Unit 6 Apush Progress Check

Conquering the APUSH Unit 6 Progress Check: A Comprehensive Guide

The AP US History Unit 6 Progress Check can be a daunting hurdle for many students. Covering the tumultuous period from 1890 to 1945, this unit encompasses significant events like the Progressive Era, World War I, the Roaring Twenties, the Great Depression, and World War II. Understanding the complexities of these decades, the interplay of different social, economic, and political forces, and the long-term consequences of these events is crucial for success. This comprehensive guide will break down Unit 6, providing you with the knowledge and strategies to ace your progress check.

I. Understanding the Scope of Unit 6: 1890-1945

Unit 6 of AP US History focuses on a period of immense transformation and upheaval in the United States. It's not just about memorizing dates and events; it's about understanding the context, the causes and consequences, and the long-term impact of these historical moments. Key themes include:

• Progressive Era Reforms: Explore the roots of progressivism, the key players (like Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson), and the impact of reforms on areas like labor, environment, and political processes. Understanding the limitations of Progressive reform is also crucial.

• American Imperialism: Analyze the reasons behind American expansionism at the turn of the 20th century, including the Spanish-American War, the acquisition of territories like Puerto Rico and the Philippines, and the debates surrounding imperialism.

• World War I and its Aftermath: Understand the causes of WWI, America's involvement, the war's impact on the home front, and the consequences of the Treaty of Versailles. Pay close attention to the rise of Wilsonian idealism and its limitations.

• The Roaring Twenties: Examine the economic boom, social changes (like the Harlem Renaissance and the rise of flappers), and cultural shifts of the 1920s. Analyze the tensions between tradition and modernity.

• The Great Depression: Understand the causes of the Great Depression, the impact on different segments of society, and the government's responses under Hoover and then Roosevelt's New Deal. Analyze the effectiveness of the New Deal and its lasting legacy.

• World War II and the Home Front: Analyze the events leading up to WWII, America's entry into the war, the war's impact on the home front (including mobilization, rationing, and the internment of Japanese Americans), and the Allied victory. Understand the role of women and minorities in the war effort.

II. Key Concepts and Themes to Master

To excel in the Unit 6 Progress Check, you must grasp several key concepts:

• Progressive Movement: Understand the various goals of the Progressive movement, including social justice, economic reform, and political efficiency. Analyze the successes and limitations of Progressive reforms. Know key figures like Jane Addams, Theodore Roosevelt, and Woodrow Wilson, and their specific contributions.

• Imperialism and its Consequences: Analyze the motivations behind American imperialism, including economic interests, strategic considerations, and a sense of Manifest Destiny. Understand the consequences of imperialism for both the United States and its acquired territories. Consider the anti-imperialist movement and its arguments.

• Economic Cycles and Government Intervention: Compare and contrast the economic policies of the Hoover administration and the New Deal. Analyze the effectiveness of New Deal programs in addressing the Great Depression. Understand the debate surrounding government intervention in the economy.

• Social and Cultural Transformations: Analyze the social and cultural changes of the 1920s and 1930s, including the Harlem Renaissance, the rise of mass media, and the changing roles of women. Understand the tensions between traditional values and modern trends.

• The Nature of War and its Impact: Analyze the impact of World War I and World War II on American society, both domestically and internationally. Understand the mobilization of the economy and the social changes that resulted from the war efforts. Consider the ethical dilemmas of war, such as the internment of Japanese Americans.

• The Role of Government: Analyze the evolving role of the federal government in American life during this period, particularly in response to economic crises and war. Consider the debates over the extent of government power and intervention.

III. Strategies for Success

• Active Reading: Don't just passively read your textbook. Take notes, highlight key terms and concepts, and actively engage with the material. Ask yourself questions as you read.

• Practice Multiple Choice Questions: The APUSH exam heavily emphasizes multiple-choice questions. Practice regularly using released AP exam questions or practice tests to get familiar with the question format and identify your weak areas.

• Develop Strong Essay Writing Skills: While the Progress Check might not involve full-length essays, strong essay writing skills are crucial for the AP exam. Practice writing concise and well-organized essays that directly address the prompt.

