American History II Mid-term

Poll taxes, literacy tests, and grandfather clauses were adopted in the Southern States primarily to keep African Americans from exercising their right to vote. These measures were implemented as part of the Jim Crow laws, which aimed to enforce racial segregation and maintain white supremacy. By imposing financial burdens, educational requirements, and restrictive eligibility criteria, these policies disproportionately targeted African Americans and effectively suppressed their political participation. These discriminatory practices were a clear violation of the 15th amendment, which granted African American men the right to vote, but they were employed to systematically disenfranchise and marginalize the African American community.

In the late 1800s, the growth of the steel industry was directly contributed by new production techniques that increased efficiency. These techniques allowed for faster and more cost-effective production of steel, leading to an expansion of the industry. By adopting these new techniques, steel manufacturers were able to meet the increasing demand for steel in various sectors such as construction and transportation. This growth in efficiency played a crucial role in the development and expansion of the steel industry during that time period.

The Dust Bowl of the 1930s refers to a period of severe dust storms that occurred in the Great Plains region of the United States. This region, which includes states such as Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, and Colorado, was most seriously affected by the environmental disaster. The combination of drought, poor farming practices, and strong winds led to the erosion of topsoil, creating massive dust clouds that devastated agricultural lands and caused economic and social hardships for the people living in the area.

During World War I, the United States initially adopted a policy of neutrality. This means that they did not take sides or get involved in the conflict between the Allied Powers and the Central Powers. The U.S. aimed to stay out of the war and maintain peaceful relations with all nations involved. However, this policy eventually changed, and the United States entered the war in 1917 on the side of the Allies.

After the Spanish-American War, the United States realized the strategic importance of having a faster route for moving ships between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The war had demonstrated the need for a more efficient way to transport military resources and respond to potential threats in both oceans. The construction of the Panama Canal would provide the United States with a direct and quicker passage, enhancing its naval capabilities and overall national security.

The guiding principle of the New Deal economic policies was that the government must assume more responsibility for helping the poor. This principle was reflected in the various programs and initiatives implemented during the New Deal era, such as the establishment of social security, job creation through public works projects, and the regulation of the banking and financial sectors. The aim was to provide relief, recovery, and reform to address the economic hardships and social inequality caused by the Great Depression.

Vertical integration refers to the control of all aspects of an industry, from production of raw materials to delivery of finished goods. This means that a company owns and operates all stages of the supply chain, allowing them to have complete control over the entire production process. This can include owning the sources of raw materials, manufacturing facilities, distribution channels, and even retail outlets. Vertical integration is often pursued to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and gain a competitive advantage in the market.

The latter half of the 1800s was a period of significant industrialization in the United States. The large labor supply, consisting of immigrants and rural Americans moving to cities, provided the workforce needed for industrial expansion. The abundance of natural resources, such as coal, iron, and oil, fueled the growth of industries like steel, manufacturing, and oil refining. The construction of new railroads connected markets and facilitated the transportation of goods, allowing industries to expand their reach and increase production. Therefore, the combination of these factors directly contributed to the growth of American industry during this time.

The formation of the NAACP and ADL was primarily a response to racism and prejudice. These organizations were established to combat discrimination and promote equality for marginalized groups, such as African Americans and Jewish people. They aimed to address the systemic racism and prejudice that existed in society, advocating for civil rights, social justice, and equal opportunities for all individuals regardless of their race or religion. The NAACP focused on advocating for the rights of African Americans, while the ADL aimed to combat anti-Semitism and promote fair treatment for Jewish people.

The Scopes trial of the 1920s, also known as the "Monkey Trial," was a legal case that revolved around the conflict between science and religion. The trial centered on the teaching of evolution in public schools, which was seen as contradictory to religious beliefs at the time. John Scopes, a high school teacher, was charged with violating a Tennessee law that prohibited the teaching of any theory that denied the biblical account of human creation. The trial became a symbol of the clash between traditional religious beliefs and the emerging scientific theories of evolution, ultimately leading to Scopes being found guilty.

