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In 1803, the Louisiana Purchase was a major event where the U.S. bought a large territory from France, nearly doubling its size. This land, stretching from the Mississippi River to the Rocky Mountains, excited many Americans for its farming potential but raised concerns about its impact on Native American tribes and national power.

President Thomas Jefferson made the deal despite some criticism over the cost. This expansion led to explorations like the Lewis and Clark expedition, but it also created challenges, such as debates about slavery and governing the new territories.

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Louisiana Purchase:  10 Key Questions Answered (3:48)

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The Monroe Doctrine was advanced by President James Monroe in 1823, which stated that the Americas were off-limits to further European colonization and warned European nations not to interfere in the Western Hemisphere. In return, the U.S. promised to stay out of European affairs. The doctrine had the intention of protecting the independence of newly formed nations in Latin America and asserting U.S. influence in the region, setting the stage for American dominance in the hemisphere.

The Monroe Doctrine had been an important step in defining the foreign policy of the U.S. and in showing the growth of confidence of the nation in the international arena. While meant to protect Latin American countries, it signaled the intent of the U.S. to act as a regional power. Indeed, this doctrine would later be used over and over to justify U.S. intervention in Latin America, on behalf of itself rather than its neighbors. This dual legacy suggests a complex balancing of protection and control in foreign policy.

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Monroe Doctrine 101 | What is the Monroe Doctrine?

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The Indian Removal Act of 1830 let the U.S. government force Native American tribes to move west of the Mississippi River. This caused the Trail of Tears, where thousands of Native Americans died or suffered from hunger and sickness while losing their homes and way of life.

The Indian Removal Act really showed how little the government cared about Native people. They were more focused on taking land and broke promises that hurt Native communities. It caused a lot of pain and loss and is a reminder of why it’s so important to treat everyone fairly and respect their rights.

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In the 1840s a lot of Americans believed in Manifest Destiny which was the idea that the United States was meant to grow from the East Coast to the West Coast. They thought it was their job to spread democracy and civilization across the continent this made people want to explore and settle new lands but it also caused conflicts with Native Americans and other countries.

As the U.S. expanded it gained areas like Texas Oregon and California often through fighting and agreements. While Manifest Destiny encouraged many to move west it also raised important questions about slavery and the rights of people already living in those territories creating problems that would impact the country in the future.

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By signing the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848, it marked the end of the Mexican-American War. The result was that the U.S. obtained a large chunk of land comprising California, Arizona, and New Mexico. As a consideration, Mexico had to cede almost half of its territory and accept that the U.S. determine the border along the Rio Grande. The U.S. gave Mexico $15 million and promised to uphold the rights of Mexicans who would continue to live in this newly acquired land. As much as the treaty expanded the U.S., it brought many challenges and struggles to people in these areas.

While the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo gave the U.S. a lot of land, it also meant much unfair treatment toward the Mexicans that were living on it. The U.S. had promised to protect their rights, but many people lost their land or were treated badly. While it helped the United States in its growth, it brought a lot of problems with it for many people. The effects of the treaty are still felt today, especially in the relationship between the U.S. and Mexico. This is a good example of how these types of deals can sometimes favor one side at the painful cost of another.

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Remembering history in Pueblo: The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

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The Gold Rush was a time when thousands of people moved west to look for gold after it was found. It started in 1848 in California and quickly spread to other areas. Many people hoped to get rich by finding gold, but only a few were successful. The Gold Rush caused a lot of people to move west, and it also led to some fights with Native American groups and changes to the environment.

The Gold Rush shows how the idea of getting rich quickly made many people to leave their homes and take big risks. While some made alot of good money, most did not find barely any gold and honestly wasted their time. It also caused problems, like fighting with Native Americans over land and hurting the live style they live. The rush for wealth changed the American West forever but created many challenges along the way.

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California Gold Rush: Forty-Niners, Fortunes, and Frenzies

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The Temperance Movement of the 1800s and early 1900s was a social movement that tried to lesson or eliminate the consumption of alcohol. It was generally believed by the majority of people in society that alcohol was a cause of major social problems, such as crime, poverty, and family issues. The supporters of this movement worked for awareness and laws that would place limitations on alcohol use. It resulted in the 18th Amendment that made alcohol illegal for a time in the United States.

The Temperance Movement was significant because it attempted to make life safer by reducing the consumption of alcohol. Alcohol was perceived to create so much harm that people pushed for change. But even after the movement had succeeded in making alcohol illegal, for a period of time, the results caused other problems to arise, such as the sale of illegal alcohol and crime. Though the improvement of life for families was the goal, the outcomes showed that taking something away does not always solve the problem.

