AP United States Review AP United States Review SessionSession

Jessica StephensJessica Stephens

April 14, 2007 April 14, 2007

Society of the U.S. Society of the U.S. (1800-1859)(1800-1859)

Emerging GroupsEmerging Groups UtopiansUtopians MormonsMormons FeministsFeminists AbolitionistsAbolitionists Other Reform Attempts: Other Reform Attempts:

Temperance, Public Schools, Prison Reform, Temperance, Public Schools, Prison Reform, Asylum, etc.Asylum, etc.

Presidents:Presidents:Build Up to the Civil War Build Up to the Civil War through the Gilded Agethrough the Gilded Age

Martin Van Buren (1837-1841)Martin Van Buren (1837-1841) William Harrison (1841)William Harrison (1841) John Tyler (1841-1845)John Tyler (1841-1845) James Polk (1845-1849)James Polk (1845-1849) Zachary Taylor (1849-1850) Zachary Taylor (1849-1850) Millard Fillmore (1850-1853)Millard Fillmore (1850-1853) Franklin Pierce (1853-1857)Franklin Pierce (1853-1857) James Buchanan (1857-1861)James Buchanan (1857-1861) Abraham Lincoln (1861-1865)Abraham Lincoln (1861-1865) Andrew Johnson (1865-1869)Andrew Johnson (1865-1869)

Ulysses S. Grant (1869-1877)Ulysses S. Grant (1869-1877) Rutherford B. Hayes (1877-Rutherford B. Hayes (1877-

1881)1881) James Garfield (1881-1881)James Garfield (1881-1881) Chester Arthur (1881-1885)Chester Arthur (1881-1885) Grover Cleveland (1885-Grover Cleveland (1885-

1889)1889) Benjamin Harrison (1889-Benjamin Harrison (1889-

1893)1893) Grover Cleveland (1893-Grover Cleveland (1893-

1897)1897)

The most active people in the religious The most active people in the religious revivals of the mid-nineteenth century revivals of the mid-nineteenth century

were…were…

1.1. Roman CatholicsRoman Catholics2.2. JewsJews

3.3. Mainstream ProtestantsMainstream Protestants4.4. QuakersQuakers

5.5. Evangelical ChristiansEvangelical Christians

Most founders of utopian Most founders of utopian communities believed that?communities believed that?1.1. If social arrangements could be perfected, If social arrangements could be perfected,

the ills of society could be eliminated.the ills of society could be eliminated.2.2. If men and women lived together without If men and women lived together without

being married, the population would being married, the population would decline.decline.

3.3. If perfect communities were created, the If perfect communities were created, the government would be forced to abolish government would be forced to abolish

slavery.slavery.4.4. If the natural defects of human society If the natural defects of human society

could be outlawed, men and women could could be outlawed, men and women could live in harmony.live in harmony.

The asylum movement of The asylum movement of the 1800s incorporated the the 1800s incorporated the

principle of?principle of?1.1. Freedom from strict discipline for Freedom from strict discipline for prisoners and mental hospital inmates.prisoners and mental hospital inmates.

2.2. The swift return of social deviants to The swift return of social deviants to the mainstream of society.the mainstream of society.

3.3. Firm, yet humane, treatment to Firm, yet humane, treatment to rehabilitate the criminal and the insane.rehabilitate the criminal and the insane.4.4. Using lessons from Indian life to Using lessons from Indian life to improve the rest of American society.improve the rest of American society.

A Changing NationA Changing Nation

Growth of the Great WestGrowth of the Great West Drop in the BirthrateDrop in the Birthrate Increase in ImmigrationIncrease in Immigration Growing Problems of UrbanizationGrowing Problems of Urbanization Changing Roles of Women and Changing Roles of Women and

MinoritiesMinorities

Which of the following supplied the Which of the following supplied the largest number of immigrants to the largest number of immigrants to the United States during the first half of United States during the first half of

the 19c?the 19c?

1.1. EnglandEngland

2.2. AfricaAfrica

3.3. IrelandIreland

4.4. The German statesThe German states

5.5. HollandHolland

The term "Cult of The term "Cult of Domesticity" refers to?Domesticity" refers to?

1.1. The idealization of women in their roles as The idealization of women in their roles as wives and mothers during the early 19c.wives and mothers during the early 19c.

