies to manufacturing-based economies, driven by technological advancements and increased production efficiency.
Define:
urbanization
The growth of cities and the movement of people from rural areas to urban centers.
Define:
immigration
The movement of people from one country to another, often in search of better opportunities or to escape hardship.
Explain:
Relationship between industrialization, urbanization, and immigration in late 19th century America.
- Industrialization fueled urbanization: The growth of industries in cities attracted workers from both rural areas and other countries.
- Urbanization created a demand for labor: The rapid expansion of cities led to a need for workers in various sectors, driving immigration.
- Immigration provided a labor force for industrialization: Immigrants filled the labor gaps created by industrialization and contributed to economic growth.
Identify:
How did the Industrial Revolution in America begin?
- Technological innovations
- Growth of factories
- Urbanization
- Advancements in transportation and communication infrastructure such as railroads and telegraphs.
Began in the late 18th century and accelerated throughout the 19th century.
Explain:
How did the Industrial Revolution in the United States reshape economic and social structures, and what were its long-term implications for global influence?
- Reshaped economic structures by shifting from agrarian-based economies to industrialized ones, fostering mass production and urbanization.
- Transformed labor patterns, leading to the rise of urban working classes and impacting social hierarchies.
- Globally positioned the U.S. as a major economic and technological leader, influencing global trade and industrial development.
Goods could be transported swiftly across vast distances, fueling the growth of cities in inland areas that were not dependent on rivers or coastlines. This rapid expansion also spurred mass immigration from Asia and Europe, as people sought new opportunities in these emerging urban centers.
Explain:
How did immigration laws passed during the Industrial Revolution in the United States shape national identity, labor markets, and societal integration?
- Aimed to regulate and control the influx of immigrants, often reflecting societal fears and economic interests.
- Laws influenced demographic shifts, labor dynamics, and cultural assimilation processes, shaping the social fabric and economic development of the nation.
Explain:
How did the Second Industrial Revolution accelerate technological advancements, transform global economies, and reshape societal structures in the late 19th and early 20th centuries?
- Laid foundation for unprecedented technological innovations.
- Spurred mass production through electrification and assembly line methods.
- Reshaped global economic dynamics, fundamentally altering societal structures and urban landscapes worldwide.
Examples: electrification, assembly line techniques by Henry Ford, mass production of automobiles
Explain:
What was the significance of labor unions during the Second Industrial Revolution?
- Emerged as powerful advocates for workers’ rights.
- Campaigned for improved working conditions, shorter hours, and fair wages amidst rapid industrialization.
- Contributed to the establishment of collective bargaining agreements, which gave workers a stronger voice in negotiations with employers and helped shape labor laws that aimed to protect workers’ rights.
Examples: Creation of AFL in 1886, Pullman Strike of 1894
Explain:
How did the Gilded Age in the United States symbolize both unprecedented economic growth and profound social inequality?
- Marked a period of rapid industrialization, urbanization, and economic expansion fueled by technological innovations and entrepreneurial ventures.
- Underscored stark disparities between the wealthy elite and the working class, leading to widespread social unrest and calls for reform amid growing economic inequality.
Explain:
How did religion play a role in the Gilded Age?
- The Social Gospel movement emerged within Protestantism during the Industrial Revolution.
- Advocated for the application of biblical ethics to address social and economic injustices, aiming to eradicate poverty, improve living conditions, and promote societal equality.
- Jane Addams was a pioneering social reformer and activist who co-founded Hull House in Chicago in 1889.
- Hull House became a model for social work, providing essential services like education and healthcare to immigrant and low-income communities.
Explain:
How did imperialism during the late 19th and early 20th centuries reshape global power dynamics, economic structures, and cultural exchanges among nations?
- Allowed Western powers, particularly Europe and the U.S., to dominate vast territories in Africa, Asia, and the Pacific, establishing themselves as global hegemonic forces.
- Reshaped global trade networks, leading to the extraction of resources from colonies and the establishment of markets for manufactured goods, benefiting imperial powers at the expense of colonized regions.
