Apush Period 5 Review Challenge

APUSH Period 5 Review Challenge: Mastering the Gilded Age and Progressive Era (1865-1917)

This comprehensive guide tackles the AP US History Period 5 review, covering the pivotal years between 1865 and 1917 – a period marked by rapid industrialization, immense social change, and the rise of progressive reform. Understanding this era is crucial for success on the APUSH exam. This challenge isn't just about memorizing dates; it's about grasping the interconnectedness of events and their lasting impact on American society. We'll cover key themes, significant figures, and crucial concepts to ensure you're well-prepared to ace your exam.

I. The Gilded Age: An Era of Extremes (1865-1900)

The period immediately following Reconstruction is often termed the "Gilded Age," a phrase coined by Mark Twain. This seemingly glittering era masked significant social and economic inequalities. Rapid industrialization fueled unprecedented economic growth, but this growth came at a cost.

A. Industrialization and its Impact:

• Technological advancements: The invention of the telephone (Alexander Graham Bell), lightbulb (Thomas Edison), and the bessemer process revolutionized communication, illumination, and steel production, respectively, driving industrial expansion.
• Rise of big business: Powerful industrialists like Andrew Carnegie (steel), John D. Rockefeller (oil), and J.P. Morgan (finance) dominated the economy, often employing ruthless business tactics to eliminate competition and amass immense wealth. This led to the formation of trusts and monopolies.
• Labor and its struggles: The growth of factories created a massive industrial workforce, leading to harsh working conditions, low wages, and long hours. Workers organized into labor unions like the Knights of Labor and the American Federation of Labor (AFL) to fight for better conditions, leading to significant strikes such as the Haymarket Riot and the Pullman Strike. These events highlighted the growing class conflict.

B. Social and Political Changes:

• Immigration: Massive waves of immigration, primarily from Southern and Eastern Europe, transformed American demographics and contributed to the growth of urban centers. This influx led to both opportunities and challenges, including nativism, xenophobia, and overcrowded urban living conditions.
• Urbanization: Cities grew rapidly, leading to problems such as sanitation issues, poverty, and crime. Reformers attempted to address these problems through various initiatives.
• Political Corruption: Political machines, such as Tammany Hall in New York City, controlled city governments through bribery and patronage, further exacerbating inequality and distrust in government.
• The Rise of Populism: The Populist Party, representing farmers and laborers, emerged as a significant political force, advocating for policies like bimetallism (using both gold and silver to back currency) to alleviate farmers' debt and increase the money supply.

II. The Progressive Era: Reform and Change (1900-1917)

The Progressive Era witnessed a surge in reform movements aimed at addressing the problems created by rapid industrialization and urbanization. Progressives sought to improve society through government regulation, social justice initiatives, and political reforms.

A. Progressive Reforms at the National Level:

• Trust-busting: President Theodore Roosevelt used the Sherman Antitrust Act to break up monopolies and promote competition, aiming to curb the power of big business.
• Conservation: Roosevelt was a strong advocate for conservation, setting aside millions of acres of land for national parks and forests.
• Regulation of food and drugs: The Pure Food and Drug Act and the Meat Inspection Act, passed under Roosevelt, aimed to protect consumers from unsafe products.
• Progressive Presidents: Woodrow Wilson, succeeding Roosevelt, continued the progressive agenda, pushing for reforms such as the Clayton Antitrust Act and the creation of the Federal Reserve System to regulate banking and currency.

B. Progressive Reforms at the State and Local Levels:

• Muckrakers: Journalists like Upton Sinclair ( The Jungle) and Ida Tarbell exposed corruption and social ills, raising public awareness and fueling reform efforts.
• Women's Suffrage: The movement for women's right to vote gained significant momentum during this era, culminating in the passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920. Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton were key figures in this movement.
• Social Gospel Movement: This religious movement emphasized social justice and the responsibility of Christians to address social problems such as poverty and inequality. Walter Rauschenbusch was a prominent figure.
• Settlement Houses: Organizations like Hull House, founded by Jane Addams, provided social services to immigrants and the poor in urban areas.

III. Foreign Policy and Imperialism (1865-1917)

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw the United States expanding its influence beyond its borders.

• Spanish-American War: This conflict in 1898 resulted in the United States acquiring territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines, marking a significant shift towards imperialism. Yellow journalism, fueled by sensationalized news reports, played a role in igniting public support for the war.
• Roosevelt Corollary: An addition to the Monroe Doctrine, this asserted the right of the United States to intervene in Latin American affairs to maintain stability and prevent European interference.
• Panama Canal: The construction of the Panama Canal, completed in 1914, dramatically shortened shipping routes and strengthened American global power.

IV. World War I and its Aftermath (1917)

The United States' entry into World War I in 1917 marked a turning point.

• Causes of US Entry: Unrestricted submarine warfare by Germany, the Zimmerman Telegram (a proposed alliance between Germany and Mexico), and the desire to protect American interests in Europe led to the US declaration of war.
• Wartime Mobilization: The United States rapidly mobilized its economy and military, significantly impacting the course of the war.
• Wilsonian Idealism: President Wilson's vision for a post-war world, based on international cooperation and the creation of the League of Nations, ultimately failed to gain sufficient support in the United States Senate.

V. Key Concepts and Themes for APUSH Period 5

To truly master this period, focus on these interconnected themes:

• Industrialization and its consequences: Analyze the impact of industrialization on various aspects of society, including labor, environment, politics, and social structures.
• Immigration and urbanization: Examine the experiences of immigrants, the challenges of rapid urbanization, and the resulting social and political changes.
• Progressive reform: Understand the goals, methods, and successes and limitations of the Progressive movement.
• The rise of big business and its regulation: Analyze the growth of monopolies, the responses to them, and the lasting impact on the American economy.
• Imperialism and foreign policy: Examine the reasons for US expansionism and its consequences for both domestic and international affairs.
• The role of government: Consider the expanding role of government in addressing social and economic problems during this period.

VI. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What were the main causes of the Spanish-American War?

A: Several factors contributed, including yellow journalism exaggerating Spanish atrocities in Cuba, the sinking of the USS Maine (though the cause remains debated), and a growing desire for US expansionism.

Q: How did the Progressive movement impact American society?

A: The Progressive movement brought significant reforms aimed at addressing social and economic inequalities, including improved working conditions, food safety regulations, and women's suffrage.

Q: What were the main goals of the Populist Party?

A: The Populist Party advocated for farmers' rights, including bimetallism, government regulation of railroads, and an income tax.

Q: What was the impact of World War I on the United States?

A: World War I significantly impacted the American economy, society, and foreign policy. It led to increased government involvement in the economy, social changes, and a shift towards greater global involvement.

VII. Conclusion: Acing the APUSH Period 5 Review

Mastering APUSH Period 5 requires understanding not just individual events but the larger narrative of industrialization, reform, and expansion. By focusing on the key themes, significant figures, and interconnectedness of events outlined in this review, you'll be well-equipped to tackle the challenges of the AP exam. Remember to practice using primary and secondary sources, analyze historical interpretations, and develop your essay-writing skills. Good luck! You've got this! This in-depth review provides a solid foundation for your studies, but remember to supplement this information with your textbook and class materials. Active engagement with the material, through note-taking, practice questions, and essay writing, is critical for exam success. Remember to connect the events of this period to broader historical trends and their lasting consequences on American society.