APUSH Period 7 (1890-1945) explores a transformative era in U.S. history‚ covering Progressivism‚ World Wars‚ the Great Depression‚ and the New Deal. This guide provides a detailed overview of key events‚ themes‚ and reforms that shaped America’s domestic and global identity during this period.
Overview of Period 7 (1890-1945)
Period 7 of APUSH covers a transformative era in U.S. history‚ spanning from 1890 to 1945. During this time‚ America transitioned from an emerging nation to a global superpower. Key events include the Progressive Era‚ World War I‚ the Roaring Twenties‚ the Great Depression‚ and World War II. These decades saw significant social‚ economic‚ and political changes. The U.S. grappled with issues like industrialization‚ immigration‚ and civil rights while asserting its influence abroad. This period also witnessed the rise of consumer culture‚ the New Deal‚ and the nation’s entry onto the world stage as a dominant force. Understanding these events is crucial for analyzing America’s modern identity and global role.
Key Themes and Concepts
Key themes in APUSH Period 7 include industrialization‚ Progressivism‚ imperialism‚ World War I‚ the Roaring Twenties‚ the Great Depression‚ and World War II. These periods highlight America’s transformation into a global power. Themes such as technological innovation‚ cultural shifts‚ economic boom and bust‚ and the struggle for civil rights are central. The role of government in addressing societal issues‚ like the New Deal‚ also emerges. These concepts emphasize the nation’s growth‚ challenges‚ and evolving identity‚ providing a framework for understanding the complexities of this transformative era in U.S. history.
The Progressive Era (1890-1920)
The Progressive Era was a time of reform addressing social‚ political‚ and economic issues‚ driven by a desire to modernize and improve American society;
Causes and Goals of Progressivism
The Progressive Era emerged as a response to industrialization‚ urbanization‚ and social inequality. Industrial growth led to monopolies‚ labor exploitation‚ and environmental degradation‚ while urbanization created overcrowding and poor living conditions. These issues sparked a desire for reform to address systemic inequities and promote social justice.
The primary goals of Progressivism were to challenge corrupt political systems‚ empower citizens‚ and regulate economic practices. Reformers sought to increase government accountability‚ improve public health‚ and protect labor rights. Muckrakers exposed societal ills‚ while leaders like Jane Addams and Theodore Roosevelt championed progressive policies to create a more equitable society.
Key Figures and Their Contributions
Prominent figures of the Progressive Era played pivotal roles in driving reform. Theodore Roosevelt championed trust-busting policies and conservation efforts‚ while Jane Addams pioneered social welfare through Hull House. Woodrow Wilson advanced progressive ideals with his New Freedom agenda‚ focusing on reducing corporate power and lowering tariffs. Muckrakers like Upton Sinclair exposed societal ills‚ inspiring legislative changes. These leaders collectively sought to address industrial and social challenges‚ advocating for a more just and equitable society.
- Theodore Roosevelt: Fought corporate monopolies and promoted conservation.
- Jane Addams: Advocated for social justice and urban reform.
- Woodrow Wilson: Implemented policies to reduce corporate influence.
- Muckrakers: Exposed corruption‚ sparking public demand for change.
Major Legislation and Reforms
Significant legislation during this period addressed economic and social issues. The Sherman Anti-Trust Act (1890) targeted monopolies‚ while the Clayton Anti-Trust Act (1914) protected labor rights. The Federal Trade Commission Act (1914) regulated business practices. Progressive reforms also included the 16th Amendment (income tax) and the 17th Amendment (direct Senate elections). The 19th Amendment (1920) granted women suffrage. These laws reflected efforts to balance industrial growth with social justice‚ reshaping the U.S. economic and political landscape.
- Sherman Anti-Trust Act: First federal law to combat monopolies.
- Clayton Anti-Trust Act: Strengthened anti-trust laws and supported labor unions.
U.S. Foreign Policy and Imperialism
The U.S. emerged as a global power‚ driven by economic interests and strategic expansion. Imperialism shaped foreign policy‚ with events like the Spanish-American War and World War I.
- Rise as a Global Power: Economic motives and military expansion.
- Open Door Policy: Sought equal trade opportunities in China.
