US History Flashcards
12th Amendment
Brought about by the Jefferson/Burr tie, stated that presidential and vice-presidential nominees would run on the same party ticket. Before that time, all of the candidates ran against each other, with the winner becoming president and second-place becoming vice-president.
10th Amendment
Powers of states and people. Anything not in the constitution is left to the states.
11th Amendment
Generally, a state is immune from suit by an individual. However, a state can consent to be sued, or Congress can abrogate a state’s immunity, as long as it is within Congress’ authority to do so (i.e. constitutional authority).
21st Amendment
(1933): Repeals Eighteenth Amendment but permits states to retain prohibition and ban the importation of alcohol.
13th Amendment
1865 - Freed all slaves, abolished slavery
14th Amendment
Ratified in 1866. It fixed provision of the Civil Rights Bill: full citizenship to all native-born or naturalized Americans, including former slaves and immigrants.
15th Amendment
Ratified in 1870. No one could be denied the right to vote on account of race, color, or having been a slave. It was to prevent states from amending their constitutions to deny black suffrage.
16th Amendment
Enacted income tax
17th Amendment
Direct election of US senators
18th Amendment
Banned the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcohol. It was ratified on January 16, 1919 and repealed by the 21st Amendment in 1933. In the over 200 years of the U.S. Constitution, the 18th Amendment remains the only Amendment to ever have been repealed.
19th Amendment
Ratified in 1920. Granted women the right to vote.
20th Amendment
Written by George Norris and also called the “Lame Duck Amendment,” it changed the inauguration date from March 4 to January 20 for president and vice president, and to January 3 for senators and representatives. It also said Congress must assemble at least once a year.
1893 Depression
Profits dwindled, businesses went bankrupt and slid into debt. Caused loss of business confidence. 20% of the workforce unemployed. Let to the Pullman strike.
1992 What went wrong
(GB1) American economy favored powerful not middle class, natioanal debt, employment fell, forced into low paying jobs, losing benefits of pensiosn and health, black and hispanic = hit hardest
21st Amendment
Ratified in 1933. Repeal of 18th Amendment.
22nd Amendment
limits the number of terms a president may be elected to serve
23rd Amendment
(JFK), gave residents of Washington DC the right to vote
26th Amendment
Lowered voting age to 18
27th Amendment
Regulates pay raises for members of congress
3/5ths compromise
The South wanted slaves to count of citizens in order to increase the population, and therefore increasing the number of Southerners in the House of Representatives. The North argued that slaves were property and couldn’t be counted. In the end, slaved came to be counted as 3/5 of a person.
54/40ths of fight
An aggressive slogan adopted in the Oregon boundary dispute, a dispute over where the border between Canada and Oregon should be drawn. This was also Polks slogan the Democrats wanted the U.S. border drawn at the 54 40 latitude. Polk settled for the 49 latitude in 1846.
A. Mitchell Palmer
He was chosen to round up immigrants that were questionably communists, and he ended up rounding up about 6000 people.
A. Philip Randolph
President of the Brotherhood of Car Porters and a Black labor leader, in 1941 he arranged a march on Washington to end racial discrimination.
Aaron Burr
Was VP for Jefferson. Later killed Hamilton in a duel. Later still involved in a conspiracy to sever the western states.
ABC Powers
(WW) 1914 Argentina,Brazil,Chile offered to negotiate dispute between US and Mexico
Abolitionism
The belief that slavery should be abolished immediately without compensation. Important factor leading to the Civil War
Acquisition of Florida from Spain
(JMon) Jackson gets Spain, praised by Adams and Monroe, not by Senate or House
Abortion
(WJC) although 20th anniversay of Roe v. Wade said constitutional right to abortion against abortion by signing memoranda
Adam’s midnight judges
A group of judges that was appointed by John Adams the night before he left office. He appointed them to go to the federal courts to have a long term federalist influence, because judges serve for life instead of limited terms
Adamson Act
(WW) , 1916; established an 8-hour work day for all employees on trains in interstate commerce, with extra pay for overtime
Adams-Onis Treaty
The negotiated sale of Spain’s territories in eastern and western Florida to the U. S. for $5 million.
Adkins v. Children’s Hospital
Reversed Muller v. Oregon, declared laws to protect women workers were unconstitutional. (1923)
Adlai Stevenson
ran against Eisenhower, , The Democratic candidate who ran against Eisenhower in 1952. His intellectual speeches earned him and his supporters the term “eggheads”. Lost to Eisenhower. Ambassador to UN during Cuban Missile Crisis.
Admiral Nimitz
Commander of US fleet during WWII
Aftermath of Persian War
(WJC) UN wanted to inspect Iraq for weapons, so imposed economic santions, France, China and Russia oppose (since they had contracts with Iraq), then eventually UK and US considered ending sanctions, and Saddam ordered UN out of Iraq
Aftermath of Vietnam War
(RN), 1973, when Nixon replaced American forces in Vietnam with South Vietnam, withdrawal caused hostilities between North and South in which as a result, all of Vietnam became Socialist Republic of Vietnam. (1976)
Agricultural Adjustment Act
(FDR) 1933 and 1938 , Helped farmers meet mortgages. Unconstitutional because the government was paying the farmers to waste 1/3 of their products. Created by Congress in 1933 as part of the New Deal this agency attempted to restrict agricultural production by paying farmers subsidies to take land out of production.
Aid to Somalia
(GB1) civil war, UN peacekeeping mission, US forces limited humanitarian, Bush Administration rejected disarm warring factions and pressed for negotiations, later turned over control to UN, results, back to fighting
Al Jolson
Starred in the first “talkie” movie with sounds called “The Jazz Singer.”