2.2. An aspect of the Salem witchcraft trials of 1692, An aspect of the Salem witchcraft trials of 1692, in which mainly middle-aged matrons were in which mainly middle-aged matrons were

accused of practicing evil magic.accused of practicing evil magic.3.3. The Shakers, a religious sect founded by Mother The Shakers, a religious sect founded by Mother

Ann Lee in the 18c.Ann Lee in the 18c.4.4. The defense given by antebellum apologists for The defense given by antebellum apologists for

slavery, who argued that bondage was a form of slavery, who argued that bondage was a form of benevolent paternalism.benevolent paternalism.

5.5. The Puritans' insistence on the importance of The Puritans' insistence on the importance of the family as the cornerstone of their social the family as the cornerstone of their social

order.order.

Early 19Early 19thth Century Century IndustrializationIndustrialization

Why did we go through Why did we go through industrialization?industrialization?

Inventions and TechnologyInventions and Technology The Rise of UnionsThe Rise of Unions Changes in AgricultureChanges in Agriculture Changes in CommerceChanges in Commerce

Factors promoting the beginnings of Factors promoting the beginnings of American industrialization during the early American industrialization during the early

1919thth century included all of the following century included all of the following except…except…

1.1. High Protective TariffsHigh Protective Tariffs

2.2. Improvements in TransportationImprovements in Transportation

3.3. Large-Scale ImmigrationLarge-Scale Immigration

4.4. The Absence of craft organizations The Absence of craft organizations that tied artisans to a single trade.that tied artisans to a single trade.

5.5. Close and friendly relations with Close and friendly relations with already industrialized Great Britain.already industrialized Great Britain.

A Different World-Life in the A Different World-Life in the SouthSouth

Characteristics:Characteristics: Agrarian, Division between the Upper Agrarian, Division between the Upper

and Lower South, Distinct Social and Lower South, Distinct Social Classes, Urban SlaveryClasses, Urban Slavery

Slave TradeSlave Trade Revolts/ResistanceRevolts/Resistance Role of WomenRole of Women Response to Anti-Slavery MovementResponse to Anti-Slavery Movement

Southern Social ClassSouthern Social Class

Planter Class

Yeomen Farmers

House Slaves

Poor Whites

Field Slaves

The paternalistic view of The paternalistic view of slavery held that…slavery held that…

1.1. Slavery was a necessary evil that should be Slavery was a necessary evil that should be phased out as soon as it was economically phased out as soon as it was economically

possible.possible.2.2. Slavery was a totally unjustifiable abuse of Slavery was a totally unjustifiable abuse of

humanity demanding the immediate abolition.humanity demanding the immediate abolition.3.3. Slavery was an artifact of a more primitive past Slavery was an artifact of a more primitive past

that would eventually fade out on its own.that would eventually fade out on its own.4.4. Slavery was necessary to protect blacks from Slavery was necessary to protect blacks from

the mistreatment and abuse they would receive the mistreatment and abuse they would receive if they were freed.if they were freed.

5.5. Slavery was necessary to keep blacks from Slavery was necessary to keep blacks from developing their superior potential and developing their superior potential and eventually dominating the white race.eventually dominating the white race.

The most common form of resistance The most common form of resistance on the part of black American slaves on the part of black American slaves

prior to the Civil War was…prior to the Civil War was…

1.1. Violent uprisings in which many persons Violent uprisings in which many persons were killed.were killed.

2.2. Attempts to escape and reach Canada by Attempts to escape and reach Canada by means of the ‘Underground Railroad.’means of the ‘Underground Railroad.’

3.3. Passive resistance, including breaking tools Passive resistance, including breaking tools and slightly slowing the pace of work.and slightly slowing the pace of work.

4.4. Arson of plantation buildings and cotton Arson of plantation buildings and cotton gins.gins.

5.5. Poisoning of the food consumed by their Poisoning of the food consumed by their white masters.white masters.

Manifest Destiny Manifest Destiny and and

Westward ExpansionWestward Expansion Oregon CountryOregon Country The Texas QuestionThe Texas Question

Mexican American WarMexican American War Webster-Ashburton TreatyWebster-Ashburton Treaty Mormon MigrationMormon Migration Gold RushGold Rush Manifest Destiny and Growing Manifest Destiny and Growing

SectionalismSectionalism

In coining the phrase “Manifest In coining the phrase “Manifest Destiny,” journalist John L. O’Sullivan Destiny,” journalist John L. O’Sullivan

meant that…meant that…

1.1. The struggle for racial equality was the The struggle for racial equality was the ultimate goal of America’s existence.ultimate goal of America’s existence.

