What were Committees of Correspondence? What would have most likely been their response to British policies in 1774?
Why was the Battle of Saratoga a major turning point in the Revolutionary War?
In the years immediately after the American Revolution, what were the serious weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?
Why did the U.S. go to war with Britain again in 1812?
What was the Indian Removal Act and how did it pertain to the Five Civilized Tribes?
Explain how the Kansas-Nebraska Act led to the formation of the Republican Party.
How did electricity help advance American industrialization? Describe the differences between Thomas Edison and Nikolai Tesla’s contributions.
What was the telegraph and why was it an important invention?
How did J.P. Morgan, John D. Rockefeller, and Cornelius Vanderbilt build their wealth?
List the main differences between the labor unions of the American Federation of Labor and the Knights of Labor. What did they have in common?
What were the main push and pull factors that drew domestic-born people to move to American cities in the late 1800s?
What was the purpose of the Morrill Act of 1862 and 1890?
What were push and pull factors for European immigrants in the late 1800s?
Summarize the Supreme Court's argument in the verdict of the 1896 Plessy v. Ferguson case?
What were the farmers’ movements of the late 1800s and what political party emerged out of those movements?
What distinguishes the Progressive Era from other eras?
What were the main events of the Progressive movement?
Discuss successes and failures of the labor movement during the Progressive Age.
What were some of the primary goals of women’s clubs during the Progressive Era? What were some of the most prominent women’s clubs?
What are the following African American leaders known for?
Booker T. Washington
W.E.B. Du Bois
Ida B. Wells
Discuss Theodore Roosevelt’s establishment of the Progressive Party and his role in the election of 1912.
What was Frederick Jackson Turner's frontier thesis? What were some of the main criticisms of the thesis?
Describe President McKinley’s role as an expansionist. What benefits did annexing Hawaii provide to the U.S.?
Define xenophobia. How did xenophobia factor into the Chinese Exclusion Act?
What were the consequences of William Howard Taft's use of dollar diplomacy in U.S. relations with Latin America?
Define militarization. How was militarization a factor that led to World War I?
What role did African Americans play in WWI? Who were the Harlem Hellfighters?
What was the Treaty of Versailles? Why did the U.S. fail to sign it after WWI?
How did World War I affect industry and working conditions in the United States?
Define the Laissez-faire theory. How did Republican presidents in the 1920s practice this?
How did Charles Lindbergh’s flight to Paris affect the aviation industry in the 1920s?
What was the Great Migration in the 1920s? Where did people migrate from? Where did they go?
Who were some of the writers of the Lost Generation? What topics did they usually write about and why?
The Committees of Correspondence were organizations formed in the American colonies in the 1770s to coordinate resistance to British policies. They played a crucial role in disseminating information and coordinating actions among the colonies, helping to unite them in their opposition to British rule. In 1774, they would have most likely responded to British policies by organizing boycotts, protests, and other forms of resistance.
The Battle of Saratoga was a major turning point in the Revolutionary War because it convinced France to openly support the American cause. The American victory at Saratoga showed that the Patriots had a real chance of winning the war, and persuaded the French that assisting them could weaken their longtime rival, Britain.
The Articles of Confederation, the first constitution of the United States, had several serious weaknesses. It created a weak central government with no power to tax, regulate foreign trade, or enforce laws. The states had more power than the national government, making it difficult to coordinate action or resolve disputes between them.
The U.S. went to war with Britain again in 1812 for several reasons. These included British violations of American neutrality in the Napoleonic Wars, the impressment of American sailors into the British navy, and ongoing conflicts between American settlers and Native Americans allied with the British.
The Indian Removal Act of 1830 was a law passed by Congress that authorized the removal of Native American tribes from their ancestral lands in the southeastern United States to areas west of the Mississippi River. It specifically targeted the Five Civilized Tribes (Cherokee, Creek, Choctaw, Chickasaw, and Seminole) and led to the forced removal and relocation of tens of thousands of Native Americans on the Trail of Tears.