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What was the Temperance Movement? | DAILY BELLRINGER

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The Homestead Steel Massacre happened in 1892 during a strike at Carnegie Steel's Homestead mill. Workers started protested during getting payed less, but the company brought in Pinkerton guards, leading to violence and deaths. The strike failed after the National Guard stepped in, weakening unions and workers' rights.

This event showed how workers were willing to fight for fair pay and conditions, but companies used harsh tactics to stop them. It hurt the labor movement and showed the imbalance of power between workers and big businesses, raising questions about fairness and justice.

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The Homestead Act of 1862 Explained: US History Review

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Henry Ford revolutionized the car industry with the introduction of the Model T and the application of mass production techniques, such as the assembly line. The Model T, launched by Ford in 1908, was among the first cars whose price was within the budget of a common man. His innovative production methods reduced the time it took to produce an automobile and the cost, making it more accessible to working Americans. In that way, Ford contributed to the growth of personal transportation and overall development by making cars more available to the masses through lower prices.

Henry Ford's contribution to the automobile industry brought a long-lasting impact on the economy and society. His introduction of the assembly line in the industry for mass production of vehicles increased their accessibility to the average individual, but his preoccupation with efficiency and reduction in production costs raised many points about working conditions and wages. Many workers had to work long hours for very low wages, which made for difficult working conditions. While Ford helped create a more connected and mobile society, his methods also underlined the complexities of balancing innovation with fair treatment for employees.

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Who Was: Henry Ford | Encyclopaedia Britannica

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Until the completion of the First Transcontinental Railroad in 1869, the eastern and western parts of the United States had never been connected. The line made it much easier and faster to travel across the continent and allowed goods and mail to be transported swiftly between the two coasts. It was built by two companies, Union Pacific and Central Pacific, which had to work under very bad conditions, with mountains and deserts. It also helped people move west to settle new land. While the railroad brought many benefits, it also caused problems, such as displacing Native American tribes and changing the environment.

The First Transcontinental Railroad helped the U.S. grow by making travel and trade faster, but it came at a cost. Native Americans were pushed from their homes to accommodate the railroad, which took away their homes and lifestyle. Many laborers, specifically Chinese immigrants, lost their lives during the building of the railroad under hazardous conditions and very low pay. The railroad unified the country in many aspects, yet also brought destruction to people and the environment. While it was an engine of growth for the United States, it has also left people behind and created some grave and perpetual problems.

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Coast to Coast: America’s First Transcontinental Railroad

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The Second Industrial Revolution lasted from the late 19th to early 20th century. It was a period in time of rapid industrial growth. It introduced new technologies like electricity, the telephone, and mass production techniques such as the assembly line. Industries like steel, oil, and railroads expanded,, creating more jobs and eventually led to urbanization. This revolution transformed the U.S. into a global industrial leader and improved living standards for some, however it also widened the gap between the rich and poor.

The Second Industrial Revolution brought major advancements, but it also created challenges. While innovations improved their work and changed society, they led to hard working conditions and economics will be equal. This era showed the strength of the industrial growth but made people wonder about the harm it actually caused, leading to talks about workers' rights and how businesses should act.

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Social Darwinism was an idea that became popular in the 1800s and 1900s. It said that strong people or groups are more likely to succeed, and weak ones are more likely to fail. People used this idea to make things like racism and unfair treatment seem normal and okay. It was also used to justify taking land from others and treating people badly. Many believed it was just how life worked, but the idea caused a lot of unfairness, hurt, and trouble for many people over time.

Social Darwinism caused many problems and made life harder for a lot of people. It gave people a reason to treat others unfairly by saying it was natural or how things were supposed to be. It did not think about the fact that some people didn’t have the same chances as others to succeed. The idea let rich and powerful people stay in control while weaker groups suffered. This shows how bad it can be to use ideas that don’t treat all people fairly or with respect.

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DARWANISM IN HINDI #naturalselection #darwintheory #zoology #zoologynotes #evolutionnotes #vksu

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The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 stopped Chinese workers from coming to the U.S. It was the first law to ban a group of people just because of where they were from. The law made life really hard for Chinese people already living in America and caused a lot of unfair treatment.

The Chinese Exclusion Act shows how racist laws can hurt a lot of people. Instead of fixing real problems, the government blamed Chinese workers for things like not enough jobs. It caused a lot of pain and unfairness and shows why it’s important to treat everyone the same no matter where they’re from.

