Apes Unit 7 Study Guide

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

This comprehensive study guide covers Unit 7 of the AP US History curriculum, focusing on the Gilded Age (roughly 1870-1900) and the Progressive Era (roughly 1890-1920). We'll explore the key themes, major players, and significant events that shaped this pivotal period in American history, providing you with the knowledge and understanding needed to excel on the AP exam. This guide aims to help you not just memorize facts, but also analyze the complex social, economic, and political transformations of the era.

I. The Gilded Age: A Time of Extremes

The Gilded Age, a term coined by Mark Twain, aptly describes the period's paradoxical nature. While the nation experienced unprecedented economic growth fueled by industrialization and westward expansion, this prosperity was unevenly distributed, creating stark inequalities and social unrest.

A. Industrialization and its Impacts:

• Technological Advancements: The era witnessed revolutionary inventions like the Bessemer process (steel production), the telephone, and the light bulb, transforming industries and daily life. These innovations spurred rapid industrial growth and the rise of powerful industrialists, often referred to as "robber barons" or "captains of industry," depending on one's perspective.

• Big Business and Monopolies: The rise of corporations and trusts led to the formation of monopolies and oligopolies, controlling vast sectors of the economy. Figures like John D. Rockefeller (Standard Oil), Andrew Carnegie (steel), and J.P. Morgan (finance) wielded immense power and wealth, shaping the economic landscape. Understand the strategies they employed, such as horizontal and vertical integration, and the debates surrounding their business practices.

• Labor and the Rise of Unions: The rapid industrial growth created a massive working class, often facing harsh working conditions, long hours, and low wages. This led to the growth of labor unions, such as the Knights of Labor and the American Federation of Labor (AFL), fighting for better wages, shorter hours, and safer working conditions. Study key events like the Great Railroad Strike of 1877, the Haymarket Riot, and the Pullman Strike, analyzing their causes, consequences, and impact on the labor movement.

• Immigration and Urbanization: Massive immigration from Europe and Asia fueled rapid urbanization, leading to overcrowded cities with inadequate sanitation, housing, and social services. Analyze the challenges faced by immigrants and the rise of ethnic enclaves. Consider the impact of urbanization on social structures and political life.

B. Political and Social Developments:

• Political Machines: Corruption was rampant in city politics, with powerful political machines controlling elections and dispensing patronage. Tammany Hall in New York City serves as a prime example. Understand the workings of these machines and their impact on urban governance.

• Laissez-faire Economics: The government generally followed a policy of laissez-faire economics, minimal government intervention in the economy. Analyze the consequences of this approach, both positive and negative, considering its impact on economic inequality and social problems.

• Social Darwinism: This controversial ideology applied Darwin's theory of natural selection to society, justifying social inequality and the concentration of wealth in the hands of the "fittest." Understand the social and political implications of this philosophy.

• The Rise of Populism: The Populist Party emerged in the late 19th century, advocating for farmers' rights and challenging the power of big business and the established political parties. Study their platform, including their demands for currency reform, government regulation of railroads, and direct election of senators. Analyze their successes and failures.

II. The Progressive Era: Reform and Change

The Progressive Era built upon the social and economic anxieties of the Gilded Age, aiming to address the problems created by rapid industrialization and urbanization. This era saw a wave of reforms aimed at improving working conditions, regulating big business, and promoting social justice.

A. Progressive Reform Movements:

• Muckrakers: Investigative journalists like Upton Sinclair ( The Jungle), Ida Tarbell (Standard Oil), and Lincoln Steffens exposed corruption and social ills, influencing public opinion and spurring reform efforts.

• Political Reforms: Progressives pushed for reforms like direct primaries, initiative, referendum, and recall, aiming to increase citizen participation in government and curb the power of political machines. Understand the impact of these reforms on democracy.

• Economic Reforms: Progressive reformers sought to regulate big business, addressing monopolies and trusts through legislation like the Sherman Antitrust Act (although its early impact was limited). Study the debates surrounding government regulation and its effects on the economy.

• Social Reforms: Progressive reformers tackled social problems like poverty, child labor, and unsafe working conditions. Analyze the role of women in the Progressive movement, including their activism for suffrage (the right to vote) and other social causes. Study significant figures like Jane Addams (Hull House) and Florence Kelley.

B. Key Legislation and Events:

• The Sherman Antitrust Act (1890): Intended to curb monopolies, although its initial effectiveness was limited.

• The Pure Food and Drug Act (1906) and the Meat Inspection Act (1906): Passed in response to Upton Sinclair's The Jungle, these acts aimed to improve food safety and consumer protection.

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

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

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

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

III. Connecting the Gilded Age and the Progressive Era:

It's crucial to understand the relationship between the Gilded Age and the Progressive Era. The Progressive Era was, in many ways, a response to the problems created during the Gilded Age. The vast economic inequalities, social injustices, and political corruption of the earlier period fueled the reform movements of the Progressive Era. Examining these periods together reveals a dynamic process of social and political change in American history.

IV. Key Figures to Study:

• Industrialists: John D. Rockefeller, Andrew Carnegie, J.P. Morgan, Cornelius Vanderbilt
• Labor Leaders: Eugene V. Debs, Samuel Gompers
• Progressive Reformers: Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, Jane Addams, Florence Kelley, Ida Tarbell, Upton Sinclair
• Political Figures: Grover Cleveland, William McKinley, William Howard Taft

V. Practice Questions:

To fully prepare for the AP exam, engage in active recall and practice answering various question types:

1. Multiple Choice: Focus on understanding cause-and-effect relationships, identifying key figures and events, and analyzing the impact of specific legislation.

2. Short Answer: Practice concisely explaining historical developments, analyzing historical sources, and connecting historical events to broader themes.

3. Long Essay: Develop strong thesis statements, supporting arguments with evidence, and synthesizing information from different sources. Choose essays that allow you to connect the Gilded Age and Progressive Era, demonstrating your understanding of the complex interplay between these periods. Practice using specific examples and analyzing the historical context.

4. Document-Based Question (DBQ): Practice analyzing primary sources (documents, images, etc.) to synthesize information and formulate a well-supported argument. Pay close attention to the historical context of the documents and their potential biases.

VI. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

• What is the difference between a "robber baron" and a "captain of industry"? These terms represent differing perspectives on the same group of powerful industrialists. "Robber baron" implies exploitative practices and unethical behavior, while "captain of industry" suggests innovation and contributions to economic growth.

• What were the main goals of the Populist Party? The Populists aimed to address the grievances of farmers, advocating for currency reform, government regulation of railroads, and other measures to improve their economic condition.

• How did muckrakers influence Progressive reforms? Muckrakers exposed social ills and corruption, raising public awareness and creating pressure for reform.

• What were the major successes and failures of the Progressive movement? The Progressive movement achieved significant successes in areas like food safety, consumer protection, and women's suffrage. However, it had limited success in addressing racial inequality and other social problems.

• How did World War I impact the Progressive Era? World War I brought the Progressive Era to a close, as the nation's focus shifted to the war effort. Many Progressive reforms were temporarily sidelined or even reversed during the war.

VII. Conclusion:

Mastering the Gilded Age and Progressive Era requires a thorough understanding of the key events, figures, and themes discussed in this study guide. By engaging in active learning, practicing different question types, and connecting the two periods, you'll be well-equipped to succeed on the AP US History exam. Remember to focus not only on memorizing facts but also on analyzing the complex social, economic, and political transformations that shaped this pivotal period in American history. Good luck with your studies!