The following list is a sampling of key terms most history students
should be able to recognize. The list is far from complete and should
not be treated as a comprehensive listing of historical terms (that
would take a few hundred web pages to accomplish).It's essentially a
"cheat-sheet" of common terms you might encounter in the knowledge base or
historical document base.
American Colonization Society
Organization that attempted to replant blacks in America back into Africa. African nation
of Liberia was established by these former African-Americans.
Antifederalists
Those who opposed the Constitution believing it allowed for an overly powerful
federal government. The Antifederalists soon joined the Jeffersonian Republicans into
what was known as the Democratic-Republican party.
baby boom
Sudden increase in the American birthrate following World War II. Caused a need for
new housing and more outlets of academia (schools). Probably resulted from financial
confidence in a sound economic period.
Black Codes
Laws put in place by Southern state governments after the Civil War to control
freed slaves. They gave blacks minimal rights and freedoms but ultimately allowed
for legal discrimination against blacks.
blitzkrieg
German word for "lightning war." In reference to quick penetration of opposing forces
using tanks, armored trucks, dive bombers, and self-propelled guns.
Carpetbaggers
After the Civil War, Northerners who moved into the south to take up politics as Republicans.
The term "carpetbaggers" was usually used in a derogatory connotation, describing
these individuals as corrupt and opportunistic.
closed shop
Practice in labor-management relations allowing employers to hire workers only from
certain craft unions.
Copperheads
During the Civil War, in reference to Northerners who sympathized with the Confederacy. "Copperheads"
were believed to have opposed the Civil War and were considered by some as a potential threat to the
North's military efforts.
Dollar Diplomacy
The practice of encouraging American firms to increase investments in a foreign region to
establish political stability.
horizontal and vertical integration
horizontal - complete control of one resource or aspect of an industry (monopoly)
vertical - control of various aspects of one industry (a bit of everything)
isolationism
The U.S. belief in internal concentration of government power, was broken during WWI when U.S. entered
the arena of international politics. Following WWI and during the Great Depression, isolationism was
revisted temporarily.
imperialism
U.S. embarked on an imperialistic crusade to control the Philippines
American in the late 1800's
Spanish American War
Created a false sense of U.S. superiority in international affairs
joint-stock company
Ancestor of the modern corporation. Allowed several people to pool financial resources to start
businesses, fund explorations and/or colonization.
Knights of Labor
This labor union was designed for all workers. Headed by Uriah S. Stephens... frowned on strikes
and welcomed blacks, women, and immigrants.
Know Nothing Party
Also known as the American Party, was essentially a party formed to promote anti-immigration. Eventually
became a part of the Republican Party.
Muckrakers
Writers who exposed the evils of industry and government. Term resulted from Roosevelt's comparision
of these writers to a literary character.
Nullification
Belief that states had the right to nullify or reject any federal laws it deems unconstitutional.
Progressive Movement
Those who participated in the movement fought against corruption in federal government, city political
machines, and the overwhelming influence of big business. Desired to arouse the consience of "the people" in order to
"purify" American life.
Settlement houses
Community centers in poor districts that provided guidance and services for all who need them. These
centers were established by fairly wealthy people.
Social Darwinism
change is inevitable
should avoid interfering with the process of change
an argument against government intervention in social issues
spoils system
System of job distribution based on past support. Andrew Jackson believed the spoils system
allowed him to get rid of the corrupt and bring in more deserving individuals. It continues to be a
very common practice in all levels of government.
Yellow Journalism
Very similar to the "muckrakers" ... stirred up Anti-Spanish sentiment in the United States during the
Spanish American War and generated waves of patriotism in the general population.
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