Certainly! Here's a study guide summarizing each of the topics you've listed in United States History:
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Laissez-Faire: An economic philosophy advocating minimal government intervention in the economy. This approach was prevalent during the late 19th century, promoting free market practices, which allowed businesses to thrive without regulatory constraints.
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Plessy v. Ferguson (1896): A landmark Supreme Court case that upheld the constitutionality of racial segregation under the doctrine of "separate but equal." It legitimized state laws that enforced segregation, solidifying Jim Crow laws in the Southern United States.
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Americanization: The process of assimilating immigrants into American culture, often involving the adoption of English language, customs, and societal values. This movement occurred primarily in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
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Union (Organized Labor): Organizations formed by workers to advocate for better wages, working conditions, and labor rights. The late 19th century saw a rise in labor unions due to industrial growth, with significant strikes and labor movements, such as the Knights of Labor and the American Federation of Labor (AFL).
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Boomtowns (Late 1800s): Rapidly growing towns that emerged in response to mining booms or economic growth, particularly during gold and silver rushes. These towns often faced challenges such as lawlessness, inadequate infrastructure, and volatile economies once the resources were depleted.
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Railroads (Cattle Ranching): The expansion of railroads in the late 19th century helped facilitate cattle ranching by providing transportation for cattle to markets in the East. The railroad industry significantly contributed to the growth of the cattle industry and the development of the American West.
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Hispanos (Land Fight): Hispano communities, primarily in the Southwest, fought to retain land rights following the Mexican-American War and the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. Their struggles often included legal battles against Anglo settlers and discrimination.
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Farming Practice Great Plains (Negative Outcome): Excessive farming practices, including monoculture and the use of poor irrigation techniques, led to soil depletion and erosion in the Great Plains. The Dust Bowl of the 1930s highlighted these negative outcomes, resulting in widespread agricultural failure.
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Wounded Knee Massacre: A tragic event in 1890 where U.S. Army troops killed around 300 Lakota Sioux at Wounded Knee Creek in South Dakota. This massacre marked the end of armed Native American resistance to U.S. expansion.
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Dawes General Allotment Act (1887): Legislation aimed at assimilating Native Americans by allotting them individual plots of land, effectively breaking up communal tribal lands. It intended to promote farming and reduce the influence of tribal governance but resulted in significant loss of Native American land.
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Assimilation: The process of integrating minority groups into the culture of the majority population. In the U.S., assimilation efforts were particularly aimed at Native Americans and immigrants, often involving the suppression of indigenous cultures and languages.
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Ely S. Parker: A member of the Seneca Nation, Parker served as the first Native American Commissioner of Indian Affairs under President Ulysses S. Grant. He advocated for Native American rights and was involved in federal policies that affected indigenous populations.
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Factors that Fueled the Industrial Revolution: Key factors included technological innovations (like the steam engine and electricity), abundant natural resources (coal, iron), a growing labor force due to immigration, investment capital, and advancements in transportation (railroads).
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Credit Mobilier Scandal: A major political scandal during the 1870s involving the Union Pacific Railroad and a construction company (Credit Mobilier) that overcharged the government for railroad construction. The scandal revealed corruption and bribery among political leaders and damaged the reputation of the Republican Party.
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Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC): Established by the Interstate Commerce Act of 1887, the ICC was the first federal agency created to regulate interstate commerce, particularly railroads. Its purpose was to ensure fair rates and eliminate discriminatory practices in the railroad industry.
Feel free to ask for deeper explanations or additional details on any of these topics!