Apush Period 6 Study Guide

APUSH Period 6 Study Guide: A Comprehensive Overview of the 1865-1898 Era

This comprehensive study guide covers AP US History Period 6, spanning from 1865 to 1898. This era, encompassing Reconstruction, the Gilded Age, and the rise of American imperialism, is rich with significant events and transformative social, political, and economic changes. Mastering this period is crucial for success on the APUSH exam. This guide will break down the key themes, events, and individuals, equipping you with the knowledge to confidently tackle any question.

Introduction: Setting the Stage for a New Nation

The period following the Civil War, 1865-1898, witnessed the nation grapple with the aftermath of slavery, the rise of industrialization, and expanding westward expansion. Reconstruction, a period of attempting to rebuild the South and reintegrate it into the Union, proved incredibly complex and ultimately fell short of its idealistic goals. The Gilded Age, characterized by rapid industrial growth, immense wealth disparity, and significant social and political corruption, laid the groundwork for the progressive era to come. Finally, the nation's burgeoning power led to an expansionist foreign policy, culminating in the Spanish-American War and the acquisition of overseas territories. Understanding the interconnectedness of these themes is essential for a complete understanding of this period.

I. Reconstruction (1865-1877): A Nation Rebuilds

• Presidential and Radical Reconstruction: The differing approaches of Presidents Andrew Johnson and the Radical Republicans in Congress shaped the course of Reconstruction. Johnson's lenient policies towards the South contrasted sharply with the Radical Republicans' efforts to secure civil rights for African Americans and punish former Confederates. Key legislation, such as the Reconstruction Acts, aimed to restructure Southern society and guarantee Black suffrage.

• Black Reconstruction: Despite facing immense challenges, including violence from white supremacist groups like the Ku Klux Klan, African Americans made significant strides during Reconstruction. They actively participated in politics, holding elected office and advocating for their rights. The establishment of Black schools and churches further contributed to the development of a distinct Black political and cultural identity.

• The Failure of Reconstruction: Various factors contributed to the eventual failure of Reconstruction. White Southern resistance, coupled with waning Northern support and political compromises, led to the dismantling of Reconstruction governments and the rise of Jim Crow laws, effectively undermining the gains made by African Americans. The Compromise of 1877, which effectively ended Reconstruction, marked a turning point, signaling the return of white supremacy in the South.

• Key Figures: Abraham Lincoln, Andrew Johnson, Thaddeus Stevens, Frederick Douglass, Hiram Revels, and Booker T. Washington all played crucial roles during this turbulent period. Understanding their perspectives and actions is key to understanding the complexities of Reconstruction.

II. The Gilded Age (1870s-1890s): Industrialization and its Consequences

• Industrialization and Technological Innovation: This era witnessed unprecedented industrial growth, fueled by technological advancements such as the Bessemer process (steel production), the expansion of railroads, and the invention of electricity. These innovations dramatically transformed the American economy and spurred urbanization.

• The Rise of Big Business and Monopolies: Powerful industrialists, including Andrew Carnegie (steel), John D. Rockefeller (oil), and J.P. Morgan (finance), amassed immense fortunes, often through ruthless business practices that led to the creation of monopolies and trusts. This concentration of wealth created significant economic inequality.

• Labor Movements and Strikes: The rapid industrialization led to harsh working conditions for many Americans, prompting the rise of labor unions and numerous strikes. The Knights of Labor and the American Federation of Labor (AFL) played significant roles in advocating for workers' rights, though they faced significant opposition from business owners and the government. Key strikes, such as the Great Railroad Strike of 1877 and the Pullman Strike of 1894, highlight the tensions between labor and capital.

• Immigration and Urbanization: Massive waves of immigration, primarily from Europe and Asia, contributed to rapid urbanization and the growth of cities. Immigrants often faced discrimination and struggled to adapt to their new lives, but they also contributed significantly to the nation's economic and cultural development. The creation of ethnic enclaves within cities reflects the challenges and successes of immigrant communities.

• Political Corruption and Reform: The Gilded Age was marked by significant political corruption, particularly at the local and state levels. Political machines, such as Tammany Hall in New York City, controlled elections and enriched themselves through bribery and graft. However, calls for reform eventually led to the rise of progressive movements in the early 20th century.

• Key Figures: Andrew Carnegie, John D. Rockefeller, J.P. Morgan, Samuel Gompers, Eugene V. Debs, and Boss Tweed are all key figures whose actions shaped the landscape of the Gilded Age.

III. Westward Expansion and Native American Policy (1865-1898): Manifest Destiny's Legacy

• The Homestead Act and the Transcontinental Railroad: The Homestead Act of 1862 offered free land to settlers, encouraging westward expansion. The completion of the Transcontinental Railroad in 1869 further facilitated this movement, connecting the East and West coasts.

