U.S. History Semester Exam Review Flashcard #1

Front

What was a major reason that most homesteaders were unsuccessful in acquiring their deeds to their land through the Homestead Act?

Back

the hard physical conditions of the frontier

Answer explanation

The hard physical conditions of the frontier, such as drought, poor soil, and extreme weather, made it difficult for homesteaders to successfully cultivate their land and meet the requirements of the Homestead Act.

Front

President Grant putting a western-style jacket on a Native American would be best associated with

Back

assimilation.

Answer explanation

President Grant putting a western-style jacket on a Native American symbolizes assimilation, which aimed to integrate Native Americans into Euro-American culture, contrasting with segregation and other policies.

Front

This image is best associated with

Back

Jim Crow laws.

Answer explanation

The image is best associated with Jim Crow laws, which enforced racial segregation in the Southern United States. These laws institutionalized discrimination and were a key aspect of the systemic racism faced by African Americans.

Front

The scandal involving Union Pacific executive Thomas Durant and involved corruption in the building of the Transcontinental Railroad was known as

Back

Credit Mobilier.

Answer explanation

The scandal involving Thomas Durant and the corruption in the Transcontinental Railroad's construction is known as Credit Mobilier. This involved fraudulent contracts and financial manipulation, making it a significant historical scandal.

Front

Who developed a process for efficient mass production of cheap, but high-quality steel?

Back

Henry Bessemer

Answer explanation

Henry Bessemer developed the Bessemer process, which revolutionized steel production by making it faster and cheaper while maintaining high quality, thus transforming the steel industry.

Front

President Theodore Roosevelt's domestic policy aimed to balance the needs of workers, consumers, and business is known as the

Back

Square Deal.

Answer explanation

President Theodore Roosevelt's domestic policy aimed to ensure fairness for workers, consumers, and businesses, which he termed the 'Square Deal.' This approach focused on balancing the interests of all parties.

Front

Which of the following best characterizes the Gilded Age?

Back

Industrialists used their connection with corrupt government officials for material gain and political power

Answer explanation

The Gilded Age was marked by industrialists exploiting corrupt government ties for profit and influence, highlighting the era's political and economic corruption.

Front

What was the primary objective of the Dawes Act?

Back

promote cultural assimilation of American Indians

Answer explanation

The Dawes Act aimed to promote cultural assimilation of American Indians by allotting them individual plots of land, encouraging them to adopt farming and abandon their communal lifestyles.

Front

During the late 19th century, many Irish immigrants were discriminated against for being:

• opposed to machine politics
• loyal to the UK
• conscientious objectors
• Roman Catholics

Back

Roman Catholics

Answer explanation

During the late 19th century, Irish immigrants faced discrimination primarily due to their Roman Catholic faith, which was viewed with suspicion by the predominantly Protestant American society.

Front

Which application of a new technology can be attributed to an invention of Thomas Edison?

Back

Light bulbs made it efficient for factory workers to work at night

Answer explanation

Thomas Edison invented the light bulb, which significantly improved working conditions by allowing factory workers to work efficiently at night, thus enhancing productivity.