• Create Chronological timelines: Visual aids such as timelines can help you organize the significant events and their sequence.

• Use Primary Sources: Engage with primary source documents, such as letters, speeches, and photographs, to deepen your understanding of the period. Analyzing primary sources helps you understand different perspectives and interpret historical events.

• Focus on Causation and Consequence: Don't just memorize facts; understand the causes and consequences of historical events. How did one event lead to another? What were the long-term effects?

• Analyze Different Perspectives: Consider the diverse experiences and perspectives of different groups within American society during this period. How did different social groups experience the events of this era?

• Connect the Dots: Don't treat each event in isolation. Identify connections and patterns between different events and themes.

IV. Specific Topics within Unit 6: A Deeper Dive

Let's explore some specific topics within Unit 6 in more detail:

A. The Progressive Era (1890-1920):

• Muckrakers: Understand the role of investigative journalists in exposing social ills and driving reform. Consider the impact of Upton Sinclair's The Jungle and Ida Tarbell's work on Standard Oil.

• Trust-busting: Analyze Theodore Roosevelt's efforts to regulate big business and break up monopolies.

• Women's Suffrage: Understand the long struggle for women's right to vote and the strategies employed by suffragists.

• Conservation Efforts: Examine Roosevelt's commitment to conservation and the creation of national parks.

B. American Imperialism (1890-1914):

• Spanish-American War: Understand the causes and consequences of the war, including the acquisition of Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines.

• Anti-Imperialist Movement: Examine the arguments against imperialism and the debates surrounding American expansionism.

• The Philippine-American War: Analyze the brutality and resistance encountered by the US in the Philippines.

C. World War I (1914-1918):

• Causes of WWI: Understand the underlying tensions in Europe that led to the outbreak of war.

• American Neutrality and Intervention: Analyze the reasons behind America's initial neutrality and its eventual entry into the war.

• Wilsonian Idealism: Examine Woodrow Wilson's vision for a post-war world and the challenges in achieving it.

• The Treaty of Versailles: Understand the terms of the treaty and its impact on Europe.

D. The 1920s: The Roaring Twenties:

• Economic Boom: Analyze the factors that contributed to the economic prosperity of the 1920s.

• Social and Cultural Changes: Understand the rise of flappers, the Harlem Renaissance, and the changing social mores.

• Prohibition: Analyze the causes and consequences of Prohibition and the rise of organized crime.

E. The Great Depression (1929-1939):

• Causes of the Great Depression: Understand the economic factors that contributed to the stock market crash and the ensuing depression.

• Hoover's Response: Analyze Hoover's policies and their limitations in addressing the crisis.

• The New Deal: Examine Roosevelt's New Deal programs and their impact on the economy and society. Consider both successes and failures. Understand the debate surrounding the New Deal's effectiveness.

F. World War II (1939-1945):

• Neutrality and Intervention: Analyze the factors that led to America's entry into World War II.

• The Home Front: Understand the impact of the war on American society, including mobilization, rationing, and the internment of Japanese Americans.

• The Allied Victory: Analyze the strategies and events that led to the Allied victory.

V. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What is the best way to study for the APUSH Unit 6 Progress Check? The best approach combines active reading, practice questions, and a strong understanding of the key themes and concepts. Focus on causation, consequences, and diverse perspectives.

• How important is memorization for this unit? While some memorization is necessary (key dates, figures, and events), a deeper understanding of the concepts and their interrelationships is more important.

• Are there any specific resources that can help me? Your textbook, class notes, and reputable online resources (always check the credibility of the source) can all provide valuable information.

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

• What if I'm struggling with a particular topic? Don't hesitate to ask your teacher or classmates for help. Utilize office hours and study groups to clarify any confusing concepts.

VI. Conclusion: Mastering Unit 6 and Beyond

Conquering the APUSH Unit 6 Progress Check requires diligent effort, a strategic approach, and a deep understanding of the period's complexities. By focusing on the key concepts, practicing regularly, and engaging actively with the material, you can not only succeed on the Progress Check but also build a solid foundation for the AP exam. Remember, it's not just about memorizing facts; it's about understanding the historical context, analyzing different perspectives, and connecting the dots between significant events. Good luck!