Political History Flashcards
(24 cards)
What was the political dominance in the USA from 1865 to 1920?
The Republican Party dominated, with only two Democratic presidents (Cleveland and Wilson) between 1868 and 1932.
What is Populism?
A political movement representing farmers and workers, opposed to big business and elites, emerging in the South and West in the 1890s.
Who led the Populist Party and ran for president in 1896, 1900, and 1908?
William Jennings Bryan.
What were key aims of the Populist Party in 1892?
Regulation of railways, graduated income tax, direct election of senators, 8-hour workday, and silver-based currency.
What was the Sherman Silver Purchase Act (1890)?
Required the US government to buy 4.5 million ounces of silver monthly, boosting silver production.
Why were farmers discontented in the 1890s?
Falling prices, high tariffs, and growing competition led to economic hardship, especially in wheat and cotton farming.
What was the Sherman Silver Purchase Act (1890)?
Required the US government to buy 4.5 million ounces of silver monthly, boosting silver production.
What was the outcome of the 1896 presidential election?
William McKinley (Republican) defeated Bryan with 51% of the vote and 271 electoral votes.
Why did McKinley win in 1896?
Modern campaigning, support from big business, fear of Bryan’s silver policy, and improved economy.
Did Populism have a lasting impact?
Yes – many of its policies were adopted by Progressives and it influenced both major parties.
What was Progressivism?
A broad reform movement from 1900–1920 focused on fighting political corruption, regulating business, and improving social conditions.
What were causes of Progressivism?
Economic inequality, poor working/living conditions, corruption, unregulated big business, and fear of revolution.
Who were the Progressive Presidents?
Theodore Roosevelt, William Taft, and Woodrow Wilson.
What is a muckraker?
Journalists who exposed corruption and social issues, e.g., Ida Tarbell and Upton Sinclair
What did Roosevelt achieve through the Sherman Anti-Trust Act?
Broke up monopolies like Northern Securities and Standard Oil; took on 44 anti-trust cases.
What conservation actions did Roosevelt take?
Reserved 150 million acres of forest, held conservation conferences, and backed laws for food/drug safety.
What happened to McKinley in 1901?
He was assassinated by Leon Czolgosz; Roosevelt became president at age 42.
What were Taft’s key achievements?
Filed 80 anti-trust suits, introduced an 8-hour workday for government workers, and supported tariff reform (though controversially).
Why did Roosevelt oppose President Taft?
He believed Taft was reluctant to continue Progressive reforms.
What triggered Roosevelt’s return to politics in 1910?
He received news of Taft’s lack of reform while on safari in Africa.
What was the significance of Roosevelt’s Osawatomie speech?
He attacked trusts, urged social reform, and promoted “New Nationalism” for greater federal power.
What happened when Roosevelt tried to run against Taft for the 1912 Republican nomination?
Taft controlled the party machinery and won the nomination.
What political party did Roosevelt form in 1912?
The Progressive Party, also known as the “Bull Moose” Party.
What was the consequence of Roosevelt forming a new party in 1912?
It split the Republican vote, weakening the party and contributing to their defeat in the 1912 election.
