Apush Unit 6 Review Quizlet

APUSH Unit 6 Review: A Comprehensive Guide to Mastering the Gilded Age and Progressive Era

Are you struggling to conquer AP US History Unit 6? This comprehensive review covers the Gilded Age and Progressive Era, equipping you with the knowledge and strategies needed to ace your exams. We'll delve into key events, figures, and themes, providing context and analysis to help you truly understand this pivotal period in American history. Forget rote memorization – let's build a solid understanding that will stick with you long after the test. This guide will cover everything from the rise of industrialism and its consequences to the progressive movements that sought to reform society.

Introduction: Setting the Stage for the Gilded Age and Progressive Era

Unit 6 of AP US History focuses on the period from Reconstruction's end to the eve of World War I. This era, often referred to as the Gilded Age, witnessed unprecedented industrial growth, urbanization, and immigration. The glittering surface of prosperity, however, masked deep social and economic inequalities. This disparity fueled the Progressive Era, a period of reform aimed at addressing these issues and modernizing American society. Understanding the complexities of both the Gilded Age and the Progressive Era is crucial for success in this unit. This guide will break down the key concepts and events, providing a clear and concise review that builds upon your existing knowledge. We will explore key themes such as industrialization, immigration, urbanization, political corruption, and the rise of progressivism.

Key Concepts and Themes of the Gilded Age (1877-1900)

The Gilded Age was characterized by rapid industrialization, fueled by technological advancements and abundant natural resources. This led to the rise of powerful industrialists, often referred to as "robber barons" or "captains of industry," such as:

• Andrew Carnegie (Steel): Embodied the "rags-to-riches" narrative, Carnegie championed vertical integration, controlling all aspects of steel production from mining to manufacturing. He later became a prominent philanthropist, donating vast sums to libraries and educational institutions. His Gospel of Wealth advocated for the responsible use of wealth by the wealthy.

• John D. Rockefeller (Oil): Master of horizontal integration, Rockefeller's Standard Oil Company controlled almost the entire oil industry through mergers and acquisitions. His business practices, while highly effective, were often criticized as monopolistic and ruthless.

• J.P. Morgan (Finance): A powerful financier, Morgan played a crucial role in consolidating industries and rescuing failing businesses. He exemplified the power of finance capital in shaping the American economy.

This rapid industrial growth also led to several significant consequences:

• Urbanization: Millions migrated from rural areas to cities in search of work, leading to overcrowded tenements, poor sanitation, and high crime rates. Cities like New York, Chicago, and Philadelphia experienced explosive population growth.

• Immigration: Massive waves of immigrants, primarily from Southern and Eastern Europe, arrived in the US, seeking economic opportunities. This influx led to both cultural enrichment and social tensions, often resulting in discrimination and xenophobia. Nativism, the belief that native-born Americans are superior to immigrants, fueled anti-immigrant sentiment.

• Labor Movements: Working conditions in factories were often harsh and dangerous, leading to the rise of labor unions such as the Knights of Labor and the American Federation of Labor (AFL). These organizations fought for better wages, shorter hours, and improved working conditions, often engaging in strikes and boycotts. Significant labor disputes like the Haymarket Riot and the Pullman Strike highlighted the tensions between labor and capital.

• Political Corruption: The Gilded Age was marked by widespread political corruption, with powerful political machines controlling city governments and engaging in bribery and graft. Boss Tweed and Tammany Hall in New York City are prime examples of this political corruption.

• The Rise of Populism: The Populist Party emerged as a voice for farmers and laborers, advocating for government regulation of railroads, free silver, and other reforms to address economic inequality. While ultimately unsuccessful in achieving its primary goals, the Populist movement laid the groundwork for future progressive reforms.

Key Concepts and Themes of the Progressive Era (1900-1920)

The Progressive Era represented a reaction to the excesses of the Gilded Age. Progressives sought to reform society through government regulation, social activism, and political change. Key aspects of this era include:

• Muckrakers: Journalists and writers who exposed social ills and corruption, such as Upton Sinclair's The Jungle, which exposed the unsanitary conditions in the meatpacking industry. These writers played a crucial role in raising public awareness and galvanizing support for reform.

