Apush Period 7 Review Challenge

APUSH Period 7 Review Challenge: Mastering the Gilded Age to the 1980s

The AP US History exam's Period 7, spanning from 1890 to 1945, presents a significant challenge for students. This era, encompassing the Gilded Age, Progressive Era, World War I, the Roaring Twenties, the Great Depression, and World War II, is rich with complex events, influential figures, and transformative social and economic changes. This comprehensive review will equip you with the knowledge and understanding needed to conquer this pivotal period. We'll break down key themes, significant events, and essential figures, offering a structured approach to mastering this demanding section of the APUSH curriculum.

I. The Gilded Age (1890-1900): A Time of Extremes

The Gilded Age, a term coined by Mark Twain, aptly describes this period of immense industrial growth and wealth disparity. While industrialists like Andrew Carnegie, John D. Rockefeller, and J.P. Morgan amassed enormous fortunes, many Americans faced poverty and harsh working conditions. This era saw the rise of laissez-faire economics, minimal government regulation, and the consolidation of industrial power through trusts and monopolies.

• Key Themes: Industrialization, urbanization, immigration, political corruption, labor movements, and the rise of big business.
• Key Events: The rise of industrial giants (Standard Oil, Carnegie Steel), the Pullman Strike, the Homestead Strike, and the growth of cities like Chicago and New York.
• Key Figures: Andrew Carnegie (philanthropy and steel), John D. Rockefeller (oil), J.P. Morgan (finance), Eugene V. Debs (labor leader), and Jacob Riis (muckraker).

Understanding the social and economic inequalities of this period is crucial. Consider the impact of industrialization on the environment, the lives of workers, and the emergence of new social classes. The rise of political machines and the corruption associated with them are also important aspects of this era. Analyze the role of muckrakers in exposing these problems and driving reform.

II. The Progressive Era (1900-1920): Reform and Reaction

The Progressive Era witnessed a wave of social and political reforms aimed at addressing the problems created by industrialization and urbanization. Progressives sought to improve working conditions, regulate big business, and expand suffrage. This period saw the rise of various reform movements, including women's suffrage, labor reform, and environmental conservation.

• Key Themes: Progressivism, reform movements, women's suffrage, trust-busting, conservation, and the rise of the federal government's role.
• Key Events: The passage of the Pure Food and Drug Act, the Meat Inspection Act, the creation of the Federal Reserve System, and the 16th, 17th, 18th, and 19th Amendments.
• Key Figures: Theodore Roosevelt (trust-buster and conservationist), Woodrow Wilson (progressive president), Jane Addams (social reformer), and Susan B. Anthony (suffragist).

Examine the different approaches to progressive reform, considering the roles of government, social movements, and individual reformers. Analyze the successes and limitations of progressive reforms and their long-term impact on American society. Pay attention to the different perspectives on the role of government in addressing social and economic problems.

III. World War I and its Aftermath (1914-1920): A Global Conflict and its Domestic Impact

The United States' entry into World War I in 1917 dramatically altered the course of American history. The war effort mobilized the American economy, society, and military, leading to significant social and political changes. The post-war period was marked by a period of social unrest, economic instability, and the rise of new social and political movements.

• Key Themes: American neutrality, war mobilization, the impact of war on American society, the rise of nativism, and the Red Scare.
• Key Events: The sinking of the Lusitania, the Zimmerman Telegram, American entry into World War I, and the Treaty of Versailles.
• Key Figures: Woodrow Wilson (president during WWI), General John J. Pershing (commander of American Expeditionary Force), and Vladimir Lenin (leader of the Bolshevik Revolution).

Understanding the reasons for American entry into World War I is essential. Analyze the war's impact on the American economy, social life, and political landscape. Examine the post-war disillusionment and the rise of nativism and the Red Scare. Consider the role of propaganda and its impact on public opinion.

IV. The Roaring Twenties (1920-1929): Prosperity and Change

The 1920s witnessed a period of unprecedented economic prosperity and social change. This era, often referred to as the "Roaring Twenties," was characterized by technological advancements, economic growth, and cultural transformations. However, beneath the surface of prosperity, significant social tensions and economic inequalities persisted.

