Apush Period 6 Review Challenge

APUSH Period 6 Review Challenge: Mastering the Gilded Age and Progressive Era (1865-1917)

This comprehensive guide tackles the APUSH Period 6 review, covering the turbulent years between Reconstruction's end and America's entry into World War I. We'll delve into the key themes, significant events, and influential figures of the Gilded Age and Progressive Era, equipping you to confidently face any exam challenge. Mastering this period is crucial, as it represents a significant turning point in American history, laying the groundwork for the 20th century. This review will go beyond simple memorization, focusing on understanding the interconnectedness of events and their lasting impact.

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

The Gilded Age, a term coined by Mark Twain, aptly describes the period's superficial glitter masking deep social and economic inequalities. Rapid industrialization, fueled by technological advancements and abundant natural resources, led to unprecedented economic growth. However, this prosperity was unevenly distributed, creating stark contrasts between the wealthy industrialists and the working class.

A. Industrialization and its Impact:

• Technological Innovations: The period witnessed groundbreaking inventions like the Bessemer process (steel production), the telephone (Alexander Graham Bell), and the light bulb (Thomas Edison). These innovations revolutionized industries, spurred economic growth, and transformed daily life. Understand how these inventions impacted various sectors like transportation (railroads), communication, and manufacturing.
• Big Business and Monopolies: The rise of powerful corporations like Standard Oil (John D. Rockefeller) and Carnegie Steel (Andrew Carnegie) led to the formation of monopolies and trusts, dominating their respective industries. Analyze the business strategies employed (horizontal and vertical integration) and their impact on competition and consumers. Be prepared to discuss the debates surrounding laissez-faire economics and government regulation.
• Labor Movements: The rapid industrialization created a massive working class, often subjected to harsh working conditions, long hours, and low wages. This led to the rise of labor unions like the Knights of Labor and the American Federation of Labor (AFL), advocating for better wages, shorter workdays, and improved working conditions. Study the major strikes (e.g., Haymarket Riot, Pullman Strike) and their consequences, understanding the complex relationship between labor, capital, and government.

B. Immigration and Urbanization:

• The New Immigration: Massive waves of immigrants, primarily from Southern and Eastern Europe, arrived in the United States, seeking economic opportunities. This influx of immigrants transformed American cities, leading to overcrowding, ethnic enclaves, and social tensions. Be prepared to discuss the challenges faced by immigrants (discrimination, poverty, cultural adjustment) and their contributions to American society.
• Urban Growth and Challenges: Rapid urbanization led to the growth of cities, presenting challenges like inadequate housing, sanitation problems, and crime. Analyze the social and political responses to these issues, including the development of political machines (e.g., Tammany Hall) and reform movements.

C. Political Landscape:

• Political Corruption: The Gilded Age was marked by significant political corruption, with powerful bosses controlling political machines and manipulating elections. Understand the context of this corruption, its consequences, and the efforts to address it through reform movements.
• Rise of Populism: The Populist movement emerged as a response to the economic and social inequalities of the Gilded Age. Farmers and workers sought to address issues such as railroad monopolies, deflation, and the unequal distribution of wealth. Analyze the Populist platform, its successes and failures, and its lasting impact on American politics.

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

The Progressive Era witnessed a wave of reforms aimed at addressing the problems created by rapid industrialization and urbanization. Progressives, a diverse group of reformers, sought to improve society through government regulation, social activism, and political reform.

A. Progressive Reforms:

• Muckrakers: Journalists and writers, known as muckrakers (e.g., Upton Sinclair, Ida Tarbell), exposed corruption and social injustices, raising public awareness and fueling the reform movement. Understand the role of muckrakers in shaping public opinion and influencing policy changes.
• Political Reforms: Progressives advocated for various political reforms, including direct primaries, initiative, referendum, and recall, aiming to increase citizen participation in government and curb political corruption. Understand the mechanics of these reforms and their impact on American democracy.
• Economic Reforms: Progressive reforms aimed at regulating big business and promoting fair competition. The Sherman Antitrust Act and the Clayton Antitrust Act were enacted to curb monopolies and trusts. Analyze the effectiveness of these reforms and their long-term impact on the American economy.
• Social Reforms: Progressives addressed social issues such as child labor, working conditions, and public health. Understand the role of social activists and organizations in advocating for these reforms and their impact on improving the lives of working-class Americans. Examine the role of women in the Progressive movement (e.g., suffrage movement).

B. Trust-Busting and Regulation:

Theodore Roosevelt's presidency marked a significant turning point in the Progressive Era, with his focus on trust-busting and regulating big business. Analyze Roosevelt's "Square Deal" and its impact on the economy and the balance of power between government and business. Compare and contrast Roosevelt's approach with that of his successors, William Howard Taft and Woodrow Wilson.