Alabama
*1869-1872, Seward negotiates with England on recovering damages from Civil War, Treaty of Washington 1871, solved dispute over fisheries, boundaries, and Alabama
What year was alaska purchased?
1867
Albany Congress/Plan of Union
A conference in the summer of 1754. It advocated a union of the British colonies for their security and defense against French. Held by the British Board of Trade to help cement the loyalty of the Iroquois League. After receiving presents, provisions and promises of Redress of grievances. 150 representatives if tribes withdrew without committing themselves to the British cause.
Albany Plan
Benjamin Franklin submitted the Albany Plan during the Fr. and Ind. War on 1754 gathering of colonial delegates in Albany, New York. The plan called for the colonies to unify in the face of French and Native American threats. The delegates approved the plan, but the colonies rejected it for fear of losing too much power. The Crown did not support the plan either, as it was wary of too much cooperation between the colonies.
Alf Landon
French historian whose book Democracy in Amerca was the first impartial study of institutions in the new nation.
Algeciras Conference
(TR) alliance (germany, austria, and italy),1906- settled the First Moroccan Crisis- started with Germany wanting an international conference on the Moroccan question of who gets what- Germany left with nothing and was further isolated- result of conference was that Britain, France, Russia, and the US began to see Germany as a potential threat that might seek to dominate all Europe- Germany began to see sinister plots to “encircle” Germany and prevent their development as a world power
Alice Paul
A suffragette who believed that giving women the right to vote would eliminate the corruption in politics.
Alien and Sedition Acts
Laws aimed at restricting the public activities of political radicals who sympathized with the French Revolution and criticized Adam’s Federalist policies. They provoked the Virgina and Kentucky Resolutions by Madison and Jefferson asserting State’s rights.
Alien Registration Act
AKA - Smith Act of 1940 made it a criminal offense for anyone to conspire to overthrow the government. It also required all non-citizen adult residents to register with the government. The Act is best known for its use against political organizations and figures, mostly on the left. A series of United States Supreme Court decisions in 1957 threw out numerous convictions under the Smith Act as unconstitutional.
Alliance for Progress
(JFK) 1961,, a program in which the United States tried to help Latin American countries overcome poverty and other problems, money used to aid big business and the military
American Anti-Slavery Society
Formed in 1844, a major abolitionist movement in the North.
American Colonization Society
Formed in 1817, it purchased a tract of land in Liberia and returned free Blacks to Africa.
American Expeditionary Forces
(WW), The Us forces led by General John Pershing who fought with the allies in Europe during WW1
American Federation of Government Employees
An American labor union representing over 600,000 employees of the federal government. (State and municipal employees are represented by other unions, most notably the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). It is a member of the AFL-CIO.
American Party
Political organization that was created after the election of 1852 by the Know-Nothings, was organized to oppose the great wave of immigrants who entered the United States after 1846
American System
1824 (JMon), Henry Clay, response to Tariff of 1824, program proposed by Henry Clay and others to foster national economic growth and interdependence among the geographical sections. It included a protective tariff, a national bank, and internal improvements.
Amnesty Act
Pardoned many of the rebels and allowed them to reenter public acts. (1872)
Andrew Jackson
1829-1837, (King Andrew, Old Hickory) Democrat, issue = 2nd Bank of America (Jackson and Clay), Whig Party emerged
Andrew Johnson
Became president when Lincoln was assassinated. Later impeached for illegally dismissing a government official.
Annapolis Convention
Originally planning to discuss the promotion of interstate commerce, delegates from five states met at Annapolis in September 1786 and ended up suggesting a convention to amend the Articles of Confederation
Anne Hutchinson
Anne Hutchinson was a dissenter in the Massachusetts Bay Colony who caused a schism in the Puritan community. Eventually, Hutchinson’s faction lost out in a power struggle for the governorship. She was expelled from the colony in 1673 and traveled southward with a number of her followers, establishing the settlement of Portsmouth, Rhode Island
Anthracite Coal Strike
Large strike by coal miners led by Miner’s Union president George F. Baer
Anti Poverty Act
1964, act of war on poverty
Antietam
(AL), 1862, the first major battle in the American Civil War to take place on Northern soil. It was the bloodiest single-day battle in American history, with almost 23,000 casualties. After this “win” for the North, Lincoln announced the Emancipation Proclamation
Anti-Federalists
Anti-Federalists rose up as the opponents of the Constitution during the period of ratification. They opposed the Constitution’s powerful centralized government, arguing that the Constitution gave too much political, economic, and military control. They instead advocated a decentralized governmental structure that granted most power to the states
Arab-Israeli Peace Talks
(GB1) Israel and Arab Nations peace talks, in 1993 Oslo, Norway, PLO (arafat) promise peace with Israel (rabin), israel offer west bank on condition that Arafat commitment to losing side in Gulf war, extremists opposed peace, el-Sadat assassinated, Rabin killed
Article X
Part of Treaty of Versailles that created the League of Nations
Articles of Confederation
Adopted in 1777 during the Revolutionary War, the Articles established the United States of America. The Articles granted limited powers to the central government, reserving most powers for the states. The result was a poorly defined national state that couldn’t govern the country’s finances or maintain stability. The Constitution replaced them in 1789
Assumption of States Debt
(GW) Plan by Hamilton meant to tie the states more securely to fed gov; states pay debt, created huge national debt, assumption bill. logrolling - one support another
Atlanta Compromise
Major speech on race-relations given by Booker T. Washington addressing black labor opportunities, and the peril of whites ignoring black injustice
Atlantic Compromise
product of a secret by FDR and Churchill; discussed post war aims and goals; advocated self determination of peoples
Baker vs Carr
(LBJ) 1962 Baker v. Carr, case decided in 1962 by the U.S. Supreme Court. Tennessee had failed to reapportion the state legislature for 60 years despite population growth and redistribution. Charles Baker, a voter, brought suit against the state (Joe Carr was a state official in charge of elections) in federal district court, claiming that the dilution of his vote as a result of the state’s failure to reapportion violated the equal protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution. The court dismissed the complaint on the grounds that it could not decide a political question. Baker appealed to the Supreme Court, which ruled that a case raising a political issue would be heard. This landmark decision opened the way for numerous suits on legislative apportionment.