2.2. America was certain to become an America was certain to become an independent country sooner or later.independent country sooner or later.

3.3. It was the destiny of America to It was the destiny of America to overspread the continent.overspread the continent.

4.4. America must eventually become either America must eventually become either all slave or all free.all slave or all free.

5.5. America should seek to acquire an America should seek to acquire an overseas empire.overseas empire.

One reason for the Anglo-One reason for the Anglo-Texan rebellion against Texan rebellion against Mexican rule was that?Mexican rule was that?

1.1. The Mexicans opposed slavery.The Mexicans opposed slavery.2.2. The Mexican government refused to allow The Mexican government refused to allow

the "Old Three Hundred" to purchase land.the "Old Three Hundred" to purchase land.3.3. The Anglo-Texans wanted to break away The Anglo-Texans wanted to break away

from a government that had grown too from a government that had grown too authoritarian.authoritarian.

4.4. The Anglo-Texans objected to the Mexican The Anglo-Texans objected to the Mexican government's execution of Stephen Austin.government's execution of Stephen Austin.

5.5. All of these choices are correctAll of these choices are correct

The Building CrisisThe Building Crisis

Wilmot ProvisoWilmot Proviso The Compromise of The Compromise of

18501850 Strengthened Strengthened

Fugitive Slave LawFugitive Slave Law Kansas-Nebraska ActKansas-Nebraska Act Popular SovereigntyPopular Sovereignty Bleeding KansasBleeding Kansas Dred Scott v. SanfordDred Scott v. Sanford

Many Southerners Many Southerners supported the Compromise supported the Compromise

of 1850 because it?of 1850 because it?1.1. Provided that cotton be substituted for Provided that cotton be substituted for

currency as a medium of exchange.currency as a medium of exchange.2.2. Made the number of free states and Made the number of free states and

slave states equal.slave states equal.3.3. Legalized slavery in all the newly Legalized slavery in all the newly

acquired territories. acquired territories. 4.4. Provided for the possible creation of five Provided for the possible creation of five

states out of Texas.states out of Texas.5.5. Provided for the return of fugitive slaves.Provided for the return of fugitive slaves.

In the In the Dred ScottDred Scott case, the case, the Supreme Court ruled that?Supreme Court ruled that?

1.1. Dred Scott was not a citizen of the United Dred Scott was not a citizen of the United States.States.

2.2. Dred Scott could not legally sue in a Dred Scott could not legally sue in a federal court.federal court.

3.3. The Missouri Compromise was The Missouri Compromise was unconstitutional.unconstitutional.

4.4. Congress had no power to ban slavery Congress had no power to ban slavery from a territory.from a territory.

5.5. All of these choices are correctAll of these choices are correct

The principle of ‘popular The principle of ‘popular sovereignty’ was…sovereignty’ was…

1.1. First conceived by Senator Stephen A. First conceived by Senator Stephen A. Douglas.Douglas.

2.2. Applied as part of the Missouri Compromise.Applied as part of the Missouri Compromise.

3.3. A central feature of the Kansas-Nebraska Act.A central feature of the Kansas-Nebraska Act.

4.4. A policy favored by the Whig Party during the A policy favored by the Whig Party during the late 1840s and early 1850s.late 1840s and early 1850s.

5.5. Successful in solving the impasse over the Successful in solving the impasse over the status of slavery in the territories.status of slavery in the territories.

The Outbreak of WarThe Outbreak of War

Election of 1860Election of 1860 Lincoln’s Inaugural AddressLincoln’s Inaugural Address Fort SumterFort Sumter Lincoln’s War PowersLincoln’s War Powers

Lincoln won the 1860 Lincoln won the 1860 Presidential Election primarily Presidential Election primarily

because…because…1.1. There was overwhelming support throughout the There was overwhelming support throughout the

country for the Republican’s anti-slavery platform.country for the Republican’s anti-slavery platform.2.2. He was seen as a moderate by both Northerners and He was seen as a moderate by both Northerners and

Southerners who could possibly negotiate a Southerners who could possibly negotiate a compromise between abolitionists and slaveholders.compromise between abolitionists and slaveholders.