C. Foreign Policy:

• Expansionism and Interventionism: The late 19th and early 20th centuries witnessed growing American involvement in international affairs, driven by economic interests and a desire for global influence. Examine the motivations behind American expansionism and interventionism, focusing on events such as the Spanish-American War and the construction of the Panama Canal.
• Roosevelt Corollary: Roosevelt's corollary to the Monroe Doctrine asserted America's right to intervene in Latin American affairs to maintain stability and protect American interests. Analyze the consequences of this policy and its impact on US relations with Latin America.

D. The Rise of Progressivism:

The Progressive Era witnessed a significant shift in the role of government in American society. Analyze how Progressive-era reforms impacted the balance of power between the federal government, state governments, and private industry. Discuss the lasting impact of Progressive reforms on American society and politics.

III. Key Figures of Period 6:

This period witnessed the rise of several influential figures who shaped the course of American history. Be familiar with their contributions and their impact on the events discussed above. These include, but are not limited to:

• Andrew Carnegie: Industrialist and philanthropist, known for his contributions to the steel industry and his philanthropic endeavors.
• John D. Rockefeller: Industrialist who built Standard Oil into a vast monopoly.
• J.P. Morgan: Financier who played a significant role in the consolidation of American industries.
• Eugene V. Debs: Labor leader and socialist who championed the rights of workers.
• Theodore Roosevelt: Progressive president known for his trust-busting and conservation efforts.
• Woodrow Wilson: Progressive president who championed reforms and led the United States into World War I.
• Upton Sinclair: Muckraker whose novel The Jungle exposed the unsanitary conditions in the meatpacking industry.
• Ida Tarbell: Muckraker who investigated Standard Oil's business practices.

IV. APUSH Period 6 Exam Strategies:

To succeed on the APUSH exam concerning Period 6, focus on these strategies:

• Theme-Based Approach: Organize your study around the major themes of the period, such as industrialization, urbanization, immigration, progressivism, and imperialism. This will help you understand the interconnectedness of events.
• Cause and Effect Analysis: Practice analyzing cause-and-effect relationships between events. This is crucial for understanding the historical context and the long-term consequences of key developments.
• Document Analysis: The APUSH exam often includes document-based questions (DBQs). Practice analyzing historical documents and using them to support your arguments. Focus on identifying the author's perspective, intended audience, and the document's historical context.
• Practice Essays: Write practice essays to hone your writing skills and improve your ability to structure your arguments effectively. Focus on clear thesis statements, strong evidence, and effective analysis.
• Timeline Mastery: Create a timeline of major events to understand the chronological order of events and their relationships.
• Vocabulary Building: Familiarize yourself with key terms and concepts associated with the Gilded Age and Progressive Era.

V. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

• Q: What is the difference between horizontal and vertical integration?

  • A: Horizontal integration is the merging of competing companies in the same industry to create a monopoly. Vertical integration is the control of all aspects of production, from raw materials to distribution.

• Q: What were the main goals of the Progressive movement?

  • A: The main goals were to address the social and economic problems created by industrialization and urbanization, including poverty, inequality, corruption, and unsafe working conditions. They aimed to improve society through government regulation, social activism, and political reform.

• Q: What was the impact of muckrakers on the Progressive Era?

  • A: Muckrakers played a crucial role in raising public awareness of social and political injustices. Their exposés fueled public outrage and pressure for reform, contributing significantly to the passage of Progressive legislation.

• Q: How did the Populist movement influence the Progressive movement?

  • A: The Populist movement laid the groundwork for the Progressive movement by highlighting the inequalities of the Gilded Age and advocating for reforms. Many of the Progressive Era's goals, such as regulating big business and improving working conditions, had their roots in the Populist platform.

• Q: What were the lasting impacts of the Gilded Age and Progressive Era?

  • A: The Gilded Age and Progressive Era left a lasting impact on American society and politics. Industrialization transformed the economy and led to unprecedented growth, but also created significant social and economic inequalities. The Progressive Era’s reforms attempted to address these issues, strengthening the role of the federal government in regulating the economy and improving social conditions. These periods laid the groundwork for the social and political landscape of the 20th century.

VI. Conclusion:

Mastering APUSH Period 6 requires a thorough understanding of the key themes, events, and figures of the Gilded Age and Progressive Era. By focusing on the interconnectedness of events, developing strong analytical skills, and utilizing effective study strategies, you can confidently approach the exam and achieve a high score. Remember that understanding the context, nuances, and long-term implications of the events of this period is more crucial than simply memorizing dates and names. Good luck with your APUSH Period 6 review challenge! You’ve got this!