Bakke Decision
Major decision in which the court upheld the general principle of affirmative action
Banking Acts
(FDR) 1933, 1935 , AKA (Steagall Act) June 16. Separated commercial from investment banksing (recently overturned), established FDIC*** (Federal Deposit Insurance Corp) which guarantees deposits.
Battle of Bunker Hill
First great battle of the revolutionary war
Bay of Pigs
Kennedy approved and CIA sponsored invasion of Cuba by Cuban exiles. Invasion failed, resulting in major humilation for Kennedy.
Berlin Wall
(HT), a wall separating East AKA People’s Republic of Germany (controlled by Russia) and West Berlin AKA German Federal Republic (controlled by Britain, France, and America) built by East Germany in 1961 to keep citizens from escaping to the West
Big stick diplomacy
International negotiations backed by the threat of force
Bill of Rights
Although the Anti-Federalists failed to block the ratification of the Constitution, they did ensure that the Bill of Rights would be created to protect individuals from government interference and possible tyranny. The Bill of Rights, drafted by a group led by James Madison, consisted of the first ten amendments to the Constitution, which guaranteed the civil rights of American citizens.
Black Codes
Restrictions on the freedom of former slaves, passed by Southern governments.
Black Panthers
Militant black power organization of the 1960s founded by Huey Newton.
Black Tuesday
October 29, 1929-The day that the stock market crashed.
Bland Allison Act
(RBH) 1878 , 1878 law passed over the veto of President Rutherford B. Hayes requiring the U.S. treasury to buy a certain amount of silver and put it into circulation as silver dollars. The goal was to subsidize the silver industry in the Mountain states and inflate prices, no less than $2 million and no more than $4 million
Blue Law
a type of law restricting activities or sales of goods on Sunday, which had its roots in accommodating Christian Sunday worship, although it persists to this day more as a matter of tradition. The term blue law may have been first used by Reverend Samuel Peters in his book General History of Connecticut, which was first published in 1781, to refer to various laws first enacted by Puritan colonies in the 17th century which prohibited the selling of certain types of merchandise and retail or business activity of any kind on certain days of the week (usually Sunday).
Boston Massacre
British soldiers killed protestors of British rule. This increased the colonists inclination toward revolution.
Boston Tea Party
A “revolt” on the Tea Act passed by Parliament; Sons of Liberty dressed up like Indians raided English ships in Boston Harbor. They dumped thousands of pounds of tea into the harbor. Led to Coercive Acts. (1773)
Boxer Rebellion
(WMc) , A 1900 Uprising in China aimed at ending foreign influence in the country.
Braceros
Mexican workers that were brought to America to work when so many men and women were gone from home during World War II that there weren’t enough workers.
Brady Bill
(WJC) 1993; handgun violence prevention act; legislation that established a five-day waiting period for handgun purchases
Bretton Woods Conference
1944, (FDR) , The common name for the United Nations Monetary and Financial Conference held in New Hampshire, 44 nations at war with the Axis powers met to create a world bank to stabilize international currency, increase investment in under-developed areas, and speed the economic recovery of Europe.
British Orders in Council
A law passed by the English while fighting the French in 1793. The British closed off all port vessels that France went through so they couldn’t get supplies, but American ships were seized also and Americans were impressed into the British navy, leading to the War of 1812.
British Proclamation of 1763
English law enacted after French and Indian War which forbade the colonists from settling beyond the Appalachian Mountains. It helped spark the American revolution.
Brooks Sumner Incident
SC Congressman Brooks (pro-slavery) took a cane to MA Senator Sumner (abolitionist) after he insulted SC and slavery.
Browder vs. Gayle
(1956) Ended segregation in the public transportation system after the Montgomery Bus Boycott
Brown vs. Board of Education
1954 - The Supreme Court overruled Plessy v. Ferguson, declared that racially segregated facilities are inherently unequal and ordered all public schools desegregated.
Buying Stocks on Margin
This is when you buy a stock with a small downpayment and say that you will pay the rest later because you don’t have the money now. It’s buying something with money you hope that you’ll be getting in the future.
California enters Union
Entered as a free state as part of Compromise of 1850, threw off balance.
Calvin Coolidge
President in 1923. Worked to restrain growth of government and especially to interfere with private enterprise.
Camp David Accord
(JEC) 1979, Anwar el-Sadat (egypt), Menachem Begin (Israel) and Carter (US) talked about rejecting war, and also Israel agreed to return all of Sinai Peninsula to Egypt within three years, treaty signed in Washington
Carter’s Energy Plan
(JEC) 1979, he wanted cut down on foreign oil supports and on American reliance on petroleum, alternate sources he wanted were solar power and synthetic gasoline, also (1) commit funds to develop alternative energy sources through windfall taxes, but sadly none of these happened.
Cash and Carry
countries such as Britain and France would have to pay for American goods in cash and provide transportation for them. This would keep US ships out of the war zone and eliminate the need for war loans
Change in the Eighties
(RR), reduced the domestic funds of government by choking off its revenue, weakened civil rights enforcement, dealt with education (Willaim Bennett), rich benefited, poor didn’t, women started working male jobs, rising benefits of social security, chidren had it worse, worked part time or temporary, but few or no benefits, North - computer industry, South - decline in manufacturing
Charles de Gaulle
He formed the French resistance movement in London immediately after the French surrender at Vichy. He was elected President of the Free French government in exile during the war and he was the first provisional president of France after its liberation.