• Native American Resistance and Removal: Westward expansion led to increased conflict with Native American tribes. The U.S. government implemented policies of assimilation and removal, often through violence and broken treaties. Significant battles and massacres, such as the Battle of Little Bighorn and the Wounded Knee Massacre, highlight the brutality of this era.

• The Dawes Act: This act aimed to assimilate Native Americans by dividing tribal lands into individual allotments, weakening tribal structures and furthering the process of dispossession.

• Key Figures: Sitting Bull, Crazy Horse, Geronimo, and Chief Joseph represent the Native American resistance to westward expansion. Understanding their stories provides a crucial perspective on this period.

IV. The Rise of American Imperialism (1890s-1898): A New World Power

• Causes of American Imperialism: Several factors contributed to the rise of American imperialism, including economic interests, a belief in American exceptionalism, and a desire for global power. The competition with European powers for overseas territories also played a crucial role.

• The Spanish-American War: This brief but decisive war resulted in the acquisition of territories such as Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines. The war demonstrated the growing military power of the United States.

• Debates over Imperialism: The acquisition of overseas territories sparked intense debate within the United States. Anti-imperialists opposed expansion, arguing that it violated American principles of self-government and would lead to the exploitation of colonized peoples.

• Key Figures: Theodore Roosevelt, William McKinley, and Emilio Aguinaldo are key figures associated with the Spanish-American War and the rise of American imperialism. Understanding their roles and perspectives is vital.

V. Social and Cultural Developments (1865-1898): A Changing Nation

• The Rise of Populism: The Populist movement, primarily composed of farmers and laborers, emerged as a response to economic inequality and political corruption. They advocated for reforms such as government regulation of railroads and the free coinage of silver.

• The Progressive Movement's Beginnings: While the Progressive Era officially begins in the early 20th century, its roots can be traced to the late 19th century. The growing awareness of social problems, such as poverty and inequality, laid the groundwork for the reforms of the Progressive Era.

• The Second Industrial Revolution's Impact on Society: Technological advancements had a profound impact on American society, transforming everyday life and leading to new social structures and challenges.

• Changes in Education and Culture: The rise of public education and the expansion of higher education contributed to a more literate and informed populace. Cultural developments, such as the rise of realism in literature, reflected the changing social and economic landscape.

VI. Connecting the Themes: A Holistic Understanding

This period is best understood by examining the interconnectedness of its various themes. For example, the industrialization of the Gilded Age fueled westward expansion and contributed to the rise of American imperialism. The failure of Reconstruction directly influenced the social and political landscape of the Gilded Age and shaped the ongoing struggle for racial equality. Understanding these connections is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of APUSH Period 6.

VII. Preparing for the APUSH Exam: Key Strategies

• Practice, Practice, Practice: Use practice questions and past APUSH exams to test your knowledge and identify areas needing improvement.

• Develop a Strong Timeline: A clear timeline of key events, individuals, and movements will help you organize the information and understand the chronological flow of events.

• Master Key Concepts: Focus on understanding the major themes and concepts, rather than memorizing individual facts. This will help you apply your knowledge to a wide range of questions.

• Analyze Primary Sources: Learning to analyze primary sources, such as letters, speeches, and images, is crucial for success on the APUSH exam.

• Connect Themes and Events: Develop the ability to connect different events and themes to create a comprehensive narrative of this historical period.

VIII. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What are the key differences between Presidential and Radical Reconstruction? Presidential Reconstruction was more lenient towards the South, while Radical Reconstruction aimed to secure civil rights for African Americans and punish former Confederates.

• What were the main causes of the Spanish-American War? Multiple factors contributed, including American economic interests in Cuba, the sinking of the USS Maine, and yellow journalism fueling public support for war.

• How did industrialization impact American society? It led to rapid urbanization, economic growth, increased immigration, and significant social and economic inequality.

• What was the significance of the Populist movement? It represented a challenge to the established political order and highlighted the growing economic and social divisions within American society.

• How did westward expansion impact Native Americans? It led to the displacement, dispossession, and violence against Native American tribes.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Change

The period from 1865 to 1898 represents a crucial turning point in American history. Reconstruction's failures, the Gilded Age's inequalities, and the rise of American imperialism all shaped the nation's trajectory into the 20th century. By thoroughly understanding the key themes, events, and figures of this period, you will not only succeed on the APUSH exam but also gain a deeper appreciation for the complex forces that shaped modern America. Remember to utilize this study guide as a foundation, supplementing it with further readings and practice to ensure a thorough understanding of this transformative era.