Apes Unit 7 Study Guide

Apes Unit 7 Study Guide: Mastering the Gilded Age and Progressive Era

This comprehensive study guide covers the key concepts, events, and figures of AP US History Unit 7, focusing on the Gilded Age and the Progressive Era (roughly 1870-1920). Understanding this period is crucial for success on the AP exam, as it highlights significant transformations in American society, economics, and politics. This guide will equip you with the knowledge and strategies needed to confidently tackle any questions related to this era.

I. The Gilded Age (1870s-1900s): A Time of Extremes

The Gilded Age, a term coined by Mark Twain, refers to the period following Reconstruction characterized by rapid economic growth, industrialization, and immense social inequality. The glittering facade of wealth masked significant problems such as widespread poverty, corruption, and labor exploitation.

A. Industrialization and its Impact:

• Robber Barons/Captains of Industry: This period saw the rise of powerful industrialists like Andrew Carnegie (steel), John D. Rockefeller (oil), J.P. Morgan (finance), and Cornelius Vanderbilt (railroads). Debate continues about whether their actions were beneficial ("Captains of Industry") or harmful ("Robber Barons") to society. Consider the impact of their business practices (e.g., monopolies, trusts, vertical/horizontal integration) on economic growth, competition, and worker conditions.
• Technological Advancements: Technological innovations, such as the Bessemer process (steel production), the telephone, and the electricity, revolutionized industries and daily life. Analyze the consequences of these advancements on urbanization, factory production, and communication.
• Urbanization: Rapid industrialization led to massive population shifts from rural areas to cities. Discuss the challenges of urbanization, including overcrowding, sanitation issues, poverty, and the rise of tenements. Consider the social and political implications of this rapid urban growth.
• Immigration: Large-scale immigration from Europe and Asia dramatically altered the demographic landscape of the United States. Analyze the push and pull factors driving immigration, the experiences of immigrant groups (e.g., Chinese Exclusion Act, nativism), and their contributions to American society.

B. Labor and the Rise of Organized Labor:

• Working Conditions: Factory work was often dangerous, low-paying, and exploitative. Long hours, child labor, and unsafe working conditions were commonplace. Describe the hardships faced by workers and the growing discontent that fueled labor movements.
• Labor Unions: Workers organized into unions, such as the Knights of Labor and the American Federation of Labor (AFL), to fight for better wages, shorter hours, and improved working conditions. Compare and contrast the strategies and goals of these different unions. Understand the significance of events like the Haymarket Riot and the Pullman Strike. Analyze the impact of these strikes on the labor movement and public perception of unions.
• Government Response to Labor: The government's response to labor unrest was often repressive, with authorities frequently siding with management. Analyze the role of government in shaping labor relations during this period.

C. Political Corruption and Reform:

• Political Machines: Powerful political machines, like Tammany Hall in New York City, controlled city governments through patronage and corruption. Describe the structure and operation of these machines and their impact on city politics.
• Government Regulation: The government's role in regulating business was limited during the early Gilded Age, leading to the growth of monopolies and trusts. Analyze the lack of regulation and the eventual rise of calls for reform.
• Progressive Movement Beginnings: Toward the end of the Gilded Age, calls for political and social reform began to emerge. Discuss the growing awareness of social problems and the early seeds of the Progressive movement.

II. The Progressive Era (1900-1920): Reform and Change

The Progressive Era saw a wave of reforms aimed at addressing the problems created by rapid industrialization and urbanization. This era witnessed significant changes in government, business, and society.

A. Progressive Reform Movements:

• Muckrakers: Journalists and writers, known as muckrakers, exposed corruption and social injustices, raising public awareness and fueling support for reform. Identify key muckrakers and their contributions (e.g., Upton Sinclair's The Jungle).
• Political Reforms: Progressives advocated for various political reforms, including initiative, referendum, recall, and the direct election of senators. Explain the purpose of these reforms and their impact on American democracy.
• Social Reforms: Progressive reformers tackled social problems such as child labor, poverty, and public health. Discuss the efforts to improve working conditions, establish social welfare programs, and promote public health initiatives. Analyze the role of women in the Progressive movement.

B. Trust-Busting and Government Regulation:

• Antitrust Legislation: The government began to take action against monopolies and trusts through legislation such as the Sherman Antitrust Act and the Clayton Antitrust Act. Analyze the effectiveness of these acts in curbing corporate power.
• Regulation of Businesses: The government also implemented regulations in other areas, such as food safety (Pure Food and Drug Act) and railroad rates (Interstate Commerce Commission). Assess the impact of these regulations on business practices and consumer protection.

