Unit 7 Progress Check Apush

Conquering the APUSH Unit 7 Progress Check: A Comprehensive Guide

The AP US History Unit 7 Progress Check covers the period from 1890 to 1945, a pivotal era marked by significant transformations in American society, politics, and foreign policy. This period witnessed the rise of the United States as a global power, grappling with industrialization, progressive reforms, World War I, the Roaring Twenties, the Great Depression, and finally, World War II. Successfully navigating the Unit 7 Progress Check requires a thorough understanding of these complex events and their interconnectedness. This comprehensive guide will help you master the key concepts and prepare you for success.

Introduction: Setting the Stage for Unit 7

Unit 7 of AP US History delves into the period of American exceptionalism and its global impact. It begins with the nation's growing industrial and economic power in the late 19th century and concludes with the aftermath of World War II, shaping the world we know today. Understanding this period requires analyzing the interplay of social, political, and economic forces that profoundly reshaped American identity and its role on the world stage. This guide will equip you with the necessary knowledge to understand the nuances of this crucial historical period. We'll explore key events, significant figures, and the long-term consequences of the choices made during this transformative era. We will also provide effective strategies for approaching the Progress Check itself.

Key Themes and Concepts of Unit 7

Several recurring themes and concepts define Unit 7:

• Progressive Era Reforms: Understanding the rise of progressive movements, their goals (trust-busting, women's suffrage, conservation), and their limitations is crucial. Analyze the impact of figures like Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, and their policies on American society.

• Imperialism and Expansionism: Examine the reasons behind US expansionism, including the Spanish-American War, the acquisition of territories like Puerto Rico and the Philippines, and the debate over imperialism. Analyze the arguments for and against this expansion.

• World War I and its Aftermath: Understand the causes of WWI, America's entry into the war, and its consequences, including the Treaty of Versailles and the rise of isolationism. Consider the impact of the war on the home front and the changing social landscape.

• The Roaring Twenties: Analyze the economic boom, cultural changes (Jazz Age, flappers, Prohibition), and social tensions of the 1920s. Examine the rise of consumerism and its impact on American society.

• The Great Depression: Understand the causes of the Great Depression, its impact on various segments of American society, and the government's response under Herbert Hoover and Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal. Evaluate the effectiveness of New Deal programs.

• World War II and its Global Impact: Analyze the causes of WWII, America's involvement (Pearl Harbor), the home front, and the war's impact on the global political order. Examine the role of key figures like FDR and the Allied victory.

• The Rise of the United States as a Global Power: Analyze how the United States emerged from WWII as a superpower, its role in shaping the post-war world (UN, Bretton Woods), and the beginning of the Cold War.

Key Figures to Study:

Thorough understanding of these individuals and their contributions is essential:

• Theodore Roosevelt: His role in the Progressive movement, trust-busting, and foreign policy.
• Woodrow Wilson: His policies, including the New Freedom and his role in WWI and the Treaty of Versailles.
• William Howard Taft: His presidency and its relationship to the Progressive movement.
• Franklin D. Roosevelt: His response to the Great Depression (the New Deal), his leadership during WWII, and his impact on American society.
• Herbert Hoover: His handling of the Great Depression and its consequences.
• Warren G. Harding: His administration and the return to normalcy.
• Calvin Coolidge: His laissez-faire approach to the economy.
• General John J. Pershing: His role in WWI.
• Douglas MacArthur: His role in the Pacific Theater of WWII.
• Dwight D. Eisenhower: His role in WWII and his post-war significance.

Analyzing Primary Sources:

The APUSH exam emphasizes the ability to analyze primary sources. Practice interpreting various primary source types, including:

• Political cartoons: Analyze the symbolism and message conveyed.
• Photographs: Consider the context and the story they tell.
• Speeches: Identify the speaker's purpose, tone, and audience.
• Letters and diaries: Understand the personal perspectives and experiences.
• Government documents: Analyze the policy implications and intended audience.

Developing Strong Essay Responses:

The Progress Check may involve essay questions that require you to synthesize information and construct well-supported arguments. Here's a suggested approach:

1. Carefully read the prompt: Understand the specific task and requirements.
2. Develop a thesis statement: This is your central argument and should clearly answer the prompt.
3. Create an outline: Organize your supporting evidence logically.
4. Use specific evidence: Cite historical facts, figures, and events to support your claims.
5. Analyze the evidence: Explain the significance of your evidence and its connection to your thesis.
6. Write clear and concise sentences: Avoid jargon and ensure your writing is easy to understand.
7. Proofread your work: Check for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.

Preparing for Specific Question Types:

The APUSH Progress Check often includes various question types, including:

• Multiple-choice questions: These test your factual knowledge and understanding of key concepts. Review your notes and textbook thoroughly.
• Short-answer questions: These require concise and well-supported answers. Practice writing short, focused responses.
• Essay questions: These require more in-depth analysis and synthesis. Use the essay-writing guidelines above.

Focusing on Specific Events and their Significance:

• The Spanish-American War (1898): Understand its causes, key figures (T. Roosevelt), its impact on American foreign policy, and the acquisition of overseas territories.

• Progressive Era Reforms (1890s-1920s): Analyze the goals and achievements of the Progressive movement, focusing on key figures (Roosevelt, Wilson), trust-busting, women's suffrage, and conservation efforts.

• World War I (1914-1918): Understand the causes, America's entry, the war's impact on the home front, and the Treaty of Versailles.

• The Roaring Twenties (1920s): Analyze the economic boom, cultural changes (Jazz Age, flappers, Prohibition), and social tensions.

• The Great Depression (1929-1939): Understand its causes, its impact on American society, and the government's response under Hoover and Roosevelt (the New Deal). Evaluate the effectiveness of New Deal programs.

• World War II (1939-1945): Analyze the causes, America's involvement (Pearl Harbor), the home front, and the war's global impact. Examine the role of key figures like FDR and the Allied victory.

• The Atomic Bomb: Understand the development and use of the atomic bomb, the ethical debates surrounding it, and its long-term consequences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

• What is the best way to study for the APUSH Unit 7 Progress Check? Create a study schedule, review your notes and textbook thoroughly, practice analyzing primary sources, and work through practice questions.

• How much weight does Unit 7 carry in the overall APUSH exam? The weight of each unit in the APUSH exam varies from year to year, but Unit 7 is a significant portion of the overall course. A strong understanding of this period is crucial.

• What types of questions can I expect on the Progress Check? Expect a mix of multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, and essay questions.

• Are there any specific resources I should use? Your textbook, class notes, and online resources (with caution, ensuring reliability) are all helpful.

• How can I improve my essay-writing skills? Practice writing essays on historical topics, focusing on clear thesis statements, supporting evidence, and analysis. Get feedback from your teacher or peers.

Conclusion: Mastering Unit 7 and Beyond

The APUSH Unit 7 Progress Check is a significant milestone in your AP US History journey. By thoroughly understanding the key themes, figures, and events discussed in this guide, and by consistently practicing with various question types, you can confidently approach the Progress Check and achieve a successful outcome. Remember, historical understanding isn't just about memorizing dates and names; it's about analyzing cause and effect, interpreting evidence, and constructing compelling arguments. By honing these skills, you will not only succeed on the Progress Check but also develop a deeper appreciation for this transformative period in American history. Good luck!