Lessons 14–15 · 2 lessons · M. Lafasov, U. Jo‘rayev, E. Xoliqov, D. Qodirova. Jahon tarixi (World history), Grade 9, revised 3rd edition. “O‘qituvchi” Publishing House, Tashkent, 2014
15
The domestic policy of the USA
Textbook: pp. 52–54
GoalExplain the labour movement, the situation of Black Americans and Native Americans, and the Progressive reforms.
New words
reservation: land set aside for Native Americans · rezervatsiyathe eight-hour working day · 8 soatlik ish kuniProgressives: reformers who sought to curb monopolies · taraqqiyparvarlarLabor Day: US holiday on the first Monday of September · Mehnat kuni
Explanation
The main demand of the American labour movement was the eight-hour working day. On 1 May 1886 hundreds of thousands took part in strikes; at a rally in Haymarket Square in Chicago on 4 May an explosion and clashes caused deaths, and four labour leaders were later hanged. That year the American Federation of Labor (AFL) was formed, mostly uniting skilled workers; in 1894 the first Monday of September was declared Labor Day. Formerly enslaved Black Americans did not fully gain equality: voting was restricted in the South and segregation was introduced in schools, transport and churches. Native Americans were pushed out by force and settled on reservations. The years 1900–1914 are called the “Progressive era”: President T. Roosevelt (1901–1909) brought anti-monopoly lawsuits and followed a “Square Deal” policy; W. Wilson (1913–1921) lowered tariffs, introduced an income tax, and senators became elected by popular vote; in 1914 an anti-trust law (the Clayton Act) was passed.
Worked examples
Examples of segregation: separate schools, transport, churches and even cemeteries; it was a system of racial inequality.
Comparing Roosevelt and Wilson: both wanted to limit monopoly power; Roosevelt – lawsuits and railway regulation (1906), Wilson – tariff, income tax and the 1914 anti-trust law.
Class activity
“Debate”: on “Should monopolies be limited?” two groups give arguments for and against.
Practice
1
What did US workers demand in 1886?
The eight-hour working day.
2
When was Labor Day established and on what date is it celebrated?
In 1894; on the first Monday of September.
3
What happened to Native Americans?
They were pushed off their lands and settled on reservations, often on poor land.
4
Why was popular election of senators an important democratic step?
Senators were earlier chosen by state legislatures; now citizens vote directly, increasing their influence.