apush unit 7 study guide

APUSH Unit 7 Study Guide⁚ Conflict in the Early 20th Century, 1890-1945

Welcome to Unit 7 of APUSH! This unit covers the time period from 1890-1945! During this unit, we will be covering everything from the rise of Progressivism to the end of World War II. This unit will start with imperialism, yellow journalism, and the Spanish-American War before moving on to the rise of Progressivism and then the causes of World War I.

Key Concepts

APUSH Period 7 (1890-1945) revolves around several key concepts that shape the era’s historical narrative. These concepts highlight the complexities of American society and its evolving role on the world stage. Understanding these concepts is crucial for comprehending the events, movements, and figures of this transformative period.

• The Rise of American Imperialism⁚ This concept explores the shift in American foreign policy from isolationism to expansionism, marked by territorial acquisitions like the Spanish-American War and the annexation of Hawaii. It delves into the motivations behind this shift, including economic interests, the desire for global power, and the influence of ideologies like Manifest Destiny.
• The Progressive Era⁚ This concept examines the progressive movement, a period of social and political activism aimed at addressing the ills of industrialization and urbanization. It focuses on the reforms championed by progressives, such as women’s suffrage, labor rights, environmental protection, and government regulation of businesses.
• The Impact of World War I⁚ This concept analyzes the United States’ entry into World War I and the subsequent social, economic, and political consequences. It includes the war’s impact on American society, the rise of Wilsonian idealism and the League of Nations, and the challenges of postwar adjustment.
• The Roaring Twenties and the Great Depression⁚ This concept encompasses the economic boom of the 1920s, characterized by consumerism, technological advancements, and cultural change, followed by the devastating Great Depression. It examines the causes of the Depression, its impact on American society, and the government’s response under President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
• World War II and its Impact⁚ This concept delves into the United States’ involvement in World War II, its role in the Allied victory, and the profound consequences of the war. It includes the war’s impact on American society, the rise of the United States as a global superpower, and the emergence of Cold War tensions.

These key concepts serve as a framework for understanding the complex historical events and social transformations that occurred during APUSH Period 7. By grasping these concepts, students can gain a deeper understanding of this pivotal era in American history.

The Rise of American Imperialism

The late 19th century witnessed a dramatic shift in American foreign policy, transitioning from an isolationist stance to an expansionist one. This period, known as the rise of American imperialism, was marked by a desire for territorial acquisitions, economic expansion, and the assertion of American power on the global stage. Several factors contributed to this transformation.

• Economic Interests⁚ The rapid industrialization of the United States created a need for new markets and raw materials. American businesses sought to expand their reach beyond domestic borders, leading to the pursuit of overseas colonies and trade opportunities.
• Manifest Destiny⁚ The belief in Manifest Destiny, which had fueled westward expansion across the North American continent, continued to influence American thinking. This ideology suggested a divine mission for the United States to expand its territory and influence across the world, justifying the acquisition of new lands.
• Naval Power⁚ The rise of a powerful American navy under the leadership of figures like Alfred Thayer Mahan emphasized the importance of sea power in projecting national strength. The acquisition of overseas territories provided strategic naval bases and expanded American influence in key regions.
• Yellow Journalism⁚ Sensationalized news reporting, often referred to as “yellow journalism,” played a significant role in fueling public support for imperialism. Sensationalized accounts of Spanish atrocities in Cuba, for example, contributed to the outbreak of the Spanish-American War.

The rise of American imperialism had profound consequences. The Spanish-American War resulted in the acquisition of Cuba, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. This expansion brought about new challenges, including the question of how to govern these territories and the complexities of navigating international relations in a more assertive role.

The Progressive Era

The Progressive Era, spanning roughly from the 1890s to the 1920s, was a period of significant social and political reform in the United States. Driven by a belief in progress and a desire to address the ills of industrialization and urbanization, Progressives sought to improve the lives of ordinary Americans. This movement encompassed a wide range of social, economic, and political issues, including⁚

• Muckraking Journalism⁚ Investigative journalists, known as muckrakers, exposed corruption and abuses in government, business, and society. They brought to light issues such as child labor, unsafe working conditions, and political machines.
• Social Justice⁚ Progressives championed social justice causes, advocating for women’s suffrage, civil rights for African Americans, and the improvement of living conditions for the urban poor.
• Government Regulation⁚ Recognizing the need for government intervention, Progressives pushed for reforms to regulate big business, protect consumers, and ensure fair competition. This led to the passage of laws like the Sherman Antitrust Act and the Pure Food and Drug Act.
• Political Reform⁚ Progressives sought to make government more responsive to the people. They advocated for direct democracy through initiatives, referendums, and recalls, as well as for reforms to the electoral system, such as the secret ballot.

