Immigration, Urbanization, Progressivism Pt. 2 Flashcards
(8 cards)
Progressive Movements:
Progressive movements are reform efforts aimed at advancing social and political progress, often targeting corruption, inequalities, and societal problems. They are characterized by a desire for a more just and equitable society, often involving government intervention and citizen participation. Progressive movements are often associated with specific time periods, like the Progressive Era in the United States (roughly 1897-1920).
Muckraking:
- The Jungle
- Ida B Wells
Muckrakers were investigative journalists, particularly active during the Progressive Era (roughly 1890s-1920s), who exposed corruption and wrongdoing in government, business, and society. They often used sensationalist journalism and photojournalism to highlight issues like monopolies, child labor, and government corruption. The term “muckraker” was coined by President Theodore Roosevelt, initially in a somewhat derogatory way, but it later came to represent the work of these journalists who brought important societal issues to light.
Ida B. Wells was a journalist, civil rights activist, and suffragist who dedicated her life to fighting against racial injustice and inequality, particularly in the South
“The Jungle,” by Upton Sinclair, follows the Lithuanian immigrant family, the Rudkus, as they struggle in Chicago’s meatpacking industry, facing harsh working conditions, poverty, and exploitation. The novel was intended to expose the poor sanitation and labor conditions in the industry, but its vivid descriptions of the meatpacking process ultimately led to public outrage and the passage of the Pure Food and Drug Act and the Meat Inspection Act.
Triangle Shirtwaist Fire:
The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, a catastrophic industrial disaster, occurred on March 25, 1911, at the Triangle Waist Company garment factory in New York City. 146 workers, primarily young immigrant women, perished in the blaze due to inadequate safety measures, locked exits, and a rapidly spreading fire. The fire led to significant public outrage and prompted reforms in labor laws and workplace safety regulations.
Spanish American War:
- USS Maine
- Fighting in Cuba
The Spanish-American War, fought in 1898, was a conflict between the United States and Spain that resulted in a decisive U.S. victory. The war was largely influenced by the Cuban struggle for independence from Spain and the sinking of the USS Maine. Following the war, Spain ceded its colonies in the Caribbean and Pacific to the U.S., including Cuba (which gained independence), Puerto Rico, and the Philippines. This victory marked the U.S. emergence as a global power.
The USS Maine was a U.S. Navy battleship that was sent to Havana Harbor, Cuba, in January 1898 to protect American interests during the Cuban War of Independence.
he United States intervened in the Spanish-American War of 1898, partly to support Cuban rebels fighting against Spanish colonial rule. Key battles in Cuba included the capture of Guantanamo Bay, the assaults on San Juan Heights (San Juan Hill and Kettle Hill), and the capture of Santiago de Cuba. The war officially ended with the Treaty of Paris, which resulted in Spain relinquishing control of Cuba and ceding Guam and Puerto Rico to the U.S.
Imperialism:
Imperialism, in its broadest sense, is a policy or practice where a nation extends its power and influence over other territories, often through military force, political control, or economic domination. This expansion is typically driven by the desire for resources, markets, strategic advantage, or ideological motivations.
Social Darwinism:
Social Darwinism is a term used to describe the misapplication of Darwin’s theory of natural selection to human society. It suggests that certain groups or individuals are “fitter” and therefore more likely to survive and prosper, while others are “unfit” and destined for decline or extinction. This idea was often used to justify social inequalities, racism, and imperialism in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Yellow Journalism:
Yellow journalism is a style of newspaper reporting characterized by sensationalized and often exaggerated stories, eye-catching headlines, and a lack of emphasis on factual accuracy. It emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly during a period of intense competition between newspapers like the New York World and New York Journal.
Results of the Spanish American War:
The Spanish-American War resulted in Spain losing its colonial empire in the Western Hemisphere and the United States emerging as a global power with territorial gains in the Caribbean and Pacific. Key outcomes included Cuba’s independence, the United States acquiring Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines, and the annexation of Hawaii.