C. Women's Suffrage and the 19th Amendment:

• Women's Suffrage Movement: The fight for women's suffrage gained momentum during the Progressive Era, culminating in the ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920. Analyze the strategies and tactics employed by suffragists, such as Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and the significance of this achievement.

D. Theodore Roosevelt's Presidency:

• Square Deal: President Theodore Roosevelt's "Square Deal" aimed to balance the interests of labor, capital, and the public. Explain Roosevelt's approach to trust-busting, conservation, and consumer protection. Analyze his impact on the Progressive movement.

E. Woodrow Wilson's Presidency:

• New Freedom: President Woodrow Wilson's "New Freedom" program focused on reforming the banking system, lowering tariffs, and strengthening antitrust laws. Contrast Wilson's approach to Progressivism with that of Roosevelt. Analyze the impact of his administration on the economy and society.

III. Key Figures and Their Contributions:

• Andrew Carnegie: Steel magnate, philanthropist, and proponent of laissez-faire economics. Consider his views on wealth and his contributions to libraries and education.
• John D. Rockefeller: Oil tycoon who built Standard Oil into a massive monopoly. Analyze his business practices and their impact on the economy.
• J.P. Morgan: Financier who played a significant role in the consolidation of industries. Consider his role in stabilizing the economy and his influence on American business.
• Cornelius Vanderbilt: Railroad tycoon who built a vast transportation empire. Analyze his contributions to the development of railroads and their impact on the economy.
• Jane Addams: Social reformer and founder of Hull House, a settlement house that provided social services to the poor. Analyze her contributions to social reform and the settlement house movement.
• Upton Sinclair: Muckraker whose novel The Jungle exposed the unsanitary conditions in the meatpacking industry. Analyze the impact of his work on food safety regulations.
• Ida Tarbell: Muckraker who exposed the monopolistic practices of Standard Oil. Analyze her impact on public awareness of corporate power.
• Theodore Roosevelt: Progressive president known for his trust-busting and conservation efforts. Analyze his impact on the Progressive movement and American politics.
• Woodrow Wilson: Progressive president who implemented significant reforms in banking, tariffs, and antitrust legislation. Analyze his approach to Progressivism and its impact on the economy and society.
• Susan B. Anthony: Leader of the women's suffrage movement. Analyze her contributions to the fight for women's voting rights.
• Elizabeth Cady Stanton: Leader of the women's suffrage movement and advocate for women's rights. Analyze her contributions to the fight for women's equality.

IV. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

• What is the difference between the Gilded Age and the Progressive Era? The Gilded Age is characterized by rapid industrialization, immense wealth inequality, and widespread corruption. The Progressive Era represents a reaction to these problems, with reformers striving for social and political change through various reform movements.

• What were the major causes of industrial growth during the Gilded Age? Technological innovations, abundant natural resources, a growing population, and government policies (or lack thereof) all contributed to the rapid expansion of industry.

• How did industrialization impact urbanization? Industrialization drew people from rural areas to cities in search of work, leading to overcrowding, inadequate sanitation, and social problems.

• What were the major goals of the Progressive movement? The Progressive movement sought to address social and political problems caused by industrialization and urbanization, aiming for improved working conditions, government regulation of businesses, and social welfare programs.

• How did the government respond to labor unrest during the Gilded Age and Progressive Era? The government's response varied, often siding with management during the Gilded Age and becoming increasingly involved in mediating labor disputes and passing legislation protecting workers' rights during the Progressive Era.

• What was the significance of muckrakers? Muckrakers played a crucial role in exposing social ills and corruption, raising public awareness and fueling the demand for reforms.

• What were the major achievements of the women's suffrage movement? The movement culminated in the ratification of the 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote.

• How did the presidencies of Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson contribute to the Progressive Era? Both presidents implemented significant reforms aimed at addressing economic and social problems, although their approaches differed somewhat.

V. Conclusion:

The Gilded Age and Progressive Era represent a pivotal period in American history, marked by dramatic economic growth, social change, and intense political debate. Understanding the key events, figures, and movements of this era is essential for a comprehensive grasp of American history and its continuing evolution. By mastering the concepts outlined in this study guide, you'll be well-prepared to succeed on the AP US History exam and gain a deeper appreciation for this transformative period. Remember to utilize primary source documents, practice essay writing, and engage in active recall techniques to solidify your understanding of this complex yet fascinating period. Good luck with your studies!