Charles River Bridge vs Warren Bridge
1837) interest of community are above corporate rights case settled a dispute over the constitutional clause regarding obligation of contract
Charles Sumner and Preston Brooks
(FP) , Radical Republican against the slave power who insults Andrew Butler and subsequently gets caned by Preston Brooks
Chatauqua Movement
American Adult educational movement which was popular through the 19th and 20th movements - brought people into communities to lecture
Cherokee Nation vs Georgia
(1831) The Cherokees argued that they were a seperate nation and therefore not under Georgia’s jurisdiction. Marshall said they were not, but rather had “special status”
Chesapeake Affair
The Chesapeake was boarded by the British, who forced the crew to sail on British ships. This is one of the more famous cases of impressment, and led to the War of 1812.
Child Labor Laws
Laws passed forbidding employment of children except in specific circumstances. Later Supreme Court ruled these unconstitutional. Later still 1930s, Fair Labor Standards Act upheld by the Court, banning employment of children in manufacturing jobs.
Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882
Suspension of chinese immigration for fear they were driving down wages for whites. By 1902, Chinese immigration banned completely. Became eligible for citizenship in 1943.
Civil Rights Act
(LBJ) 1964 , LBJ passed this in 1964. Prohibited discrimination of African Americans in employment, voting, or public accomodations. Also said there could be no discrimination against race, color, sex, religion, or national origin, had to take literacy test
Civil Rights Act of 1866
Gave more rights to black people after the civil war
Civil Rights Movement
Movement in 50s and 60s to eliminate segregation and gain equal rights. Major moments were when Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a bus for a white person, MLK’s ‘I have a Dream Speech’, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and Fair Housing Act of 1968.
Civil Service Commission
A federal agency which regulates the hiring of government employees.
Civil Service Reform
(CAA) , Congress took action in the late 19th century to protect ethical politicians and create standards for political service; including, a civil service test for those seeking a job in government.
Civilian Conservation Corps
(FDR) 1933, , March 31, 1933; unemployment relief act; hired young men for reforestation programs, firefighting. flood control, spawn drainage, etc;
Clayton Antitrust Act
(WW) 1914, New antitrust legislation constructed to remedy deficiencies of the Sherman Antitrust Act, namely, it’s effectiveness against labor unions, also made labor unions not dependent on antilaws
Clayton Bulwar Treaty
(MF) 1850, Both U.S. and England wanted to build a Panama Canal. This said that if either of us built it, we’d get the builder’s permission to use it and would share the profits.
Clean Air Act
(RN), 1970 reaction to Rachel Carson in her 1962 in Silent Spring, It describes one of a number of pieces of legislation relating to the reduction of smog and air pollution in general. The legislation forced the country to enforce clean air standards to improve health and showed that American was moving towards certain environmentalist measures.
Clinton Impeachment
Impeached for perjury about Monica Lewinsky. Tried and acquitted by the Senate.
Coal Strike
(TR), 1902, , Coal mines of Pennsylvania. 140,000 workers, many illiterate immigrants had been frightfully exploited and accident plagued. Demanded a 20% increase in pay and reduction of the working day from 10 to 9 hours. Mine owners refused to negotiate., TR threatens to bring in troops, then they listened
Cohens vs Virginia
Supreme Court has right to review the decisions of all state supreme courts.
Cold War
(HT) 1946-1988, Churchill said it was a “iron curtain” between eastern and western Europe, A conflict that was between the US and the Soviet Union. The nations never directly confronted each other on the battlefield but deadly threats went on for years, US against Communism (containment)
Cold War Renewed
(RR), 1985, Reagan believe SALT II Treaty favored Soviet Union - evil, soon Mikhail Gorbachev party leadership, Reagan’s view caused anxieties among America’s Western European allies, antinuclear demonstrations in Europe start, the Yuri Andropov proposed arms reduction that he knew Reagan would reject, he wanted to corrupt Europe’s and US’s relations, but that didn’t really work
Committee on Public Information
Was created to “sell” WWI to those people who were against it and gain support for it. To do this, men devlievered speeches and gave out pamphlets. It was headed by George Creel
Committees of Correspondence
Samuel Adams started the first committee in Boston in 1772 to spread propaganda and secret information by way of letters. They were used to sustain opposition to British policy. The committees were extremely effective and a few years later almost every colony had one.
Commonwealth vs Hunt
Labor unions ruled not illegal conspiracies, that methods were honorable and peaceful
Compromise of 1850
(MF) by Daniel Webster, California wanted to join the Union, but if California was accepted the North would gain control of the Senate, and Southerners threatened to secede from the Union. This compromise set up California joining the Union as a free state, New Mexico and Utah use popular sovereignty to decide the question of slavery, slave trading is banned in the nation’s capital, The Fugitive Slave Law is passed, and the border between Texas and New Mexico was set.
Compromise of 1877
Unwritten deal that settled the 1876 presidential election contest between Rutherford Hayes (Rep) and Samuel Tilden (Dem.) Hayes was awarded the presidency in exchange for the permanent removal of federal troops from the South.
Compromise Tariff
Promised to gradually reduce the Tariff of 1832 by 10% over a period of eight years.
Confederate States of America
the southern states that seceded from the United States in 1861, Jefferson Davis, Montgomery, AL
Confiscation Act
Allowed Union to liberate those slaves used by the Confederacy for “insurrectionary purposes.”
Congress of Racial Equality
1941-42 - Interracial until 1962, when it became predominately Black, after 1964, only Blacks were allowed to join. It concentrated on organizing votes for Black candidates and political causes, successful even in states like Mississippi and Alabama.
