Becoming a superpower Flashcards
How many states are in the United States?
50
What is the Federal Income Tax
After the civil war, the first time federal government collected tax on individual personal income. It was considered unconstitutional so the 16th amendment was proposed.
What changed in the army after the civil war?
The federal government command the army and is no longer dependent on the states to provide troops : creation of a permanent army.
How did the isolationism policy end?
When WWI erupts in Europe, US proclaims its neutrality.
But Germany asked for an alliance with Mexico, helping them getting their territories lost during the Mexican-American wars back.
1917, American declare war to Germany.
Why is WWI a turning point for America?
They became a world power, rivaling the poltical and military influence of the European colonial powers.
Also, the victory in WWI helped creating a sense of unity in America, which had not been felt since the Civil War.
What are the consequences of WWI?
Decline of the two greatest European powers
America’s global influence and power increased
Also, because America fought in Europe, they did not get damaged from it. Rather, their economy got better.
Why was the process of globalisation amplified after WWI?
- technological progress from WWI
- America’s industrial power and vast natural ressources
What is the consequence of the globalisation on the American government?
Increase in the power of the federal government
What happened after the “Roaring Twenties”? (an era of mass consumerism)
The international finance, stock markets, insurance and banking made the economy vulnerable which lead to the Great Depression
When was the Great Depression? Define it.
1933
25% of unemployement
increase in criminality
half of the country’s bank failed
How did American handled the Great Depression?
The federal government had to intervene: New Deal
> social security for senior, unemployed, children
> supervisation of the stock market
> alcohol legalised again
What were the consequences of WWII for America?
- rise of American nationalism
- increase in the power of the federal government
- America became more powerful and dominant
Define the “Golden Age of Capitalism” (1950-1973)
- America = economic prosperity despise the cold war
- Industrial military complex were converted, exemple: GM went from making tanks to making Cadillacs
- highway system
- technological progress
> faith in the federal government and in capitalism
Why people fought for Civil Rights? (1954-1968)
- Descendents of slaves suffered from racism even tho they fought for their country
- Racism was institutionalised
Define the Warren Court.
The Warren Court expanded civil rights, civil liberties, judicial power, and the federal power in dramatic ways
> ended legal segregation (Jim Crow)
> states must provide lawyers
> senate must be proportional to population
> defendent must be informed of their right to have a lawyer before being questionned
