Term 2 Exam Flashcards
(138 cards)
1
Q
Transcontinental Railroad
A
- A continuous rail line constructed from 1863 and 1869 between Omaha, Nebraska and San Francisco Bay, California.
- It significantly boosted trade and commerce, allowing goods to be transported more efficiently between the East and West coasts.
2
Q
Steel
A
- Became essential for constructing skyscrapers, bridges, and railways.
- Using the Bessemer Process, it made the production of steel cheaper and more efficient.
3
Q
Electricity
A
This was essential to industrial and urban growth as it was more flexible and reliable than water or stream. It transformed the process of manufacturing and transportation and played a crucial role in the advancement of technology.
4
Q
Petroleum
A
Oil became essential for powering transportation and manufacturing, leading to its classification as a strategic resource for national economies.
5
Q
Internal Combustion Engine
A
Significantly increased industrial productivity by powering machines that operated more efficiently than previous steam-powered alternatives. Factories could run continuously with higher output rates, which led to reduced production costs.
6
Q
Bessemer Converter
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A method invented by Henry Bessemer in 1856 to produce steel by blowing air into molten iron, which oxidizes it and removes carbon and other impurities, resulting in cheap, high-quality steel.
7
Q
Social Darwinism
A
- The application of Darwin’s Theory of Evolution in other aspects of humanity. The belief is that the rich were rich and the poor were poor due to natural selection and that “stronger” societies are naturally destined to dominate weaker ones.
- It would be used to justify harsh working conditions, low wages, exploitation, imperialism and racism.
8
Q
Horizontal Monopoly
A
- A business strategy where a company acquires or merges with other companies that produce the same products or services, effectively increasing its market share and reducing competition.
- Horizontal monopolies can result in higher prices as there is little to no competition to force businesses to improve.
9
Q
Vertical Monopoly
A
- A business strategy where a company controls multiple stages of production or distribution within the same industry.
- This approach allows companies to reduce costs, increase efficiency, and enhance control over the supply chain.
10
Q
Andrew Carnegie
A
A Scottish-born American industrialist and philanthropist who founded the Carnegie Steel Company in 1892. By 1901, his company dominated the American steel industry.
11
Q
Gospel of Wealth
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- An idea that wealthiest individuals had a moral obligation to give back to society and improve the lives of the less fortunate to advance society.
- Carnegie followed this through his philanthropic efforts like the establishment of over 2,500 libraries across the United States.
12
Q
Standard Oil
A
- An American oil producing, refining, and marketing company founded by Rockefeller in 1870.
- Standard Oil controlled approximately 90% of U.S. oil refineries at its peak, making it one of the most powerful corporations in American history.
13
Q
Homestead Strike
A
- A violent strike in 1892 at the Homestead Works in Pittsburgh following a decision to cut wages by nearly 20% and poor working conditions.
- The riot was ultimately put down by Pinkerton Police and the state militia, and the violence further damaged the image of unions. The event illustrated the government’s willingness to side with industrialists over workers during this period.
14
Q
Knights of Labor
A
A prominent labor organization in the United States during the late 19th century that aimed to unite all workers, regardless of skill level, gender, or race, to promote social and economic reforms.
15
Q
American Federation of Labor
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A national federation of labor unions in the United States founded by Samuel Gompers in 1886. It focused on securing better wages, working conditions, and hours for white, male, skilled workers while promoting collective bargaining as a primary strategy.
16
Q
Pullman Strike
A
- A nationwide railroad strike that occurred in 1894, which began at the Pullman Company in Chicago when workers protested wage cuts and high rent in company-owned housing.
- The strike led to a significant disruption in rail traffic, particularly affecting the delivery of mail, which prompted the federal government to intervene by sending troops to break the strike and resulted in several deaths.
17
Q
Socialism
A
- An economic and political system where the means of production, distribution, and exchange are owned or regulated by the community as a whole, aiming for equal wealth distribution and social welfare.
- It emerged as a response to the harsh realities of industrial labor, where workers faced long hours, low wages, and unsafe conditions.
18
Q
“Indian wars”- Sitting Bull, Crazy Horse, Plains Indians
A
A series of conflicts between Native Americans and the United States over land and resources in the Great Plains. Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse were prominent leaders of the Sioux people and key figures in the Great Sioux War (1876-1877).
19
Q
Evolutionary Socialism
A
A parliamentary route, which would deliver a long-term, radical transformation gradually through legal and peaceful means, via the state.
