Chapter 8 Flashcards
What major political development occurred in the Democratic Party between 1896 and 1917?
The recovery of the Democratic Party from its internal divisions
This recovery was marked by the rise of Woodrow Wilson and the progressive mantle adopted by politicians.
Who challenged William Howard Taft for the presidency in 1912?
Theodore Roosevelt, running under the National Progressive Party
Roosevelt’s candidacy signified a challenge to Republican conservatism.
What was the legislative program introduced by Woodrow Wilson called?
The New Freedom
This program aimed to advance the progressive agenda.
Which social class was identified as the dominant power expressing itself through Progressivism?
The middle class
The middle class played a crucial role in putting ‘Money Power’ on the defensive.
What was the significance of Woodrow Wilson’s re-election in 1916?
It seemed to bring the ultimate victory of Progressivism closer
Wilson’s victory was viewed as a triumph for progressive ideals.
Who was Walter Lippmann?
A journalist, author, and adviser to presidents
Lippmann was influential in the Progressive movement and served in various capacities during major historical events.
What was one of the key questions to consider while evaluating the Wilson administration?
How important were ideas and ideology?
This question prompts analysis of the ideological underpinnings of Wilson’s policies.
What internal conflicts plagued the Democratic Party in the 1890s?
Divisions between rival wings within the party
These divisions weakened the party and allowed the Republican Party to dominate.
What was the central theme of William Jennings Bryan’s campaign in the 1896 election?
‘Free silver’
This theme was divisive and alienated some voters, particularly in the Northeast.
What were the electoral results for Bryan in the 1900 election?
Bryan received 155 electoral votes and 6.5 million popular votes
His campaign continued to reflect the challenges faced by the Democratic Party.
What effect did improved economic conditions have on the Republican Party during this period?
It bolstered Republican political dominance
Economic prosperity contributed to the Republican Party’s electoral success.
What was the outcome for the Democratic Party in the 1904 election?
Democratic divisions were starkly exposed
The party faced entrenched opposition from within, particularly against prominent figures like Bryan.
Fill in the blank: Woodrow Wilson’s presidency was a Democratic interlude in the long years of Republican dominance between _______ and 1932.
1896
This highlights the significant shifts in political power during this era.
What was the broader impact of Wilson’s presidency on American domestic politics?
It was important for the evolution of political authority and parties
Wilson’s policies and internationalism shaped future political dynamics.
Who was Woodrow Wilson?
A Southerner, born in Virginia, who served as president of Princeton University and later as Governor of New Jersey before becoming President of the United States.
What significant role did Woodrow Wilson play during World War I?
He led the US through the First World War and the post-war peace.
What year did Wilson begin his presidency?
1913
What was the outcome of the 1908 presidential election for William Jennings Bryan?
He lost again, failing to win a single state in the Northeast.
How many times did William Jennings Bryan run for president?
Three times
What event in 1910 contributed to the revival of the Democratic Party?
The Democrats winning control of the House of Representatives in the mid-term elections.
What was the Republican response to their 1910 mid-term election results?
Bitter recriminations among Republicans and thoughts of Theodore Roosevelt returning to active politics.
What position did Woodrow Wilson hold from 1902 to 1910?
President of Princeton University.
What was Wilson’s approach to party unity during his campaign?
He was a unifier capable of bringing together disparate elements of the Democratic Party.
Who did Wilson hold a reconciliation meeting with in 1911?
William Jennings Bryan.
What characterized the 1912 presidential election?
A turning point with the Democrats recovering against a divided Republican Party and the rise of Progressivism.
Who were the main candidates in the 1912 election?
Woodrow Wilson (D), Theodore Roosevelt (P), William Howard Taft (R), Eugene Debs (S).
What percentage of the vote did Woodrow Wilson receive in the 1912 election?
42%
Fill in the blank: Eugene Debs won over _______ votes in the 1912 election.
900,000
True or False: The 1912 election only had three major candidates.
False
What did Theodore Roosevelt’s candidacy represent in the 1912 election?
A rebellion to drag the Republican Party back towards Progressive policies.
What was a significant consequence of the mid-term elections in 1910?
It showed political trends and affected the authority of the president.
What was one of Wilson’s key policies during his governance?
Progressive reforms.
What was the political background of Eugene Debs?
A railroad worker and trade union activist, founder of the American Railway Union and the IWW.
What notable strikes did Eugene Debs lead?
The Great Northern Strike of 1893 and the Pullman Strike of 1894.
What was the electoral outcome for William Howard Taft in 1912?
He finished a distant third.
What was the significance of Wilson’s term as Governor of New Jersey?
It catapulted him into national prominence.
