USA 1865 - 1920 Flashcards
Key Themes - Political
the evolution of the Rupublican and Democrat parties/ the changing office of President/ Populism and Progressivism and various political movements
Key Themes - Economic
Reasons for economic growth/ the role of President and de-regulation/regulation /industrialisation and the social impact/ westward expansion and Manifest destiny
Key Themes - Social
African American community and other ethnic minorities/ women/ immigrants/ labour tensions
Key Themes - USA and the World
Territorial expansion and consolidation of the US and its relationship with the wider world/ Monroe Doctrine and Isolationism in action
How were Wilson’s banking reforms progressive?
Federal Reserve Act of 1913 created the first federal banking system. Created 12 banking districts under the supervision of a Federal reserve board.
Any national or state bank had to invest 6% to be part of the scheme.
1923 over 70% of US banking resources part of the reserve.
How were Wilsons’s economic and financial reforms progressive?
Federal Trade Commission 1914 - investigate corporations and stop unfair practices, Under Wilson it administered over 400 cases to those engaged in illegal activity.
Clayton Anti-trust Act gave more powers to those enforcing the Sherman Anti Trust Act, made price discrimination illegal.
Reorganised the Department of Agriculture, ensuring better credit for farmers.
Federal Farm Loan Act of 1916 - low cost loans to farmers.
Underwood Tariff reduced many duties, covered by 1913 federal income tax.
When was the Sherman Anti-trust Act passed?
1890
How were Wilson’s social reforms progressive?
First Federal Child labour Act 1916 - started to deal with the 2 million children in employment. Illegal to buy goods made by child labour.
1916 Workmen’s Compensation Act ensured federal employees financial assistance in illness or injury.
Adamson Act - 8 hour day for railroad workers.
How were Wilson’s social reforms not progressive?
Showed little sympathy for trade unions as demonstrated by the Ludlow Miners Strike., evicting workers who then set up camp. Colorado National Guard fired on the tents killing 26 people. Wilson sent in troops to restore order.
How were Wilson’s reforms concerning AA not progressive?
On racial matters, Wilson appeased Southern Democrats by appointing segregationists to federal offices, strengthening segregation within the federal government.
Despite securing the support of the NAACP, Wilson went on to oppose anti-lynching legislation.
In some ways, how was the Democratic Party weakened by the rise of Populism?
William Jennings Bryan was a serial loser, defeated on three occasions. The 1896 Democratic Convention gave the party an unelectable candidate.
Populism was a powerful political force but was strongest in the West and South, Bryan could not win states anywhere else.
Populisms economic beliefs concerning silver etc appealed little to urban Americans.
Divisions within the party made it difficult to combat McKinley.
Populism faded away quite quickly, linked to pacifism and anti-imperialism, but the mood in 1900 was strongly supportive of Roosevelt and the S-A war.
In some ways, how was the Democratic Party not weakened by the rise of Populism?
Republican dominance was likely to overpower the Democrats anyway;
There were many positive reasons the Republicans were dominant from 1896-12, such as the role of Hanna, backing from big business and success in the War against Spain.
The Democrats were fatally weakened by the financial panic of 1893.
The fact Bryan was able to emerge as the candidate in 1896 showed the mess the party was already in.
What are Turner’s key arguments in his thesis?
1890 marked the official end of the Frontier, as much of the ‘unclaimed’ land had now been claimed and many territories were now on their way to becoming states. Westward expansion had been a triumph for democracy, going forth and ‘civilising the west’ through their own ingenuity, not government.
Experiences in the west shaped American identity, one based on democracy and capitalism, challenging the idea that the US was based on European systems and traditions.
What are some criticisms of Turner’s thesis?
Very much a product of hits time, a white, male-centric approach to history. Turner neglects the substantial role women played on the frontier, from managing homesteads to establishing an early economy based on trading.
Turner does not acknowledge the vast ethnic makeup of the west.
Papers over the treatment of Native Americans - genocidal actions of the US far from democratic.
Turner’s romantic image of US citizens going forth without assistance is inaccurate; the federal govt played a key role in providing troops and promoting manifest destiny.
What are some supporting arguments that the Republican party dominated up until 1912 because it was the party of big business?
From 1868 the party was strongly influenced by business interests, e.g. the protective tariffs and economic ideas of ‘laissez faire’
Presidents such as Grant and Arthur were heavily criticised for their links to business and corrupt ‘rings’.
Turning point election of 1896 was decided by the political skills of Mark Hanna, who used his own business fortune as well as intensive fundraising from pro-Republican business men.
Foreign policies of Republican presidents were always favourable to business, especially in Latin America and in the open door policy with China.
Republican dominance would have continued but for the split in the party, but was restored post 1920.
What are some challenging arguments that the Republican party dominated up until 1912 because it was the party of big business?
Reconstruction Democrats such as Cleveland and the ‘Bourbon’ faction were just as pro-business as the Republicans.
