Apush Period 5 Review Challenge

APUSH Period 5 Review Challenge: Mastering the Gilded Age and Progressive Era (1865-1914)

This comprehensive guide tackles the challenges of mastering APUSH Period 5, covering the Gilded Age and the Progressive Era (1865-1914). This period, brimming with significant social, economic, and political transformations, often proves daunting for students. We'll break down the key concepts, significant figures, and crucial events, providing you with a robust framework for success on the APUSH exam. Understanding this period is crucial for a strong AP score, so let's dive in!

I. Introduction: Setting the Stage for Change

Period 5 of AP US History marks a pivotal era in American development. Following the Civil War and Reconstruction, the nation experienced rapid industrialization, urbanization, and immigration. This period, often referred to as the Gilded Age, is characterized by immense wealth accumulation alongside widespread poverty and social inequality. The latter half of the period witnesses the rise of Progressivism, a reform movement aiming to address these societal ills. Mastering this period requires understanding the interconnectedness of these seemingly disparate trends. Key themes include industrialization, urbanization, immigration, political corruption, labor movements, and the rise of progressive reform.

II. The Gilded Age: Industrialization and its Consequences (1865-1890s)

This era witnessed unprecedented industrial growth, fueled by technological advancements, abundant natural resources, and a burgeoning workforce. However, this growth came at a cost.

A. Rise of Industrial Titans:

• Robber Barons or Captains of Industry?: Analyze the roles of figures like Andrew Carnegie (steel), John D. Rockefeller (oil), J.P. Morgan (finance), and Cornelius Vanderbilt (railroads). Consider the arguments for and against their contributions to American society. Were they ruthless capitalists exploiting workers, or visionary entrepreneurs driving economic progress? The debate remains relevant today.
• Monopolies and Trusts: Understand how these titans built monopolies and trusts, suppressing competition and accumulating vast wealth. Explore the impact of these practices on consumers and smaller businesses. Examine government responses (or lack thereof) to these powerful entities.
• Laissez-faire Economics: This dominant economic philosophy emphasized minimal government intervention in the economy. Analyze its impact on the rise of industrial giants and the plight of workers.

B. Urbanization and Immigration:

• The Rise of Cities: Rapid industrialization led to massive population shifts from rural areas to cities. Analyze the challenges and opportunities presented by this rapid urbanization. Consider issues like overcrowding, sanitation, and crime.
• Immigration Patterns: Examine the waves of immigration from Europe and Asia during this period. Analyze the experiences of these immigrant groups, including their contributions to the economy and their struggles with assimilation and discrimination. Focus on the impact of nativism and anti-immigrant sentiment.
• Ethnic Enclaves: Explore the formation of ethnic enclaves in major cities, providing immigrants with a sense of community and support. Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of these communities.

C. Labor and the Rise of Unions:

• Working Conditions: Understand the harsh working conditions faced by factory workers, including long hours, low wages, and dangerous environments.
• Labor Unions: Examine the emergence of labor unions, such as the Knights of Labor and the American Federation of Labor (AFL). Analyze their strategies, successes, and failures in fighting for better working conditions and wages.
• Major Strikes: Study significant labor strikes, such as the Great Railroad Strike of 1877, the Haymarket Affair, and the Pullman Strike. Analyze the causes, consequences, and the government's response to these events. How did these strikes shape public opinion on labor issues?

D. Political Corruption:

• Political Machines: Understand the role of political machines, such as Tammany Hall, in controlling city governments. Analyze their methods, their impact on urban politics, and the reformers who sought to combat their influence.
• Patronage and the Spoils System: Examine the pervasive system of patronage (giving government jobs to political supporters), its impact on government efficiency, and the efforts to reform it through civil service reform.

III. The Progressive Era: Reform and Change (1890s-1914)

The Progressive Era saw a surge in reform movements aimed at addressing the problems created by rapid industrialization and urbanization.