Congressional Reform
(GF) created the seniority system to appoint chairpersons of commitees, incease the size of the Ways and Means Committee from 25 to 37, and no member of other commitees could be chairperson of two major committes at the same time
Constitution
(1787-1989) The fundamental law of the US. Established strong central government in place of the Articles of Confederation
Constitutional Convention
The gathering that drafted the Constitution of the United States in 1787; all states were invited to send delegates. The convention, meeting in Philadelphia, designed a government with separate legislative, executive, and judicial branches. It established Congress as a lawmaking body with two houses: each state is given two representatives in the Senate, whereas representation in the House of Representatives is based on population.
Consumer Protection Agency
(RN), influenced by Ralph Nader, effectively protected from fraud and deceit through law, enforced by govt agencies, attracted many lawyers and others to the cause
Containment
Truman policy to contain spread of Communism. Lead to the formation of NATO.
Contract with America
(WJC)Gingrich, President can delete specific items passed by the Congress, proposed constitutional amendment to limit the term of office was ignore, imposed federal mandates on states without providing the money
Controversial Visit Reagan
(RR), 1985 Regan visits German cemetry at Bitburg, graves of victims of Nazis
Coolies
Unskilled laborers from Asia in the 1800s to early 1900s who were sent to the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Peru, North Africa, Sri Lanka and the West Indies. The term usually referred to Chinese, Indian, Japanese and Korean laborers and was often used in a derogatory way. In India, “coolie” refers to porters who work at railway stations. In Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana and other parts of the Caribbean, as well as Sri Lanka and South Africa, the word is considered an offensive racial slur on par with “nigger.” In the British Empire, a “coolie” was an indentured labourer with conditions resembling slavery. Chinese coolies contributed to the building of the Transcontinental Railroad in the United States, as well as the Canadian Pacific Railway in Western Canada, but many of the Chinese laborers were not welcome to stay after its completion. California’s Anti-Coolie Act of 1862 and Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 also contributed to the oppression of Chinese laborers in the United States.
Copperheads
(AL) , a group of northern Democrats who opposed abolition and sympathized with the South during the Civil War, Vallandigham
Corrupt Bargain
The charge make by Jacksonians in 1825 that Clay had supported John Quincy Adams in the House presidential vote in return for the office of Secretary of State. Clay knew he could not win, so he traded his votes for an office.
Council of Economic Advisors
This council was created by the Employment Act and was made to promote maximum employment, production, and purchasing power.
Coxey’s Army
A band of unemployed people who marched to DC during the depression of 1894 under the leadership of Jacob S. Coxey. They urged the enactment of laws which would provide money without interest for public improvements to create work.
Credit Moblier Scandal
1872 - Union Pacific Railway created a ficticious construction company and hired itself to work (using government funds) - scandal broke loose and leaders attempted to bribe Congress with Union Pacific stock
Creel Committee
Headed by George Creel, this committee was in charge of propaganda for WWI (1917-1919). He depicted the U.S. as a champion of justice and liberty
Crittenden Compromise
1860 - attempt to prevent Civil War by Senator Crittenden - offered a Constitutional amendment recognizing slavery in the territories south of the 36º30’ line, noninterference by Congress with existing slavery, and compensation to the owners of fugitive slaves - defeated by Republicans
Crop Lien System
System that allowed farmers to get more credit. They used harvested crops to pay back their loans.
Cross of Gold Speech
Responsible for gaining Bryan popularity. To supporters of gold: “You shall not crucify mankind upon this cross of gold.”
Cuban Missile Crisis
Khruschev put nuclear missiles in Cuba, Kennedy blockaded Cuba insisting they be removed, which they eventually were. Closest world came to direct confrontation of superpowers in Cold War
Cuban Policy
(LBJ) when Cuba cut off the water supply from America, so Johnson response was supply freshwater by tankers, he worried Castro he would continue U2 spy plans but Castro said he would shoot them, so US attempted to isolate and punish but critics criticized
Cult of Domesticity
Belief in Middle and Upper Classes in US and Britain - women embodied perfect virtues in all senses
Dartmouth College Case
1819 (JMon), contract, Daniel Webster, Jurisdictional dispute between the college’s president and board of trustees led to a Supreme Court ruling favoring the educational freedom of private institutions (which is what colleges are considered to be)
Dawes Act
An act that removed Indian land from tribal possesion, redivided it, and distributed it among individual Indian families. Designed to break tribal mentalities and promote individualism.
D-Day
June 6, 1944 - Led by Eisenhower, over a million troops (the largest invasion force in history) stormed the beaches at Normandy and began the process of re-taking France. The turning point of World War II.
Declaration of Independence
The fundamental document establishing the US as a nation, adopted on July 4, 1776. Written largely by Jefferson. Declared principles upon which Revolutionary War was fought.
Declaratory Act
Passed in 1766 just after the repeal of the Stamp Act, the Declaratory Act stated that Parliament could legislate for the colonies in all cases. Most colonists interpreted the act as a face-saving mechanism and nothing more. Parliament, however, continually interpreted the act in its broadest sense in order to legislate in and control the colonies.
Dennis vs the US
In 1948, the Attorney General indicted two key Communist leaders for violation of the Smith Act of 1940 which prohibited conspiring to teach violent overthrow of the government. They were convicted in a 6-2 decision and their appeal was rejected.
Department of Labor and Commerce
Originally started in 1903 as the Department of Commerce and Labor, it was combined with the Bureau of Corporations in 1913 to create the Department of Labor. The Bureau of Corporations helped break the stronghold of monopolies.
Doctrine of Nullification
Expressed in the Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions, it said that states could nullify federal laws.