There was great divide within the Rep. party between the progressives and the conservatives; with the progressive wing often attacking big business and calling for reform.
Roosevelt pursued aggressive reformist policies and was willing and able to split the party in 1912.
Republican dominance can be said to have been based on Democratic weakness after the Civil War, and also the failure of Bryan to secure votes outside the West and South.
Also, in the years after 1868 it was not big business but reconstruction and the black vote that underpinned Republican dominance. Evidenced by reconstructive measures.
Also, the Spanish-American war of 1898 and the ‘yellow press’ whipped up Republican support.
Supporting evidence for Roosevelt being a genuine progressive
Boosted the power of the Sherman Anti-trust Act of 1890, taking action against the Northern Securities Company and a further 44 trusts.
1903 Department of Commerce and Labour Act, created a new Dpt. of Commerce and gave it the power to collect data from any business to detect monopolising or price fixing.
1906 Hepburn Act - commission to inspect railway companies books to determine rates they could charge.
Anthracite coal strike 1902, progressive relationship with trade unions (mediator)
1908 National Conservation Conference - ordered 150 million acres of forest be put under federal reserves.
Challenging evidence for Roosevelt being a genuine progressive
Accused of being a political opportunist, embracing progressive policies in order to prevent more radical political forces threatening the dominance of his party.
Although he regulated business and worked closer with trade unions, many of his social aims surrounding women, AA and living conditions were not met or ignored.
Why do robber barons deserve their poor reputation?
ruthless expansion of their monopolies, cartels and trusts squeezed out competition and made it extremely difficult for smaller businesses to survive.
Their excess wealth made it easy to buy the political process; from senators to the cabinet.
Their treatment of employees was highly exploitative and regularly hired external agencies to ‘bust up’ industrial disputes.
Their philanthropy and generosity was often influenced by laissez faire and the money was only giving to the ‘deserving poor’.
Those such as Carnegie had no qualms over-working their workers and paying them substandard wages.
Why do the robber barons not deserve their poor reputation?
In an age of weak presidents, their actions stimulated the economy and shaped it into the modern model still in use. They were the wealth creators of society and wealth meant jobs.
Barons such as Rockefeller and Carnegie used their vast wealth to combat social ills, establishing libraries, schools, churches and local swimming facilities. Carnegie also established the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.
Rockefeller gave an estimated $500 million to medicine, AA education and the Baptist church.
What did Hayes do to challenge corruption in the Gilded Age?
Wanted to install a greater level of meritocracy to the civil service.
Appointed reformist Carl Schurz to be SOTI and reform appointments.
Failed to persuade congress to outlaw the spoils system.
Issued an executive order that forbade federal office holders from being required to make a campaign donation.
Set the ball rolling for future presidential attempts.
What did Garfield do to challenge corruption in the Gilded Age?
Strengthened federal authority over the NY customs house, stronghold of Conkling and a key patronage dispenser.
Continued the Post Office reform, firing Hardy, one of those profiteering from mail fraud.
His assassin was a disgruntled lawyer who felt robbed of a patronage position.
What did Arthur do to challenge corruption in the Gilded Age?
Pendleton Act of 1883 called for a merit system for promotions within the service and ensured continuity of federal employees from one administration to the next even if it changed parties.
What did Cleveland do to challenge corruption in the Gilded Age?
Cleveland’s opponent Blaine faced numerous corruption charges from the electorate. Republicans unhappy with the level of corruption in government formed the ‘Mugwumps’ and openly supported Cleveland.
Cleveland did not fire Republicans doing a good job.
Reduced the number of federal employees.
Believed in a limited role for federal govt.
What is the evidence for the view that between 1890 and 1920, the foreign policy of the US continued to be dominated by isolationism?
There was still strong isolationist feeling up until WW1, shown by the Anti-Imperialist league and the reluctance to become involved in the war 1914-17.
Wilson himself was an isolationist before this.
Continuity in US policies towards Latin America, but this was not thought of as expansionism but as a question of ‘internal’ affairs and continuing the Monroe Doctrine.
Wilson’s 14 points and his difference with Britain and France during the Paris Peace Conference showed continued US hostility to colonialism.
Harding’s election was a rejection of Wilson and the league; the strength of support for ‘normalcy’ showed how strong underlying currents for isolationism were.
What is the evidence against the view that the US foreign policy remained isolationist 1890-1920?
Considerable increase in US naval power in the 1890s, pushed by Roosevelt as naval secretary.
The war against Spain was strongly supported.
The acquisition of new territories in the pacific was overtly imperialist - Philippines, Samoa, Hawaii.
Roosevelt’s two terms in office saw major foreign policy developments, the Platt Amendment, the Panama Canal and the open door policy with China.
Wilson continued an interventionist policy in Latin America.
US banking and industry was closely involved with providing arms and supplies to Britain in the war years; leading to the rise of the US as an industrial power.