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The "clear and present danger" doctrine established in Schenck v. United States (1919) concerned the issue of freedom of speech. This doctrine established that speech can be restricted if it presents a clear and present danger to the public or if it is likely to lead to illegal actions. In this case, the court ruled that Schenck's distribution of anti-draft leaflets during World War I posed a clear and present danger to the country's war efforts, and therefore his speech was not protected under the First Amendment. This case set a precedent for limiting free speech rights in certain circumstances.

President Theodore Roosevelt believed that the federal government had a responsibility to protect the nation's lands from exploitation. He was a strong advocate for conservation and believed in the importance of preserving natural resources for future generations. Roosevelt recognized that if left unchecked, corporations and states may prioritize short-term economic gains over long-term sustainability. Therefore, he believed that it was the federal government's duty to regulate and oversee the responsible use of natural resources to ensure their preservation and prevent their exploitation.

Buying stocks on margin contributed most directly to the start of the Great Depression. During the 1920s, many people were able to buy stocks on margin, which means they only had to pay a small percentage of the stock's actual value. This led to excessive speculation in the stock market, as people were essentially borrowing money to invest in stocks. When the stock market crashed in 1929, many people were left with huge debts and losses, which triggered a chain reaction of financial collapse and ultimately led to the Great Depression.

The melting pot theory suggests that different cultures will blend together to create a unique American culture. This means that immigrants from various backgrounds will bring their own traditions, customs, and languages, but over time, these will merge and assimilate into a broader American identity. This idea emphasizes the inclusivity and diversity of American society, as it recognizes the contributions and influences of different immigrant groups in shaping the nation's culture.

The correct answer is passage of the Meat Inspection Act. Muckrakers were investigative journalists who exposed social and political corruption during the Progressive Era in the early 20th century. One of their major focuses was on the unsanitary and dangerous conditions in the meatpacking industry. Their efforts led to public outrage and eventually to the passage of the Meat Inspection Act in 1906, which aimed to regulate and ensure the safety of meat products. This government action was a direct response to the muckrakers' exposés and their efforts to bring about social and political change.

The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and the Works Progress Administration (WPA) were both New Deal programs developed to address the problem of high unemployment. These programs were implemented during the Great Depression to provide jobs and income for unemployed individuals. The CCC focused on employing young men in conservation projects, while the WPA aimed to create jobs in various public works projects such as construction and infrastructure development. By providing employment opportunities, these programs aimed to alleviate the widespread unemployment crisis during that time.

The Red Scare, the passing of the Quota Acts, and the growth of the Ku Klux Klan all exploited fears about people who were considered un-American. The Red Scare was a period of intense fear and paranoia about the spread of communism in the United States, leading to the targeting and persecution of suspected communists. The Quota Acts were immigration laws that restricted the number of immigrants allowed into the country, particularly targeting immigrants from Eastern and Southern Europe. The Ku Klux Klan, a white supremacist organization, targeted and terrorized various groups, including African Americans, immigrants, and anyone who they deemed un-American. Therefore, all three phenomena exploited fears about people who were considered un-American.

The movement that primarily aimed for the ratification of a constitutional amendment authorizing Prohibition was the temperance movement. The temperance movement advocated for the reduction or elimination of alcohol consumption in society, believing it would improve social and moral issues. They sought to achieve their goal through legal means, such as the passing of laws and the amendment of the Constitution. This movement gained significant traction in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, eventually leading to the ratification of the 18th Amendment in 1919, which prohibited the production, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages in the United States.

The correct answer is the completion of transcontinental railroads. During the late 1800s, the construction of transcontinental railroads had a significant impact on the nationwide system of trade. These railroads connected the East and West coasts of the United States, allowing for faster and more efficient transportation of goods. This development greatly facilitated the growth of industries and commerce, enabling the expansion of markets and the movement of goods across the country. The completion of transcontinental railroads revolutionized trade and played a vital role in the economic development of the United States during this period.