- Facilitated exchanges and imposed Western ideologies, while also sparking resistance, nationalism, and hybrid cultural practices in colonized societies.
Explain:
Significance of the Spanish-American War.
- Resulted in the United States gaining overseas territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines, marking its transition from a regional to a global power.
- Underscored America’s growing influence in Latin America and the Caribbean, shaping its foreign policy objectives and strategic interests in the Western Hemisphere.
Describe:
Populist Movement in the United States.
- Period of political and social unrest in the late 19th century.
- Characterized by a movement of farmers and laborers who sought to address economic and political inequalities.
Identify:
3 causes of Populist Movement.
- Farmers struggled with low prices for their crops, high debt, and railroad monopolies.
- Rural Americans, especially African Americans, faced voting restrictions and political corruption that limited their representation in government.
- Growing gap between the rich and the poor.
Explain:
Significance of Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) as it relates to Jim Crow Laws.
- Supreme Court case established the “separate but equal” doctrine, which legalized racial segregation in public facilities.
- Ruling provided a legal justification for Jim Crow laws and allowed for their continued existence.
Explain:
How did Jim Crow laws impact daily life for African Americans throughout the South?
- Jim Crow laws were expanded to cover a wide range of public facilities, including schools, transportation, restaurants, and restrooms. These laws ensured that African Americans were denied equal access to essential services.
- Southern states enacted various laws to disenfranchise African American voters, such as literacy tests, poll taxes, and grandfather clauses.
- The threat of lynching and other forms of violence was used to intimidate African Americans and maintain racial control.
Identify:
4 causes of WWI.
- Alliances
- Nationalism
- Militarism
- Imperialism
Explain:
What brought the United States into WWI?
- Germany’s unrestricted submarine warfare led to the sinking of ships with American passengers (e.g. Lusitania).
- Propaganda campaigns in America depicted Germany as vicious killers after they invaded Belgium.
- The Zimmerman Telegram revealed Germany’s proposal to Mexico to join the war against the U.S. in exchange for the return of lost territories.
Despite initial efforts to stay neutral, growing anti-Germany sentiment and direct threats to American security led to U.S. involvement in WWI.
Explain:
Impact of WWI on American homefront.
- Mobilized millions of men for military service, leading to significant changes in the economy and social life.
- Boosted the American economy, as the country became a major supplier of food, munitions, and other goods to the Allied powers.
- Accelerated social and cultural changes, as women entered the workforce in unprecedented numbers and African Americans migrated to cities in search of opportunities.
Explain:
Outcomes of America’s involement in WWI.
- Changed the course of the conflict, enabling the Allies to achieve victory and convene the Paris Peace Conference to negotiate the Treaty of Versailles, shaping the post-war global order.
- Expanded opportunities for women in the workforce, strengthened federal powers and presidential authority, fostered growth in organizations like the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and Red Cross, and increased international travel.
Describe:
Contributions of women to war effort during WWI.
- Took on jobs traditionally held by men, such as factory work, as companies lost male employees to military service.
- Served as ambulance and medical personnel overseas.
Explain:
What was life like during the Progressive Era of the 1920s in America?
- Shift towards mass consumerism, driven by modern advertising that promoted household goods and technological innovations like cars and planes, which transformed American life.
- Cultural advancements in cinema and journalism during this period emphasized arts, culture, and entertainment, contributing to increased leisure time and societal changes.
Mass production made these goods more accessible, leading to a more uniform American home life.
Explain:
What was the economy like during the Progressive Era of the 1920s in America?
- Prosperity of the 1920s was fueled by economic growth, driven by new inventions, increased manufacturing, and the widespread adoption of mass consumption, which reshaped American culture.
- Industrial expansion, particularly with innovations like the automobile, facilitated suburban development, expanding the middle class and fundamentally altering the American landscape.
Economic prosperity allowed for a broader distribution of wealth and increased consumerism.
Explain:
What were the politics like during the Progressive Era of the 1920s in America?
- Significant social and political reforms focused on worker protection, sanitation improvements, and advancing women’s rights, but racial tensions and xenophobia persisted.