The Kansas-Nebraska Act was a law passed in 1854 that allowed the residents of Kansas and Nebraska territories to decide for themselves whether to allow slavery (popular sovereignty) when they applied for statehood. This act repealed the Missouri Compromise of 1820, which had prohibited slavery in the territory north of the 36°30' line. The controversy surrounding the Kansas-Nebraska Act led to violent conflicts between pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions, which eventually led to the formation of the Republican Party, a party opposed to the extension of slavery.
Electricity helped advance American industrialization by providing a reliable and efficient source of energy for factories and transportation. Thomas Edison is known for his development of practical electric lighting and the establishment of the first electric power stations. Nikola Tesla made significant contributions to the development of alternating current (AC) electrical systems, which allowed for the transmission of electricity over long distances.
The telegraph was an important invention that allowed for instantaneous long-distance communication through the use of electrical signals. It revolutionized communication and enabled businesses, governments, and individuals to transmit messages rapidly over long distances. It played a crucial role in the development of the railroad industry, as it allowed for the coordination of train schedules and increased safety.
J.P. Morgan, John D. Rockefeller, and Cornelius Vanderbilt built their wealth through various business ventures. Morgan was a prominent banker and financier who played a key role in the consolidation of major industries such as steel and railroads. Rockefeller built his fortune primarily in the oil industry, establishing the Standard Oil Company. Vanderbilt made his fortune in shipping and railroads, becoming one of the wealthiest individuals of his time.
The American Federation of Labor (AFL) and the Knights of Labor were both labor unions, but they had different approaches and goals. The AFL focused on improving the conditions and wages of skilled workers through collective bargaining with employers. The Knights of Labor, on the other hand, aimed to bring together workers from all industries and levels of skill and advocated for broader social and economic reforms. Both unions shared a desire to improve the lives of workers but had different strategies for achieving their goals.
The main push factors that drew domestic-born people to move to American cities in the late 1800s were economic opportunities, such as factory jobs, and agricultural decline in rural areas. Pull factors included the promise of higher wages and better living conditions in urban areas.
The Morrill Act of 1862 and 1890 provided federal land grants to establish colleges for the study of agriculture and mechanical arts (now known as land-grant universities). These acts aimed to promote education in practical subjects and expand opportunities for higher education.
Push factors for European immigrants in the late 1800s included economic hardship, political and religious persecution, and limited opportunities in their home countries. Pull factors included the promise of economic opportunities, freedom of religion, and the chance for a better life in the United States.
The Supreme Court's argument in the 1896 Plessy v. Ferguson case was that racial segregation did not violate the Fourteenth Amendment's guarantee of equal protection under the law as long as the facilities provided to each race were "separate but equal." This verdict established the legal doctrine of "separate but equal" and allowed for the continuation of racially segregated facilities and institutions.
The farmers' movements of the late 1800s included the Grange movement, the Farmers' Alliance, and the Populist Party. These movements arose in response to the economic hardships and unfair practices faced by farmers, such as high railroad rates and monopolistic control of agricultural markets. The Populist Party emerged as a political party representing the interests of farmers and advocating for reforms such as government regulation of the economy and a more equitable distribution of wealth.
The Progressive Era, which took place from the late 19th century to the early 20th century, was characterized by efforts to address social, political, and economic problems caused by industrialization and urbanization. It stood out from other eras due to its focus on reforms and its emphasis on collective action and government intervention to solve societal issues.
Some of the main events of the Progressive movement included the passage of the Pure Food and Drug Act and the Meat Inspection Act, the establishment of labor protections, the push for women's suffrage, and the creation of anti-trust legislation like the Sherman Antitrust Act.
During the Progressive Age, the labor movement achieved some successes, such as the establishment of labor protections, the right to collective bargaining, and improved working conditions. However, it also faced failures, such as the lack of widespread unionization and ongoing conflicts with employers and government authorities.