20
Q
Dawes Act
A
- A federal law in 1887 that authorized the federal government to break up tribal lands and divide them into individual plots for Native Americans.
- The goal was for Native Americans to adopt a more ‘white’ lifestyle by encouraging them to become farmers and own land.
21
Q
Carlisle Boarding School
A
- An off-reservation institution established in 1879 in Pennsylvania aimed at assimilating Native American students into Euro-American culture.
- This school sought to erase indigenous cultures and promote American values through education.
- Students at Carlisle were often forced to abandon their native languages, customs, and attire in favor of English language instruction and Western-style education.
22
Q
Wounded Knee Massacre
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A massacre on December 29, 1890, where the US Army killed nearly 300 Lakota people, including women and children, at Wounded Knee Creek in South Dakota. It marked the end of the Indian Wars.
23
Q
Imperialism
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The practice of a powerful nation or empire extending its political, economic, cultural, or military influence over other, often weaker, nations or territories.
24
Q
How did Imperialism derive from the Second Industrial Revolution?
A
The Gilded Age’s rapid industrialization created a need for new markets and resources overseas, which fueled the desire for territorial expansion.
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Motivations for Imperialism in European countries
- Economic: Industrialized nations sought new markets for their goods and sources for raw materials to fuel their growing economies.
- National prestige: The reputation and standing of a nation on the global stage, often influenced by its achievements, power, and cultural influence. Ideas of racial and cultural superiority influenced their perceptions of other cultures.
- Christianity: Many European nations viewed the spread of Christianity as a moral obligation to convert non-Christian peoples.
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Colony (Imperialism)
A powerful nation establishes direct political control over a foreign territory, often settling its own people there and exploiting the land and resources for economic gain and altering the local demographics and culture.
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Protectorate (Imperialism)
A country that is allegedly self-governing but is heavily controlled by an outside power, essentially acting as a puppet state where the local government remains in place but must follow the dictates of the controlling nation, often with the protection of military force from the imperial power.
28
Sphere of Influence (Imperialism)
A geographical region where a powerful nation exerts significant political, economic, or cultural influence without directly controlling the territory.
29
Berlin Conference
A meeting of European powers held in 1884-1885 in Berlin, Germany, without the presence of any indigenous population. It was convened to regulate the "Scramble for Africa” to prevent conflict between European nations by establishing rules for colonization and creating artificial borders.
30
“White Man’s Burden”
The belief that Western nations had a moral obligation to civilize and uplift non-Western societies. This idea was often used to justify imperialism, as it framed the colonization of other countries as a noble endeavor aimed at bringing progress, education, and Christianity to supposedly “savage” people.
31
David Livingstone
A Scottish missionary and explorer who played a significant role in European expansion and engagement with Africa during the 19th century. He is known for his exploration of Africa, his discovery of Victoria Falls, his efforts to open up trade routes, and promote Christianity.
32
Henry M. Stanley
A Welsh-American journalist and explorer who played a significant role in the Scramble for Africa. He is famous for finding David Livingstone in 1871 and later exploring and claiming territory in the Congo for King Leopold II of Belgium.
33
Congo and Rubber
King Leopold II's personal control over the Belgian Congo led to extreme economic exploitation characterized by the extraction of rubber and other resources through brutal labor practices. The Congolese people were subjected to violence, mutilation, forced labor, and harsh conditions that resulted in millions of deaths.
34
Boer War
A conflict fought between the British Empire and the Boer republics (Dutch settlers) in South Africa from 1899 to 1902, primarily over British control of territory and resources in the region (diamonds and gold), which ultimately leading to the unification of British colonies and Boer republics into the Union of South Africa.
35
Menelik II
The emperor of Ethiopia that played a crucial role in successfully resisting European colonization, most notably by defeating Italian forces at the Battle of Adwa, which preserved Ethiopia's independence during the Scramble for Africa. Menelik's success in maintaining Ethiopian independence stands out in a period when most of Africa was being colonized by Europe.
36
Suez Canal
A man-made waterway in Egypt that connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea. It significantly shortened the maritime route between Europe and Asia, thus playing a vital role in global trade and imperial interests during the age of imperialism.
37
Commodore Matthew Perry
A United States Navy officer who played a pivotal role in forcing Japan to open its borders to Western trade in the mid-19th century, effectively ending Japan's long period of isolationism by negotiating the Treaty of Kanagawa in 1854 which opened Japanese ports to American trade.