The Progressive Era witnessed notable achievements, including the creation of the Federal Reserve System, the passage of the 19th Amendment granting women the right to vote, and the establishment of national parks and conservation efforts. However, the movement also faced challenges, including resistance from powerful interests and the limitations of its reforms in addressing racial and economic inequality.

World War I and its Aftermath

The United States’ involvement in World War I, beginning in 1917, marked a turning point in American history. The war, initially viewed as a European conflict, drew the US into the global arena, transforming its role on the world stage. Key aspects of the war and its aftermath include⁚

• Neutrality and Entry⁚ Initially, the US maintained neutrality, but the sinking of the Lusitania and the Zimmerman Telegram, along with the growing threat of unrestricted submarine warfare, eventually led to American entry into the war on the side of the Allies.
• Mobilization and Wartime Measures⁚ The war effort required significant mobilization, with the creation of a large military force, the implementation of wartime regulations, and the expansion of government power. The Selective Service Act of 1917 established conscription, and the War Industries Board coordinated industrial production to support the war effort.
• Domestic Impact⁚ The war had a profound impact on American society. It fueled patriotic fervor, but also led to the suppression of dissent and the erosion of civil liberties. The Espionage Act and the Sedition Act were used to crack down on anti-war sentiment, resulting in the imprisonment of individuals who spoke out against the war.
• Post-War Challenges⁚ The end of the war brought new challenges. The Treaty of Versailles, which imposed harsh terms on Germany, sowed the seeds of future conflict. The US, however, declined to join the League of Nations, a key organization for international cooperation, reflecting a desire to return to isolationism.

World War I left a lasting legacy on the United States. It shifted the country’s foreign policy from isolationism to a more active role in global affairs. The war also spurred social and economic changes, contributing to the rise of new industries, the expansion of the federal government, and the emergence of new social movements.

The Roaring Twenties and the Great Depression

The Roaring Twenties, an era of economic prosperity and social change, was followed by the devastating Great Depression, a period of unprecedented economic hardship. Understanding this dynamic period is crucial for comprehending the 20th-century American experience.

• Prosperity and Consumerism⁚ The 1920s witnessed a boom in industrial production, leading to widespread prosperity and a rise in consumerism. Mass production, fueled by innovations like the automobile and radio, transformed American society. This era also saw the growth of new industries, such as advertising and entertainment, reflecting the changing cultural landscape.
• Social Change⁚ The Roaring Twenties was a time of significant social change. New cultural trends emerged, challenging traditional values and norms. The rise of jazz music, the popularity of flappers, and the loosening of social restrictions reflected a burgeoning sense of rebellion and modernity.
• Economic Collapse⁚ The Great Depression, beginning in 1929 with the stock market crash, brought the era of prosperity to an abrupt end. The collapse of the stock market triggered a domino effect, leading to widespread bank failures, unemployment, and economic hardship across the country.
• Government Response⁚ The federal government, under Presidents Hoover and Roosevelt, implemented various programs aimed at alleviating the economic crisis. Hoover’s initial approach focused on limited government intervention, while Roosevelt’s New Deal, a series of programs and reforms, aimed to provide relief, recovery, and reform.

The Roaring Twenties and the Great Depression were transformative periods for the United States. They highlighted the fragility of economic prosperity, the complexities of social change, and the evolving role of government in addressing economic crises. This era also shaped the political and social landscape of the nation, laying the groundwork for future economic and social reforms.

World War II and its Impact

World War II, a global conflict that spanned from 1939 to 1945, profoundly impacted the United States. It transformed the nation from a relatively isolated power to a global superpower, reshaping its domestic and international landscape.

• US Entry and Mobilization⁚ The United States initially maintained neutrality but entered the war in 1941 after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. The nation mobilized its resources and industries, transitioning from a peacetime economy to a war production powerhouse. This mobilization involved the mass production of weaponry, the expansion of the military, and the introduction of rationing and other wartime measures.
• Homefront Impact⁚ The war significantly impacted the American homefront. Women entered the workforce in unprecedented numbers, taking on jobs previously held by men. Racial tensions intensified as African Americans faced discrimination despite their contributions to the war effort. The war also led to the internment of Japanese Americans, a controversial decision based on fears of espionage.
• Global Power⁚ The war cemented the United States’ position as a global superpower. Its military victories and economic dominance during and after the war established its influence on the international stage. The US emerged as a leader in shaping the post-war world order, contributing to the formation of international organizations like the United Nations.
• Post-War Changes⁚ World War II left a lasting legacy on the United States. It accelerated social and economic changes, including the growth of suburbs, the rise of consumer culture, and the expansion of the middle class. The war also influenced the development of Cold War tensions with the Soviet Union, ushering in a new era of geopolitical competition.