- Groups such as the KKK emerged, exacerbating anti-immigrant sentiment that impacted worker rights and labor unions, while events like the Tulsa Massacre underscored deep-seated racial divisions in American society.
Explain:
What is the significance of the 16th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution in shaping the federal income tax system?
Granted the U.S. Congress the power to levy an income tax without apportioning it among the states or basing it on the U.S. Census, fundamentally transforming federal revenue generation.
Explain:
How did the 17th Amendment change the process for electing U.S. Senators, and what were its intended democratic benefits?
Changed the process for electing U.S. Senators from being chosen by state legislatures to being directly elected by the people, thereby increasing democratic participation and reducing corruption.
Explain:
Social and political impacts of the 18th Amendment.
- Established Prohibition in the United States.
- Led to significant social and political impacts including the rise of organized crime, widespread disregard for the law, and ultimately its repeal by the 21st Amendment.
Explain:
How did the 19th Amendment expand voting rights in the United States, and what were its broader implications for women’s rights and gender equality?
- Expanded voting rights in the United States by prohibiting gender-based voting restrictions.
- Significantly advancing women’s rights and promoting gender equality in the democratic process.
Identify:
Causes of the Wall Street Crash of 1929.
- Over-speculation in the U.S. stock market.
- Excessive investment during the Roaring Twenties, often with borrowed money.
- Unsustainable growth led to the crash after 8 years.
Explain:
Effects of the Wall Street Crash of 1929.
- Long-lasting economic impact throughout the 1930s.
- Significant hardship for working-class individuals.
- Federal interventions in 1933 helped stabilize the market.
- The Great Depression ended with economic support for WWII military efforts.
Initial federal interventions restored some investor confidence, leading to the first signs of market growth during the Great Depression.
Explain:
How did the Great Depression affect urban and rural Americans?
- Urban Americans faced unemployment rates of up to 25%.
- Many were forced to wait in soup lines, steal, or live in shantytowns.
- Rural Americans, especially farmers, suffered from the ‘Dust Bowl,’ with dust storms burying homes, equipment, and livestock.
The Great Depression was the United States’ largest economic downturn, causing widespread unemployment and hardship.
Explain:
How did the Great Depression affect minority groups in America?
- Sharecroppers had leases terminated and were evicted.
- Latino and Asian people were often blamed for taking jobs from white people, leading to deportations.
- African Americans were the first to lose jobs and faced increased violence and discrimination, including poll taxes to prevent voting.
The suffering for all individuals continued until the American entrance into the Second World War, which eventually helped to end the Great Depression.
Explain:
How did the New Deal transform the role of the federal government in the economy and society of the United States?
- Expanded the federal government’s role by implementing a range of economic and social programs aimed at relief, recovery, and reform during the Great Depression.
- Established new regulatory frameworks and welfare systems, including Social Security and unemployment insurance, fundamentally reshaping the relationship between the government and American citizens.
Explain:
What were the primary causes of World War II?
- Aggressive expansionist policies of Nazi Germany.
- Failure of the Treaty of Versailles to ensure lasting peace.
- Economic instability caused by the Great Depression.
Explain:
Causes of American involvement in WWII.
- Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.
- Strong economic ties with the Allied powers, including Great Britain and France.
- Rising Anti-Fascist Sentiment.
Prior to the attack on Pearl Harbor, the United States had generally maintained an isolationist foreign policy, seeking to avoid involvement in foreign conflicts. However, the growing threat of Axis powers and the increasing aggression of Japan made it difficult to remain neutral.
Explain:
What were the major turning points in World War II that shifted the balance of power and contributed to the eventual Allied victory?
- Battle of Stalingrad, which marked the decline of Nazi Germany’s expansion in the Eastern Front.
- Battle of Midway, which shifted the momentum in the Pacific Theater in favor of the Allies.
- The successful Allied landings in Normandy (D-Day) and the subsequent liberation of Western Europe.
Describe:
Impact of African Americans on war effort.
- Served in segregated units of the U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force.