38
Meiji Restoration
A pivotal period in Japanese history that began in 1868, marking a shift away from feudalism and the restoration of power to the emperor. Japan underwent rapid modernization and industrialization, transforming it into a major world power.
39
Russo-Japanese War
A conflict between Russia and Japan from 1904 to 1905, primarily over their imperial ambitions in Manchuria and Korea. This war marked the first major victory of an Asian power over a European nation, showcasing Japan's emergence as a strong military force. The war also resulted in Russia facing domestic unrest and revolutionary movements due to its defeat, contributing to the Russian Revolution.
40
William H. Seward
The Secretary of State who purchased Alaska from Russia in 1867. It’s often called the "Seward's Folly" because many people at the time criticized the seemingly useless purchase of a large, cold territory, though it later proved to be valuable due to its natural resources like gold, oil, and fish.
41
Reasons for American imperialism in Hawaii
- Motivated by economic interests, particularly in sugar plantations, and strategic military considerations for U.S. presence in the Pacific.
- The Hawaiian economy was intertwined with the United States, leading many business leaders to advocate for their annexation to secure favorable trades and avoid tariffs.
42
Alfred Thayer Mahan
A prominent U.S. naval officer and historian who strongly advocated for the importance of a powerful navy to secure a nation's economic and political power on the world stage, most notably expressed in his influential book "The Influence of Sea Power Upon History" published in 1890. He argued that a strong navy was crucial for controlling trade routes, projecting power overseas, and securing a nation's dominance in international affairs.
43
Josiah Strong
A prominent American Protestant minister who wrote the influential book "Our Country: Its Possible Future and Its Present Crisis" in 1885. It promoted the idea of Anglo-Saxon superiority and used it to justify American expansionism and missionary work overseas, essentially advocating for a form of "manifest destiny" on a global scale.
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Turner Thesis
The argument by historian Frederick Jackson Turner in his 1893 essay "The Significance of the Frontier in American History," which states that the settlement west played a crucial role in shaping the unique character of American democracy and culture, distinguishing it from European nations as it fostered American individualism, democracy, and a spirit of innovation.
48
Economic/safety valve
The idea that the westward expansion of the American frontier acted as a mediator for social and economic tensions in the eastern United States, allowing dissatisfied people to move west and start new lives, thus preventing major unrest or revolutionary movements.
49
Teddy Roosevelt
The 26th President of the United States from 1901 to 1909. His presidency played a big role in the Progressive Era with his “Square Deal” program and his assertive domestic and foreign policies.
50
Spanish American Cuban Philippines War
The conflict fought between the United States and Spain in 1898, primarily over the issue of Cuban independence, which ultimately resulted in the U.S. acquiring territories like Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines.
51
The Maine
The war was caused by the explosion of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor, which fueled public outrage and calls for intervention against Spain. The Spanish American War was heavily influenced by sensationalist journalism (‘'yellow journalism’). This media coverage shaped public opinion and created a strong desire for intervention.
52
The De Lome Letter
A private letter written in 1889 by the Spanish Ambassador to the United States, Enrique Dupuy de Lôme, criticizing US President William McKinley's policies regarding Cuba. The letter was intercepted, published by a yellow journalist, and fueled public anger and pro-war sentiment in the US, contributing to the outbreak of the Spanish-American War.
53
Treaty of Paris
The agreement signed in 1898 that officially ended the Spanish-American War, where Spain ceded control of Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Guam to the United States, and also sold the Philippines to the U.S. for $20 million.
54
Philippine Insurrection
An armed conflict between Filipino nationalist forces, led by Emilio Aguinaldo and the United States military following the Spanish-American War, where the US annexed the Philippines, resulting in a struggle for Filipino independence from American colonial rule between 1899 and 1902.
55
Roosevelt Corollary
An extension of the Monroe Doctrine articulated by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1904, asserting the right of the United States to intervene in Latin American countries to maintain stability and civility and avoid colonization from Europe.
56
“Walk Softly, and Carry a Big Stick”
A phrase associated with Theodore Roosevelt's foreign policy, meaning to approach diplomacy peacefully while simultaneously demonstrating the potential for military force if necessary, essentially "speaking softly but having a strong military presence to back it up.”
57
Panama Canal
A man-made waterway constructed by the United States in Panama, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, which significantly shortened trade routes overseas by allowing ships to avoid the long journey around South America.
58
Modernism
A cultural movement during the early 1900's, people went against traditional ideals and promoted technology and forms of expression that were different and unique to the current time. Modernism believes that there are multiple valid perspectives and truths which goes against the cut dry thinking of religion and the Enlightenment.