A. Muckrakers and Public Awareness:

• Investigative Journalism: Understand the role of muckrakers, investigative journalists who exposed corruption and social ills. Discuss the impact of their work in raising public awareness and spurring reform. Consider the works of Ida Tarbell, Upton Sinclair, and Lincoln Steffens.
• The Jungle: Analyze Upton Sinclair's The Jungle and its impact on the passage of the Pure Food and Drug Act and the Meat Inspection Act.

B. Progressive Reforms:

• Political Reforms: Examine progressive political reforms, including the initiative, referendum, recall, and direct primary elections. Analyze their impact on increasing citizen participation in government.
• Women's Suffrage: Discuss the women's suffrage movement and its successes in achieving the right to vote for women. Analyze the strategies and tactics employed by suffragists, and the role of significant figures like Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton.
• Social Reforms: Examine social reforms aimed at improving working conditions, such as child labor laws and workplace safety regulations. Discuss the impact of these reforms on the lives of workers and children.
• Trust-busting: Analyze Theodore Roosevelt's efforts to break up monopolies and trusts, and the impact of these actions on the American economy.

C. Expansionism and Imperialism:

• Causes of American Imperialism: Explore the factors that led to American expansionism at the turn of the 20th century, including economic interests, strategic concerns, and a sense of national destiny.
• Spanish-American War: Analyze the causes and consequences of the Spanish-American War, and its impact on American foreign policy. Discuss the acquisition of territories like Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines.
• The Roosevelt Corollary: Understand the Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine and its impact on American relations with Latin America.

D. The Rise of Reform Presidents:

• Theodore Roosevelt: Analyze Roosevelt's "Square Deal" and his progressive initiatives.
• William Howard Taft: Compare and contrast Taft's presidency with Roosevelt's.
• Woodrow Wilson: Analyze Wilson's "New Freedom" and his progressive reforms. Consider his role in World War I.

IV. Key Figures to Remember:

This period is rich with influential figures. Beyond those already mentioned, consider the contributions of:

• Booker T. Washington: His philosophy on racial progress.
• W.E.B. Du Bois: His contrasting approach to racial equality.
• Jane Addams: Her role in the settlement house movement.
• Jacob Riis: His photographic exposé of urban poverty.

V. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

• What is the difference between the Gilded Age and the Progressive Era? The Gilded Age refers to the period of rapid industrialization and wealth accumulation characterized by significant social inequality. The Progressive Era was a response to the problems created by the Gilded Age, focusing on reform and addressing social and economic injustices.

• How did industrialization impact urbanization? Industrialization led to a massive influx of people into cities, creating overcrowded conditions and social problems.

• What were the major goals of the Progressive movement? Progressives aimed to address issues like political corruption, economic inequality, social injustice, and unsafe working conditions.

• What were the main causes of the Spanish-American War? The war was caused by a combination of factors, including American sympathy for Cuban rebels, the sinking of the USS Maine, and yellow journalism's sensationalized reporting.

• How did the Progressive Era impact American society? The Progressive Era led to significant reforms in areas such as political processes, working conditions, consumer protection, and social welfare. It laid the groundwork for future social and political movements.

VI. Conclusion: A Legacy of Change and Challenges

The Gilded Age and Progressive Era represent a critical turning point in American history. The period’s challenges—industrialization's consequences, rapid urbanization, immigration pressures, and political corruption—sparked progressive reforms that fundamentally altered American society. Understanding the interplay of these events, the key figures involved, and the lasting legacy of this era is essential for succeeding in your APUSH exam. By thoroughly reviewing these concepts and their interconnectedness, you'll be well-equipped to analyze primary and secondary sources, and effectively answer essay questions. Remember, mastering this period is about understanding not just the what but also the why and the how. Good luck with your studies! Remember to actively engage with primary sources, practice analyzing historical documents, and work through practice essays to fully solidify your understanding of this complex but fascinating era.