World War II was a defining moment in American history, transforming the nation’s role in the world and leaving a lasting impact on its society, economy, and foreign policy. Studying this period allows us to understand the complexities of international relations, the consequences of war, and the evolving nature of American power.

Important Presidential Figures

Period 7 of APUSH features several significant presidential figures who shaped the nation’s course during a time of profound change. Their actions and policies had lasting impacts on American society, foreign policy, and the economy. Here are some key figures from this period⁚

• Theodore Roosevelt (1901-1909)⁚ A champion of Progressive reforms, Roosevelt, known as “TR,” ushered in the era of “trust-busting,” aiming to break up monopolies and promote fair competition. He also expanded national parks and conservation efforts, leaving a significant mark on environmental policy. His foreign policy was assertive, as seen in the Panama Canal construction and the Roosevelt Corollary, which expanded the Monroe Doctrine.
• William Howard Taft (1909-1913)⁚ Taft, Roosevelt’s handpicked successor, continued some Progressive reforms, but his focus on antitrust lawsuits and tariff reduction alienated some of Roosevelt’s supporters. His presidency saw the establishment of the Sixteenth Amendment, authorizing a federal income tax. However, Taft’s conservative approach led to a split in the Republican Party, paving the way for Woodrow Wilson’s victory in 1912.
• Woodrow Wilson (1913-1921)⁚ Wilson, a progressive Democrat, focused on economic reforms, advocating for the Federal Reserve System and enacting antitrust legislation. He also championed the “New Freedom,” seeking to restore competition and reduce corporate power. However, his presidency is largely defined by his role in World War I, leading the nation to victory and advocating for the League of Nations, a precursor to the United Nations.
• Warren G. Harding (1921-1923)⁚ Harding, a Republican, came to power promising a “return to normalcy” following the war. His administration saw a period of economic prosperity but was also marked by corruption scandals, including the Teapot Dome scandal.
• Franklin D. Roosevelt (1933-1945)⁚ FDR, a Democrat, guided the nation through the Great Depression and World War II. His “New Deal” programs aimed to provide relief, recovery, and reform, creating a social safety net and expanding the role of government in the economy. During the war, he led the Allies to victory, solidifying the United States’ position as a global leader.

Understanding the actions and ideologies of these presidents is crucial to comprehending the complexities of Period 7. Their decisions and policies shaped the nation’s political, economic, and social landscape, leaving an indelible mark on American history.

Important Period 7 Events

Period 7 of APUSH witnessed a series of pivotal events that transformed the United States from a relatively isolated nation to a global superpower. These events shaped American society, foreign policy, and the world order. Here are some of the most significant events of this period⁚

• Spanish-American War (1898)⁚ This conflict, sparked by the sinking of the USS Maine in Havana harbor, marked a turning point in American foreign policy, leading to the acquisition of overseas territories like Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines. It demonstrated America’s growing global influence and its willingness to intervene in international affairs.
• World War I (1914-1918)⁚ The United States initially maintained neutrality but entered the war in 1917, siding with the Allied Powers against Germany. The war had profound consequences for America, contributing to the rise of the United States as a global power, influencing domestic social and economic changes, and setting the stage for the rise of the United States as a global leader.
• The Roaring Twenties (1920s)⁚ This era was characterized by economic prosperity, cultural change, and social experimentation. The booming economy, fuelled by consumerism and new technologies, created a sense of optimism and excitement. However, beneath the surface, economic inequalities and social tensions were brewing, eventually leading to the Great Depression.
• The Great Depression (1929-1939)⁚ The stock market crash of 1929 triggered a devastating economic crisis, causing widespread unemployment, poverty, and social unrest. The Great Depression led to significant changes in American politics, economics, and social policies, influencing the rise of Franklin D. Roosevelt and his New Deal programs.
• World War II (1939-1945)⁚ The United States entered the war in 1941 after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. The war effort mobilized the nation’s resources and industries, transforming the United States into the “arsenal of democracy.” America’s decisive victory cemented its status as a global superpower and contributed to the emergence of a new world order.

These events, intertwined and interconnected, significantly shaped the American experience in the early 20th century. Understanding their causes, consequences, and long-term impacts is essential for grasping the complexities of this pivotal period in American history.