3.3. He gathered overwhelming support in the highly He gathered overwhelming support in the highly populated Northern states while his three opponents populated Northern states while his three opponents divided the anti-Lincoln vote in the North, West, and divided the anti-Lincoln vote in the North, West, and

South.South.4.4. The Know-Nothing Party gave Lincoln its endorsement, The Know-Nothing Party gave Lincoln its endorsement,

and combined with Republican support, the two parties and combined with Republican support, the two parties were able to outpoll the politically isolated Democrats.were able to outpoll the politically isolated Democrats.

5.5. He was able to discredit his chief opponent, Stephen He was able to discredit his chief opponent, Stephen Douglas, as a “closet abolitionist.”Douglas, as a “closet abolitionist.”

http://teachpol.tcnj.edu/amer_pol_hist/fi/000000bd.htm

Advantages of Both the North Advantages of Both the North and the Southand the South

NorthNorth

TransportationTransportation Natural ResourcesNatural Resources IndustryIndustry CapitalCapital PopulationPopulation NavyNavy

SouthSouth

PridePride GeneralsGenerals Potential Cotton Potential Cotton

TradeTrade

United States: 1861United States: 1861

Important Points of the Civil Important Points of the Civil WarWar

Homefront: North and SouthHomefront: North and South Emancipation ProclamationEmancipation Proclamation Gettysburg AddressGettysburg Address Election of 1864Election of 1864

In issuing the Emancipation In issuing the Emancipation Proclamation, one of Lincoln’s Proclamation, one of Lincoln’s

goals was to…goals was to…1.1. Gain the active aid of Great Britain and France in Gain the active aid of Great Britain and France in

restoring the Union.restoring the Union.2.2. Stir up enthusiasm for the war in such border Stir up enthusiasm for the war in such border

states as Maryland and Kentucky.states as Maryland and Kentucky.3.3. Please the radicals in the North by abolishing Please the radicals in the North by abolishing

slavery in the areas of the South already under slavery in the areas of the South already under the control of Union armies.the control of Union armies.

4.4. Please Russia, one of the Union’s few overseas Please Russia, one of the Union’s few overseas friends, where the serfs had been emancipated friends, where the serfs had been emancipated

the previous year.the previous year.5.5. Keep Britain and France from intervening on the Keep Britain and France from intervening on the

side of the Confederacy.side of the Confederacy.

ReconstructionReconstruction

Lincoln’s PlanLincoln’s Plan Johnson’s PlanJohnson’s Plan Congressional ReconstructionCongressional Reconstruction Finalized ReconstructionFinalized Reconstruction Post-War Life in the SouthPost-War Life in the South

The sharecropping system in The sharecropping system in the South following the South following

Reconstruction had the effect Reconstruction had the effect of…of…1.1. Allowing many former slaves and poor white tenant Allowing many former slaves and poor white tenant

farmers, who could have never otherwise owned farmers, who could have never otherwise owned land, to buy their own farms.land, to buy their own farms.

2.2. Moving many former slaves and poor white tenant Moving many former slaves and poor white tenant farmers into the middle class.farmers into the middle class.

3.3. Pushing tenant farmers and poor independent Pushing tenant farmers and poor independent farmers into deep levels of debt to large farmers into deep levels of debt to large

landowners and merchants.landowners and merchants.4.4. Helping to limit the power of former plantation Helping to limit the power of former plantation

owners and Northern business interests.owners and Northern business interests.5.5. Changing the basic attitudes of whites and blacks Changing the basic attitudes of whites and blacks

who were now forced to work side by side farming who were now forced to work side by side farming the same land.the same land.

Which of the following Which of the following statements is true of Lincoln’s statements is true of Lincoln’s

Ten Percent Plan?Ten Percent Plan? It stipulated that at least ten percent of It stipulated that at least ten percent of

former slaves must be accorded the right to former slaves must be accorded the right to vote within a given Southern state before vote within a given Southern state before that state could be readmitted to the Union.that state could be readmitted to the Union.

It allowed the rights of citizenship only to It allowed the rights of citizenship only to those Southerners who could take an oath those Southerners who could take an oath that they had never been disloyal to the that they had never been disloyal to the Union.Union.

