Key Terms for Chapter 19

Key Terms for Chapter 19 Name Institution Instructor Course Date Key Terms for Chapter 19 Boxer Rebellion * Who: The Boxers were a secret society Chinese nationalist group that spearheaded the Rebellion to drive away foreign influence in China. * What: The violent uprising of foreigners, Christian missionaries, and Chinese Christians was the sole cause of the ending of foreign imperialism in China. * When: 1899-1901. * Where: The Boxer Rebellion was important, underlining the tensions between China and foreign powers, which subsequently led to an intervention in an international coalition led by the United States to take control from imperialist powers in China. Interstate Commerce Act * Who: This act was passed by the U.S. Congress, which President Grover Cleveland and many other reformers supported. * What: A landmark federal statute regulating the railroad industry and its monopolistic practices created the Interstate Commerce Commission to regulate it. * When: 1887. * Where: United States, most especially in transportation and railroad business. * Why: The act was important because it was the first action by the federal government to interfere in business practices, especially when public protest against railroad monopolies and price gouging became unbearable. Panic of 1893 * Who: This panic affected many Americans, including businesses, banks, and workers; the failure of big corporations such as Philadelphia and the Reading Railroad accelerated it. * What: A severe economic depression brought by the collapse of railroad overbuilding, speculation on the stock market, and the crisis of banks. * When: 1893. * Where: United States. * Why: The Panic was important because it led to massive unemployment, business bankruptcy, and considerable labor unrest. It also contributed to the development of economic reforms and the populist movement. Pendleton Act * Who: Presented under Senator George H. Pendleton, signed by President Chester A. Arthur into law. * What: The Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act provided that federal government jobs be awarded based on merit rather than political affiliation and created a Civil Service Commission for that purpose. * When: 1883. * Where: United States. * Why: This act was important because it reduced the extent of political corruption and patronage and enabled the growth of a professional federal workforce with fewer corrupt aspects, modernizing the civil service. Populism * Who: Farmers, laborers, and reformers were the chief proponents of the movement, thou...