U S History Unit One

Front

The process of assimilating a person into American culture and customs; newly arrived immigrants were also expected to learn English quickly and adopt American customs; American Indians were subjected to this through the Dawes Act

Back

Americanization

Front

An 1882 law that stopped Chinese immigration to the United States; prompted in part by economic competition over railroad jobs between Chinese and native and white laborers

Back

Chinese Exclusion Act

Front

Non-elected civilian workers who help the executive branch run the government and its programs

Back

civil service

Front

The act of turning metal into coins for a nation’s monetary supply

Back

coinage

Front

An 1887 law that divided reservation lands held by Indian tribes into small allotments of 160 acres for individual tribal members or families; it opened up the remaining land for white settlement.

Back

Dawes Act

Front

An 1862 law that encouraged Western settlement by granting 160 acres of public land to individuals who agreed to pay a minimal fee and work the land for five years.

Back

Homestead Act

Front

French phrase meaning “to let things alone”; a policy of minimal governmental interference in economic activities

Back

laissez faire

Front

Complete ownership or control of the entire supply of goods or services in a certain market

Back

monopoly

Front

The policy of favoring the interests of native-born Americans over those of immigrants

Back

nativism

Front

Giving money to support worthy causes intended to increase human well-being

Back

spoils system/ patronage