• Progressive Reforms at the Local and State Levels: Many reforms were initiated at the city and state levels, including initiatives focused on improving public health, sanitation, and education. This included things like the establishment of city planning commissions and public health initiatives to combat disease.

• Progressive Reforms at the National Level: President Theodore Roosevelt played a key role in advancing the progressive agenda at the national level, advocating for trust-busting (breaking up monopolies), conservation, and consumer protection. Woodrow Wilson continued these efforts with his "New Freedom" program, focusing on antitrust legislation and banking reform.

• Women's Suffrage Movement: The movement for women's right to vote gained significant momentum during this period, culminating in the passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920. Suffragists like Susan B. Anthony and Alice Paul played instrumental roles in this fight.

• Social Gospel Movement: This movement emphasized applying Christian principles to social problems, advocating for social justice and reform. This ideology inspired many progressive reformers to address issues of poverty and inequality.

Key Legislation and Amendments of the Progressive Era:

• Sherman Antitrust Act (1890): Aimed at breaking up monopolies and promoting competition.

• Meat Inspection Act (1906) and Pure Food and Drug Act (1906): Addressed concerns about food safety and the quality of consumer goods raised by muckrakers.

• 16th Amendment (1913): Authorized the federal income tax.

• 17th Amendment (1913): Provided for the direct election of senators.

• 18th Amendment (1919): Prohibition of alcohol.

• 19th Amendment (1920): Granted women the right to vote.

Important Figures to Remember:

Beyond the industrialists already mentioned, several other individuals played crucial roles in shaping the Gilded Age and Progressive Era. These include:

• Booker T. Washington: Promoted vocational education for African Americans.

• W.E.B. Du Bois: Advocated for equal rights and higher education for African Americans.

• Jane Addams: A prominent social reformer and founder of Hull House, a settlement house in Chicago that provided services to the poor.

• Ida B. Wells-Barnett: A prominent anti-lynching activist and journalist.

Preparing for the APUSH Unit 6 Exam: Strategies and Tips

To effectively prepare for the APUSH Unit 6 exam, consider the following strategies:

• Active Recall: Test yourself regularly using flashcards, practice questions, and outlines. Don't just passively reread your notes; actively retrieve the information from memory.

• Practice Essays: Write practice essays on key themes and events. This will help you organize your thoughts and articulate your understanding of the material.

• Connect the Dots: Pay attention to the connections between different events and themes. How did industrialization lead to urbanization? How did urbanization contribute to the rise of progressivism?

• Analyze Primary Sources: Familiarize yourself with primary source documents, such as letters, speeches, and photographs from this period. This will help you develop a deeper understanding of the historical context and perspectives.

• Utilize Review Materials: Use supplementary resources such as textbooks, online resources (like Quizlet), and practice exams to reinforce your understanding.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What is the difference between the Gilded Age and the Progressive Era? The Gilded Age was a period of rapid industrialization and economic growth, but also of significant social and economic inequality. The Progressive Era was a response to these inequalities, aiming to reform society through government regulation, social activism, and political change.

• Who were the muckrakers, and what was their impact? Muckrakers were journalists and writers who exposed social ills and corruption. Their investigative reporting played a crucial role in raising public awareness and galvanizing support for reform.

• What were the main goals of the Progressive movement? The main goals of the Progressive movement included addressing issues of economic inequality, political corruption, and social injustice. They sought to improve working conditions, protect consumers and the environment, and expand democratic participation.

• How did immigration affect the Gilded Age and Progressive Era? Massive waves of immigration contributed to urbanization, the growth of industry, and the rise of labor movements. It also fueled nativism and anti-immigrant sentiment.

• What was the significance of the 19th Amendment? The 19th Amendment granted women the right to vote, representing a significant victory for the women's suffrage movement.

Conclusion: Mastering APUSH Unit 6

Mastering APUSH Unit 6 requires a deep understanding of the complex interplay between industrialization, urbanization, immigration, and progressive reform. By focusing on key concepts, events, and figures, and by utilizing effective study strategies, you can confidently approach the exam. Remember to actively engage with the material, analyze primary sources, and practice writing essays to solidify your knowledge. Good luck with your studies! You've got this!