The repeal of national Prohibition in 1933 showed that unpopular laws are difficult to enforce. Prohibition, which banned the production, sale, and distribution of alcohol, was widely unpopular and led to the rise of illegal alcohol trade and organized crime. The government struggled to effectively enforce this law, leading to widespread disregard and non-compliance. The repeal of Prohibition demonstrated that when a law is widely unpopular and goes against societal norms and desires, it becomes challenging for the government to enforce it effectively.

During Prohibition, the production, sale, and distribution of alcohol were banned. However, the demand for alcohol remained high, leading to the rise of illegal activities. Organized crime syndicates took advantage of this opportunity to fill the void in the market and establish illegal alcohol operations. They gained immense wealth and power by controlling the production and distribution of alcohol, which was in high demand. This unintended consequence of Prohibition allowed organized crime to flourish and increase their influence in society.

The correct answer is an unwillingness to join the League of Nations. This is evident from the fact that the Treaty of Versailles was a peace treaty that ended World War I and established the League of Nations as an international organization to maintain peace and resolve conflicts. However, the United States Senate voted against ratifying the treaty and joining the League of Nations, indicating their unwillingness to be a part of this collective security arrangement.

Yellow journalism played a significant role in influencing the decision of the United States to declare war on Spain in 1898. Yellow journalism refers to the sensationalized and exaggerated reporting by newspapers to attract readership. In the case of the Spanish-American War, newspapers like the New York Journal and the New York World published exaggerated stories of Spanish atrocities in Cuba, such as the sinking of the USS Maine. These stories fueled public outrage and created a war fever, ultimately pressuring the government to take action against Spain. Therefore, yellow journalism can be closely associated with the decision to declare war on Spain in 1898.

The explosion of the USS Maine and the practice of yellow journalism created a strong anti-Spanish sentiment among the American public. Yellow journalism, which involved sensationalized and often exaggerated news stories, portrayed the sinking of the USS Maine as an intentional act by the Spanish, even though the cause of the explosion was never definitively determined. This combination of events fueled public outrage and led to widespread support for the Spanish-American War, as the American public believed that military intervention was necessary to avenge the loss of American lives and protect national interests.

The books mentioned in the question, The Octopus, How the Other Half Lives, and The Jungle, all address social and economic issues that arose during the period of rapid industrialization in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These books shed light on the problems associated with the growth of industries, such as the exploitation of workers, poor living conditions, and corruption. Therefore, the correct answer is rapid industrialization.

The Sherman Antitrust Act was passed by Congress in 1890 with the intention of preventing large corporations from eliminating their competition. This legislation aimed to promote fair competition in the market and prevent monopolistic practices by prohibiting any agreements or actions that would restrain trade or create a monopoly. By doing so, Congress aimed to protect small businesses and ensure a level playing field for all competitors in the market.

The formation of national labor unions in the late 1800s was mainly a response to poor working conditions and low wages in many industries. Workers faced harsh conditions such as long hours, unsafe working environments, and low pay. They organized labor unions to collectively bargain for better wages, shorter work hours, and improved working conditions. These unions played a crucial role in advocating for workers' rights and bringing about significant changes in labor laws and regulations.

During the late 19th century, businesses attempted to maximize profits by creating monopolies. By establishing monopolies, businesses could eliminate competition and control the market, allowing them to set higher prices and increase profits. This strategy allowed companies to dominate their industries and prevent smaller competitors from entering the market, giving them a significant advantage in terms of market share and profitability.

The correct answer is set goals for achieving peace after World War I. President Woodrow Wilson's Fourteen Points were a set of principles that he believed would lead to a lasting peace after the end of World War I. These points included ideas such as open diplomacy, free trade, and self-determination for nations. Wilson hoped that by outlining these goals, he could create a framework for negotiations and peace treaties that would prevent future conflicts.

The new immigrants who arrived in the United States after the Civil War were different from the old immigrants because they spoke different languages and had different customs than most Americans. This made it more difficult for them to assimilate into American society compared to the old immigrants who came from Europe.