- Worked in factories and shipyards, producing essential supplies and equipment for the Allied forces.
Explain:
Role of women during war effort.
World War II
- Filled the void left by men who were drafted into military service by taking on jobs in factories, shipyards, and other industries.
- Served as nurses in the military, providing medical care to wounded soldiers and also served in the Women’s Auxiliary Services of the U.S. Army Air Corps, flying military aircraft for training and transportation purposes.
Explain:
How did the ideological, political, and military tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union shape global relations and conflicts during the Cold War?
- Fostered a climate of competition and conflict.
- Led to proxy wars, nuclear arms races, and significant shifts in international alliances and policies.
Identify:
Key events of the Korean War.
- North Korea invaded South Korea in 1950.
- United Nations intervened to repel the invasion, primarily composed of U.S. troops, was assembled under the command of General Douglas MacArthur.
- UN forces initially pushed back North Korean forces, driving them north of the 38th parallel.
- China entered the war to support North Korea in late 1950, sending massive numbers of troops to support North Korea.
- The Chinese forces launched a series of counterattacks, forcing UN forces to retreat southward.
- The war ended in a stalemate with an armistice in 1953 and established a demilitarized zone (DMZ) between the two Koreas, which remains in place today.
Explain:
Outcomes of the Korean War.
- Solidified the division of Korea into North and South Korea, a division that remains in place today.
- The war contributed to increased tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union, as well as the global arms race.
- The Korean Peninsula remains a volatile region, with ongoing tensions between North and South Korea and the threat of nuclear conflict.
Identify:
5 causes of the Vietnam War.
- French colonialism in Vietnam.
- Rise of Vietnamese nationalism and communism (Ho Chi Minh and the Viet Minh).
- Cold War dynamics and the Domino Theory.
- Geneva Accords and the division of Vietnam at the 17th parallel.
- Escalation of U.S. military involvement, especially after the Gulf of Tonkin Incident.
The Vietnam War (1955-1975) was heavily influenced by global Cold War tensions and efforts to address decolonization.
Explain:
Impact of Vietnam War on Cold War politics.
- Major escalation of tensions between between the United States and the Soviet Union.
- Fueled anti-American sentiment in many parts of the world, particularly in developing countries.
- The war’s unpopularity in the United States contributed to a shift in foreign policy towards détente with the Soviet Union.
Explain:
How the Vietnam War affected domestic politics in the United States.
- Sparked widespread social unrest, particularly among young people who opposed the draft and the war itself. This led to protests, civil disobedience, and a decline in trust in government institutions.
- Deepened political polarization in the United States, dividing the country along ideological lines. This polarization continued to shape American politics for decades to come.
- War was extremely costly, both in terms of human lives and financial resources. This led to economic strain and contributed to inflation and other economic problems.
Explain:
Impact of McCarthyism on civil liberties in the United States.
- McCarthy’s accusations of widespread Communist infiltration led to a crackdown on civil liberties.
- Individuals suspected of having Communist sympathies were subjected to government surveillance, blacklisting, and even imprisonment.
- The fear of being labeled a Communist created a climate of self-censorship and conformity, as people were hesitant to express dissenting opinions or engage in activities that might be seen as suspicious.
Identify:
Containment
Context of Cold War
- Aimed to prevent the spread of communism, primarily by containing the Soviet Union and its allies within their existing borders.
- This strategy was based on the belief that if communism was allowed to expand, it would eventually threaten the security and stability of the United States and its allies.
Describe:
3 examples of how containment was used during Cold War.
- The Marshall Plan: This economic aid program provided massive financial assistance to European countries devastated by World War II, helping to rebuild their economies and prevent them from falling under Soviet influence.
- The Korean War: The United States intervened in the Korean War to prevent North Korea, supported by the Soviet Union and China, from conquering South Korea.
- The Vietnam War: The United States became involved in the Vietnam War to prevent South Vietnam from falling to communism, leading to a prolonged and costly conflict.
Describe:
Effects of nuclear arms race on American foreign policy.