It allowed high-ranking rebel officials to It allowed high-ranking rebel officials to regain the right to vote and hold office by regain the right to vote and hold office by simply promising future behavior.simply promising future behavior.

It was silent on the issue of slavery.It was silent on the issue of slavery. It provided for the restoration of loyal It provided for the restoration of loyal

governments for the erstwhile governments for the erstwhile Confederate states now under Union Confederate states now under Union control.control.

The Gilded AgeThe Gilded Age

Westward ExpansionWestward Expansion Politics/CorruptionPolitics/Corruption

Industrialization/Economy/AgricultureIndustrialization/Economy/Agriculture ImmigrationImmigration

Social and Cultural DevelopmentsSocial and Cultural Developments Foreign RelationsForeign Relations

Westward ExpansionWestward Expansion

Frederick Jackson Turner’s Frontier Frederick Jackson Turner’s Frontier ThesisThesis

Homestead Act/ExodustersHomestead Act/Exodusters Transcontinental RailroadTranscontinental Railroad Cattle Industry/CowboysCattle Industry/Cowboys Issues with GeographyIssues with Geography Issues with Native AmericansIssues with Native Americans

Nebraska HomesteadersNebraska Homesteaders

Open-range ranching came Open-range ranching came to an end due to?to an end due to?

1.1. Overproduction of beef and declining Overproduction of beef and declining prices.prices.

2.2. Federal support for irrigated Federal support for irrigated agriculture.agriculture.

3.3. The range wars between cattlemen and The range wars between cattlemen and sheepherders.sheepherders.

4.4. Increase in cattle production in the Increase in cattle production in the Midwest and East.Midwest and East.

5.5. Fencing of the plains with barbed wire.Fencing of the plains with barbed wire.

The Homestead Act The Homestead Act provided?provided?

1.1. That Indians should henceforth own their lands That Indians should henceforth own their lands as individuals rather than collectively as tribes.as individuals rather than collectively as tribes.

2.2. 160 acres of free land within the public domain 160 acres of free land within the public domain to any head of household who would settle on it to any head of household who would settle on it

and improve it over a period of five years.and improve it over a period of five years.3.3. Large amounts of federal government land to Large amounts of federal government land to

Great Plains cattle ranchers who would contract Great Plains cattle ranchers who would contract to provide beef for the Union army.to provide beef for the Union army.

4.4. 40 acres of land to each former slave above the 40 acres of land to each former slave above the age of 21.age of 21.

5.5. That the land of former Confederates should not That the land of former Confederates should not be confiscated.be confiscated.

Politics and CorruptionPolitics and Corruption

Ulysses S. GrantUlysses S. Grant Rutherford B. Rutherford B.

HayesHayes James GarfieldJames Garfield Grover ClevelandGrover Cleveland

PoliticalPolitical

MachineMachine

Which of the following groups Which of the following groups would have been most likely would have been most likely to support Tammany Hall?to support Tammany Hall?

Industrial and Business LeadersIndustrial and Business Leaders Organized ReligionOrganized Religion

Poor Urban ImmigrantsPoor Urban Immigrants Middle-class shop ownersMiddle-class shop owners

Wealthy Rural LandownersWealthy Rural Landowners

Industrialization/Economy/Industrialization/Economy/AgricultureAgriculture

Social DarwinismSocial Darwinism Labor Unrest/Labor UnionsLabor Unrest/Labor Unions Big Business/Captains of IndustryBig Business/Captains of Industry Growth of PopulismGrowth of Populism Government InterventionsGovernment Interventions

Industrialization in AmericaIndustrialization in America

The only dominant, broad-The only dominant, broad-based labor union in the United based labor union in the United States from 1870-1890 was…States from 1870-1890 was…

1.1. National Labor UnionNational Labor Union

2.2. Industrial Workers of the World (IWW)Industrial Workers of the World (IWW)

3.3. American Federation of Labor (AF of L)American Federation of Labor (AF of L)

4.4. Congress of Industrial Organization Congress of Industrial Organization (CIO)(CIO)

5.5. Knights of LaborKnights of Labor

The first "big business" in America, at The first "big business" in America, at least in terms of finance, labor least in terms of finance, labor

relations, and management, was?relations, and management, was?