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The Dawes Act, passed in 1887, was a law that tried to make Native Americans adopt the way of life of most Americans. It divided tribal lands into small plots for Native families to own and farm, with each family getting about 40 to 160 acres. Any extra land was sold to settlers, which caused Native tribes to lose a lot of their land. The government believed this would help Native Americans become more like other Americans and be independent. Those who accepted the land could also become U.S. citizens. However, this broke up tribes and made it harder for them to keep their traditions. By 1934, when the Indian Reorganization Act changed this law, millions of acres had already been taken away from Native tribes.

The Dawes Act ended up being really bad for Native Americans, and instead of helping them, it just caused more problems. The government, not caring much about them or where they came from, took their land away and broke their tribes up. The government showed no mercy for their culture and traditions and sold most of their land to settlers, showing how unfair the government was and how wrong it was to not respect other ways people live life.

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The Dawes Act of 1877 and How it Sought to ‘Civilize’ the Native American

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"The Gospel of Wealth" is a book by Andrew Carnegie from 1889. In the book, he says rich people should use their money to help others. He thinks they should give to things like libraries, schools, and hospitals to help poor people. He also says competition in business is good and that the rich should still run their businesses while helping society.

Carnegie’s ideas show how the rich were getting more power in the Gilded Age. His idea of giving back is nice, but it kind of makes it seem like rich people should decide how to fix society. It makes you think if the rich should be the ones fixing problems like inequality.

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The Gospel of Wealth Explained | DAILY BELLRINGER

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The Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890 was the first major legislation to prevent businesses from establishing monopolies and thus having an unfair control over the market. It prohibited companies from engaging in practices that restrained competition, such as price-fixing or forming monopolies. This law was enacted to protect consumers and ensure fair business practices.

The Sherman Antitrust Act helped in ensuring that businesses are not taking advantage of people or competing unfairly. Large-scale monopolies were dissolved by the act, and such industries were not allowed to be monopolized by any particular firm. However, there was a hard time implementing this act, and some way or other, businesses found ways out of this too. The act, through the years, has gone through many amendments, depicting its necessity of keeping a continuous watch over the competition and fairness within an economy.

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Why the Sherman Antitrust Act Matters - @MrBettsClass

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How the other Half Lives: Jacob Riis 1890

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How the other Half Lives: Jacob Riis 1890

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How the Other Half Lives by Jacob Riis was a book showing the poor living conditions of New York City's tenements in the late 1800s. As a journalist and photographer, Riis exposed how overcrowded and unsanitary housing affected the lives of immigrants and working-class families with powerful images and stories. The shocking book helped bring into the open poverty and struggles of urban life, promoting the call for reforms in housing and improvement in living conditions.

Jacob Riis's How the Other Half Lives shook society with the brutal realities of poverty and inequality. His work inspired reforms to improve housing and public health, but it also revealed the prejudice of the time, as Riis sometimes blamed certain groups for their poverty. Flawed though it may be, the book was instrumental during the Progressive Era in reminding people of the need for compassion and taking action to right social wrongs through policy change.

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The Spanish-American War of 1898 was a true watershed moment in U.S. history: the war itself lasted only several months, yet the changes it wrought were far-reaching. Caused by the explosion of the USS Maine and conflict over Cuba's battle for independence, the war ended quickly with the U.S. victorious. In the course of this war, Spain lost Cuba, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines to the U.S. This was a declaration of America's rise to prominence on the world stage and the founding of its overseas empire.

The Spanish-American War was the first major steps of the U.S. into world power, but it also inaugurated debates about imperialism. Although it was heralded as a war of liberation for Cuban freedom, the war also exposed the less noble motives that the growing strength of the U.S. would be used to claim territories. The ascendancy of the U.S. had brought conflict and deprivation to many in the Philippines and other territories. Here is where expansion gets really tricky-ideals like freedom and actions contradicting those very ideals.

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The United States Declares War on Spain - April 25, 1898

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Until annexation in 1898, the U.S. had finally taken complete control of the islands after years of burgeoning American influence. Powerful American plantation owners pressed for U.S. involvement to protect their economic interests in sugar and pineapple exports. Queen Liliʻuokalani, ruler of Hawaii, was deposed in 1893 with the aid of American forces, establishing a provisional government ruled by U.S. settlers. Annexation gave the U.S. a strategic location for military and trade purposes, especially during the Spanish-American War.