Context of Cold War
- Deterrence: Both superpowers sought to amass a sufficient number of nuclear weapons to prevent the other from launching a first strike (mutually assured destruction).
- Led to a massive increase in military spending which diverted significant resources from other areas, such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
- The fear of nuclear war cast a shadow over global affairs, leading to increased mistrust and suspicion between nations.
- The United States and the Soviet Union often used proxy wars in developing countries to compete for influence and to test their military capabilities (ex: Korean War, Vietnam War, Cuban revolution, Congo, Nicaragua).
Describe:
Effects of nuclear arms race on American domestic policy.
Context of Cold War
- Massive investment in military infrastructure and weapons systems led to increased government spending and higher taxes.
- The fear of annihilation led to a sense of anxiety and uncertainty and many people sought ways to protect themselves and their families, which led to changes in social norms, family structures, and consumer behavior.
- Led to increased government surveillance and a decline in civil liberties.
Increased government surveillance led to monitoring the activities of suspected Communists and other potential threats, leading to a climate of fear and suspicion.
Explain:
What were the major domestic and foreign policy achievements and challenges of John F. Kennedy’s presidency, and how did they impact the course of American history?
Major achievements:
- establishment of the Peace Corps
- advancements in space exploration with the Apollo program
- significant progress in civil rights legislation
Key challenges:
- Cuban Missile Crisis
- escalation of U.S. involvement in Vietnam
Explain:
What were the major strategies and significant achievements of the Civil Rights Movement, and how did they contribute to the advancement of racial equality in the United States?
- Used nonviolent protest, legal challenges, and grassroots activism as major strategies to combat racial segregation and discrimination.
- Significant achievements include the Brown v. Board of Education ruling, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which dismantled legal segregation and protected voting rights for African Americans.
- These efforts greatly advanced racial equality in the U.S., though the movement also highlighted the ongoing need for social and economic justice.
Identify:
Legislative outcomes of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s.
- The Civil Rights Act of 1964 provided protections against workplace discrimination and banned segregation in public facilities.
- The Voting Rights Act of 1965 banned Jim Crow-era laws like literacy tests in the South.
- The Civil Rights Act of 1968 protected Black Americans from discrimination in housing and finance.
Key events like Rosa Parks refusing to give up her bus seat and the broadcasting of violent interactions with peaceful protesters helped shift public sentiment and policy.
Identify:
Civil Rights groups and movements in the 1960’s and 1970’s.
- The Student Movement
- The Counterculture/Hippie Movement
- The Feminist Movement
- The Red Power movement
- The gay liberation movement
- The environmental movement
Explain:
Causes and effects of LGBTQ+ rights movement.
- LGBTQ+ individuals faced discrimination, prejudice, and violence.
- They were often denied basic rights, such as the right to marry and serve openly in the military.
- Leaders like Marsha P. Johnson and Harvey Milk played crucial roles in being outspoken advocates for the movement.
- The movement has led to significant progress, including the legalization of same-sex marriage and increased protections for LGBTQ+ individuals.
Explain:
Causes and effects of the Chicano Movement.
- Mexican Americans had a long history of oppression, including land loss, discrimination, and segregation.
- Raised awareness of the issues facing Mexican Americans and encouraged greater political participation.
- Advocated for improved educational opportunities for Mexican American students, leading to increased access to schools and higher education.
- Achieved significant legislative victories, including the Bilingual Education Act of 1968, which provided federal funding for bilingual education programs.
Explain:
Significance of President Johnson’s Great Society.
- Set of domestic programs launched in the 1960s aimed at eliminating poverty and racial injustice.
- Key initiatives included Medicare, Medicaid, the Civil Rights Act, and the War on Poverty, significantly expanding the federal government’s role in social welfare and civil rights.
- The Great Society reshaped American society, reducing poverty rates and promoting equal opportunities, but also sparked debates over government intervention and spending.
Explain:
How has the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) influenced global oil prices and international energy policies since its formation?
Since its formation, OPEC has significantly influenced global oil prices and international energy policies by coordinating production levels among member countries to control supply and stabilize or manipulate prices in the global market.
