Chat GPT Flashcards
Rutherford B. Hayes (456)
Rutherford B. Hayes became the 19th President of the United States (1877–1881) and is best known for ending Reconstruction by withdrawing federal troops from the South as part of the Compromise of 1877. His presidency focused on civil service reform, attempting to curb corruption in government appointments. He also used federal troops to suppress the Great Railroad Strike of 1877, showing his commitment to maintaining order even at the cost of labor rights.
James A. Garfield (456)
James A. Garfield served as the 20th President of the United States in 1881, but his time in office was tragically short. A strong supporter of civil service reform, he clashed with members of his own party over government job appointments. In July 1881, he was assassinated by Charles Guiteau, a disgruntled office seeker. His death led to growing public support for ending the spoils system, ultimately resulting in the passage of the Pendleton Act.
Chester A. Arthur (457)
After Garfield’s assassination, Chester A. Arthur became the 21st President (1881–1885). Initially a Stalwart Republican who supported patronage, Arthur surprised many by becoming a champion of civil service reform. He signed the Pendleton Act (1883), which introduced a merit-based hiring system for government jobs. Arthur also modernized the U.S. Navy, laying the foundation for America’s future naval power.
Grover Cleveland (457)
Grover Cleveland was the only U.S. president to serve two non-consecutive terms (1885–1889, 1893–1897). A staunch opponent of corruption, he vetoed numerous bills granting government aid, believing in limited government spending. Cleveland opposed high tariffs, the Free Silver movement, and imperialist expansion, making him a symbol of conservative economic policies during the late 19th century.
Benjamin Harrison (457)
Benjamin Harrison, the 23rd President (1889–1893), was a strong advocate of high tariffs and federal spending. His administration passed the McKinley Tariff, which raised import taxes, and signed the Sherman Antitrust Act, the first law aimed at breaking up monopolies. Harrison also supported civil rights for African Americans, though his efforts largely failed due to opposition in Congress.
Half-Breeds (456)
The Half-Breeds were a faction of the Republican Party in the late 19th century, led by James G. Blaine. They supported civil service reform, favoring a merit-based system for government jobs rather than political patronage. They opposed the Stalwarts, who wanted to keep the spoils system intact.
Stalwarts (456)
The Stalwarts were a conservative faction of the Republican Party, led by Roscoe Conkling. They supported patronage and the spoils system, believing that government jobs should be given as rewards for political loyalty. They were opposed by the Half-Breeds, who sought reform.
Pendleton Act (457)
The Pendleton Civil Service Act (1883) was a landmark law that ended the spoils system and required that government jobs be awarded based on merit rather than political connections. This act, championed by Chester A. Arthur, created the Civil Service Commission and marked a turning point in U.S. government hiring practices.
Interstate Commerce Act (458)
Passed in 1887, the Interstate Commerce Act was the first federal law aimed at regulating railroads. It sought to prevent unfair pricing and monopolistic practices, requiring that railroad rates be reasonable and just. The law also created the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) to oversee enforcement.
What was the Sherman Antitrust Act?
The Sherman Antitrust Act (1890) was the first major U.S. law aimed at breaking up monopolies and preventing anti-competitive business practices. Though it was initially weak and poorly enforced, it set the foundation for future antitrust legislation.
What was the Farmers’ Alliance?
The Farmers’ Alliance, founded in the 1870s and 1880s, was a major agrarian movement that fought for railroad regulation, lower interest rates, and financial reforms. It laid the groundwork for the Populist Party, which would emerge in the 1890s.
Who were the Grangers?
The Grangers, or Patrons of Husbandry, were a farmers’ organization that formed in the 1870s to combat railroad monopolies and unfair grain storage rates. They successfully lobbied for Granger Laws, which regulated railroad fees at the state level.
What is Populism?
Populism was a political movement that gained momentum in the 1890s, advocating for agrarian rights, Free Silver, direct election of senators, and government intervention in the economy. It was largely supported by farmers and laborers who felt exploited by big business.
What triggered the Panic of 1893?
The Panic of 1893 was a severe economic depression triggered by railroad bankruptcies, bank failures, and a stock market collapse. It led to high unemployment and widespread financial hardship, sparking protests like Coxey’s Army.
What was Coxey’s Army?
In 1894, Jacob Coxey led Coxey’s Army, a march of unemployed workers to Washington, D.C., demanding government-funded public works programs. The protest was one of the first major organized labor demonstrations in U.S. history.
What was the Free Silver movement?
The Free Silver movement called for increasing silver coinage to expand the money supply and help indebted farmers. It was a central issue of the 1896 election, with William Jennings Bryan as its most vocal supporter.
Who was William Jennings Bryan?
William Jennings Bryan was a Democratic and Populist leader known for his ‘Cross of Gold’ speech advocating Free Silver. He ran for president three times but never won.
Who was William McKinley?
William McKinley was elected president in 1896 and favored protective tariffs, gold-backed currency, and imperial expansion. His presidency oversaw the Spanish-American War.
What was U.S. imperialism in the late 1890s?
By the late 1890s, the U.S. pursued imperialism, seeking to expand its influence overseas through military, economic, and political control. This led to conflicts like the Spanish-American War.
Who were Jingoes?
Jingoes were extreme nationalists who aggressively supported military intervention and expansionism, pushing for war with Spain in 1898.
Who was Queen Liliuokalani?
The last queen of Hawaii, Liliuokalani was overthrown in 1893 by U.S.-backed forces, paving the way for Hawaii’s annexation by the United States.
What is Yellow Journalism?
Yellow Journalism was a style of sensationalized, exaggerated news reporting that stirred public sentiment in favor of the Spanish-American War in 1898.
What happened to the USS Maine?
In 1898, the USS Maine mysteriously exploded in Havana Harbor, killing American sailors. Though the cause was unclear, the U.S. blamed Spain, fueling the start of the Spanish-American War.
What was the Spanish-American War?
The Spanish-American War (1898) was a brief conflict in which the U.S. defeated Spain, gaining Cuba, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines.
What was the Teller Amendment?
Passed in 1898, the Teller Amendment declared that the U.S. would not annex Cuba after the Spanish-American War.
What happened to Puerto Rico after the Spanish-American War?
Following the Spanish-American War, Puerto Rico became a U.S. territory, leading to debates about its political status.
What was the Open Door Policy?
The Open Door Policy (1899) aimed to ensure equal trading rights in China and prevent European nations from dominating Chinese markets.
What was the Boxer Rebellion?
The Boxer Rebellion (1899–1901) was an anti-foreigner uprising in China that was crushed by an international coalition, including U.S. troops.
