Apush Period 6 Review Challenge

APUSH Period 6 Review Challenge: Mastering the Gilded Age and Progressive Era (1865-1917)

This comprehensive guide tackles the APUSH Period 6 review, covering the Gilded Age and Progressive Era (1865-1917). This period is crucial for the AP exam, encompassing significant social, economic, and political transformations in the United States. Mastering this era requires understanding its complexities, key players, and lasting impacts. We'll break down the key themes, concepts, and events to help you ace that exam!

I. Introduction: Setting the Stage for Change

Period 6 of AP US History (1865-1917) marks a dramatic shift from Reconstruction to the Progressive Era. While Reconstruction attempted to rebuild the South and integrate formerly enslaved people into society, it ultimately fell short, leaving behind a legacy of racial inequality and economic disparity. This created fertile ground for the rapid industrialization and urbanization that characterized the Gilded Age, a period of immense wealth alongside widespread poverty and corruption. The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw the rise of industrial giants like Rockefeller, Carnegie, and Morgan, alongside labor movements fighting for better working conditions and social justice. The Progressive Era emerged as a response to these challenges, aiming to reform society and government through various social and political movements.

This period is ripe with potential essay questions. Understanding the interconnectedness of industrialization, urbanization, immigration, political corruption, and progressive reforms is key to success.

II. Key Themes and Concepts: A Framework for Understanding

Several overarching themes structure Period 6. Understanding these will help you organize your knowledge and connect disparate events:

• Industrialization and its consequences: This includes the rise of big business, the growth of monopolies and trusts, technological innovations (like the Bessemer process and the railroad), and the impact on the environment and workers' lives. Think about the rise of laissez-faire economics and its social costs.

• Urbanization and immigration: Massive waves of immigration, primarily from Southern and Eastern Europe, transformed American cities. This led to overcrowding, ethnic enclaves, and social tensions. Consider the role of nativism and the rise of anti-immigrant sentiment.

• Political corruption and reform: The Gilded Age witnessed widespread political corruption, particularly at the local and state levels. This fueled the Progressive movement, which sought to reform government and address social issues through various means.

• Labor movements and the rise of organized labor: Workers faced harsh conditions, long hours, and low wages. This led to the formation of labor unions like the Knights of Labor and the American Federation of Labor, who fought for better working conditions, higher wages, and the right to organize.

• The rise of the Populist movement: Farmers and other agrarian workers faced economic hardship, leading to the rise of the Populist movement, which advocated for government regulation of railroads and other reforms to benefit farmers and workers.

• Progressive Era reforms: Progressives sought to address the problems of industrialization and urbanization through various reforms, including women's suffrage, antitrust legislation, food and drug safety regulations, and conservation efforts.

III. Key Figures and Events: The Players and Their Actions

Period 6 is rich with significant figures and events. Here are some highlights:

• Industrialists: Andrew Carnegie (steel), John D. Rockefeller (oil), J.P. Morgan (finance). Understanding their business practices, their philosophies (like Carnegie's "Gospel of Wealth"), and their impact on the economy is crucial.

• Labor leaders: Eugene V. Debs (Socialist Party), Samuel Gompers (AFL). Understanding their strategies, their goals, and the challenges they faced is essential.

• Progressive reformers: Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, Jane Addams (Hull House), Susan B. Anthony (women's suffrage). Understanding their goals, their methods, and their successes and failures is vital.

• Key events: The Haymarket Riot, the Pullman Strike, the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, the Spanish-American War, the Progressive Era reforms (e.g., the Sherman Antitrust Act, the Pure Food and Drug Act, the 16th, 17th, 18th, and 19th Amendments). Understanding the context, causes, and consequences of these events is paramount.

IV. The Progressive Movement: A Deep Dive

The Progressive movement wasn't a monolithic entity. It encompassed a wide range of goals and strategies, often driven by a combination of social reform, religious conviction, and a belief in the power of government to improve society. Key aspects include:

• Muckrakers: Investigative journalists who exposed corruption and social ills, such as Upton Sinclair's The Jungle (which led to food safety reforms).

• Political reforms: These included initiatives like direct primaries, recall elections, referendums, and the initiative process, all aiming to make government more responsive to the people. The 17th Amendment, providing for the direct election of senators, is a prime example.

