Unit 6 Apush Progress Check

Conquering the APUSH Unit 6 Progress Check: A Comprehensive Guide

The AP US History Unit 6 Progress Check covers the period from 1890 to 1945, a pivotal era marked by significant transformations in American society, politics, and foreign policy. This period witnessed the rise of the United States as a global power, alongside intense internal debates about its identity and role in the world. Mastering this unit requires a deep understanding of Progressive reforms, the impact of World War I, the Roaring Twenties, the Great Depression, and the crucial role of the United States in World War II. This comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and strategies to confidently tackle the APUSH Unit 6 Progress Check and achieve a high score.

I. The Progressive Era (1890-1920): Reform and Reaction

This period saw a surge of progressive movements aimed at addressing the social and economic problems stemming from rapid industrialization and urbanization. Understanding the key players, their motivations, and the lasting impact of their reforms is crucial.

A. Key Figures and Movements:

• Muckrakers: Investigative journalists like Upton Sinclair (The Jungle) and Ida Tarbell exposed corruption and social injustices, fueling public demand for change. Understanding their methods and impact is essential.
• Progressive Presidents: Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, and Woodrow Wilson each implemented progressive reforms, albeit with differing approaches and priorities. Knowing their specific policies and their successes and failures is crucial.
• Women's Suffrage Movement: The fight for women's right to vote culminated in the passage of the 19th Amendment. Understanding the strategies employed by suffragists, the challenges they faced, and the broader context of women's activism is vital.
• Social Gospel Movement: This religious movement emphasized social justice and reform, influencing progressive activism. Understanding its connection to other reform movements is important.

B. Key Reforms and Legislation:

• Trust-busting: Roosevelt's efforts to break up monopolies and promote competition. Knowing the impact on businesses and the economy is important.
• Food and Drug Act: This legislation aimed to regulate the food and drug industries to protect consumers. Understanding its impact on public health and safety is vital.
• Meat Inspection Act: Passed in response to Sinclair's The Jungle, this act aimed to improve sanitation in meatpacking plants. Understand its impact on public health and the food industry.
• Conservation efforts: Roosevelt's commitment to conserving natural resources and establishing national parks. Understanding the environmental impact and the debates surrounding conservation is important.

C. Limitations of Progressivism:

Despite its significant achievements, progressivism had limitations. It often excluded marginalized groups, such as African Americans, and failed to fully address systemic inequalities. Understanding these limitations provides a nuanced understanding of the era.

II. World War I and its Aftermath (1914-1920): A Turning Point

The United States' entry into World War I marked a dramatic shift in its foreign policy and domestic life. Understanding the causes of the war, America's role, and the consequences is crucial.

A. Causes and Entry into the War:

• Unrestricted submarine warfare: Germany's attacks on neutral shipping led to American outrage and ultimately, entry into the war.
• Zimmermann Telegram: This intercepted message revealed a German plot to enlist Mexico against the United States.
• Economic ties to the Allies: The United States had strong economic ties with Britain and France, which influenced its decision to enter the war.

B. Wartime Mobilization and Impact:

• The War Industries Board: This agency coordinated industrial production for the war effort.
• Propaganda and Censorship: The government used propaganda to generate public support for the war and suppressed dissent.
• Impact on Civil Liberties: The Espionage and Sedition Acts curtailed free speech and led to the persecution of dissenters.
• African American Migration: The war led to a large-scale migration of African Americans from the South to the North in search of industrial jobs.

C. Treaty of Versailles and its Impact:

• Wilson's Fourteen Points: Wilson's vision for a post-war world, including the creation of the League of Nations.
• Rejection of the Treaty: The Senate's refusal to ratify the Treaty of Versailles reflected isolationist sentiments in the United States.
• The Rise of Isolationism: The war's devastating impact fueled a desire for non-involvement in future global conflicts.

III. The Roaring Twenties (1920-1929): Prosperity and Cultural Change

The 1920s were a period of economic prosperity and significant cultural change. Understanding the economic boom, social transformations, and underlying tensions is essential.

A. Economic Prosperity:

• Mass production and consumerism: Technological advancements led to increased production and widespread consumerism.
• Rise of the automobile industry: The automobile revolutionized transportation and contributed to economic growth.
• Stock market boom: Speculation and investment fueled a period of rapid stock market growth.

B. Cultural Changes:

• The Harlem Renaissance: A flourishing of African American culture in Harlem, New York City.
• Prohibition: The ban on alcohol led to the rise of organized crime and speakeasies.
• Flappers and changing gender roles: Women challenged traditional gender roles, embracing new styles and freedoms.
• Rise of mass media: Radio and movies shaped popular culture and national identity.