59
Friedrich Nietzsche
A nihilist German philosopher who famously stated that 'God is dead' to express the decline of traditional religious and moral values in favor of modernity. Nietzsche criticized traditional morality and Christianity and rejected the Doctrine of Equality including Christianity (Souls), Democracy (Voice), and Socialism (Wealth).
60
Sigmund Freud
An Austrian neurologist who founded psychoanalysis, a clinical method for treating psychopathology through dialogue between a patient and a psychoanalyst. Freud's theories significantly challenged Victorian social norms by introducing open discussions about sexuality, repression, and mental health which were typically repressed or ignored.
61
Zionist Movement
A political movement formally established by Theodore Herzl that aimed to establish a Jewish homeland in the region of Palestine, primarily driven by the desire to create a safe haven for Jews facing widespread antisemitism in Europe.
62
Jane Addams
A social reformer and activist, most notably known for co-founding Hull House, one of the first settlement houses in the United States, in 1889 which aimed to improve the lives of immigrants and the urban poor by providing education, healthcare, and social services.
63
Social Gospel
A religious movement in the late 19th and early 20th centuries that aimed to apply Christian ethics to social problems, particularly issues like poverty, inequality, and labor rights. It sought to improve societal conditions by emphasizing the role of churches and individuals in advocating for social reform and that salvation should not only come from individual devotion to the Lord but also on improving society through collective action.
64
16th Amendment
Ratified in 1913; allows the federal government to impose and collect income taxes without dividing it among the states based on population. Before the 16th Amendment, income tax laws were often ruled unconstitutional as they were not apportioned according to state populations, which limited federal revenue options.
65
17th Amendment
Ratified in 1913; established the direct election of the U.S. Senators by popular vote. This change aimed to reduce corruption and increase democratic control over the legislative process by allowing citizens to directly choose their senators, rather than having them appointed by state legislatures.
66
Anthracite Strike
The 1902 labor dispute where about 140,000 coal miners in Pennsylvania's anthracites demanded a raise and shorter work days while also seeking recognition of their union. Unlike his predecessors, Roosevelt threatened to seize the coal mines if the owners refused to negotiate, forcing them to agree to arbitration. It marked a significant moment where the federal government acted as a neutral mediator to resolve a labor conflict instead of taking sides.
67
Northern Securities Antitrust
The Northern Securities Company was a large railroad trust formed in 1901 by J.P. Morgan and other prominent financiers that controlled several major railroads in the Northwest. In 1904, Roosevelt sued the company and the Supreme Court ruled in his favor, ordering for the dissolution of the Northern Securities Company under the Sherman Antitrust Act, marking a significant victory for antitrust enforcement.
68
Election of 1912
- The Election of 1912 was notable for being the first presidential election in which a former president ran against his hand-picked successor.
- Woodrow Wilson won the presidency with only 42% of the popular vote due to the division of Republican votes between Taft and Roosevelt as a result of the Bull Moose Party.
- Eugene V. Debs, running as a Socialist candidate, garnered nearly a million votes, showcasing the growing appeal of socialism in America during this time.
69
Sharecropping
An agricultural system that emerged in the South after the Civil War, where landowners allowed tenants to use their land in exchange for a share of the crops produced. Many sharecroppers were tied to their landowners through debt, often owing more than they could repay due to high interest rates and unfair practices. This system caused a new form of economic exploitation that kept many African Americans in a state of poverty.
70
Plessy v. Ferguson
A landmark Supreme Court case decided in 1896 that upheld the constitutionality of racial segregation under the doctrine of 'separate but equal.' The case arose when Homer Plessy, a light-skinned Creole man, staged an arrest for sitting in a 'whites-only' railroad car, challenging Louisiana's segregation laws. The Supreme Court's decision argued that separate facilities for blacks and whites did not violate the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment.
71
Washington’s Accommodationist Approach
Believed African Americans should focus on vocational training, economic advancement, in order to prove their worth through hard work and gradually gain respect from the white society.
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DuBois Militant Approach
Advocated for immediate and direct action to dismantle Jim Crow and achieve full civil rights through political activism and public protest. He believed that higher education and the mobilization of the 'Talented Tenth' were essential to achieving equality and combating racial discrimination.
73
Emmeline Pankhurst
A prominent British political activist who led the "suffragette movement," that advocated for women's right to vote through militant tactics such as hunger strikes and civil disobedience and protests to draw attention to their cause.