Annexation of Hawaii was an example of how the U.S. had begun to use its growing power to expand its influence in the Pacific. It brought about economic and military advantages but at the cost of disregarding the rights and self-determination of the native Hawaiian people. The annexation was opposed by many Hawaiians, seen as the loss of their sovereignty and culture. The event was an illustration of the evil consequences of imperialism, in which interests for powerful nations had to come at the expense of small independent communities.

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The USS Maine was a U.S. battleship that exploded in Havana Harbor, Cuba, in 1898. Although the cause of the explosion was ambiguous, many Americans quickly placed blame on Spain, pushing the public toward outrage and calls for war. The event became a rallying cry, with slogans like "Remember the Maine!" pushing the U.S. toward the Spanish-American War. In the end, the sinking of the Maine would be the catalyst that would mark a turning point in the nation's move from isolationism to that of an active world power.

The explosion of the USS Maine well-illustrates how a single event can create large-scale conflict, even when evidence does not clearly show that the act was directed against a specific country. Though it galvanized Americans against Spain, later investigations suggested that the blast might have been accidental. The rush to war shows how public opinion and sensationalized reporting, like that from yellow journalism, can shape national decisions. This incident also underscores the risks of acting on emotion rather than facts in international relations.

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Did Spain sink the USS Maine (and start the Spanish-American War)?

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United Fruit Co. (Banana Republics) 1899

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United Fruit Co. (Banana Republics) 1899

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The United Fruit Company was one of the major American businesses in Central America through much of the 1900s, dominating that region's banana trade, owning much of the land, and controlling transportation and exportation of bananas. It developed close ties with local governments, often pressuring them for actions that supported its profits. The result was "banana republics," countries whose politics and economies were shaped by United Fruit. While it brought development to some areas, many workers faced low pay and harsh conditions.

The United Fruit Company showed how powerful companies could take advantage of smaller nations, prioritizing business interests over the local economy and keeping workers in poverty. Its close relations with governments led to corruption and unfair policies that favored the company at the expense of the people. This history serves as a reminder of how unchecked corporate power can harm communities and nations and leave lasting effects on their development and independence.V

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The United Fruits Company: A Brief History

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The Open Door Policy, directed by the U.S. Secretary of State John Hay in 1899, was a plan designed to ensure equal trade opportunities in China. This policy was supposed to prevent any one country from dominating China's trade and to keep its markets open to all nations. The policy also protected China's territorial integrity but allowed foreign powers to continue their influence. Though it wasn’t fully enforced, the policy reflected the U.S.’s growing interest in international trade and its effort to compete with European powers in Asia.

The Open Door Policy showed the U.S.’s push to expand its influence globally while promoting free trade. While it claimed to protect China’s independence, it mostly served the economic interests of foreign nations, including the U.S. This policy really showed the imbalance of power that pervaded the era, as little could be said by China against such a policy. While the policy reversed the spiral toward conflict, it nonetheless symbolized how imperialism often clothed self-interest in cooperative rhetoric. This era would then signal a change in the way the U.S. approached world politics and trade.

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The "Square Deal" was the plan of President Theodore Roosevelt to make sure that fairness and equality were given to all Americans. It focused on three ideas: conservation of natural resources, control of big businesses, and protection of consumers. Roosevelt aimed to prevent powerful corporations from making the most out of the workers and customers, yet still letting everyone have an equal chance of success. This policy resulted in important reforms such as breaking up monopolies and passing laws that improved food and drug safety.

The "Square Deal" was basically Roosevelt's commitment to fairness and progress in an era when big businesses often held too much power. He fought against monopolies and protected consumers, creating a more even and fair system for the average man. At the same time, the plan was not without its shortcomings on issues such as racial inequality or poor working conditions for many. Even so, the "Square Deal" laid the groundwork for future reforms aimed at protecting the rights of citizens and taming corporate greed.

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The Platt Amendment was passed in 1901 to set the terms of the U.S. to withdraw its military occupation from Cuba after the Spanish-American War. It allowed Cuba to be independent, yet treaties that Cuba made with other countries had to be approved by the United States, and it gave the United States the right to intervene in Cuban affairs. It allowed the United States to rent land for naval bases, thus the establishment of Guantanamo Bay. Cuba was now technically independent, but full sovereignty was curtailed by the amendment.

The Platt Amendment exemplified the increasing power of the United States in the Caribbean and Latin America. The Platt Amendment did little more than enable Cuba's declaration of independence but also entangled the island with heavy dependence on and control by the United States. This control engendered considerable resentment among many Cubans, who saw it as interference in their self-government. The amendment was an early example of how the U.S. used its power to secure strategic and economic interests in the region, shaping its role as a dominant influence in the Western Hemisphere.