C. Underlying Tensions:

• Racial tensions: The era witnessed continued racial discrimination and violence against African Americans.
• Nativism and immigration restrictions: Concerns about immigration led to restrictive quotas.
• Religious fundamentalism: A backlash against modernism and cultural change.

IV. The Great Depression (1929-1941): Economic Collapse and Social Upheaval

The Great Depression, triggered by the stock market crash of 1929, had a profound impact on American society and led to significant government intervention.

A. Causes of the Great Depression:

• Stock market crash of 1929: The collapse of the stock market triggered a chain reaction of economic problems.
• Overproduction and underconsumption: Excess production and insufficient consumer demand contributed to the economic downturn.
• Banking failures and credit crisis: Widespread bank failures exacerbated the economic crisis.
• Dust Bowl: Severe drought and dust storms devastated agriculture in the Great Plains.

B. Impact of the Great Depression:

• High unemployment: Millions of Americans lost their jobs and faced poverty.
• Homelessness and migration: Many Americans were forced to leave their homes in search of work.
• Social unrest and protests: The economic hardship led to social unrest and calls for government action.

C. Government Response:

• Hoover's initial response: Hoover's limited intervention was criticized for its inadequacy.
• The New Deal: Roosevelt's ambitious program aimed to alleviate the Depression through economic relief, recovery, and reform.
• Key New Deal programs: The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), Works Progress Administration (WPA), Social Security Act, and Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) are examples of significant New Deal programs. Understanding their impact and criticisms is vital.

V. World War II (1941-1945): Global Conflict and American Transformation

The United States' entry into World War II marked another significant turning point. Understanding the causes of the war, America's role, and its consequences is crucial.

A. Causes and Entry into the War:

• Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor: The surprise attack on Pearl Harbor led to American entry into the war.
• Axis aggression: Germany's expansionist policies and Japan's aggression in Asia created a global crisis.
• Isolationist sentiment: Despite the growing threat, isolationist sentiment remained strong in the United States before Pearl Harbor.

B. Wartime Mobilization and Impact:

• Massive industrial expansion: The war effort led to a massive expansion of American industry.
• Women and minorities in the workforce: Women and minorities played a significant role in the war effort.
• Government regulation and control: The government played a significant role in directing the economy and mobilizing resources.

C. The Home Front:

• Wartime propaganda and rationing: The government used propaganda to generate support for the war effort and implemented rationing to conserve resources.
• Internment of Japanese Americans: The forced relocation and internment of Japanese Americans represent a dark chapter in American history.
• Impact on Civil Rights: The war's impact on civil rights is complex, with some progress made while other injustices persisted.

D. The Allied Victory and its Consequences:

• Atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki: The use of atomic bombs marked a turning point in the war and raised ethical questions about their use.
• The beginning of the Cold War: The end of World War II ushered in a new era of global tension between the United States and the Soviet Union.

VI. Conclusion: A Legacy of Change

The period covered in APUSH Unit 6 was one of immense change and transformation. The Progressive Era, World War I, the Roaring Twenties, the Great Depression, and World War II fundamentally reshaped American society, politics, and its role in the world. A thorough understanding of these events and their interconnections is crucial for success on the APUSH Unit 6 Progress Check. Remember to focus on the key figures, significant legislation, major turning points, and the long-term consequences of each event. By mastering this material, you will be well-prepared to demonstrate your knowledge and achieve a high score.

VII. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What is the best way to study for the APUSH Unit 6 Progress Check? Active recall methods, such as flashcards and practice questions, are highly effective. Create timelines, use visual aids, and engage in discussions to solidify your understanding.
• What specific topics are most heavily emphasized on the Progress Check? The causes and consequences of World War I and World War II, the Great Depression and the New Deal, and the social and cultural changes of the Progressive Era and the Roaring Twenties are typically given significant weight.
• How can I improve my essay-writing skills for the Progress Check? Practice writing thesis statements, supporting arguments with evidence, and structuring your essays clearly and logically. Focus on using specific historical examples to support your claims.
• What resources can I use beyond my textbook? Utilize reputable online resources, such as the Khan Academy AP US History materials, and consider supplemental reading to deepen your understanding of specific topics.
• What is the best way to manage my time during the Progress Check? Create a study schedule that allows you to cover all the material thoroughly and allocate sufficient time for practice questions and essay writing.

By thoroughly reviewing this material, actively engaging with the historical context, and utilizing effective study techniques, you will significantly improve your preparedness for the APUSH Unit 6 Progress Check and achieve your academic goals. Remember, understanding the why behind historical events is just as important as knowing the what. Good luck!