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Alice Paul
A prominent American suffragist and feminist who played a leading role in the early 20th century women's suffrage movement by using civil disobedience like hunger strikes while imprisoned, to highlight the urgent need for women's voting rights and garnered public sympathy.
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Margaret Sanger
A prominent American activist who spearheaded the birth control movement in the early 20th century, advocating for women's reproductive rights by founding the American Birth Control League, which later became Planned Parenthood. She believed that access to birth control was essential for women to achieve equality and independence, emphasizing its importance in family planning.
76
Woodrow Wilson and 14 points
The Fourteen Points were a set of principles proposed by the U.S. President Woodrow Wilson in January 1918 as a framework for peace negotiations to end World War I. These points emphasized self-determination, free trade, open diplomacy, and the establishment of the League of Nations to ensure lasting peace, addressing the causes of conflict, and aiming to reshape international relations in the post-war world.
77
Treaty of Versailles and League of Nations
A peace treaty signed in 1919 that formally ended World War I, imposing harsh terms and conditions on Germany, including, the country taking the sole responsibility for WWI (War Guilt Clause), significant territorial losses, military restrictions, and the requirement to pay substantial reparations. The treaty contributed to severe economic instability, resentment, and extremism in Germany.
78
Bloody Summer
The mass movement of approximately six million African Americans from the rural South to Northern states. This migration was driven by factors like the desire to escape the Jim Crow system, racial violence, and limited economic opportunities in the South. It was also fueled by increased industrial demand in the North during World War I.
79
October Manifesto
A document by Tsar Nicholas II that promised civil liberties and the establishment of a Duma (legislature) in Russia. It was a response to the 1905 Revolution and aimed to appease revolutionaries and demonstrate a commitment to reform. Despite these promises, the implementation of reforms was inconsistent, leading to continued dissatisfaction among various social classes and fueled another revolution.
80
Alexander Kerensky
A prominent figure in the Russian Revolution, serving as the head of the Provisional Government (Duma) after the abdication of Czar Nicholas II. He was overthrown by the Bolsheviks in the October Revolution. The Provisional Government under Kerensky failed to effectively address the key issues facing the Russian people such as the country’s continual involvement in WWI, leading to its eventual downfall.
81
Vladimir Lenin
A Russian revolutionary leader and the founder of the Soviet Union, known for his role in the October Revolution of 1917 and the establishment of a communist government in Russia.
82
Dictatorship of the Proletariat
A political concept that refers to a transitional state in which the proletariat holds political power and seeks to abolish capitalism and class distinctions. This concept is rooted in Marxist theory that the proletariat rises to power after overthrowing the bourgeoisie, aiming to create a classless society. The idea underscores the belief that this phase is necessary for the establishment of socialism and ultimately communism.
83
Leon Trotsky
A prominent Marxist revolutionary and key figure in the Russian Revolution, best known for his role as the leader of the Red Army and his advocacy for permanent revolution. After Lenin's death in 1924, Trotsky found himself in conflict with Stalin, ultimately leading to his expulsion from the Communist Party, exile from the Soviet Union, and his assassination in Mexico City by Stalin’s agents.
84
Joseph Stalin
A Soviet politician and revolutionary who governed the Soviet Union from 1928 until his death in 1953. He is known for his totalitarian regime, rapid industrialization, and the Great Purge, which involved widespread repression and mass executions. Stalin's policies led to the transformation of the Soviet Union into a major world power, but they came at the cost of millions of lives due to famines and purges.
85
5 Year Plan
A state-directed economic program initiated by the Soviet Union starting in 1928, aimed at rapidly transforming the country from an agrarian into an industrial society. These plans involved setting unrealistic production goals for industries and agriculture, and it caused widespread famine and suffering.
86
Agricultural Revolution
Stalin established a command economy, where decisions about what to produce are made by the government rather than consumers, often resulting in shortages or surpluses due to mismanagement. The collectivization of agriculture led to the dismantling of individual farms and forced peasants into state-run collective farms.
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Totalitarian Traits of Stalin
- Suppressed dissent and
- Promoted a cult of personality around himself.
- Censorship where Stalin would use secret police (NKVD) to instill fear and eliminate opposition.
- Propaganda to control public opinion and glorify Stalin’s leadership while vilifying perceived enemies.
- Education and cultural institutions were heavily regulated under Stalin.
