US History Overview 2 - Reconstruction to the Great Depression (copy)

Civil War

A war fought between the northern and southern states of the United States from 1861 to 1865.

Abraham Lincoln

The 16th President of the United States who was assassinated in April 1865, shortly after the Civil War ended.

Reconstruction

The period after the Civil War in which the United States government aimed to rebuild and reform the southern states.

Reconstruction Amendments

The 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments to the United States Constitution, passed during the Reconstruction era, which aimed to abolish slavery, grant equal protection under the law, and provide voting rights for African Americans.

North

Refers to the northern states of the United States during the Civil War and Reconstruction, which emerged as the dominant force after winning the war.

South

Refers to the southern states of the United States during the Civil War and Reconstruction, which were occupied by the North and underwent significant changes during the Reconstruction period.

Democracy

A system of government in which power is vested in the people, typically through elected representatives.

Politicians

Individuals who hold public office and make decisions on behalf of the government and its citizens.

Lawmakers

Individuals who create and pass laws in a legislative body, such as a congress or parliament.

13th Amendment

An amendment to the United States Constitution ratified in 1865, which abolished slavery and involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime.

Slavery

The practice of owning and controlling other individuals as property, typically based on race or ethnicity.

Reform

The act of making changes or improvements to a system or institution in order to correct problems or address issues.

14th Amendment

An amendment to the United States Constitution ratified in 1868, which granted equal protection under the law to all citizens, including former slaves.

15th Amendment

An amendment to the United States Constitution ratified in 1870, which granted voting rights to African American men.1. Emancipation Proclamation:Abraham Lincoln's executive order that ended slavery.

14th Amendment

An amendment to the United States Constitution that made every person born in the United States a citizen, including free slaves.

15th Amendment

An amendment to the United States Constitution that gave all free men the right to vote.

Due Process

A concept introduced by the 14th Amendment that requires the government to follow its own laws when infringing on the rights of individuals.

Former Slaves

Refers to the individuals who were previously enslaved but were granted freedom and citizenship through the Emancipation Proclamation and the 14th Amendment.1. Reconstruction Period:The period after the American Civil War when the southern states were brought back into the Union and efforts were made to rebuild and integrate the South.

Occupation of the South

The period of time when the northern states had military control over the southern states after the Civil War.

Democracy

A system of government in which power is vested in the people, who rule either directly or through elected representatives.

Republicans

A political party in the United States that was formed in the mid-19th century and was generally associated with the abolition of slavery and the promotion of civil rights.

Democrats

A political party in the United States that was formed in the early 19th century and was generally associated with the southern states and the preservation of slavery.

Jim Crow laws

Laws enacted in the southern states after the Reconstruction period that enforced racial segregation and discrimination against African Americans.

Parody

A humorous or satirical imitation of a person, event, or work.

Jumping Jim Crow

A character portrayed in the early 1800s that was used to mock and parody African Americans.

Segregation

The enforced separation of different racial groups, especially in public facilities.

Equality

The state of being equal, especially in rights, status, and opportunities.

Inferior

Lower in quality or value.

Drinking fountains

Public water sources where people can drink water. In the context of Jim Crow laws, separate drinking fountains were designated for blacks and whites, with the ones for blacks often being of lower quality.1. Separate bathroom rooms:Segregation practice where people of different races were required to use different bathrooms.

Segregation in theaters and buses

Practice of separating people of different races in theaters and buses.

Civil rights movement

Social and political movement in the United States that aimed to end racial segregation and discrimination against African Americans.

Post-war boom

Period of economic growth and expansion following a war, in this case, referring to the economic growth after the Civil War.

Building of railroads and steam engines

Construction and development of railway systems and steam-powered engines, which contributed to economic growth.

Bubble

An economic phenomenon characterized by rapid expansion followed by a sudden collapse or downturn.

Gold and silver standard

Monetary system where the value of currency is based on a fixed amount of gold or silver.

Devaluation

Reduction in the value of a currency relative to other currencies or commodities.

Panic of 1873

Economic crisis that occurred as a result of the shift from the silver standard to the gold standard, leading to a devaluation of currencies.

Coinage Act of 1873

Legislation passed by the United States to adopt the gold standard, which contributed to the Panic of 1873.1. Price Demolition:The decrease in the price of silver, which negatively impacted silver miners and associated industries.

