APUSH Period 7 Study Guide

Created by Angeline B. Nato for use by Simple Studies. Period 7 covers the years from 1890 to 1945, encompassing significant historical movements and events that shaped the United States. The study guide parallels the Progressive movement and the onset of World War II, underlining the evolution of government involvement in societal issues and foreign affairs.

Periodization (1890 - 1945)

This era reflects the consequences of the Gilded Age's social problems, prompting a response through Progressivism. The conclusion of this period signals a transition towards increased governmental activism aimed at securing democracy domestically and internationally.

Key Ideas

Progressive Movement: An initiative focused on addressing social issues, measuring the successes of reforms, and understanding governmental involvement.
American Expansionism: The motivations behind expansionism, influenced by various American ideologies.
Increased Government Influence in Society: The evolving expectations of government roles, particularly noting significant presidential figures.
Important Period 7 Events: Major occurrences such as World War I, the onset of the Modern Era, the Great Depression, and World War II.

This guide is structured chronologically around the unique aspects and events of each decade in Period 7.

Early 1900s: Progressivism and Latin American Affairs

The Progressive movement, fueled by the dilemmas of the Gilded Age, comprised mainly of farmers and the urban middle class. These individuals either faced the impacts of industrialization or witnessed the hardships within cities firsthand.

Muckrakers

These investigative journalists played a crucial role in unveiling corruption and dysfunction stemming from rapid industrialization, thus awakening public consciousness.

Progressive Achievements

Feminist Movement: Addressed issues like contraception.
NAACP: Founded by W.E.B. Du Bois, it laid the groundwork for the Civil Rights Movement.
Political Reforms: The 17th Amendment established direct elections for senators, heralding increased public influence in governance.
Labor Regulations: Limitations on work hours, minimum wage laws, child labor laws, and the establishment of a Progressive income tax (16th Amendment) were enacted to protect workers.

Presidency of Theodore Roosevelt (1901 - 1908)

Theodore Roosevelt significantly impacted both the Progressive movement and foreign policy. He promoted the concept of New Nationalism, which aimed to enhance societal welfare through robust governmental intervention.

Key Actions

Utilized the Sherman Antitrust Act to combat monopolistic practices.
Passed the Meat Inspection Act to ensure food safety standards.
Initiated environmental conservation efforts by protecting national parks.

Influence on Latin America

Roosevelt’s foreign policy was characterized by several key actions:

The Platt Amendment ensured U.S. control over Cuba's economic affairs post-independence.
He facilitated the construction of the Panama Canal by supporting Panamanian independence from Colombia.
The Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine asserted America’s right to intervene in Latin American nations to safeguard democracy.

Anti-Imperialist League

This organization emerged in response to Roosevelt's aggressive foreign policy, opposing the annexation of the Philippines and expressing concerns over imperial ambitions.

Causes of American Expansionism

Industrialism: The demand for raw materials propelled the U.S. to seek resources beyond its borders.
Closure of the Frontier: This led to explorations of new economic opportunities overseas.
European Competition: American nationalism and the desire to retain national power fueled expansionist policies.
White Man’s Burden: The belief that the U.S. had a moral obligation to civilize other nations through the spread of democracy.

Presidency of William Taft (1909 - 1912)

Taft continued Progressive reforms with key amendments such as the 16th and 17th Amendments while promoting Dollar Diplomacy to strengthen commercial ties with Latin America through loans.

Presidency of Woodrow Wilson (1913 - 1920)

Wilson introduced New Freedom, advocating for the protection of individual liberty through government oversight, along with establishing the Federal Trade Commission and the Federal Reserve System to regulate businesses and stabilize the economy.

1910s: World War I Era

World War I, which lasted from 1914 to 1918, culminated in the U.S. entering the conflict in 1917, driven by incidents like the sinking of the Lusitania and the revelation of the Zimmermann Telegram.

Government Control During War

During the war, the government imposed measures like the Espionage and Sedition Act and established the War Industries Board to manage business regulations vital to the war effort.

Social Changes Due to WWI

Increased prejudice against German-Americans.
Women entered the workforce in substantial numbers, filling roles vacated by soldiers.
The Great Migration saw African Americans moving to urban areas for better job opportunities.

Post-War Isolationism

Following the war, the U.S. shifted its focus to domestic growth and expressed wariness toward European affairs. President Wilson’s attempt to establish the League of Nations met with Congressional resistance.

1920s: Modern Culture Era

The 1920s experienced a brief recession followed by prosperity marked by a pro-business government stance, with efforts to suppress labor unions due to fears of communism.

Welfare Capitalism

Prominent figures like Henry Ford emphasized the importance of worker welfare, providing better conditions and benefits to enhance productivity.

Societal and Cultural Changes

The Automobile: Mass production made cars affordable, driving suburban growth.
Radio: Transformed advertising and led to consumerism.
Consumerism: Emerged as people sought more goods, leading to installment plans and credit usage.
Women’s Roles: More women entered the workforce and participated in societal changes as Flappers embraced new freedoms.

Significant Cultural Movements

Harlem Renaissance: Celebrated African American culture and artistic expression.
Conservatism and Backlash: Nativist sentiments led to the rise of the KKK and immigration quotas.

1930s: Great Depression Era

The stock market crash of 1929 under President Herbert Hoover triggered the Great Depression, marked by widespread economic hardship.

Causes of the Great Depression

Impractical loans by bankers leading to defaults.
Overproduction resulting in excess supply and plummeting prices.
Speculative practices by corporations leading to financial collapse.
Lack of regulation allowed wealth to concentrate among elites.
Post-war economic issues in Europe affecting American imports.

Hoover’s Response

Initially, Hoover adopted a passive approach but later implemented several measures to aid farmers and stimulate employment through public works.

Roosevelt’s New Deal

Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal included the Emergency Banking Act, numerous federal agencies, public works programs, and the establishment of Social Security. The goal was to restore confidence and revitalize the economy.

Successes vs Failures of the New Deal

Successes: Reduced unemployment, banking reforms, and labor revival.
Failures: Continued unemployment, exclusion of minorities, and reliance on wartime efforts to fully resolve the economic crisis.

1940s: WWII Era

American policies leading to WWII included the Kellogg-Briand Pact, the Good Neighbor Policy, and protectionist tariffs.

America’s Entry into WWII

Initially isolationist, public sentiment shifted following events such as Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor.

Impact of WWII on Society

Increased government control over the economy, mirrored in Hollywood's depiction of the war.
Segregated military units began to change, although Japanese Americans faced internment due to wartime fears.

Post-War America

The U.S. emerged as a dominant global force committed to protecting democracy, shifting away from isolationist tendencies.

Consideration of Key Social Groups

Women: Expanded roles in society and increased educational opportunities.
African Americans: Continued struggles against segregation, enhanced by wartime contributions.
Native Americans: Facing ongoing challenges, many assimilated into broader society.

This study guide outlines the interconnectedness of social, economic, foreign affairs, and major internal events throughout Period 7, offering a framework for understanding this complex era in American history. Good luck!

Key Insights on APUSH Period 7

Key Insights on APUSH Period 7