Midyear Exam Review Flashcards
What is the system of checks and balances within the American government?
-A fundamental principle of American government, guaranteed by the Constitution, whereby each branch of the government (executive, judicial, and legislative) has some measure of influence over the other branches and may choose to block procedures of the other branches.
What is unrestricted submarine warfare and what did it cause?
-Unrestricted submarine warfare is a type of naval warfare in which submarines sink vessels such as freighters and tankers without warning.
Who argued for “Life, Liberty, and Property”? and what U.S. founding document did this influence?
John Locke- Declaration of Independence (Thomas Jefferson)
Explain the social contract between the U.S. and Great Britain and which document broke this contract between the two countries?
-The U.S. is a colony of Great Britain and they are supposed to be treated equally and be under the same laws as British citizens.-Declaration of Independence
What was the Lusitania, what happened to it, when, and why was it significant?
-British ocean liner that was sunk by a German U-Boat in 1915128 Americans died. Made many Americans want to enter WWI
Explain the First Red Scare?
-The rounding up and deportation of several hundred immigrants of radical political views by the federal government in 1919 and 1920. This “scare” was caused by fears of subversion by communists in the United States after the Russian Revolution
What do anti-federalists believe system of government should be?
-The Anti-Federalists were a group of diverse individuals that formed to oppose the ratification (passage) of the new federal Constitution in 1787. They were united by their fear of a powerful and potentially oppressive national government, a government dominated by wealthy aristocrats, and the absence of a bill of rights in the new Constitution.
Who were the federalists and what did they want our system of government to be?
-Supporter of federal government; especially : a supporter of the U.S. ConstitutionThey were also a major political party in the early years of the U.S. that wanted a strong central government
What is TOTAL WAR?
-a war that is unrestricted in terms of the weapons used, the territory or combatants involved, or the objectives pursued, especially one in which the laws of war are disregarded.
Which countries suffered the most deaths in WWI
Austro-Hungary= 900,000Germany= 1,600,000Italy= 700,000France= 1,400,000Great Britain= 650,000Russia= 1,750,000U.S.A.= 50,000
Who wrote the 14-point program?
-President Woodrow Wilson
What was the main goal of the 14-point program?
-World Peace-League of Nations
What started the Palmer Raids, what were the Raids about, who was involved, and why was it an infringement on our first amendment rights?
- Attorney General A. Mitchell Palmer and other prominent political figures were sent by bombs in the mail-They assumed Communists and Anarchists sent them the bombs and went on raids to put the suspected subversives in jail/deport them-Goes against the first amendment rights of freedom of speech, religion, press, and assembly.
Where did immigrants settle in the United States and why?
-Cities/urban areas because more jobs are in urban areas than in rural areas.
Explain Nativism.
-The policy of protecting the interests of native-born or established inhabitants against those of immigrants. Xenophobic belief that Native-born Americans are better than immigrants within a given country.
How many European immigrants came to the United States in the late 19th and early 20th century?
-Roughly 20 million immigrants.
What are Unions and what are their goals and techniques to achieve these goals?
-An organized association of workers formed to protect and further their rights and interests; a labor union.-Strikes, protests, negotiations
What was the occupation of a large number of Chinese Immigrants arriving in the country in the late 19th century?
-Railroad Workers
Provide 3 examples of voting discrimination that was taking place following Reconstruction in the South towards African Americans.
-KKK intimidation-Poll Taxes-Literacy Tests
List 7 inventions of the late 19th century. (Patent drawing packet)
-Automobile-Cash Register-Lightbulb-Phonograph/Gramophone-Elevator-Movie Camera-Sewing Machine-Telephone-Typewriter-Washing Machine
What is a transcontinental railroad line and why was it significant?
-A train route across the United States, finished in 1869. It was the project of two railroad companies: the Union Pacific built from the east, and the Central Pacific built from the west. The two lines met in Utah.-Connected the country and made travel much easier
What is the Chinese exclusion Act of 1882?
-It was one of the most significant restrictions on free immigration in US history, prohibiting all immigration of Chinese laborers.
Explain the De Lome telegram and what war did it help to start and why.
-The De Lôme letter, a note written by the Spanish Ambassador to the United States, to Don José Canelejas, the Foreign Minister of Spain, reveals De Lôme’s opinion about the Spanish involvement in Cuba and US President McKinley’s diplomacy.-Spanish-American War-Americans were upset that another country was talking badly about our President and our country.
Explain the difference between a Robber Baron and a Captain of Industry.
-Robber Baron: An American capitalist who acquired a fortune in the late nineteenth century by ruthless means.-Captain of Industry: A business leader whose means of amassing a personal fortune contributes positively to the country in some way.
What were the major problems in American society that Progressive Reformers were trying to fix (list at least 5)?
-Corruption in Business-Urban issues: overcrowding, disease, etc..-Working Conditions: hours, wages, danger, etc..-Women’s Rights-Immigration Reform-Prohibition-Civil Rights issues
List the members of the Triple Entente (Allies).
-Russia-France-Great Britain
List the members of the Central Powers.
-Germany-Austro-Hungary-Italy
Explain the significance of the U.S.S. Maine and how what war it helped start and why.
-A U.S. Naval ship that exploded mysteriously in the Havana Harbor.-Spanish-American war-Americans assumed Spain blew up the ship and wanted to go to war to gain Imperialist possessions.