The Rise of the United States as a Global Power
The late 19th and early 20th centuries marked the U.S.’s emergence as a global power. Economic growth‚ industrialization‚ and imperialism drove this transformation. The Spanish-American War (1898) showcased U.S. military prowess‚ resulting in the acquisition of territories like Puerto Rico‚ Guam‚ and the Philippines. The Open Door Policy in China reflected the U.S.’s desire for economic influence without formal colonies. World War I further cemented America’s global role‚ as it transitioned from a debtor to a creditor nation. By the interwar period‚ the U.S. had solidified its position as a dominant world power‚ influencing both economically and politically.
World War I and Its Impact on America
World War I (1914-1918) marked a pivotal moment in U.S. history. Initially neutral‚ America entered the war in 1917 due to Germany’s unrestricted submarine warfare and the Zimmermann Telegram. The war effort boosted industries‚ with the federal government taking unprecedented control over the economy. Liberty Bonds financed the war‚ and rationing became widespread. However‚ social tensions arose‚ including opposition to conscription and racial conflicts. The war’s conclusion with the Treaty of Versailles left the U.S. divided over the League of Nations. Post-war‚ America retreated into isolationism‚ while the economy briefly boomed before the 1920s. The war reshaped America’s global role and domestic policies.
The 1920s: Cultural and Economic Changes
The 1920s saw a cultural explosion‚ with the Harlem Renaissance‚ flappers‚ and jazz symbolizing social change. Economic prosperity fueled consumer culture‚ while Prohibition sparked controversy.
The Roaring Twenties: Social and Cultural Shifts
The 1920s‚ known as the Roaring Twenties‚ brought significant social and cultural changes. The Harlem Renaissance flourished‚ celebrating African American culture and producing influential artists and writers. Women gained more freedom‚ exemplified by the flapper movement‚ which symbolized a shift away from traditional norms. Jazz music became popular‚ reflecting the era’s vibrant spirit. Additionally‚ the 19th Amendment granted women the right to vote‚ marking a major milestone in gender equality. These changes‚ however‚ were not universally accepted‚ as Prohibition and racial tensions highlighted the decade’s contradictions. Overall‚ the 1920s laid the groundwork for modern American culture and identity.
Economic Boom and Consumerism
The 1920s experienced an economic boom‚ driven by mass production‚ technological advancements‚ and rising consumer demand. Consumerism flourished‚ with new advertising techniques and credit systems enabling Americans to purchase cars‚ radios‚ and other goods. The automobile industry‚ led by Ford’s assembly line‚ became a symbol of prosperity. However‚ this boom was uneven‚ as farmers and industrial workers faced economic challenges. The wealth gap widened‚ with the wealthy benefiting disproportionately from stock market investments. Despite these inequalities‚ the decade marked a significant shift in American culture‚ prioritizing material comfort and leisure. This economic transformation laid the groundwork for future consumer-driven economies.
The Great Depression and the New Deal
The Great Depression (1929-1941) devastated the U.S. economy‚ prompting President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal to reforms and recovery efforts‚ reshaping America’s economic and social landscape.
Causes and Effects of the Great Depression
The Great Depression (1929–1941) was triggered by the stock market crash of 1929‚ exacerbated by banking system failures‚ overproduction‚ and droughts. Mass unemployment soared‚ reaching 25%‚ while GDP plummeted by nearly 30%. Millions lost savings‚ homes‚ and livelihoods‚ leading to widespread poverty and social dislocation. The Dust Bowl further devastated agricultural communities. Globally‚ trade collapsed due to protectionist policies like the Smoot-Hawley Tariff. The crisis deepened class divisions and eroded public trust in capitalism. It also spurred political shifts‚ including the rise of federal intervention and the New Deal‚ reshaping America’s economic and social structures permanently.
Franklin D. Roosevelt and the New Deal
Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal (1933–1938) aimed to alleviate the Great Depression by reforming the financial system and providing relief to millions of Americans. His leadership restored public confidence through programs like the Works Progress Administration and the Civilian Conservation Corps‚ which created jobs and infrastructure. The New Deal redefined the role of the federal government‚ emphasizing intervention in the economy and social welfare. While it faced criticism‚ including Supreme Court challenges‚ the New Deal laid the groundwork for modern social safety nets and redefined liberalism‚ leaving a lasting impact on American governance and society.