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The Panama Canal, completed in 1914, was a major engineering project that connected the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans through Central America. The canal made global trade quicker by saving time for ships that would have otherwise traveled around South America. The U.S. took over the project after helping Panama gain independence from Colombia, and they controlled the canal zone for many years. Building the canal was dangerous, with workers facing tough conditions and diseases like malaria and yellow fever, but it became one of the most important trade routes in the world.

The creation of the Panama Canal showed the U.S.’s growing power and ability to influence global trade and politics. The United States had now acquired control of the canal zone, but by dubious means-one that would produce great resentment throughout Panama and the Latin American country. The price in terms of poor working conditions, disease, and loss of life remains a high toll on such an engineering dream for so many toiling workers. This canal certainly still stands out today as testimony to the inventiveness and sacrifices within the development of international movement.

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History Brief: Theodore Roosevelt and the Panama Canal

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History of Standard Oil Company: Ida Tarbell 1904

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History of Standard Oil Company: Ida Tarbell 1904

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The History of the Standard Oil Company by Ida Tarbell was a muckraking book that exposed the unfair practices of John D. Rockefeller's Standard Oil Company. It came out in 1904 and showed how the company, through secret deals, monopolies, and aggressive tactics, had crushed competition and sought to control the oil industry. Tarbell's investigative work helped people understand the dangers of monopolies and sparked public outrage. Her work was responsible for the breakup of Standard Oil in 1911 and helped strengthen the antitrust laws of the United States.

The work of Ida Tarbell was a strong representation of how journalism can achieve change. In exposing the greed and corruption in Standard Oil, she was able to challenge one of America's most powerful men and demonstrate the need for fair business practices. Her book inspired reforms that would work in the interest of the small businesses and consumers. At the same time, though, it demonstrated the difficulties a journalist has when going after large corporations. Tarbell's work remains the foremost example of how investigative reporting can really make a difference in calling powerful people to account.

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The Jungle is a novel written by Upton Sinclair, showcasing the worst-than-poor working environment and unsanitary behaviors of the meatpacking industries in the early 1900s. It narrates the trials of one poor immigrant family trying to make both ends meet in Chicago and its exposure to low pay, hazardous jobs, and deplorable living standards. While Sinclair wanted to bring out the plight of workers, the readers were more appalled by the unsanitary production of food as portrayed in the book. Large-scale reforms were made such as Pure Food and Drug Act and Meat Inspection Act which sought to give better quality of food to the people and also improve the industry's performance.

The Jungle had a huge impact on society and government alike because it exposed industrial America's dark side. It made the public start considering workers' protection laws and food safety laws more seriously. Even as Sinclair himself was focusing on workers' rights, the reaction of the public to the food issues underlined very clearly how certain problems seize attention much faster. This book is credited with inaugurating salient reforms in the interest of public health and safety-a sort of power of the pen.

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How "The Jungle" Changed American Food | The Poison Squad | American Experience | PBS

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The Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906 was one of the earliest laws in the United States designed to protect consumers from unsafe or mislabeled food and drugs. It required that food and medicines meet minimum safety standards and be labeled accurately as to contents. This law became necessary with the increasing concern shown by people about the quality and safety of products, particularly in the growing food and drug industries. This was a milestone toward the manufacture of safer, more reliable consumer goods.

The Pure Food and Drug Act was hailed as a landmark in the history of consumer protection-a response to the dire need for safer, more transparent goods. It helped prevent the use of bad substances in food and medicine, as well as made sure that buyers received proper information about what they were really buying. The act was not only a step in a good direction, but no enforcement was immediate, with it taking some time to fully feel the full effect of it. Over the years, new challenges in food and drug safety have led to updates of this act, which indicates that there is still more regulation and improvement needed.

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a short history of the United States Food and Drug Administration

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The NAACP is an organization for the advancement of colored people, formed in 1909 by a group of black leaders and white allies who were determined to secure civil rights and equality for African Americans. The organization aimed to discuss racial discrimination for necessary remedies through legal action, education, and political advocacies. The NAACP worked against segregation, fought for justice against unfair treatment, and advocated for the passing of laws protecting the rights of African Americans. In time, it would become one of the most powerful organizations in the fight for civil rights, playing a pivotal role in the advancement of African American rights throughout the 20th century.