Dollar Diplomacy
(WT) , President Taft’s policy of building strong economic ties to Latin America. (Nicaragua, DR, Haiti, Virgin Islands)
Drago Doctrine
(TR) 1902 No nation should use force to collect debts unless debtor nation refused arbitration, Luis Drago
Dredd Scott Case
(JB) , Supreme Court case which ruled that slaves are not citizens but are property, affirmed that property cannot be interfered with by Congress, slaves do not become free if they travel to free territories or states, fueled abolitionist movement, hailed as victory for the south
Dust Bowl
A parched region of the Great Plains in OK, ARK, and TX, where a combination of drought and soil erosion created enormous dust storms in 1930s.
Dwight Eisenhower
Supreme Commander of Allied forces in WWII. Later organized NATO, President 1952-60, negotiated end of Korean War. Cold War.
Economic Growth and Deregulation
(RR) wanted free enterprise system, which would help pour revenue into the pockets of taxpayers, as a result, dismantled govt programs like Clean Air and Water Acts and OSHA, economic regulations Environmental Protection Agency, accused of making deals with industries, America doing well in Europe since they were good customers (huge trade surpluses), they had private saving ans invested in US Treasury bills, however downfall was unbalanced budgets
Eisenhower Doctrine
(DDE) 1957, , policy of the US that it would defend the middle east against attack by any communist country, Arab states said to leave Lebanon alone
El Salvador Dilemma
(RR) 1979-1990, Civil war there, US and Pres. Jose Napoleon Duarte against leftist, but then soon death squads and threat leftist, two main problems (1) ones in power supported govt. in limit and (2) used power to delay and hurt agriculture, but soon guerilla attacks stopped after US invested money in El Salvador’s newly privatized electrical markets
Electoral Count Act
As a belated result of the disputed election of 1876 involving Samuel J. Tilden and Rutherford B. Hayes, the Electoral Count Act of 1887 placed the responsibility of deciding electoral disputes mainly on the states themselves. Congress now counts the votes (a mere formality) on Jan. 6.
Elkins Act
(1903) gave the Interstate Commerce Commission more power to control railroads from giving preferences to certain customers
Emancipation Proclamation
(AL) , Issued by abraham lincoln on september 22, 1862 it declared that all slaves in the confederate states would be free
Embargo Act
A law passed by Congress forbidding all exportation of goods from the United States. Jefferson hoped to weaken the warring France and Britain by shutting off trade, but the act ended up hurting our economy more than theirs. It helped to revive the Federalists and caused New England’s industry to grow. It was repealed in 1807 and eventually led to the War of 1812.
Emergency Banking Relief Act
March 6, 1933 - FDR ordered a bank holiday. Many banks were failing because they had too little capital, made too many planning errors, and had poor management. The Emergency Banking Relief Act provided for government inspection, which restored public confidence in the banks. It gave the president power to regulate banking transactions and foreign exchange and to reopen solvent banks.
Emergency Quota Act of 1921
1921 - First legislation passed which restricted the number of immigrants. Quota was 357,800, which let in only 2% of the number of people of that nationality that were allowed in in 1890.
End of the Cold War
(GB1) was between end of WWII (1945 to 1990), two major wars in between were Korean and Vietnam, Gorbachev destroy Brezhnev policy (use military to keep Communism), US and Russia stop missile on each other
Ending Nuclear Testing
(WJC) us wouldn’t test unless another nation did it first
Energy Crisis
(RN), following Yom Kippur War, so they planned to use Alaskian pipeline, but eventually went back to foreign
Energy Problem 1979
(JEC), Iran revolution ended oil shipment, so in spring of 1979, gas and oil priced were raised
Environmental Protection Agency
(RN), 1970 an independent federal agency established to coordinate programs aimed at reducing pollution and protecting the environment
Equal Rights Amendment
(RN) , in 1972 and 1988, constitutional amendment passed by Congress but never ratified that would have banned discrimination on the basis of gender
Era of “Good Stealings”
The 1870s-1890s was a dark period in American politics filled with corruption, which rivaled todays. Dubbed The Era of Good Stealings, the gilded age was arguably when politicians first recognized the seemingly deep pool of corporate money and also when many of them signed their souls over to the corporations.
Era of Good Feelings
Period from 1815–1821 that followed the War of 1812 where the last Federalist candidate was defeated and the issues of slavery were emerging as a result of the Missouri Compromise. James Monroe defeated the last Federalist candidate in 1816, and won unopposed in 1820.
Esch Cummins Act
(WW) 1920, railroads given to private operations, now US digresses from railroad and more into automobiles and ships
Espionage Act and Sedition Act
Brought forth under the Wilson administration, they stated that any treacherous act or draft dodging was forbidden, outlawed disgracing the government, the Constitution, or military uniforms, and forbade aiding the enemy.
Ethics in Govt.
(GB1) main issue = larges fees for lobbying and weak laws governing campaign spending
Eugene vs Debs
Supreme Court case that upheld state restrictions on the working hours of women
Everglades Restoration Fund
(WJC) largest environmental operation ever, in Florida, buffer zones north and east
Excise Tax
(GW) a tax on certain items such as alcohol, tobacco, and gasoline.
Fair Employment Practices Commision
Enacted by executive order 8802 on June 25, 1941 to prohibit discrimination in the armed forces.
Family and Medical Leave Act 1993
(WJC) company with more than 50 employees, allow 12 weeks of unpaid keave
Farmer’s Alliance
Movement which focused on cooperation between farmers. They all agreed to sell crops at the same high prices to eliminate competition. Not successful.
FDIC
A federal agency which insures bank deposits, created by the Glass-Strengall Banking Reform Act of 1933.