The primary goals of women's clubs during the Progressive Era were to advocate for social and political reforms, advance women's suffrage, improve education and health care, and promote social welfare. Some of the most prominent women's clubs included the National American Woman Suffrage Association, the General Federation of Women's Clubs, and the National Association of Colored Women.
Booker T. Washington was known for his leadership in the African American community and his advocacy for vocational education and economic self-sufficiency for African Americans. W.E.B. Du Bois was a prominent civil rights activist and scholar who advocated for full political, civil, and social rights for African Americans. Ida B. Wells was a journalist and anti-lynching activist who fought against racial injustice and is known for her extensive investigative reporting on lynching in the United States.
Theodore Roosevelt's establishment of the Progressive Party, also known as the Bull Moose Party, was a response to his dissatisfaction with the Republican Party's conservative direction. He played a significant role in the election of 1912 by splitting the Republican vote and allowing Woodrow Wilson, the Democratic candidate, to win the presidency. Roosevelt's Progressive Party advocated for a range of progressive reforms, such as trust-busting, labor protections, and conservation.
Frederick Jackson Turner's frontier thesis argued that the closing of the American frontier had played a fundamental role in shaping the nation's character and democratic institutions. He believed that the frontier had been a crucible for individualism, independence, and democracy. Critics of the thesis argued that it overlooked the contributions of diverse populations and downplayed the impact of urbanization and industrialization.
President McKinley was an expansionist who believed in the importance of American influence and markets abroad. He annexed Hawaii to secure American naval bases in the Pacific, establish a coaling station, and promote American economic interests.
Xenophobia refers to a fear or hatred of foreigners or strangers. It played a significant role in the Chinese Exclusion Act, as many Americans feared the competition of Chinese immigrants for jobs and resources, leading to the restriction of Chinese immigration to the United States.
The consequences of William Howard Taft's use of dollar diplomacy in U.S. relations with Latin America varied. While it aimed to promote American economic interests through financial investments and loans, it often led to resentment and anti-American sentiments in the region. It also increased American intervention in Latin American countries, which some viewed as imperialistic.
Militarization refers to the process of increasing military power or dependence on military solutions. It was a factor that led to World War I, as the arms race and aggressive military strategies of European powers escalated tensions and eventually sparked the outbreak of the war.
African Americans played a significant role in WWI, serving in segregated units and supporting the war effort both at home and abroad. The Harlem Hellfighters were a famous African American infantry unit that served with distinction in World War I, receiving numerous awards for their bravery and valor.
The Treaty of Versailles was the peace treaty that officially ended World War I. The U.S. failed to sign it due to opposition from Congress and President Woodrow Wilson's refusal to compromise on the treaty's provisions, particularly the inclusion of the League of Nations.
World War I brought about a significant increase in industrial production and employment in the United States. The demand for war materials fueled economic growth and led to higher wages for workers. However, the war also resulted in inflation and labor unrest due to the rapid increase in prices and the erosion of workers' purchasing power.
The laissez-faire theory advocates for minimal government intervention in the economy, with the belief that free markets and individual enterprise will lead to economic prosperity. Republican presidents in the 1920s, such as Warren G. Harding, Calvin Coolidge, and Herbert Hoover, practiced this theory by largely leaving the economy to its own devices and reducing government regulations.
Charles Lindbergh's solo flight across the Atlantic in 1927 had a profound impact on the aviation industry. It brought aviation into the public spotlight and inspired an increased interest and investment in aviation technology and infrastructure. It also paved the way for the development of commercial air travel.
The Great Migration in the 1920s refers to the mass movement of African Americans from the rural South to urban areas in the North and Midwest. African Americans migrated from areas of racial segregation and limited economic opportunities to cities such as Chicago, Detroit, and New York, where they sought better jobs and improved living conditions.
Some writers of the Lost Generation included Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Gertrude Stein. They often wrote about the disillusionment, cynicism, and cultural upheaval in the aftermath of World War I. Their works tackled themes of alienation, the loss of traditional values, and the search for meaning in a changing world.