88
F. Scott Fitzgerald
A leading figure of the Jazz Age, a period of cultural and societal change in the 1920s. He is best known for his novel, "The Great Gatsby," which explores themes of wealth, social class, and the American Dream. His work is often used to illustrate the complexities and contradictions of this era.
89
Youth Culture
The distinct values, beliefs, practices, and norms that characterize young people in a society. It often manifests through shared tastes in music, fashion, and social interactions, and can include both mainstream and subcultural expressions.
90
Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA)
A New Deal legislation enacted in 1933 aimed at boosting agricultural prices by reducing surpluses. The act provided direct payments to farmers who reduced their production of certain commodities, including cotton, corn, and wheat. The program resulted in a significant increase in farm income and prices but also led to some controversial practices, such as the destruction of crops and livestock.
91
National Recovery Administration (NRA)
A New Deal agency created in 1933 to stimulate economic recovery during the Great Depression. It aimed to foster fair competition, establish labor rights, and regulate industries by setting standards for wages, working hours, and production levels. It was deemed unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.
92
Works Progress Administration (WPA)
A New Deal agency established in 1935 to provide jobs and income to unemployed Americans during the Great Depression. It focused on large-scale public works projects, including the construction of roads, bridges, schools, and other infrastructure, aiming to stimulate the economy and restore public confidence.
93
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)
A U.S. government agency created in 1933 to provide insurance for bank deposits and restore public confidence in the banking system by protecting depositors' funds up to a certain limit. By insuring deposits, the FDIC helps prevent bank runs, as customers have less fear of losing their money if their bank fails.
94
Wagner Act
A landmark piece of labor legislation that aimed to address the imbalance of power between workers and employers by granting workers the right to form unions and engage in collective bargaining without fear of retaliation. This act significantly strengthened labor unions and aimed to improve labor relations by prohibiting unfair labor practices by employers.
95
New Deal Coalition
The diverse group of voters and interest groups that came together in support of the Democratic Party during the presidency of Franklin D. Roosevelt in the 1930s. This coalition emerged as a response to the economic devastation of the Great Depression and included various groups of society such as labor unions, African Americans, farmers, and urban working-class voters.
96
Fascism characteristics
- The Mythic Past:
- Propaganda:
- Anti-Intellectualism
- Unreality
- Hierarchy
- Victimhood
- Law and Order
- Sexual Anxiety
- Work shall make you free”
- Rejection of Marxism and Democracy
- War is Noble
97
March on Rome
A planned mass demonstration in October 1922, led by Mussolini and his Fascist Party. King Victor Emmanuel III, facing the threat of civil unrest, ultimately appointed Mussolini as Prime Minister, fearing bloodshed.
98
Night of Long Knives
A purge orchestrated by Adolf Hitler between June 30th and July 2nd, 1934, in Nazi Germany. He ordered the execution of several leaders of the SA (Sturmabteilung) and other political adversaries. This brutal crackdown aimed to consolidate Hitler's power by eliminating potential rivals within the Nazi Party and ensuring loyalty among the military and political elites.
99
Nuremberg Laws
A series of discriminatory laws enacted in Nazi Germany in 1935, primarily targeting Jewish people. The laws included:
- Stripping Jews of their citizenship
- Prohibited marriage and sexual relations between Jews and non-Jews
- Prohibited from writing or publishing books.
- Required to wear the star of David.
- Forced to live in ghettos.
100
Gestapo
The official secret police of Nazi Germany established in 1933. They are known for their brutal tactics and role in enforcing Nazi ideology. The Gestapo operated without legal constraints, targeting political opponents, Jews, and anyone deemed a threat to the regime.
101
Kristallnacht (The Night of Broken Glass)
The coordinated, violent anti-Jewish attacks that took place on November 9 and 10, 1938, across Nazi Germany and Austria. It’s characterized by widespread vandalism of Jewish homes, businesses, and synagogues, resulting in thousands of arrests.
102
Final Solution
The Nazi plan for the systematic extermination of the Jewish people during World War II. Implemented in phases, beginning with the Einsatzgruppen (mobile killing squads) in Eastern Europe and then evolving into the establishment of extermination camps where millions were murdered.
103
Wannsee Conference
A meeting held on January 20, 1942, where senior Nazi officials discussed the implementation of the 'Final Solution,' the plan to exterminate the Jewish population of Europe. This conference marked a critical moment in the Holocaust, as it facilitated the coordination of resources and policies necessary for carrying it out on an unprecedented scale.
