America Paper Flashcards
Why did Hoover fail to resolve the Great Depression?
Laissez Faire attitude
Republican policies
He also failed to act swiftly or effectively to help the economy.
What was the Bonus Army and how did Hoover respond?
The Bonus Army was a group of 20,000 WWI veterans who marched to Washington in 1932 demanding early payment of their pensions. Hoover used military force to evict them, which led to violence, further damaging his reputation.
How did Hoover’s handling of the Bonus Army impact his presidency?
Lead many to view him as uncaring and incapable of leading the country during the Depression, which hurt his chances in the 1932 election.
What were Roosevelt’s key tactics during the 1932 election?
Roosevelt’s effective oratory, his promise of a “New Deal,” and his ability to connect with the public, especially as a disabled person, helped him gain trust. His focus on government intervention and helping the “forgotten man” contributed to his success.
What was Prohibition, and when was it introduced?
Prohibition was the nationwide ban on the production, sale, and transportation of alcohol, introduced in 1920 through the 18th Amendment and the Volstead Act.
Why did Prohibition fail?
Prohibition led to increased crime (e.g., bootlegging), corruption (police and officials were bribed), and lack of public support as people continued to drink in speakeasies. The rise in crime and corruption made it difficult to enforce.
What role did Al Capone play during Prohibition?
Al Capone controlled bootlegging, gambling, and prostitution in Chicago, using violence, bribery, and intimidation to maintain his empire. He was eventually arrested for tax evasion, not his violent crimes.
How did Prohibition contribute to the rise of organized crime?
Prohibition created a black market for alcohol, leading to gangsters like Al Capone running illegal operations. This fueled violence, corruption, and widespread illegal activity across the country.
Why was the USA called a “Melting Pot” in the 1920s?
The USA was called a “Melting Pot” because it was home to people from diverse ethnic backgrounds due to immigration. The USA’s open-door policy attracted immigrants seeking a better life, contributing to the growth of multicultural cities. By 1920, more than 40 million immigrants lived in the country.
What caused the Red Scare in the USA in the 1920s?
The Red Scare was fueled by fears of communism spreading from the 1917 Russian Revolution. The USA associated communism with a lack of freedom, and events like the Boston Police Strike and bombings in 1919, linked to anarchists, heightened fears that communism was infiltrating American society.
How did the Red Scare contribute to anti-immigrant sentiment in the USA?
During the Red Scare, many Americans feared that immigrants, especially from Eastern Europe and Mediterranean countries, brought communist and anarchist ideologies. This led to increased suspicion and hostility towards immigrant communities, exacerbating prejudice and discrimination.
What were the Jim Crow Laws in the southern USA?
The Jim Crow Laws enforced racial segregation, requiring African-Americans and white Americans to live separately. These laws affected various public facilities, including schools, restaurants, and transport, under the doctrine of “Separate But Equal,” though facilities for African-Americans were often inferior.
How did the Jim Crow Laws contribute to racial inequality in the southern USA?
The Jim Crow Laws entrenched racial discrimination by segregating public spaces and services. African-Americans were denied equal access to quality education, jobs, and facilities, which led to a cycle of poverty and disenfranchisement, particularly in southern states.
What was the Sacco and Vanzetti case and what did it reveal about the USA in the 1920s?
The Sacco and Vanzetti case involved two Italian immigrants who were accused of robbery and murder in 1920. They were anarchists and received an unfair trial, marked by bias from the judge and jury. Despite insufficient evidence, they were convicted and executed. The case highlighted the anti-immigrant and anti-radical sentiments in the USA during the 1920s, showing how immigrants and political radicals were often unjustly treated.