From there on, the NAACP represented a powerful force for seeking rights for citizenship and equality among African Americans. It worked against the racial discrimination and further strove for justice through means such as legal ways, education, and advocacy. Against segregation and unfair treatment, great strides were made; though however, many struggles did prevail. Because, with the passage of years, so much of the struggle the NAACP has given birth to great legal victories and changes in America; yet the quest continues to bring justice and equity to the forefront.

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How the NAACP Fights Racial Discrimination | History

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The Great Migration was when millions of African Americans moved from the South to the North and West between 1916 and 1970. They left the South to get away from racism, unfair laws, and poor living conditions. In the North, they hoped to find better jobs and schools. Cities like Chicago and Detroit needed workers, especially during the World Wars. This migration brought new music, art, and ideas to northern cities and helped African American communities grow.

The Great Migration shows how African Americans worked hard for a better life. They brought their culture, which shaped northern cities in big ways. But it also showed that racism wasn’t only in the South. Many faced crowded housing and new kinds of discrimination. This movement was an important step that helped lead to the Civil Rights Movement and the fight for fairness and equality.

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Dollar Diplomacy is a term that refers to the policy the President of the United States, William Howard Taft, introduced during the early 1900s. It means using your economic power, through loans or investments, to influence others, particularly in Latin America and the Asian continent. The policy was to establish businesses and infrastructure throughout the regions in hopes of offering stability and protecting American interests without the need for U.S. military involvement. Although the policy had called for peaceful development, it often had brought about resentment because the U.S. was putting first its own financial and political goals.

Dollar Diplomacy showed how the U.S. tried to expand its influence through money instead of war, but it wasn’t always successful. Many countries felt the U.S. was meddling in their affairs for selfish reasons, creating distrust and anger. Though the policy avoided direct conflict, it still reflected imperialist attitudes, with the U.S. putting its needs above others. This approach underlines the problem of using economic power in diplomacy and the thin line dividing cooperation from exploitation.

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Dollar Diplomacy |History of USA Part 41|

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The 17th Amendment in 1913 changed how U.S. senators were elected. Whereas senators had previously been chosen by state governments, the 17th Amendment provided that the people of each state would directly elect their senators. These direct elections gave more power to the citizenry over the selection of government representatives. Fairness and a reduction of corruption within the Senate were other reasons why this amendment was passed, enabling the people to have greater control.

The 17th Amendment allowed the people to choose their senators, which made the government more democratic. Previously, powerful groups could choose senators, and most decisions made were unfair. While giving the people more power, it took away some of the power from the state governments. Overall, it made the government closer to the people, but it changed the sharing of power between the states and the federal government.

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Seventeenth Amendment: Popular Senators- U.S. Constitution Series

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Lusitania (Unrestricted Submarine Warfare) 1915 

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Lusitania (Unrestricted Submarine Warfare) 1915 

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The sinking of the British passenger ship Lusitania in 1915 was a critical incident during World War I. In this incident, a German submarine torpedoed the ship to death, killing almost 1,200 people out of which 128 were Americans. Germany's policy regarding unrestricted submarine warfare, with no warning, outraged several countries, including the U.S. Although the U.S. did not immediately join this war, this incident increased the tension and shifted public opinion against Germany, leading to the final involvement of the U.S. in this war.

The sinking of the Lusitania underlined the dangers of unrestricted submarine warfare and its impacts on civilians. It became a symbol of Germany's aggression and helped rally support for the Allies. While Germany argued that the ship carried war supplies, the loss of innocent lives overshadowed this claim. The event had demonstrated how modern warfare could blur the lines between military and civilian targets, creating widespread outrage and nudging neutral nations like the United States closer to entering the war.

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7th May 1915: RMS Lusitania sunk by the German U-Boat, U-20

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The Zimmerman Telegram is a secret message that the Germans, in 1917, sent to Mexico in the time of World War I. Germany urged Mexico to join the war in their favor and promised to help them recover territories such as Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico if they emerged successfully. It was a telegram intercepted by British intelligence and passed on to the United States. Once the telegram was made public, this greatly outraged Americans and was one of the pivotal reasons the United States decided to enter World War I.

The Zimmerman Telegram was a significant factor in the framing of U.S. involvement in World War I. It showed how international politics might pose a threat to national security and pushed Americans toward support for the war. This incident also brought into light the important roles of communication and intelligence in warfare. Germany's plot miserably failed, but it caused perpetual tensions and showed how alliances and secret dealings may change the course of history. It ultimately brought the U.S. closer to becoming a global power.