Federal Budget Deficit
(RR), hated big govt and wanted to cut taxes through offering increased defense spending, he was convinced that Soviet Union was a threat so he raised money for greater military like MX missile and Star Wars, this caused FBD (what govt took in and what it spent) of $200 billion, refused to support tax increases and refused lower social security benefits
Federal Campaign Finance Law
(GF) (1) fines up to 10,000 for each violation of the law in a civil case, (2) PAC no more than 5000 per candidate
Federal Farm Board
(HH) , Agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture; it offered farmers insurance against loss of crops due to drought; flood; or freeze. It did not guarantee profit or cover losses due to bad farming.
Federal Reserve Act
(WW) , response to Panic , Regulated banking to help small banks stay in business. A move away from laissez-faire policies, it was passed by Wilson.
Federal Reserve System
(WW) 1913 , independent agency in the federal executive branch. Established under the Federal Reserve Act of 1913, the Federal Reserve System (“Fed”) is the central bank of the United States. One of the most powerful agencies in the government, it makes and administers policy for national credit and monetary policies. The Fed supervises and regulates bank functions across the country, thus maintaining a sound and stable banking industry, able to deal with a wide range of domestic and international financial demands
Federal Securities Act
(FDR) 1933, 1934, , required promoters to transmit to the investor sworn information regarding the soundness of their stocks and bonds
Federal Trade Commission
(WW) 1914 , A government agency established in 1914 to prevent unfair business practices and help maintain a competitive economy, support antitrust suits
Federalist Papers
“This collection of essays by John Jay, Alexander Hamilton, and James Madison, explained the importance of a strong central government. It was published to convince New York to ratify the Constitution.
- The Federalist #10 This essay from the Federalist Papers proposed setting up a republic to solve the problems of a large democracy (anarchy, rise of factions which disregard public good).”
Fidel Castro
1959 - A band of insurgents led by Fidel Castro succeeded in overthrowing the corrupt government of Juan Baptista, and Cuba became Communist.
Filipino Insurrection
Emilio Aguinaldo led a Filipino movement for independence in 1896, and wrote constitution when Spain surrendered. When US received Philippines, they tried to fight again, but quickly gave up.
Fireside Chats
Series of informal radio addresses given by FDR to explain New Deal.
First Bank of the US
(GW) 1791-1811, by Hamilton, came about strict vs loose construction
First Protective Tariff
1816 (JM) In 1816, Congress passed the nation’s first protective tariff. It was designed to protect textile factories, because the British were dumping cloth in the United States at bargain prices in their attempt to regain markets they had lost during the War of 1812.
Fisk Gould Scandal
Jim Fisk and Jay Gould exploited US Treasury to benefit themselves. Exemplified corruption in America when proven guilty.
Five Power Pact
(WH) , (maintain status quo) An agreement on ship ratios between the US, Britain, Japan, France, and Italy. For every five ships the US had, Britain would have five, Japan would have three, and France and Italy would each have 1.67. The major Pacific naval powers—Britain, Japan, and the United States—with some specific exceptions, agreed not to increase fortifications on their Pacific bases. This provision was included to help Japan overcome its reluctance to accept a smaller naval role.
Food Administration
Created by Wilson during WWI - Led by Herbert Hoover - set up ration system to save food for soldiers
Foraker Act
1900 Gave the Puerto Ricans a limited degree of popular government. In 1917 they got US citizenship.
Force Act
The four Force Acts passed by the Congress of the United States shortly after the American Civil War helped protect the voting rights of African-Americans.
Force Bill
1833 - The Force Bill authorized President Jackson to use the army and navy to collect duties on the Tariffs of 1828 and 1832. South Carolina’s ordinance of nullification had declared these tariffs null and void, and South Carolina would not collect duties on them. The Force Act was never invoked because it was passed by Congress the same day as the Compromise Tariff of 1833, so it became unnecessary. South Carolina also nullified the Force Act.
Fordney McCumber Tariff
(WH) 1922, This tariff raised the tax on imports to its heights level- 60%
Ford’s Asian Trip
(GF) Ford and Brezhnev talked about continuing policy of detente, to prevent a third world war
Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act
- it was a reaction to the abuses of the Nixon whitehouse.
Forest Reserve Act of 1891
(BH) Authorized the President to set aside public forests as national parks and other reserves
Four Freedoms
Freedoms FDR said are worth fighting for: of speech, of worship, from want and from fear. Used to justify US involvement in WWII.
Four Power Pact
(WH) , An agreement made by the United States, Britain, France, and Japan to not seek further Pacific expansion or increased naval strength in the region. The countries also agreed to respect the Pacific holdings of the other countries signing the agreement. The signatories agreed to consult each other in the event of a dispute over territorial possessions
Fourteen Points
(WW) 1918, program for world peace, freedom of seas, removal of barriers to international trade, reduction of armaments
Franco-American Alliance
Negotiated by Ben Franklin, brought French into war on Americans’ side. Helped determine outcome of war.
Free Enterprise and Competition
An economic system characterized by private ownership of property and productive resources, the profit motive to stimulate production, competition to ensure efficiency, and the forces of supply and demand to direct the production and distribution of goods and services.
Freeport Doctrine
During L-D debate, Lincoln asked if the people of a territory voted against slavery despite Supreme Court, who would prevail. Douglas said the people.
French and Indian War
Part of the Seven Years War in Europe. Britain and France fought for control of the Ohio Valley and Canada. The Algonquians, who feared British expansion into the Ohio Valley, allied with the French. The Mohawks also fought for the French while the rest of the Iroquois Nation allied with the British. The colonies fought under British commanders. Britain eventually won, and gained control of all the remaining French possessions in Canada, as well as India. Spain, which had allied with France, ceded Florida to Britain, but received Louisiana in return.
