UNIT III STUDY GUIDE
Reforming America
Learning Objectives
Reading
Assignment
Chapter 21:
Urban America and the
Progressive Era, 1900-1917
Chapter 22:
A Global Power, 1901-1920
Supplemental
Reading
See information below.
Learning Activities
(Non-Graded)
See information below.
Key Terms
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16.
17.
Bohemian
Clayton Antitrust Act
Federal Reserve Act
Federal Trade
Commission (FTC)
Hepburn Act
Irreconcilables
League of Nations
Liberty Bonds
Militarism
Monroe Doctrine
Muckraking
National Association for
the Advancement of
Colored People
New Freedom
Niagara Movement
Open Door
Preparedness
Progressivism
HY 1120, American History II
Upon completion of this unit, students should be able to:
1. Identify the major parties and interest groups associated with working
toward the needs of the poor, laborers, minorities, social ills, and the
rights of women.
2. Explain the principles of the Socialist party and how socialism
challenged the traditional capitalist order.
3. Identify Theodore Roosevelt and describe the numerous events and
ideals that led him to challenge the national image including corporate
abuse, the Square Deal, and conservation.
4. Explain Roosevelt’s role in reshaping American foreign policy and
describe his use of the “Big Stick” principle within foreign policy.
5. Explain the causes, course, and repercussions of World War I.
6. Discuss America following World War I and note important events,
ideas, etc., such as the Red Scare and racial tensions.
7. Outline American leaders, legislation, and policy during this time
period.
Written Lecture
Unit III is composed of Chapter 21 and Chapter 22. This unit traces America as
it moves toward improvements and reforms at home and grows into a global
power.
Chapter 21 focuses on America during the Progressive era. The roots of the
social reforms that highlight the era are examined. The social influence of
journalism and other forms of literature is demonstrated through muckraking.
America grew a great deal from immigration during this time period. The
urbanization these immigrants helped to create is examined, and the problems
that afflicted these urban centers are explored. From reform sprang activism as
many minority and working class groups emerged to seek political recognition
of their contributions to the country. Finally, the reforms of Theodore Roosevelt
to the national government are examined, as is the impact his presidency had
on creating a strong role for the federal government as a watchdog of the
economy.
Chapter 22 goes further to examine the impact of Theodore Roosevelt on the
course of American history. His impact on foreign policy is examined from his
“Big Stick” approach, his winning of the Nobel Peace Prize, and his addition to
the Monroe Doctrine. The isolationist attitude of Americans prior to World War I
is examined, as well as the federal government’s attempt to impact public
opinion. American entry into the war also saw the rise of an anti-war
movement. The government’s response to this is examined. Finally, the
success of the Allies in World War I was balanced by the failure of the Allies to
secure a lasting peace.
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30.
Prohibition
Pure Food and Drug Act
Red Scare
Referendum
Roosevelt Corollary
Sedition Act
Selective Service Act
Self-determination
Sherman Antitrust Act
Sixteenth Amendment
Social Darwinism
Temperance Groups
Underwood-Simmons Act
of 1913
31. Versailles Treaty
32. War Industries Board
(WIB)
33. Wobblies
This unit examines the mindset of American reform as the nation worked to
redress the problems of society. It also examines America’s role in World War I.
Though it was the “war to end all wars,” the political, economic, and social
problems clearly visible at the end of the war foreshadowed the coming of
another great conflict.
Supplemental Reading
From American History II: Primary Source Documents:
 19-1: How the Other Half Lives (1890)
 19-3: Lincoln Steffens, from The Shame of the Cities (1904)
 19-4: William T. Riordon, from Plunkitt of Tammany Hall (1905)
 21-1: Eugene V. Debs, “The Outlook for Socialism in the United States”
(1900)
 21-2: Platform Adopted by the National Negro Committee (1909)
 21-3: Jane Addams, Twenty Years at Hull House (1910)
 21-4: Theodore Roosevelt, from The New Nationalism (1910)
 22-1: The Great War (1896)
 22-2: American Troops in the Trenches (1918)
 22-3: Eugene Kennedy, A “Doughboy” Describes the Fighting Front
(1918)
Learning Activities (Non-Graded)
Read the Primary Source Documents listed in the Supplemental Reading, and
respond to the focus questions located after each document.
For a review of the Key Terms of the unit, click here to access the interactive
Unit III Flashcards in PowerPoint form. (Click here to access a PDF version.)
HY 1120, American History II
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