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Woodrow Wilson's 14 Points were to set principles in 1918 that would dictate peace after World War I. The plan called for self-determination for nations, open diplomacy, free trade, and the reduction of arms. Among the more significant suggestions was the establishment of a League of Nations to settle disputes and avoid future wars. While Wilson's vision was to achieve a just and lasting peace, most of the points were ignored in the Treaty of Versailles, as the Allied leaders sought to punish Germany.

Wilson's 14 Points were different and smart, reflecting his hope for a world where nations worked together peacefully. While the plan inspired many, it faced criticism for being too naive and not addressing the realities of post-war politics. The U.S. Senate even defeated membership in the League of Nations, which undermined its potential effectiveness. Flawed as they were, the 14 Points formed a basis for modern international diplomacy and demonstrated how essential it is to pursue cooperation and equity in international relations.

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Woodrow Wilson's Fourteen Points | History

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The Harlem Renaissance refers to the cultural movement that focused on the 1920s and the 1930s in Harlem, New York; African American artists, musicians, writers, and thinkers gave their performances. It bestowed new dynamism on arts, music, and literature by using jazz, poetry, or novels as a means of revealing Black experiences and pride. Figures like Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, and Duke Ellington became well-known during this time. The Harlem Renaissance also helped to challenge stereotypes and gave African Americans a stronger voice in American culture.

The Harlem Renaissance was more than a cultural movement; it was a turning point for African Americans to show their creativity and fight against discrimination. By sharing their stories and talents, they pushed back against racism and created pride in their heritage. While it didn't end inequality, the movement changed how Black culture was viewed in America and spurred future generations to continue in the quest for equality and self-expression. It left an indelible mark on American art, music, and literature.

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The Harlem Renaissance - A New Beginning

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The Spanish Flu was a deadly pandemic that spread worldwide in 1918–1919, infecting about a third of the global population. It killed millions of people, including many young and healthy adults. The flu spread quickly, partly because of crowded conditions during World War I and the movement of soldiers across countries. Governments and healthcare systems were overwhelmed, and many struggled to respond effectively. It is among the deadliest pandemics ever, which truly showed how helpless a world can be before contagious diseases.

The Spanish Flu gave lessons to the world, important in nature, of strong public health systems and fast-tracked actions at the time of the pandemic. It highlighted that when governments and societies are at stretched conditions, fighting against such a global disease was definitely tough. The pandemic also revealed the resource shortages in healthcare and information dissemination. While the world has learned to deal with such outbreaks better, the Spanish Flu is a grim reminder of how quickly a disease could spread and how preparation was key to saving lives.

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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

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The Treaty of Versailles, signed in 1919, marked the official end of World War I. The treaty imposed a severe penalty on Germany through heavy reparations, loss of territory, and strict limits on its military. It also established the League of Nations, an international group dedicated to the maintenance of peace. While the treaty was meant to prevent future wars, it left Germany humiliated and economically strained, contributing to the rise of Adolf Hitler and World War II. The treaty was controversial, with some feeling it was too harsh, while others thought it didn't go far enough to stop any future conflicts.

While the Treaty of Versailles created a lasting impact upon global politics, its especially strict terms on Germany really just created more problems than they solved. In so severely punishing Germany, it generated hatred and economic suffering among Germans that prepared the grounds for World War II. The League of Nations, though well-meaning, was too weak to maintain peace, especially without American backing. The treaty is a reminder that peace agreements must balance accountability with fairness if lasting stability and prevention of future wars are to be achieved.

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The Treaty of Versailles, What Did the Big Three Want? 1/2

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The 18th Amendment, ratified in 1919, prohibited the manufacture, sale, or transportation of alcohol within the United States. This period, known as Prohibition, aimed at reducing crime, promoting better morals, and generally improving the health of the citizenry. Many people had supported it because they believed that alcohol was the root of many evils, such as poverty and violence. Instead of resolving these issues, however, Prohibition spawned illegal brewing operations and helped organized crime. It was difficult to enforce the law, and highly unpopular, until its repeal in 1933.

The 18th Amendment, although having good objectives, achieved quite the reverse. Seeking to eliminate alcoholism and contribute to a better society, Prohibition brought bootlegging and speakeasies into being and gave the chance for organized crime to take hold. This was how one found out how tough it can be to enforce a law the majority don't support. Prohibition's failure taught the country a lesson about the importance of practical, realistic solutions to social problems, and it included the repeal of unjustly balanced approaches to such problems.

