The changing political environment Flashcards
Why did Americans believe entry into WW1 was a mistake?
- Isolationist History: The US traditionally remained neutral in European affairs.
- Economic Strain: Investments were linked with both war factions, leading to potential financial conflicts.
- Human Cost: Over 100,000 American casualities.
- Post-War Complications: Concerns over the League of Nations dragging the US into future conflicts.
What was meant by a return to ‘normalcy’?
A phrase coined by Harding in 1920 implying post war stability: Isolationalism, reduced government interference, and a return to pre-war societal norms.
Give three examples of Harding’s isolationist policies
a. Economic (2)
b. Immigration
-
Economic
Fordney-McCumber Tariff (1922): Raised import duties to protect domestic industries.
Avoidance of League of Nations: Steered clear of economic commitments to international entities. -
Immigration
Limited immigration numbers based on national origin quotas.
Describe the Republican ideal of laissez-faire
- Economic philosophy of limited government interferance.
- Advocated free markets, minimal regulation, and individual entrepreneurship.
How did laissez-faire help create the boom period of the 1920s?
- Tax reductions: Benefited businesses and wealthy individuals.
- Limited regulation: Encouraged business expansion.
- Innovation and consumer spending also fueled by easy credit.
How did events in Russia in 1917 help create the Red Scare in the USA
- Bolshevik Revolution (1917): Established communist rule in Russia.
- Fear spread that communism would infiltrate the US, challenging capitalist and democratic values.
Give three examples of how the Red Scare manifested itself in 1919-20
- Palmer Raids: Thousands arrested and deported for suspected radical beliefs.
- Sacco and Vanzetti Case: Demonstrated heightened xenophobia and anti-radical sentiments.
- Red Summer (1919): Numerous race riots across the US, in part fueled by economic fears and anti-communist sentiment.
What was ‘rugged individualism’?
- Emphasised self-reliance and individual initiative.
- Avocated against government handouts or intervention in daily lives.
How did rugged individualism manifest itself in US politics?
- Opposition to social welfare programs.
- Favouring policies benefiting businesses and entrepreneurs.
- Reduced government spending and intervention.
Give three measures that Hoover took to try and solve the Depression, and explain their success/ failure
- Reconstruction Finance Corporation (RFC): Aided businesses and banks but criticised for not helping individuals directly.
- Smoot-Hawley Tariff: Aimed to protect US businesses but worsened international trade and deeped the Depression.
- Federal Home Loan Bank Act: Intended to prop up the housing market, but had limited impact.
Why was Hoover blamed for the worsening of the Depression?
- Viewed as inactive and reactive.
- Policies like Smoot-Hawley worsened global economic conditions.
- Reluctance to provide direct aid to struggling Ameircans.
Describe the key events in the Bonus Army march, and how it was dealt with
- WW1 veterans marched on Washington demanding early bonuses payments.
- Army, led by Douglas MacArthur, forcibly removed veterans. This use of force on struggling veterans damaged Hoover’s image.
Why was Hoover unpopular with Republicans (as well as Democrats)?
- Republicans saw him as ineffective in addressing Depression.
- Democrats critisised his policies as favouring the wealthy.
In what ways did Roosevelt offer an alternative to Hoover?
- Roosevelt proposed the New Deal: government intervention to address the Depression
- Emphasised relief, reform and recovery.
How was New Deal thinking different to rugged individualism?
- Focused on collective solutions and government aid.
- Proritised public works, relief programs and economic regulations.
Give three examples of alphabet agencies and how they tried to help improve society and the economy
- CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps): Employment for young men in environmental projects.
- NRA (National Recovery Administrations): Industry standards to increase worker rights and stabilise prices.
- WPA (Works Progress Administration): Massive public works project to employ millions.
How did Roosevelt’s use of fireside chats help improve the image of the presidency?
- Direct radio addresses to Ameircan people.
- Built trust, calmed fears and explained complex policies in simple terms.
Who disliked Roosevelt and why
- Business Leaders: Felt that the New Deal policies were too restrictive.
- Far-left: Argued the New Deal wasn’t radical enough.
- Concerns over increased federal power
Give three examples of Roosevelt’s legacy (positive or negative)
- Social Security Act: Pionerring social welfare programs.
- Establishment of SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission): Regulation of the stock market.
- Critics’ view: Increased federal government size and power.
How did Roosevelt prepare the USA for war (WW2)?
- Passed Lend-Lease Act: Aiding allies without direct involvement
- Boosted defense production. Effectively ending the Depression
Why did the USA enter WW2 in December 1941?
Direct result of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour on December 7, 1941.
How did the USA benefit economically from the war?
- Massive military production ended unemployment.
- Technological advancements and infranstructure growth.
What formed the basis of the Second Red Scare?
Fear of Soviet espionage and influence in American society post-WW2,
Who were Alger Hiss and the Rosenbergs, and what happened to them?
- Alger Hiss: State Department official accused of espionage, convicted of perjury.
- The Rosenbergs: Convicted and executed for allegedly passing atomic secrets to the Soviets.