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Einsatzgruppen
Mobile killing units of the Nazi regime that operated behind the front lines and were responsible for the murder of over a million people, primarily Jews, in mass shootings. They conducted mass shootings often in remote locations, using local resources and sometimes collaborating with locals to carry out their brutal tasks.
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Munich Conference
A 1938 meeting where Germany, Great Britain, France, and Italy agreed to allow Nazi Germany to annex the Sudetenland region of Czechoslovakia. This agreement was a key example of appeasement, a policy where nations made concessions to a power in the hope of avoiding conflict.
106
Maginot Line
A system of fortifications built by France along its border in the 1930s to prevent German invasion and static warfare like World War I. The line was ineffective and outdated, as German forces bypassed it by invading Belgium and didn’t prevent the rapid German conquest of France in 1940.
107
US Neutrality Acts
A series of laws passed in the United States during the interwar period aimed at preventing the nation from being drawn into European conflicts. These acts were a response to the widespread isolationist sentiment in America following the devastation of World War I. The major policies included:
- No American could legally sail on a ship of a country that’s at war. ( RMS Lithuania- WWI)
- Prohibits the sale or transport of munitions to a country at war.
- Banks could not loan money to a country at war.
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Lend-Lease Act
A law that allowed the U.S. to provide war materials to any nation deemed vital to its defense without immediate payment in order to aid the Allied nations in World War II without directly entering WWII.
109
Hitler’s violations of Treaty of Versailles
Due to the harsh terms the Treaty of Versailles gave to Germany, Hitler capitalized on the widespread resentment and instability to gain power. He would start defying it by rebuilding the German military and sending them to Rhineland (A demilitarized region that borders France and Belgium) to strengthen them. He was encouraged to disregard the treaty due to inaction from other countries.
110
Luftwaffe + Blitzkrieg
A German military strategy in World War II that prioritized speed, surprise, and coordinated attacks to overwhelm the enemy. This involved using air power to soften targets, followed by rapid advances with tanks and motorized infantry.
111
Rape of Nanking
The mass murder and mass sexual assault of Chinese civilians and disarmed soldiers by Japanese troops during the Second Sino-Japanese War, specifically between December 1937 and January 1938 in the city of Nanjing. The Japanese military engaged in systematic violence against civilians, including looting, arson, and torture, as part of their campaign to terrorize the Chinese population.
112
Battle of Britain
A significant military campaign during World War II, taking place from July to October 1940, where the Royal Air Force defended the United Kingdom against large-scale attacks by the German Luftwaffe. This battle marked a turning point in the war as it was the first major military campaign fought entirely by air forces. The RAF employed innovative tactics such as the use of radar for early warning systems and coordinated fighter responses to intercept German bombers, who were targeting British infrastructure.
112
Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere
A propaganda term used by Japan in the 1930s and 1940s to describe their vision and justification to gain an Asian empire under Japanese leadership. It was presented as a cooperative effort for mutual benefit against western colonization, but it served as a justification for Japanese militarism and territorial expansion.
113
Battle of El Alamein
A significant battle in North Africa during World War II, fought between October 23 and November 11, 1942. This battle marked a major turning point in the Western Desert Campaign, as Allied forces successfully halted the advance of Axis powers, ultimately shifting the momentum in favor of the Allies in the North African theater.The battle saw the first significant use of combined arms tactics by the Allies, integrating infantry, armor, and air support effectively against Axis forces.
114
Battle of Stalingrad
A major turning point in World War II, specifically on the Eastern Front, where Nazi Germany and its allies fought against the Soviet Union for control of the city of Stalingrad. The Soviet victory at Stalingrad was a major turning point, halting the German advance to the Eastern Front and forcing them onto the defensive.
115
Battle of Kursk
A decisive Soviet victory that involved the largest tank battle in history. It took place near Kursk in southwestern Russia during the summer of 1943, with thousands of tanks, troops, and aircraft. The battle marked the end of the German offensive capability on the Eastern Front.
116
Winston Churchill
The Prime Minister of Great Britain during World War II and later coined the term "Iron Curtain" to describe the division of Europe between the democratic Western countries and the communist Eastern European nations under Soviet influence.
117
D-Day
Allied forces launched a massive amphibious assault in Normandy, France, which was Nazi during World War II. This operation, known as Operation Overlord, marked a significant turning point in the war, leading to the liberation of Western Europe from Nazi control.