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What Was The 18th Amendment? - CountyOffice.org

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The League of Nations was established in 1920 after World War I under the Treaty of Versailles. It had the objective of maintaining peace and preventing further wars through the principle of encouraging states to cooperate and settle their differences by diplomatic means. It was the first international organization of its type, but it faced many difficulties. The key countries, such as the United States, never joined the League, and the League itself was never granted the teeth to enforce its decisions. So it could do little to check Japanese, Italian, and German aggression in the 1930s and finally collapsed.

The League of Nations represented the first concrete effort at international cooperation but also underlined how tough maintaining peace across the world is. Without the participation of major powers like the U.S. and any effective enforcement mechanism, the League was unable to prevent the conflicts that eventually led to World War II. However, it laid the groundwork for future efforts, such as the United Nations, which addressed many of the League's flaws. The story of the League is a reminder of how difficult it is to achieve global unity in the cause of lasting peace.

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The Women's Suffrage movement was a long and hard-won struggle of women for the right to vote. From the mid-1800s, women struggled unceasingly through protests, marches, and advocacy to make their voice heard in the political process. Events like the Seneca Falls Convention and the Women's March on Washington called attention to the need for gender equality. After many years of struggling, the 19th Amendment finally granted women the right to vote in 1920. The struggle for equality did not stop there, though.

The Women's Suffrage movement played a very significant role in securing the right of women to vote. It took decades of hard work, dedication, and determination to achieve this milestone. While the 19th Amendment was a huge step forward, it did not completely eradicate discrimination or achieve equal rights for women across all domains. Women still confront difficulties in their quest for absolute equality, and the movement for gender justice goes on in the present day. Such a movement indicates the utmost importance of standing up for one's rights and ensuring that fair play is meted out to all, irrespective of gender.

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Footage of the women's suffrage movement, 1910s-20 [silent]

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The Immigration Act of 1924, or Johnson-Reed Act, drastically cut the overall flow of immigration and established strict quotas based on ethnicity and nationality. It favored immigrants from Northern and Western Europe at the expense of those from Southern and Eastern Europe, as well as Asian nations. The act expressed the wish to keep a more homogeneous American population and excluded many groups considered undesirable. This resulted in a much-decreased diversity and growing discrimination against immigrants of particular ancestry.

The Immigration Act of 1924 had a lasting impact due to the enforcement of limited immigration policies that favored others based on ethnicity and nationality. It degraded immigrant groups from Southern and Eastern Europe, as well as those from Asia, reinforcing racial and cultural biases. Such unjust policies created social inequalities and promoted unfair treatment among those who were considered less desirable. As time went by, the negative consequences of the act became well realized and calls for more open immigration policies emerged to treat all people with justice and equality.

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Immigration Act of 1924 Analyzed for APUSH

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One of the major political scandals involving bribery and corruption in the U.S. government during the 1920s was known as the Teapot Dome Scandal. Secretary of the Interior Albert B. Fall illegally leased Teapot Dome, Wyoming, and Elk Hills, California, to private companies in return for large sums of money and other gifts. This was a shocking scandal in the nation, given the fact that it clearly revealed how public resources were used for personal gain. It led to Fall becoming the first cabinet member ever to be convicted of a felony while in office-a sad moment in government corruption.

The Teapot Dome Scandal brought to light how the abuse of power and greed would harm the public and cause the public to lose faith in the government. It revealed the absence of protective measures against corruption that resulted in reforms such as more open management of government funds. Even though this was an important change the scandal brought about, it also had a shocking reminder on accountability of the leadership. The impact of the scandal extended beyond its era to demonstrate how moral actions of leadership could dent public confidence in requiring integrity in government practices.

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Warren G. Harding: Posthumous Scandal (1921 - 1923)

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The Wounded Knee Massacre happened in 1890 when U.S. soldiers killed hundreds of Lakota Sioux, involving women and children, at Wounded Knee Creek. The violence began during an effort to take away the Lakota as it became a big thing during the Ghost Dance movement, a spiritual practice the U.S. government was scared about. The act marked the end of the major Native American resistance to U.S. expansion.

The massacre showed the major injuries and violence Native Americans faced during westward expansion. It showed the loss of Native lands, culture, and lives as the U.S. prioritized growth over justice. Wounded Knee remains a tragic reminder of the lasting harm caused by these policies and the struggles of Native communities.

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Listening to America with Clay Jenkinson

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Clay Visits the Site of the Tragic Wounded Knee Massacre in South Dakota