French Indochina
(DDE) a French colony that included Vietnam , Laos, and Cambodia, but Vietminh captured the French fortress of Dien Bien Phy, North was a Communist State, south independent, they wanted to resist of Communism
Fuel Administration
(WW) , Harry Garfield, Like the Food Administration, the Fuel Administration encouraged Americans to save fuel with “heatless Mondays” and “gasless Sundays.” The actions helped create a sum of $21 billion to pay for the war.
Fugitive Slave Act
A law passed as part of the Compromise of 1850, which provided southern slaveholders with legal weapons to capture slaves who had escaped to the free states. The law was highly unpopular in the North and helped to convert many previously indifferent northerners to antislavery.
Fulbright scholarships
Scholarships for the exchange of students between US and other nations.
Funding at par
(GW)This meant that the federal government would pay off its debs at face value, plus accumulated interest which at the time had a total of $54 million. This included the federal government taking on the debts by the states and paying for it as a country. Hamilton’s establishment of this act gave the country much needed unity because it brought the states together under the centralized government. This made paper money essentially useless do to inflation.
Gadsen Purchase
(MF) 1853, $10 million land purchase in the desert of flat land for the Southern railroad completion in 1853. completes manifest destiny!
Gag Resolution
(MVB) 18-36-1844, Strict rule passed by prosouthern Congressmen in 1836 to prohibit all discussion of slavery in the House of Representatives
Genet Affair
(GW), refused to give aid Washington objected to this French ministers plan to hire American Privateers to fight on the high seas for France and against England.
George H.W. Bush
President in 88, broke campaign pledge to not raise taxes, presided over the first Gulf War, lost to Clinton due to recession.
GI Bill
Law granting educational and other benefits to veterans.
Gibbons vs Ogden
Congress alone is allowed to control interstate commerce.
Gramm Rudman Act
(RR) , It provided automatic spending cuts, balancing budget act
Granger Laws
(GC) , Grangers state legislatures in 1874 passed law fixing maximum rates for freight shipments. The railroads responded by appealing to the Supreme Court to declare these laws unconstitutional
Grenada Dilemma
(RR) 1983, America wanted to rid the communist pressure in Grenada, Castro threats revolution in the Americas, Organization of Eastern Carribean States ask for US intervention, America remain long enough to remove Cuba supported govt from power and stop civil war, major sucess, earned credibility throughout Caribbean Basin
Griswold vs Connecticut
1965 Court decision that overturned CT law making it illegal to use or disseminate information about contraceptives.
Grover Cleveland
President 1885 and 1893 (2 non-consecutive terms). Fought against corruption and tried to solve national financial problems.
Gulf of Tonkin Resolution
(LBJ) , The Gulf of Tonkin Resolution was a joint resolution of the U.S. Congress passed on August 7, 1964 in direct response to a minor naval engagement known as the Gulf of Tonkin Incident. It is of historical significance because it gave U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson authorization, without a formal declaration of war by Congress, for the use of military force in Southeast Asia.
Hague Conference
(TR) , 1899 (first under McKinley) conference at which the Great Powers discussed arms reduction, demonstrated internationalism
Haiti Dilemma
(RR) 1990s, had 30 year dictatorship, soon ends, then Bertrand Aristide overthrows with military, and UN awith US use mandate to restore constituional rule and Aristide’s presidency.
Harding Scandals
Major incidents of corruption in government that occurred while Harding was president. Most notable, lease of federally owned oil reserve land to private interests in return for bribes.
Harry Truman
President 1945-1953 after FDR died in final months of WWII. Made decision to drop bomb on Japan. Enthusiastically supported the UN and put forward the Marshall Plan. Sent troops to support UN in Korean war.
Hartford Convention
A secret convention of Federalists held in Hartford to discuss their party status and War of 1812. When they wrote their resolutions and considered secession, many viewed them as traitors, which ultimately led to the downfall of their party. (1814)
Hawaiian Incident
(GC2) 1893, Queen Liliuokalani had Hawaii, Americans wanted land to grow sugar, Queen was deposed, US govt petitioned to annex Hawaii, but Cleveland against it, did it in favor of Queen, but it was annexed anyways in 1898
Hawley-Smoot Act
Tarriff act enacted in 1930, it imposed record tariffs to protect US companies. Some say it made the depression worse.
Hay Bunau Varillia Treaty
(TR) Panama allowed US a 10 mile strip of land, work down under the army of Colonel Gorgas and direction under Colonel Goethals. U.S. garantee of independence for newly created Republic of Panama. Also called Hay Pauncefote Treaty
Haymarket Riot
Began in 1886 with a riot at the McCormick Harvester plant in Chicago where unionized workers were striking for shorter work days and then a few days later moved to Haymarket Square where a protest meeting was called to denounce the events of the previous day; resulted in several deaths.
Helsinki Accords
(GF) first signed by Canada, US, Soviet Union, and 32 others which pledged cooperation between East and West Europe and to reduce tension associated with the Cold War, eventually Communist Party died in East Europe in 1991
Henry Clay’s American System
Plan for economic growth: establish a protective tariff, establish a national bank, and improve the country’s transporation system
Hepburn Act
(TR) 1906, , Gives the ICC the power to set maximum railroad rates, finally giving the agency enforcement power
HMOS
(WJC) care come from large range of doctors and hospitals, large businesses and govt, trouble getting health care when needed, managed care sure patients get better, not sicker, he failed to reform nation’s healthcare system
Home Owners Loan Act
(FDR) 1934, refinancing mortgages at lower rates, preventing foreclosure of home mortgages
HUAC
Committee in the House of Representatives founded on a temporary basis in 1938 to monitor activities of foreign agents. Made a standing committee in 1945. During World War II it investigated pro-fascist groups, but after the war it turned to investigating alleged communists. From 1947-1949, it conducted a series of sensational investigations into supposed communist infiltration of the U.S. government and Hollywood film industry.