• Key Themes: Economic prosperity, social change, cultural transformations, the rise of consumerism, and the Harlem Renaissance.
• Key Events: The passage of the Volstead Act (Prohibition), the Scopes Trial, the rise of jazz music, and the stock market boom.
• Key Figures: F. Scott Fitzgerald (author), Ernest Hemingway (author), Langston Hughes (poet), and Babe Ruth (baseball player).

Analyze the factors contributing to the economic boom of the 1920s, considering the impact of technological advancements and consumer culture. Examine the social and cultural changes of this period, including the rise of flappers, the Harlem Renaissance, and the changing roles of women. Consider the tensions between traditional values and modern lifestyles.

V. The Great Depression and the New Deal (1929-1941): Economic Crisis and Government Response

The stock market crash of 1929 plunged the United States into the Great Depression, the most severe economic crisis in American history. The Depression led to widespread unemployment, poverty, and social unrest. President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal programs aimed to alleviate the suffering caused by the Depression and reform the American economic system.

• Key Themes: The causes of the Great Depression, the impact of the Depression on American society, the New Deal programs, and the debate over the role of government.
• Key Events: The stock market crash of 1929, the Dust Bowl, the election of Franklin D. Roosevelt, and the implementation of New Deal programs.
• Key Figures: Franklin D. Roosevelt (president during the Great Depression), Eleanor Roosevelt (First Lady and social activist), and Huey Long (senator and critic of the New Deal).

Analyze the causes of the Great Depression, considering the role of overproduction, speculation, and inadequate government regulation. Examine the impact of the Depression on different groups in American society. Evaluate the effectiveness of the New Deal programs in addressing the economic crisis and their long-term impact on the American government and economy.

VI. World War II (1941-1945): Global Conflict and American Mobilization

The attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 brought the United States into World War II. The war mobilized the American economy and society, leading to significant social and political changes. The war effort transformed American industry, technology, and the role of women in the workforce.

• Key Themes: American neutrality, the attack on Pearl Harbor, the mobilization of the American economy and society, the role of women in the war effort, and the Holocaust.
• Key Events: The attack on Pearl Harbor, the Battle of Midway, D-Day, the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and the end of World War II.
• Key Figures: Franklin D. Roosevelt (president during WWII), Dwight D. Eisenhower (Supreme Commander of Allied Expeditionary Force), and Harry S. Truman (president after Roosevelt's death).

Analyze the reasons for American entry into World War II and the impact of the war on American society. Examine the role of women in the war effort, the changing racial dynamics, and the challenges of wartime mobilization. Consider the moral and ethical dilemmas surrounding the use of atomic bombs.

VII. Connecting the Threads: A Synthesis Approach

The key to mastering Period 7 is to connect the themes and events across different eras. Consider how the Gilded Age's economic inequalities contributed to the rise of progressivism, how World War I impacted the Roaring Twenties, and how the Great Depression shaped the New Deal and World War II. Develop a nuanced understanding of the long-term consequences of each era and how they influenced subsequent periods.

VIII. Practice and Preparation:

The most effective way to prepare for the APUSH Period 7 exam is through consistent practice. Use released exam questions, practice tests, and review books to reinforce your understanding of key concepts and events. Create timelines, utilize flashcards, and engage in active recall techniques to maximize your retention.

IX. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

• What is the most important aspect of Period 7? There's no single "most important" aspect, but understanding the interconnectedness of economic shifts, social reforms, and global conflicts is crucial.

• How should I organize my notes for Period 7? A thematic approach is generally effective, connecting related events and figures under broader themes.

• What are some common mistakes students make on Period 7 questions? Failing to connect events across different eras and neglecting the social and cultural aspects of the period are common pitfalls.

X. Conclusion:

Mastering APUSH Period 7 requires a deep understanding of the complex interplay of economic, social, and political forces that shaped American history. By focusing on key themes, significant events, and influential figures, and connecting these elements across different eras, you can build a solid foundation for success on the APUSH exam. Remember, consistent practice and a thorough understanding of the historical context are essential for achieving your goals. Good luck with your studies!