• Social reforms: These addressed issues like child labor, working conditions, and public health. The establishment of settlement houses like Hull House, providing social services to the poor, is a key example.

• Women's suffrage: The long fight for women's right to vote culminated in the passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920. Understanding the strategies employed by suffragists and the social and political context is important.

• Conservation efforts: President Theodore Roosevelt's focus on conservation and the creation of national parks reflects a growing awareness of the need to protect natural resources.

V. Economic Transformations: From Laissez-Faire to Regulation

The Gilded Age was characterized by laissez-faire capitalism, with minimal government intervention in the economy. However, the excesses of this system, including monopolies, trusts, and labor exploitation, led to calls for government regulation. The Progressive Era saw the rise of government regulation aimed at curbing the power of big business and protecting consumers and workers. Key legislation includes:

• Sherman Antitrust Act (1890): Aimed at preventing monopolies and promoting competition.

• Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC): Regulated railroad rates and practices.

• Pure Food and Drug Act (1906): Established safety standards for food and drugs.

• Meat Inspection Act (1906): Established standards for the slaughter and processing of meat.

VI. Social and Cultural Transformations: A Changing Society

Period 6 witnessed significant social and cultural changes:

• Changing demographics: Massive immigration from Southern and Eastern Europe led to a more diverse population and the growth of ethnic enclaves in American cities.

• Rise of nativism: A backlash against immigration, fueled by fears of competition for jobs and cultural differences.

• Changing roles of women: The Progressive Era saw increased activism by women, leading to the women's suffrage movement and broader changes in women's roles in society.

• African American struggles: Despite Reconstruction's failures, African Americans continued to fight for civil rights and equality, facing persistent racism and discrimination. The rise of Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. Du Bois represent contrasting approaches to achieving racial equality.

VII. Foreign Policy: Expansion and Intervention

The United States expanded its global reach during this period:

• Spanish-American War (1898): Led to the acquisition of territories like Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines, marking the beginning of American imperialism.

• Roosevelt Corollary (1904): An addition to the Monroe Doctrine, asserting the right of the United States to intervene in Latin American affairs.

• Panama Canal: Construction of the Panama Canal further enhanced American power and influence in the Western Hemisphere.

VIII. Preparing for the AP Exam: Strategies and Practice

To succeed on the APUSH exam, focus on these strategies:

• Theme-based learning: Organize your knowledge around the key themes outlined above.

• Cause and effect: Analyze the causes and consequences of significant events.

• Comparison and contrast: Compare and contrast different periods, movements, or figures.

• Contextualization: Place events within their historical context.

• Practice essays: Write practice essays using the AP rubric as a guide. Focus on clear thesis statements, strong evidence, and effective analysis.

• Utilize primary and secondary sources: Familiarize yourself with interpretations of events from various perspectives.

IX. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What's the difference between the Gilded Age and the Progressive Era? The Gilded Age (roughly 1870s-1890s) refers to a period of rapid industrialization and wealth accumulation, marked by significant social and economic inequalities. The Progressive Era (roughly 1890s-1920s) represents a reaction to the Gilded Age's problems, characterized by reform movements aiming to address social and political issues.

• Who were the Muckrakers? Muckrakers were investigative journalists who exposed corruption and social problems in American society. Upton Sinclair's The Jungle and Ida Tarbell's exposé of Standard Oil are prime examples.

• What were the major goals of the Progressive movement? Progressives aimed to address issues like political corruption, economic inequality, social injustice, and environmental conservation.

• What were the major accomplishments of the Progressive Era? Key accomplishments include the passage of antitrust legislation, food and drug safety regulations, women's suffrage, and conservation efforts.

• How did industrialization impact American society? Industrialization led to rapid economic growth but also created social problems like poverty, pollution, and unsafe working conditions.

X. Conclusion: A Legacy of Change

Period 6 of APUSH represents a pivotal moment in American history. The rapid industrialization and urbanization of the Gilded Age, coupled with the reform efforts of the Progressive Era, profoundly shaped the nation's social, economic, and political landscape. Mastering this period requires understanding its complex interplay of industrialists, reformers, labor movements, and social change. By focusing on the key themes, events, and figures discussed above, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle any APUSH Period 6 challenge, laying a strong foundation for success on the AP exam. Remember to practice consistently and apply your knowledge to various essay prompts to strengthen your understanding and achieve your academic goals. Good luck!