Imperialism & Early Progressive Flashcards
Hawaiian Revolt of 1893
U.S. sugar planters and business leaders overthrew Queen Liliuokalani, leading to U.S. annexation. This showed how economic interests drove imperialism.
William Randolph Hearst
His yellow journalism exaggerated stories, making war seem necessary. He helped push the U.S. into the Spanish-American War, justifying imperialism.
Jingoism
A belief in aggressive nationalism and military expansion. It made Americans support war and U.S. dominance in global affairs.
Maine
The USS Maine exploded in Cuba, and newspapers blamed Spain. This led to war, giving the U.S. new territories.
William McKinley
He supported expansion, annexed Hawaii, and led the U.S. to victory in the Spanish-American War. He believed controlling new lands would help the economy.
Spanish-American War
The U.S. defeated Spain and gained control over the Philippines, Guam, and Puerto Rico. This marked a shift to overseas empire-building.
“Seward’s Folly”
The U.S. bought Alaska from Russia. People thought it was a mistake, but it later provided resources and helped U.S. influence in the Pacific.
Panama Canal
The U.S. helped Panama gain independence from Colombia to build the canal. This strengthened trade and military power.
Yellow Journalism
Sensationalist newspapers exaggerated events to stir emotions and push for war. It influenced public opinion to support imperialism.
Anthracite Strike of 1902
Coal miners demanded better pay and conditions. Roosevelt negotiated a fair deal, showing the government helping workers instead of just businesses.
Anti-Saloon League
Linked alcohol to crime and poverty, leading to Prohibition. Reformers believed banning alcohol would improve society.
Bully Pulpit
Roosevelt used his position to promote reforms. This showed how presidents could lead social and political change.
Carrie Chapman Catt
Led the fight for women’s voting rights. Her work helped pass the 19th Amendment, expanding democracy.
Civil Service
Replaced the corrupt spoils system with hiring based on knowledge. This reduced political corruption.
Conservationism
Roosevelt and others protected forests and national parks. It showed government balancing economic growth and environmental protection.
Direct Election (Senators)
The 17th Amendment let citizens vote for senators. This made government more accountable to the people.
Direct Legislation
Allowed citizens to propose and vote on laws. This reduced the power of corrupt politicians.
W.E.B. Du Bois
Fought for immediate equality for African Americans. He challenged segregation and pushed for civil rights.
Election of 1912
Roosevelt, Taft, and Wilson ran with different Progressive ideas. Wilson’s win led to banking and antitrust reforms.
Federal Reserve Act of 1913
Created a stable banking system. This prevented financial crises and made the economy fairer.
Federal Trade Commission
Prevented monopolies and unfair business practices. This protected small businesses and consumers.
Food and Drug Administration
Protected public health by regulating unsafe products. This showed government taking responsibility for consumer safety.
James A. Garfield
His assassination led to civil service reform. This ended corruption in government hiring.
Good Government
A movement to reduce corruption and improve government services. This led to fairer elections and reforms.
Initiative
Allowed citizens to propose laws directly. This gave people more power in government.
Jim Crow
Enforced racial segregation, limiting African American rights. Progressives like Du Bois and the NAACP fought against these laws.
Mary Harris “Mother” Jones
A labor leader who helped workers fight for better pay and conditions. She showed how unions pushed for reforms.
The Jungle
A book exposing the meatpacking industry’s poor conditions. It led to food safety laws.
Muckrakers
Journalists who exposed corruption and social problems. Their work led to Progressive reforms.
National Assn. for Adv. of
Colored People (NAACP)
Fought against racial discrimination and segregation. It was part of the fight for civil rights.
Oregon System
A set of reforms including initiative, referendum, and recall. This gave people more political power.
Alice Paul
A suffragist who used protests and hunger strikes. Her activism helped pass the 19th Amendment.
Pendleton Act of 1883
Ended the spoils system and required exams for government jobs. This reduced corruption.
Gifford Pinchot
Helped Roosevelt protect forests and resources. He made conservation a government priority.
Progressive Party (“Bull Moose”)
Roosevelt’s third-party campaign focused on reforms. It showed the strength of Progressive ideas.
Prohibition
Banned alcohol to solve social problems. It led to the 18th Amendment but also caused crime issues.
Recall
Allowed voters to remove corrupt officials. This made politicians more accountable.
Referendum
Let citizens vote directly to get rid of a law. This reduced the power of corrupt lawmakers.
Jacob Riis
A journalist who exposed poor living conditions. His work led to housing reforms.
Theodore Roosevelt
A Progressive president who fought for reforms. He expanded government’s role in solving problems.
“Separate but Equal”
A Supreme Court ruling that allowed segregation. It was challenged by civil rights activists.
Upton Sinclair
Wrote The Jungle to expose factory conditions. His work led to government regulations.
Square Deal
Roosevelt’s plan for fairness in business, labor, and consumers. It showed how Progressives wanted government to create balance.
William Howard Taft
Continued some Progressive reforms but lost Roosevelt’s support. His presidency showed divisions within the movement.
Triangle Shirtwaist Fire
A factory fire that killed many workers due to unsafe conditions. It led to new workplace safety laws.
Trust Buster
Roosevelt and others broke up monopolies. This stopped businesses from controlling the economy unfairly.
Booker T. Washington
Believed African Americans should focus on education and economic success before demanding full rights. His views contrasted with Du Bois.
Women’s Suffrage
The fight for women’s voting rights. It led to the 19th Amendment and expanded democracy.
Woodrow Wilson
A Progressive president who passed major reforms like the Federal Reserve Act. His policies shaped the modern economy.
Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906
Created safety regulations for food and medicine. It was a response to The Jungle and part of consumer protection reforms.
EWEB/SUB
Public utilities in Oregon that provided water and electricity, reflecting Progressive Era efforts to regulate essential services.
Klondike Gold Rush
Late 1890s gold rush in Alaska and Canada that boosted the economy, expanded U.S. influence, and increased westward migration.
Liliuokalani
Last queen of Hawaii, overthrown in 1893 by U.S. business interests, leading to Hawaii’s annexation in 1898.
Roosevelt become president year
1901
