Unit 7 Progress Check Apush

Conquering the APUSH Unit 7 Progress Check: A Comprehensive Guide

The AP US History Unit 7 Progress Check covers the period from 1890 to 1945, a transformative era marked by American expansionism, progressive reforms, World War I, the Roaring Twenties, the Great Depression, and World War II. This period witnessed profound social, economic, and political changes, making it a crucial area of study for the APUSH exam. This guide provides a thorough overview of the key topics, concepts, and potential essay questions within Unit 7, helping you prepare effectively for the progress check and the ultimate AP exam.

I. The Rise of American Power (1890-1914): Expansionism and Progressivism

This section examines the factors contributing to America's emergence as a global power. Key themes include:

• Imperialism and Expansionism: Understand the motivations behind American imperialism, including economic interests (access to resources and markets), strategic considerations (naval bases and influence), and ideological justifications (Manifest Destiny and the "white man's burden"). Analyze the Spanish-American War, the acquisition of territories like Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines, and the resulting debates over imperialism and anti-imperialism. Key figures to consider include Theodore Roosevelt, William McKinley, and Emilio Aguinaldo.

• Progressive Era Reforms: Explore the progressive movement's goals of addressing social and economic inequalities. This includes examining reforms at the local, state, and national levels. Understand the different approaches to reform, including muckrakers (like Upton Sinclair and Ida Tarbell), trust-busting (Theodore Roosevelt's actions against monopolies), and the efforts to regulate businesses and improve working conditions. Consider the limitations of progressivism and who was excluded from its benefits. Important legislation to study includes the Pure Food and Drug Act and the Meat Inspection Act.

• Roosevelt, Taft, and Wilson: Compare and contrast the presidencies of Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, and Woodrow Wilson, focusing on their approaches to domestic and foreign policy. Analyze the impact of their actions on the trajectory of American politics and society. Consider Roosevelt's "Square Deal," Taft's conservation efforts, and Wilson's "New Freedom." Pay attention to the different ideological strands within the progressive movement itself.

II. World War I and its Aftermath (1914-1920): A Nation Transformed

This section analyzes the US's involvement in World War I and its consequences:

• Neutrality and Entry into WWI: Understand the challenges of maintaining neutrality in the face of escalating global conflict. Analyze the factors that ultimately led to American entry into World War I, including unrestricted submarine warfare, the Zimmerman Telegram, and economic ties to the Allied powers.

• The War Effort: Examine the mobilization of the American economy and society for war. Understand the role of propaganda, the impact on the home front, and the contributions of women and minorities. Consider the impact of the war on civil liberties, as exemplified by the Espionage and Sedition Acts.

• The Treaty of Versailles and its Impact: Analyze the terms of the Treaty of Versailles and the debates surrounding its ratification in the United States. Understand the reasons for American rejection of the League of Nations and the long-term consequences for international relations. Consider the impact of Wilson's Fourteen Points and the subsequent failure to achieve lasting peace.

III. The Roaring Twenties and the Great Depression (1920-1940): Boom and Bust

This section covers the contrasting periods of prosperity and economic hardship:

• The "Roaring Twenties": Analyze the economic prosperity and cultural changes of the 1920s. Explore the rise of consumer culture, the impact of new technologies (like the automobile and radio), the Harlem Renaissance, and the changing roles of women. Consider the social tensions and conflicts of the era, such as Prohibition and the rise of nativism and the Ku Klux Klan.

• The Great Depression: Understand the causes of the Great Depression, including overproduction, stock market speculation, and the banking crisis. Analyze the economic and social consequences of the Depression, including widespread unemployment, poverty, and social unrest. Examine the responses of the Hoover administration and the subsequent New Deal programs under Franklin D. Roosevelt.

• The New Deal: Evaluate the successes and failures of the New Deal programs. Analyze their impact on various sectors of society, including farmers, workers, and African Americans. Understand the criticisms of the New Deal and the ongoing debates about its effectiveness. Key programs to study include the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), the Works Progress Administration (WPA), and the Social Security Act.

IV. World War II and its Global Impact (1940-1945): A World at War

This section focuses on the US's involvement in World War II and its global consequences:

• Neutrality and the Road to War: Understand the challenges of maintaining neutrality in the face of growing global conflict. Analyze the factors that led to American entry into World War II, including the attack on Pearl Harbor.

• The Home Front and Mobilization: Examine the mobilization of the American economy and society for war. Analyze the role of women and minorities in the war effort, the impact of rationing and propaganda, and the challenges of maintaining civil liberties during wartime.

• The War in Europe and the Pacific: Analyze the major military campaigns and strategies of World War II. Understand the Allied victories and the ultimate defeat of the Axis powers. Consider the role of the United States in shaping the postwar world order.

• The Atomic Bomb: Examine the decision to use atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Analyze the ethical and strategic considerations surrounding this decision, and its long-term consequences for international relations.

V. Potential Essay Questions and Themes

The APUSH Unit 7 Progress Check likely will involve essay questions that assess your understanding of the key concepts and themes. Here are some potential essay topics:

• Compare and contrast the presidencies of Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson. Focus on their approaches to domestic and foreign policy, and analyze their legacies.

• To what extent was the Progressive Era successful in addressing social and economic inequalities? Consider the successes and limitations of progressive reforms.

• Analyze the causes and consequences of the Great Depression. Include an analysis of the responses of the Hoover and Roosevelt administrations.

• Evaluate the effectiveness of the New Deal in alleviating the effects of the Great Depression. Consider both the successes and limitations of New Deal programs.

• To what extent did World War I change the role of the United States in the world? Analyze the impact of the war on American foreign policy and international relations.

• Analyze the causes and consequences of American imperialism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Consider the motivations for expansion, the acquisition of territories, and the resulting debates over imperialism.

• Compare and contrast the experiences of different groups (e.g., women, African Americans, Native Americans) during World War II. Consider their contributions to the war effort and the challenges they faced.

• To what extent was the decision to use atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki justified? Consider the ethical and strategic implications of this decision.

VI. Study Strategies and Tips for Success

To effectively prepare for the APUSH Unit 7 Progress Check, consider the following strategies:

• Utilize Multiple Resources: Don't rely solely on your textbook. Supplement your learning with other resources, such as primary source documents, historical articles, and reputable online resources.

• Create a Timeline: A visual timeline can help you organize the events of this period and see the connections between different events and developments.

• Practice Essay Writing: Regular essay writing is crucial for success on the APUSH exam. Practice writing essays on potential essay prompts, focusing on clear thesis statements, strong evidence, and insightful analysis.

• Master Key Terms and Concepts: Familiarize yourself with the key terms and concepts associated with this period. Understanding these terms is essential for interpreting historical events and writing effective essays.

• Analyze Primary Sources: Analyzing primary source documents (letters, speeches, photographs, etc.) helps you develop a deeper understanding of the historical context.

• Form Study Groups: Collaborating with classmates can enhance your understanding of the material and provide opportunities for practice and discussion.

By following these strategies and dedicating sufficient time to studying, you can effectively prepare for the APUSH Unit 7 Progress Check and improve your overall understanding of this pivotal era in American history. Remember to focus on understanding the why behind historical events, not just the what. Analyzing the causes and consequences, and considering different perspectives, is key to achieving a strong understanding of the material. Good luck!