Key Programs and Policies of the New Deal
The New Deal introduced numerous programs and policies to address the Great Depression. The Works Progress Administration (WPA) provided jobs in construction and the arts‚ while the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) employed young men in conservation projects. The National Recovery Administration (NRA) aimed to boost industry through codes of fair competition. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) restored banking stability‚ and the Social Security Act established a safety net for the elderly and unemployed. These measures reflected Roosevelt’s commitment to economic recovery and social reform‚ reshaping the federal government’s role in addressing economic crises and ensuring long-term security for citizens.
World War II and Its Aftermath
World War II marked the U.S. emergence as a global superpower‚ with significant contributions to Allied victory. The aftermath saw the onset of the Cold War‚ decolonization‚ and efforts to address the Holocaust’s atrocities‚ reshaping international relations and global security frameworks.
U.S. Entry into World War II
The United States initially maintained neutrality during World War II‚ focusing on economic and military aid through programs like Lend-Lease. However‚ the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor by Japan in December 1941 prompted immediate U.S. entry into the war. This event shifted American foreign policy‚ transitioning from isolationism to active global engagement. The U.S. contribution significantly influenced the Allied victory‚ showcasing its growing military and economic power. The war marked a turning point in America’s role as a global superpower‚ setting the stage for its leadership in the post-war world order and the onset of the Cold War.
Major Battles and Turning Points
World War II saw several pivotal battles that shaped its outcome. The Battle of Midway (1942) was a decisive naval victory for the U.S.‚ halting Japanese expansion in the Pacific. The Battle of Stalingrad (1942-1943) marked a turning point on the Eastern Front‚ as Soviet forces defeated the Germans‚ shifting momentum in Europe. The D-Day invasion of Normandy (1944) opened a western front‚ accelerating the Allied advance into Germany. In the Pacific‚ battles like Iwo Jima and Okinawa were crucial for securing airbases and preparing for a potential invasion of Japan. These battles demonstrated American military strength and strategic coordination‚ ultimately contributing to the Allied victory and Japan’s surrender in 1945.
The Home Front During World War II
During World War II‚ the U.S. home front underwent significant changes to support the war effort. Industrial mobilization shifted the economy to war production‚ boosting employment and technological innovation. Women entered the workforce in unprecedented numbers‚ symbolized by “Rosie the Riveter.” Rationing of goods like gasoline‚ meat‚ and sugar became common‚ while civilians participated in bond drives to finance the war. The Great Migration of African Americans to urban centers for defense jobs intensified racial tensions but also spurred demands for equality. The internment of Japanese Americans‚ despite their loyalty‚ remains a controversial aspect of home front history. These collective efforts united Americans in supporting the war but also revealed underlying social challenges.
Mastering Period 7 requires understanding key themes‚ events‚ and reforms. Focus on analyzing primary sources‚ practicing essay questions‚ and using flashcards to retain essential details effectively.
Reviewing Key Events and Themes
Period 7 of APUSH covers transformative events from 1890 to 1945‚ including the Progressive Era‚ World War I‚ the Roaring Twenties‚ the Great Depression‚ and World War II. Key themes such as industrialization‚ imperialism‚ and social reform shaped America’s domestic and foreign policies. Understanding the rise of Progressivism‚ the impact of global conflicts‚ and the New Deal’s response to economic crisis is crucial. Students should focus on analyzing how these events interconnected and influenced the nation’s identity. Primary sources‚ timelines‚ and concept maps can help deepen understanding of these pivotal moments in U.S. history.
Preparing for the APUSH Exam
To excel in the APUSH exam‚ focus on understanding key events‚ themes‚ and historical causation within Period 7. Utilize flashcards for terms like Progressivism and the New Deal. Practice essay questions to refine your ability to analyze historical developments. Review primary sources and DBQs to enhance document analysis skills. Study guides and online resources‚ such as Quizlet‚ can reinforce knowledge retention. Engage with practice tests to familiarize yourself with the exam format and timing. Understanding the depth of historical context and connections between events is crucial. Regular review and active participation in class discussions will also strengthen your preparation for the exam.