1.1. The oil refining industryThe oil refining industry

2.2. The telephone industryThe telephone industry

3.3. The movie industryThe movie industry

4.4. The steel industryThe steel industry

5.5. The railroad industryThe railroad industry

ImmigrationImmigration

Who? Why? Where?Who? Why? Where? Ellis Island/Angel IslandEllis Island/Angel Island Nativism/XenophobiaNativism/Xenophobia Development of Settlement HousesDevelopment of Settlement Houses

Immigrants coming to America from Immigrants coming to America from Eastern and Southern Europe during Eastern and Southern Europe during the late 19the late 19thth century were most likely century were most likely

to…to…1.1. Settle in large cities in the Northeast Settle in large cities in the Northeast

or Midwest.or Midwest.2.2. Settle on farms in the upper Midwest.Settle on farms in the upper Midwest.

3.3. Seek to file on homesteads on the Seek to file on homesteads on the Great Plains.Great Plains.

4.4. Migrate to the South and the Migrate to the South and the Southwest.Southwest.

5.5. Return to their homelands after only a Return to their homelands after only a brief stay in the U.S.brief stay in the U.S.

The United States did NOT restrict The United States did NOT restrict immigration during most of the immigration during most of the

19c for all of the following reasons 19c for all of the following reasons EXCEPT?EXCEPT?

1.1. There was a continuous demand for There was a continuous demand for cheap labor.cheap labor.

2.2. Population growth did not present serious Population growth did not present serious ecological problems then.ecological problems then.

3.3. Immigrants from China made excellent Immigrants from China made excellent workers in building railroads.workers in building railroads.

4.4. Many Europeans wanted to immigrate to Many Europeans wanted to immigrate to America.America.

5.5. An amendment to the Constitution was An amendment to the Constitution was necessary to enact such legislation.necessary to enact such legislation.

Social and Cultural Social and Cultural DevelopmentsDevelopments

UrbanizationUrbanization Changes for the BetterChanges for the Better

Social Gospel Social Gospel MovementMovement

Progress in EducationProgress in Education Emergence of Emergence of

African-American African-American LeadersLeaders

LiteratureLiterature

Newspapers/Newspapers/MagazinesMagazines

Literary/Artistic Literary/Artistic RealismRealism

Popular AmusementsPopular Amusements SportsSports Chicago’s World’s Chicago’s World’s

FairFair Emergence of Radio Emergence of Radio

and Filmand Film

Chicago’ Columbian Chicago’ Columbian ExpositionExposition

Which of the following was Which of the following was among the objectives of among the objectives of Booker T. Washington?Booker T. Washington?

1.1. To keep up a constant agitation of To keep up a constant agitation of questions of racial equality.questions of racial equality.

2.2. To encourage blacks to be more militant To encourage blacks to be more militant in demanding their rights.in demanding their rights.

3.3. To encourage blacks to work hard, To encourage blacks to work hard, acquire property, and prove they were acquire property, and prove they were

worthy of rights.worthy of rights.4.4. To urge blacks to accept separate but To urge blacks to accept separate but

equal facilities.equal facilities.5.5. To form an organization to advance the To form an organization to advance the

rights of blacks.rights of blacks.

The growth of most American The growth of most American cities in 1880 was determined cities in 1880 was determined

primarily by…primarily by…

1.1. Urban planning by Local OfficialsUrban planning by Local Officials

2.2. Public NeedsPublic Needs

3.3. Federal RegulationsFederal Regulations

4.4. British Models of Ideal Urban British Models of Ideal Urban Growth PatternsGrowth Patterns

5.5. Profit MotivesProfit Motives

Foreign RelationsForeign Relations

Movement from Isolationism to Movement from Isolationism to InterventionismInterventionism

Monroe DoctrineMonroe Doctrine Significant Involvement in the Western Significant Involvement in the Western

Hemisphere in the late 19Hemisphere in the late 19thth Century Century

By the end of the 19c, jingoism in By the end of the 19c, jingoism in the United States was encouraged the United States was encouraged

by all of the following EXCEPT?by all of the following EXCEPT?

1.1. European ImperialismEuropean Imperialism

2.2. Yellow JournalismYellow Journalism

3.3. International DarwinismInternational Darwinism

4.4. Naval views of Alfred Thayer MahanNaval views of Alfred Thayer Mahan

5.5. New ImmigrantsNew Immigrants