What was the impact of the 1912 election results on conservative Republicanism?
It was a dramatic rejection of Taft and conservative Republicanism.
Who was Samuel Gompers?
Leader of the AFL from 1886 until his death in 1924
Gompers was a trade unionist who believed in cooperation with businesses.
What was Gompers’ stance on socialism?
Opposed to the IWW and socialist leader Eugene Debs
Gompers represented moderate socialism and collaborated with businesses.
What major strikes occurred during the rise of socialism in the industrial economy?
Homestead Strike, Pullman Strike, Great Coal Strike
These strikes were significant events that highlighted workers’ rights and unrest.
Who was Eugene Debs?
A political socialist leader who demanded radical changes to the social and economic system
Debs ran for president as a socialist candidate.
What was the outcome of the 1912 presidential election for Eugene Debs?
Almost one million votes were cast for him
This reflected the significant support for socialism at the time.
What was Woodrow Wilson’s political background before his presidency?
Governor of New Jersey with a background as an academic
Wilson had a reputation for high moral standing.
What was the ‘New Freedom’?
A program of reforms proposed by Woodrow Wilson
It aimed to differentiate Wilson’s Progressive ideas from those of Theodore Roosevelt.
What major reform did Wilson achieve regarding tariffs?
The Underwood-Simmons Tariff Act, slashing tariff rates by up to 20 percent
This was a key part of Wilson’s election campaign.
What was the Federal Reserve Act?
Established a strong central bank under public regulation and control
It aimed to protect against financial panics.
What was the role of the Federal Trade Commission established by Wilson?
To inspect and regulate corporate business methods and prevent unfair practices
This was part of Wilson’s agenda for further regulation of big business.
What did the Clayton Antitrust Act do?
Extended the powers of the Sherman Antitrust Act
Wilson’s administration enforced this act vigorously.
What was the Adamson Act?
Regulated inter-state trade to establish an eight-hour working day for railroad workers
This reflected Wilson’s commitment to workers’ rights.
True or False: Wilson actively campaigned for racial equality.
False
Wilson’s high moral principles did not extend to campaigning for racial equality.
Fill in the blank: The history of liberty is the history of the limitation of government power, not the _______.
increase of it
What was the significance of the Federal Reserve system?
Provided focus to monetary policy and protection against financial panics
It was a key element in stabilizing the U.S. banking system.
What did the Workmen’s Compensation Act provide?
Insurance for workers against injuries at work
What financial support did the Federal Highway Act offer?
Federal money to help with the construction of highways
What was the purpose of the Federal Farm Loan Act?
Gave farmers access to long-term loans to expand production
What powers did the Sixteenth Amendment grant Congress?
Powers to impose income tax
What did the Seventeenth Amendment require?
All states to elect US Senators by direct popular vote
What did the Eighteenth Amendment enforce?
Prohibition
What right did the Nineteenth Amendment secure?
Voting rights for women nationwide
What was a significant theme of Wilson’s Progressive reforms?
Social issues and moral concerns
What tensions were revealed by Wilson’s Progressive reforms?
Attitudes towards mass immigration, moral standards, and the position of African-Americans
True or False: The European war increased the flow of immigrants into the United States.
False
What were trade union leaders’ concerns regarding immigration?
Opposition to unrestricted immigration to avoid jobs and wages being undercut
What moral issue was strongly campaigned for during Progressivism?
Prohibition
Who was a notable pacifist and women’s leader opposing US support for the Allies?
Jane Addams
What significant migration began around 1910?
The great northward migration of African-Americans from the South
What was the political and economic backlash faced by African-Americans in the North?
Racial tensions and revival of the Ku Klux Klan
What was Wilson’s campaign slogan in the 1916 election?
‘He Kept Us Out of the War’
What was the electoral margin of victory for Wilson in 1916?
Barely more than 400,000 votes
Who was Wilson’s opponent in the 1916 election?
Charles Evan Hughes
What did Wilson’s presidency mark the transition from?
From Progressive president to World Statesman
What announcement did the German government make in early 1917?
Resumption of unrestricted submarine warfare
Fill in the blank: The _______ Act established an eight-hour day for railroad workers.
Adamson
What was the Underwood-Simmons Tariff Act associated with?
Progressive reforms of Wilson’s New Freedom
What did the Clayton Antitrust Act aim to address?
Antitrust issues and monopolistic practices
What year did the Nineteenth Amendment secure women’s voting rights?
1920
What significant event in 1914 is associated with Wilson’s military interventions?
Occupation of Vera Cruz
What did the Federal Reserve Act establish?
A central banking system for the US
What was the main focus of Wilson’s reforms?
Economic and social progressivism