118
Battle of the Midway
A major World War II naval battle fought in the Pacific Ocean in June 1942. It is considered a turning point in the Pacific War, as the United States Navy decisively defeated the Japanese Navy, effectively crippling their aircraft carrier force and many of their skilled pilots.
119
Battle of Iwo Jima
A pivotal World War II battle fought between the United States Marine Corps and the Imperial Japanese Army from February 19 to March 26, 1945. It was a crucial campaign in the Pacific Theater, enabling Allied forces to capture strategic airfields that were essential for the upcoming invasion of Japan.
120
Battle of Okinawa
A major battle fought between April and June 1945 during World War II, marking one of the largest amphibious assaults in the Pacific theater. This brutal conflict involved the United States and Allied forces aiming to capture the island of Okinawa, which was critical for launching a planned invasion of Japan.
121
Decision to drop the Atomic Bomb:
- Ending the war quickly
- Saving American lives
- Japanese refusal to surrender unconditionally
122
Eugenics
A pseudoscientific movement, popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, advocating for the improvement of the human race through selective breeding, forced sterilizations, and restrictions in immigration.
123
Balfour Declaration
- A 1917 statement by the British government expressing support for the establishment in Palestine as a national home for the Jewish people - Assured that no actions would be taken to prejudice the civil and religious rights of the existing non-Jewish communities in Palestine.
124
Balkin’s as a powderkeg
The Balkans was an unstable and volatile region before World War I because it contained numerous ethnic groups, many of whom were under the rule of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and resented it. This caused many ethnic groups to desire for independence and self-determination.
125
Battle of the Marne
A significant military engagement during World War I, between September 6 to September 12, 1914, where the Allies halted the German advance into France and led to a prolonged stalemate on the Western Front. The battle ended Germany's hopes for a quick victory in the war.
126
Treaty of Brest-Litovsk
A peace agreement signed on March 3, 1918, between the Central Powers and Soviet Russia. The treaty ended Russia's involvement in World War I marking a significant shift in the Eastern Front dynamics, allowing Germany and its allies to concentrate their forces on the Western Front while providing the Bolshevik regime an opportunity to consolidate power after the Russian Revolution.
127
Charles Lindbergh
An American aviator, author, and activist who gained fame for completing the first solo nonstop transatlantic flight in 1927. His flight from New York to Paris symbolized the potential of aviation and showcased America's technological advancements during a time of rapid change in the 1920s.
128
Babe Ruth
An iconic American baseball player who played primarily for the New York Yankees during the 1920s. He was known for his charismatic personality and lifestyle, often attracting media attention beyond just his baseball achievements.
129
Weimar Republic
The democratic government established in Germany after World War I, lasting from 1919 to 1933. It faced significant political instability, economic turmoil (hyperinflation), and cultural shifts. The Republic ultimately collapsed due to a combination of extremist movements, economic crises, and the rise of Hitler.
130
131
Clarence Darrow v. William Jennings Bryan
In the Scopes Trial (1925), Clarence Darrow defended science teacher John Scopes while William Jennings Bryan, an expert on the bible, served as the prosecution's lead attorney. Darrow's cross-examination of Bryan, challenging his literal interpretation of the Bible, humiliating him.
132
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
A US government agency created in 1934 to regulate the financial industry and protect investors. It is tasked with overseeing the stock market, enforcing securities laws, and disclosing information about stocks.
133
John Maynard Keynes
A British economist known as the father of macroeconomics, who greatly influenced economic theory and policies such as Keynesian economics. It emphasized government intervention, particularly through spending and taxes, to manage the economy during recessions and depressions.
134
Spanish Civil War
A conflict between the Spanish Republic and a Nationalist uprising led by Francisco Franco from 1936 to 1939. The Spanish Civil War demonstrates the rise of fascism and totalitarianism in Europe, as well as the failure of international efforts to prevent further conflict.
135
Guernica
A mural painted by Pablo Picasso in response to the bombing of the Basque town during the Spanish Civil War in 1937. This artwork serves as a political statement against war, capturing the anguish and chaos that conflict brings to humanity.
136
Munich Conference
A 1938 meeting where Germany, Great Britain, France, and Italy agreed to allow Nazi Germany to annex the Sudetenland region of Czechoslovakia. This agreement was a key example of appeasement, a policy where nations made concessions to a power in the hope of avoiding conflict.
137
General Rommel
A German general known as the "Desert Fox," a nickname earned for his daring military tactics and successes in North Africa. He had to adapt to the terrain and exploit unexpected opportunities.