Everyone knew that the shift back to Harding and ‘normalcy’ was significant.
When did the US annex Hawaii?
1898
When did the US establish a protectorate in East Samoa?
1899
What prompted US intervention in Samoa?
Increasing German and British interests (West Samoa German colony)
Preclusive empire?
When did the US purchase the Philippines from Spain and for how much?
1898, $20 million, fearful pf German, Japanese and British interests there.
By 1904 how many US troops were stationed in the Philippines and why?
126,000 - Filipinos wanted independence
What and when was the Root-Takihara agreement?
1908- Agreement between Japan and America to respect each other’s interests in China and maintain the current situation in the Pacific.
How did the US intervene in regards to China?
Sent troops over during the Boxer Rebellion to rescue and aid US nationals, pledging further support for US lives and property in China.
Open door policy
What was the Open door policy with China?
Revise flipped pack
When did the US acquire land for the Panama canal and why?
1903, for aiding Panamanians in their revolt against Colombian rule.
When was the Panama canal finished?
1914 - many died in the process
What happened with US involvement in the Dominican Republic and when?
1903, Republic defaulted on loan payments to US, and so Roosevelt’s ‘big stick’ policy saw the US seize control of the customs revenue of the nation, to repay the debts.
Why was Cuban independence such a debate in the US?
Many feared it would threaten US commercial interests.
What was the Platt Amendment and when?
1901 - Gave the US control over the foreign affairs and financial affairs of Cuba.
What was the ‘Maine incident’ and why was it significant?
The US battleship ‘Maine’, exploded following an offensive diplomatic letter was published, causing the US to determine Spanish sabotage.
What were the causes of the Spanish-American war?
Historians are split over the exact causes:
the need to grow economic markets, the yellow press.
Role of McKinley and his desire to protect Cuban sugar interests.
What was granted to the US after Cuban independence?
Guantanamo Bay
What happened with US involvement in Puerto Rico?
invaded by American troops during the war, after the Spanish withdrew it was decided the nation would be administered by the US under the Organic Act of 1900.
What was the emergence of Populism attributed to?
Roots found in the granger movement and agricultural discontent.
Populism was the political product of industrialisation as the movement was formed by many who were excluded from the economic boom years.
When was the Populist party formed?
1892
What was the emergence of Progressivism attributed to?
Recession of 1893 led to mass unemployment, falling agriculture prices and loss of savings.
living conditions were dreadful and working conditions gruelling.
There was growing hunger for political reform.
gilded age spoils generated resentment, and there was now a call for business regulation.
Progressive reform seen as moderate antidote to revolutionary fervour.
What were some of the aims of the populist movement?
Regulation of railways and farm prices.
Increase the tax burden on the rich and encourage more export through graduated income tax
direct election of senators to ensure they would directly represent their interests in Congress.
Maximum 8 hour working day.
Introduce silver into the currency, to increase the price of goods and produce.
What were some of the aims of the progressive movement?
Political reform, making senators more accountable and removing corrupt city mayors and party bosses.
Greater federal role in regulating business and promoting a better relationship with trade unions.
Regulated working hours and compensation for injury at work.
Female emancipation - NASA was established (National American Suffrage Association)
Greater welfare net to catch the poorest in substandard living conditions.
Abolition of the sale and manufacturing of alcohol. Reforms to help AA trying to escape southern poverty.
When was the Anti-Saloon League established?
1893
What were some of the successes of Populism?
Sherman Silver Purchase Act 1890, introducing silver to currency.
Jennings Bryan fought three elections for the Democrats, although all were losses it confirmed the popularity of populism.
45 populists served in the US congress in 1891 and 1902.
What were some successes for Progressivism?
Had a major impact on the presidencies of Roosevelt and Wilson
Successful in regulating big business.
What were some of the Granger movements main aims?
cooperative purchasing ventures for lower prices on farm equipment
pooling of savings instead of relying on corrupt banks
cooperative grain elevators to hold crops until the optimum time to sell
What did Booker T do and when?
1881 - opens the Tuskegee Institute - marking beginning of AA educational advancements
What happened to many of the gains made by Reconstruction for AA?
Reversed by Hayes’ deal in 1877
What did a lack of socio-economic legislation for AA mean?
Many shifted from one form of slavery to the other, sharecropping became a popular ‘job’ for blacks.
What did Stanton and Anthony establish in 1866?
American Equal Rights Association - securing ballot for AA men and all women
What did Stanton and Anthony believe?
That the 14th and 15th Amendment could be used to secure suffrage for women.
Why did male abolitionist colleagues reject Stanton and Anthony’s plan?
They argued that votes for AA men must take precedence.
What did Stanton and Anthony do in 1890?
Merged with their rivals AWSA to form the National American Woman Suffrage Association.
Why did many Americans resent immigrants?
They feared for their jobs under the pressure of cheap immigrant labour.
