The changing political environment Flashcards
Why did Americans believe entry into WW1 was a mistake?
- Isolationist History: The US traditionally remained neutral in European affairs.
- Economic Strain: Investments were linked with both war factions, leading to potential financial conflicts.
- Human Cost: Over 100,000 American casualities.
- Post-War Complications: Concerns over the League of Nations dragging the US into future conflicts.
What was meant by a return to ‘normalcy’?
A phrase coined by Harding in 1920 implying post war stability: Isolationalism, reduced government interference, and a return to pre-war societal norms.
Give three examples of Harding’s isolationist policies
a. Economic (2)
b. Immigration
-
Economic
Fordney-McCumber Tariff (1922): Raised import duties to protect domestic industries.
Avoidance of League of Nations: Steered clear of economic commitments to international entities. -
Immigration
Limited immigration numbers based on national origin quotas.
Describe the Republican ideal of laissez-faire
- Economic philosophy of limited government interferance.
- Advocated free markets, minimal regulation, and individual entrepreneurship.
How did laissez-faire help create the boom period of the 1920s?
- Tax reductions: Benefited businesses and wealthy individuals.
- Limited regulation: Encouraged business expansion.
- Innovation and consumer spending also fueled by easy credit.
How did events in Russia in 1917 help create the Red Scare in the USA
- Bolshevik Revolution (1917): Established communist rule in Russia.
- Fear spread that communism would infiltrate the US, challenging capitalist and democratic values.
Give three examples of how the Red Scare manifested itself in 1919-20
- Palmer Raids: Thousands arrested and deported for suspected radical beliefs.
- Sacco and Vanzetti Case: Demonstrated heightened xenophobia and anti-radical sentiments.
- Red Summer (1919): Numerous race riots across the US, in part fueled by economic fears and anti-communist sentiment.
What was ‘rugged individualism’?
- Emphasised self-reliance and individual initiative.
- Avocated against government handouts or intervention in daily lives.
How did rugged individualism manifest itself in US politics?
- Opposition to social welfare programs.
- Favouring policies benefiting businesses and entrepreneurs.
- Reduced government spending and intervention.
Give three measures that Hoover took to try and solve the Depression, and explain their success/ failure
- Reconstruction Finance Corporation (RFC): Aided businesses and banks but criticised for not helping individuals directly.
- Smoot-Hawley Tariff: Aimed to protect US businesses but worsened international trade and deeped the Depression.
- Federal Home Loan Bank Act: Intended to prop up the housing market, but had limited impact.
Why was Hoover blamed for the worsening of the Depression?
- Viewed as inactive and reactive.
- Policies like Smoot-Hawley worsened global economic conditions.
- Reluctance to provide direct aid to struggling Ameircans.
Describe the key events in the Bonus Army march, and how it was dealt with
- WW1 veterans marched on Washington demanding early bonuses payments.
- Army, led by Douglas MacArthur, forcibly removed veterans. This use of force on struggling veterans damaged Hoover’s image.
Why was Hoover unpopular with Republicans (as well as Democrats)?
- Republicans saw him as ineffective in addressing Depression.
- Democrats critisised his policies as favouring the wealthy.
In what ways did Roosevelt offer an alternative to Hoover?
- Roosevelt proposed the New Deal: government intervention to address the Depression
- Emphasised relief, reform and recovery.
How was New Deal thinking different to rugged individualism?
- Focused on collective solutions and government aid.
- Proritised public works, relief programs and economic regulations.