The Haymarket Affair was a labor protest that turned violent in Chicago in 1886. It began as a rally in support of workers striking for an eight-hour workday but ended with a bomb explosion and subsequent gunfire. The Knights of Labor, a prominent labor organization at the time, were associated with the protest and were blamed for the violence. As a result, the Knights of Labor suffered a major setback in their efforts to improve working conditions and workers' rights. The incident led to a decline in their membership and influence, ultimately weakening their ability to advocate for labor reforms.

The contributions of Langston Hughes and Duke Ellington highlight the significance of the Harlem Renaissance in the realm of the creative arts. Langston Hughes, a renowned poet and writer, captured the experiences and struggles of African Americans through his powerful literary works. Duke Ellington, a prominent jazz musician and composer, revolutionized the genre and brought it to new heights. Both artists played a crucial role in shaping and showcasing the artistic achievements of African Americans during the Harlem Renaissance, emphasizing the importance of this cultural movement in the creative arts.

The use of the assembly line is most closely associated with Henry Ford's attempt to realize his vision of building a motorcar for the great multitude. Ford revolutionized the manufacturing process by implementing the assembly line, which allowed for mass production and reduced the time and cost of producing cars. This innovation made it possible to produce cars quickly and efficiently, leading to lower prices and increased accessibility for the average person.

The controversies over Prohibition, the National Origins Acts, and the Scopes Trial all reflected disagreements over the cultural values of the American people. Prohibition was a nationwide ban on the production, importation, and sale of alcoholic beverages, which was highly controversial as it clashed with the cultural value of personal freedom and individual choice. The National Origins Acts were laws that restricted immigration based on nationality, reflecting a debate over the cultural values of inclusivity and diversity. The Scopes Trial, also known as the "Monkey Trial," was a legal battle over the teaching of evolution in schools, highlighting the clash between traditional religious beliefs and modern scientific ideas. These controversies all revolved around differing cultural values and beliefs held by the American people.

During the 1920s, American farmers faced the major problem of overproduction of crops. This means that they were producing more crops than the market demand, resulting in a surplus. As a result, prices of agricultural products dropped significantly, causing financial difficulties for farmers. The overproduction was driven by advancements in farming technology, which increased productivity but also led to an imbalance between supply and demand. This issue had a significant impact on the agricultural sector and contributed to the economic challenges faced by farmers during that time.

The correct answer is "The United States Senate rejected it because it required increase American involvement in European affairs." The Treaty of Versailles included provisions that would have required the United States to become more involved in European affairs, particularly through the creation of the League of Nations. The Senate rejected the treaty in part because they were concerned about the potential loss of American sovereignty and the entanglement in European conflicts.

The establishment of the Open Door policy and the response to the Boxer Rebellion demonstrated that the United States aimed to gain access to Chinese markets. The Open Door policy was a diplomatic initiative that sought to ensure equal trading opportunities for all nations in China, while the response to the Boxer Rebellion was driven by the desire to protect American economic interests in the region. These actions indicated the United States' interest in expanding its economic influence in China and tapping into its vast markets.

Jacob Riis, Ida Tarbell, and Margaret Sanger are best known for their efforts to create awareness about social problems. They were all influential figures in their respective fields and used their platforms to shed light on various issues affecting society. Jacob Riis was a journalist and photographer who exposed the living conditions of the poor in New York City through his book "How the Other Half Lives." Ida Tarbell was a muckraking journalist who exposed the corrupt practices of the Standard Oil Company, contributing to the rise of investigative journalism. Margaret Sanger was a birth control activist who fought for women's reproductive rights and founded the organization Planned Parenthood. Their work aimed to bring attention to social issues and bring about positive change.

The most consistent proposal with the goals of the American Federation of Labor under Samuel Gompers' leadership is collective bargaining to reach agreements on wages and hours. This aligns with the AFL's focus on improving working conditions and advocating for the rights of skilled workers. Through collective bargaining, the union can negotiate with employers to secure fair wages and reasonable working hours for its members. This approach reflects the AFL's commitment to improving the lives of workers through organized labor and negotiation rather than government ownership or political party formation.