Money Supply Restriction

The limitation of the amount of money in circulation, leading to an increase in interest rates and the bursting of the economic bubble.

Depression

The period of economic downturn in the United States from 1873 to 1879, caused by the restriction of the money supply and the bursting of the economic bubble.

Economic Recovery

The rapid growth of the United States' economy after the depression, fueled by a large influx of immigrants and becoming the richest country in the world on a per capita basis by 1890.

Coinage Act

The legislation passed in 1873 that ended the minting of silver coins, contributing to the depression in the United States.

Immigrants

The large number of people who migrated to the United States, particularly from Europe, during the period of economic recovery.

Per Capita Basis

The measurement of wealth or income per person, indicating the economic prosperity of a country.

British Empire

The colonial rule of Great Britain over various territories, including the United States before its independence.

1898

The year marking a significant event in the United States, not mentioned in the transcript.1. United States:Refers to the country that starts to become an empire in the late 1800s.

Spanish colony

Refers to Cuba, which was under Spanish control until 1898.

Revolts

Refers to the attempts made by the Cubans to rebel against Spanish rule.

Americans

Refers to the people of the United States who were sympathetic to the Cubans' revolt.

European power

Refers to the Spanish, who were known for their harsh crackdowns on revolts.

Havana Harbor

Refers to the location where the United States sent ships to protect American interests during the revolt.

USS Maine

Refers to the US battleship that exploded and sank in Havana Harbor.

Pictures

Refers to the increasing relevance of visual documentation in historical events.1. USS Maine:A US battleship that was sunk in Havana Harbor, leading to the declaration of war on Spain.

Conspiracy theorists

People who believe that the United States intentionally caused the sinking of the USS Maine to justify entering the war.

Spanish-American War

A short-lived war between the United States and Spain, resulting in the United States becoming an empire.

Guam

An island that the United States gained control of after winning the Spanish-American War.

Philippines

A country that the United States gained control of from Spain after the Spanish-American War and maintained control until the end of World War 2.

Puerto Rico

A territory of the United States that was gained from Spain after the Spanish-American War.1. British Empire:Refers to the extensive territories and colonies under the control of the British government during this time period.

Germany

Refers to the country that was one of the strongest powers and a major opponent of the British Empire during this time period.

United States

Refers to the country that was trying to remain neutral during the conflict between the British Empire and Germany.

Neutrality

The state of not taking sides or being involved in a conflict.

American people

Refers to the citizens of the United States who were predominantly of English descent and had some sympathies for the British Empire.

Blockade

Refers to the act of preventing goods or people from entering or leaving a country or area, often done during times of war.

Stranglehold

Refers to a situation where one party has complete control or dominance over another.

Navy

Refers to the branch of a country's armed forces that is responsible for naval warfare and defense at sea.

Submarines

Refers to underwater vessels used for warfare, capable of traveling and attacking ships beneath the surface of the water.

Atlantic

Refers to the Atlantic Ocean, where Germany sent its submarines to harass and attack ships trading with Great Britain.

Harassing

Refers to the act of persistently annoying or attacking someone or something.

Desperate

Refers to a state of extreme need or urgency, often leading to drastic or risky actions.1. U boats:German submarines used during World War I to attack ships

United States enters the war in 1917

The US joins World War I after German U boats start attacking American ships

United States turns the tides in 1918

The US plays a significant role in changing the course of the war

Austrian Hungary and the Ottoman Empire

Nations that ceased to exist in their previous forms after World War I

Reparations on Germany

Germany faced significant financial penalties imposed by the victors of World War I

18th Amendment

Prohibition, which made alcohol illegal in the United States

19th Amendment

Granted women the right to vote in the United States1. 19th Amendment:The amendment to the United States Constitution that granted women the right to vote.

World War 1

A global conflict that took place from 1914 to 1918, involving many countries including the United States.

Domestic slack

The responsibilities and tasks that needed to be taken care of within a country while a significant number of men were away at war.

War effort

The collective actions and contributions made by a country's citizens during a time of war, such as working in factories and producing goods.

Post-war economic boom

A period of rapid economic growth and prosperity that occurred after the end of World War 1.

Post-war economic bubble

A period of excessive economic growth and speculation that eventually leads to a market crash or economic downturn.