Apush Period 7 Review Challenge

APUSH Period 7 Review Challenge: Mastering the Gilded Age and Progressive Era (1890-1945)

This comprehensive review will tackle the complexities of APUSH Period 7, encompassing the Gilded Age, the Progressive Era, and the lead-up to World War II. This period is crucial for understanding the development of modern America, marked by immense industrial growth, social reform movements, and the rise of American global power. This challenge is designed to help you solidify your understanding of key concepts, figures, and events, ultimately boosting your score on the APUSH exam.

Introduction: Setting the Stage for Change (1890-1900)

The late 19th century witnessed the rise of industrial capitalism on an unprecedented scale. Think of titans of industry like Andrew Carnegie (steel), John D. Rockefeller (oil), and J.P. Morgan (finance). Their wealth, amassed through ruthless business practices, fueled debates about laissez-faire economics, monopolies, and the growing gap between the rich and the poor. This era, often dubbed the "Gilded Age," presented a facade of prosperity masking deep social and economic inequalities.

Key Concepts to Master:

• Industrialization: Technological innovations, mass production, and the rise of corporations.
• Robber Barons vs. Captains of Industry: The debate surrounding the ethics and impact of industrial leaders.
• Laissez-faire economics: Minimal government intervention in the economy.
• Social Darwinism: The application of Darwin's theory of evolution to justify social inequalities.
• The rise of labor unions: Organizations like the Knights of Labor and the American Federation of Labor fought for workers' rights.
• Immigration: Massive waves of immigration, primarily from Southern and Eastern Europe, led to significant social and cultural changes. Consider the impact of nativism and anti-immigrant sentiment.

The Progressive Era: Reform and Reaction (1900-1917)

The Progressive Era (roughly 1900-1917) saw a surge of reform movements aimed at addressing the social and economic problems created by rapid industrialization. Progressives, a diverse group of reformers, sought to use government power to improve society. This era witnessed significant changes in the political landscape, economic regulation, and social justice.

Key Figures and Movements:

• Theodore Roosevelt: A prominent Progressive president who championed trust-busting, conservation, and consumer protection. Remember the Square Deal.
• Woodrow Wilson: Another Progressive president known for his "New Freedom" program, which included reforms in banking and tariffs.
• Muckrakers: Investigative journalists who exposed corruption and social ills (e.g., Upton Sinclair's The Jungle).
• Women's suffrage: The movement to secure voting rights for women, culminating in the 19th Amendment.
• Temperance movement: The campaign to prohibit the sale and consumption of alcohol, leading to Prohibition.
• Social Gospel movement: A religious movement that sought to apply Christian principles to social problems.
• Settlement houses: Community centers that provided social services to the poor (e.g., Jane Addams' Hull House).

Expanding American Influence: Imperialism and Foreign Policy (1890-1917)

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw a significant shift in American foreign policy, transitioning from isolationism to interventionism and imperialism. The Spanish-American War (1898) marked a pivotal moment, propelling the U.S. onto the world stage.

Key Events and Concepts:

• Spanish-American War: A brief but impactful war that resulted in the acquisition of territories like Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines.
• Imperialism: The policy of extending a nation's power and influence through diplomacy or military force.
• Open Door Policy: A policy proposed by the US to ensure equal access to trade in China.
• Roosevelt Corollary: An addition to the Monroe Doctrine asserting the right of the U.S. to intervene in Latin American affairs.
• Panama Canal: A crucial engineering feat that significantly shortened shipping routes.

World War I and its Aftermath (1917-1920)

The United States' entry into World War I in 1917 dramatically altered the course of the conflict and American society. The war effort spurred industrial growth, but also led to significant social and political changes.

Key Aspects to Consider:

• Causes of WWI: Understand the complex web of alliances, nationalism, and imperialism that led to the war.
• American neutrality: The initial efforts to remain neutral before entering the war.
• Wilson's Fourteen Points: Wilson's plan for post-war peace and international cooperation.
• Treaty of Versailles: The peace treaty that officially ended WWI, but also sowed the seeds of future conflict.
• League of Nations: An international organization created to promote peace and cooperation, ultimately rejected by the U.S. Senate.

The Roaring Twenties and the Great Depression (1920-1940)

The 1920s, often called the "Roaring Twenties," were a period of economic prosperity, social change, and cultural transformation. However, this prosperity masked underlying economic weaknesses that culminated in the devastating Great Depression.

Key Themes and Events:

• Economic prosperity: The boom years of the 1920s, driven by industrial growth and consumer spending.
• Cultural changes: The rise of jazz music, flappers, and a more liberal social atmosphere.
• Prohibition: The failed attempt to ban alcohol, leading to organized crime and widespread lawlessness.
• The Great Depression: The severe economic downturn that began in 1929, leading to widespread unemployment and poverty.
• The New Deal: President Franklin D. Roosevelt's program of economic and social reforms aimed at alleviating the effects of the Great Depression. Understand the different programs within the New Deal, such as the CCC, WPA, and Social Security.

The Road to World War II (1930-1941)

The 1930s witnessed the rise of aggressive totalitarian regimes in Europe and Asia, leading to increasing international tensions. American policy initially focused on isolationism, but the growing threat of war eventually forced the U.S. to take a more active role.

Key Developments:

• Rise of fascism and Nazism: Understand the ideologies and actions of these totalitarian regimes.
• Appeasement: The policy of giving concessions to aggressive nations in an attempt to avoid war.
• Neutrality Acts: Legislation aimed at keeping the U.S. out of foreign conflicts.
• Lend-Lease Act: A program providing aid to Allied nations before American entry into the war.
• Pearl Harbor: The surprise attack that led to the U.S. declaration of war on Japan and subsequently Germany and Italy.

Conclusion: Synthesizing the Period

APUSH Period 7 presents a complex and multifaceted narrative of American history. Mastering this period requires understanding not just the individual events but also the interconnectedness of various themes, such as industrialization, immigration, reform movements, imperialism, and the global conflicts of the 20th century. By focusing on the key concepts, figures, and events outlined in this review, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle the challenges of the APUSH exam and gain a deeper appreciation for this transformative period in American history.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

• What is the most important theme of Period 7? While several themes are important, the transformation of the United States from a largely agrarian society to a global industrial and economic power is arguably the most significant overarching theme. The social and political consequences of this transformation are interwoven throughout the period.

• How do I connect the Gilded Age to the Progressive Era? The Gilded Age's unchecked industrialization and social inequalities directly fueled the reform movements of the Progressive Era. Progressives sought to address the problems created by rapid industrial growth, such as monopolies, poverty, and worker exploitation.

• What's the significance of the New Deal? The New Deal fundamentally reshaped the relationship between the American government and its citizens. It expanded the role of the federal government in providing social welfare and economic regulation, creating a lasting legacy in American politics and society. It also fundamentally changed the relationship between the federal government and the states.

• How can I improve my essay writing for Period 7? Focus on developing clear thesis statements, providing specific evidence to support your claims, and analyzing the historical significance of events. Practice writing essays using the provided framework for the DBQ and LEQ questions to ensure that you develop well-structured and effective arguments.

• Are there any specific primary sources I should focus on? Primary sources can significantly strengthen your understanding and essay writing. Consider exploring excerpts from muckrakers like Upton Sinclair, speeches by Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson, and documents related to the New Deal programs.

This detailed review should provide a strong foundation for your APUSH Period 7 studies. Remember that consistent review, practice with past exams, and active engagement with the material are key to success. Good luck with your studies!