The Supreme Court decision in the case of Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) affected civil rights in the United States by approving racial segregation in public facilities. This decision established the "separate but equal" doctrine, which allowed for the segregation of public facilities based on race. It legitimized and institutionalized racial discrimination and inequality, leading to decades of segregation and unequal treatment for African Americans. It was not until the landmark case of Brown v. Board of Education in 1954 that the "separate but equal" doctrine was overturned, marking a significant step towards desegregation and the advancement of civil rights.

During the 1890s, those who supported United States imperialism aimed to obtain overseas markets and naval bases. This was driven by the desire to expand American influence and economic interests beyond its borders. By acquiring new markets, the United States could increase its trade and access to resources. Additionally, naval bases were seen as crucial for protecting American interests and projecting power globally. This approach aligned with the broader trend of European powers seeking colonies and territories for economic and strategic purposes during the era of imperialism.

During the late 1800s, industrialists strongly supported an open immigration policy. This is because they needed a large and cheap labor force to fuel their growing industries. Open immigration allowed them to easily recruit workers from other countries, ensuring a steady supply of labor and helping to drive down wages. Additionally, industrialists saw immigration as a way to expand their markets and increase demand for their products. They believed that unrestricted immigration would lead to a larger consumer base and greater profits for their businesses.

During the late 1800s, the principles of Social Darwinism and laissez-faire economics were most closely associated with the interests of owners of big businesses. Social Darwinism, a theory applied to society from Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection, argued that only the fittest individuals and businesses would survive and thrive. This ideology justified the concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a few, which aligned with the interests of big business owners. Laissez-faire economics, on the other hand, advocated for minimal government intervention in the economy, allowing big businesses to operate without regulations or restrictions. Therefore, both principles favored the interests and dominance of owners of big businesses.

In the early 1900s, Progressive Era reformers aimed to enhance citizen involvement in government. One way they pursued this goal was by advocating for the direct election of senators. At the time, senators were chosen by state legislatures, which limited the influence of ordinary citizens. The reformers believed that allowing citizens to directly elect senators would make the government more accountable and responsive to the people's needs and preferences. This change was ultimately achieved with the ratification of the 17th Amendment in 1913, which established the direct election of senators.

This telegram was an attempt to enlist Mexican support for Germany if the United States declared war. Germany proposed an alliance with Mexico, offering generous financial support and the promise of helping Mexico regain lost territory in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. The intention was to convince Mexico to join the war on Germany's side if the United States entered the conflict.

The correct answer suggests that John Rockefeller, Andrew Carnegie, and JP Morgan believed that economic competition is inefficient and wasteful. This implies that they may have favored monopolistic practices or consolidating economic power in order to eliminate competition and maximize their own profits.

During and after World War I, many African Americans migrated to the North primarily because more economic opportunities existed there. The North was experiencing industrialization and urbanization, which created jobs in industries such as manufacturing and transportation. African Americans saw these opportunities as a chance to escape the limited economic prospects and racial discrimination they faced in the South. The Great Migration, as it is known, allowed African Americans to seek better employment, higher wages, and improved living conditions in the North.

The United States entered World War I to maintain freedom of the seas. This was a major reason because Germany's unrestricted submarine warfare was threatening the safety and freedom of navigation for American ships. The sinking of the Lusitania, a British passenger ship with American citizens on board, by a German U-boat was a pivotal event that pushed the United States towards war. By joining the war, the United States aimed to protect its own interests and ensure that its ships could safely travel and trade without interference.

The statement that the American Federation of Labor (AFL) excluded unskilled workers is true. The AFL was a labor union that primarily represented skilled workers. It believed in organizing workers based on their specific trades and only accepted members who were skilled in their respective fields. The AFL aimed to improve the working conditions and wages for skilled workers, and it focused on negotiations with employers rather than resorting to striking as a tactic.