Explain:
Significance of Roe v. Wade in 1973.
- Landmark Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion nationwide, ruling that a woman’s right to choose was protected under the right to privacy implied by the 14th Amendment.
- The decision established a framework allowing states to regulate abortion based on the trimester of pregnancy, balancing the state’s interest in protecting women’s health and potential life.
- It became a focal point in the ongoing debate over reproductive rights and has had a lasting impact on U.S. law and society.
Explain:
Key aspects of Jimmy Carter’s presidency.
- Focused on human rights, energy policy, and diplomacy.
- Brokered the Camp David Accords between Egypt and Israel
- Faced challenges with the Iran hostage crisis and a struggling economy marked by inflation and unemployment.
- Despite these difficulties, Carter is often praised for his post-presidency humanitarian work and environmental advocacy.
Explain:
How did the collapse of the Soviet Union influence United States domestic politics during the 1990s?
- End of the Cold War led to a breakdown of the bipartisan consensus that had characterized American politics during the Cold War era.
- Growing consensus in favor of free-market policies and economic liberalization.
- Rise of identity politics, as issues such as race, gender, and sexuality became more prominent in American political discourse.
Explain:
How did the collapse of the Soviet Union influence United States foreign policy during the 1990s?
- Unipolarity: Left the United States as the world’s only superpower.
- The United States became more involved in humanitarian interventions, such as those in Somalia and Bosnia-Herzegovina.
- The United States expanded NATO to include several Eastern European countries, signaling its commitment to European security and its desire to contain Russian influence.
Explain:
3 contemporary social issues concerning labor, gender, race, and poverty.
- Gap between the earnings of high-income earners and low-income workers continues to widen, contributing to economic inequality.
- Women consistently earn less than men for the same work, and this gap persists across industries and occupations.
- Racial bias and discrimination continue to exist in various aspects of society, including education, employment, housing, and the criminal justice system.
Explain:
How did the 9/11 attacks transform culture and society in the United States?
- Shattered the perception of American invulnerability and led to a heightened sense of fear and anxiety.
- Surge in patriotism and national unity, but also a growing debate about civil liberties and the balance between security and freedom.
- The War on Terror led to significant changes in American foreign policy, with a greater emphasis on preemptive action and the use of military force.
- The attacks shaped debates about immigration, surveillance, and the role of government in protecting citizens.
Describe:
3 causes of globalization.
- Technological advancements in transportation, communication, and information technology have reduced the cost and time it takes to connect and collaborate globally.
- Economic factors such as reduced trade barriers, economic liberalization, and the search for lower costs have encouraged international trade and investment.
- Political factors like international cooperation, political stability, and cultural exchange have promoted globalization and reduced conflicts between nations.
Explain:
Significance of NAFTA and USMCA.
- Both agreements led to a substantial increase in trade among the three countries.
- NAFTA and USMCA contributed to economic growth in all three countries by expanding markets, reducing costs, and encouraging investment.
- The agreements fostered deeper integration of supply chains, leading to more efficient production and lower costs.
NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) and its successor, USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), were significant trade agreements that aimed to reduce trade barriers and promote economic growth among the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Explain:
How did globalization influence life among diverse groups and in different regions of the United states?
- Manufacturing job losses in Rust Belt.
- Created new economic opportunities in sectors like technology, finance, and services in coastal cities like New York, San Francisco, and Boston.
- The flow of people from different cultures and countries has led to a more diverse population in many parts of the United States.
Explain:
Impact of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization.
- Decision reversed the constitutional right to abortion established in Roe v. Wade in 1973.
- Individual states now have the power to regulate or restrict abortion access within their borders.
- Some states have enacted laws that severely restrict or ban abortion, while others have taken steps to protect abortion access.
- In states with restrictive laws, access to abortion has become more difficult, especially for marginalized groups such as low-income women, women of color, and those living in rural areas.
The decision has placed a greater burden on women seeking abortions, as they may need to travel long distances or face other obstacles to access care.
