apush unit 7 study guide
Overview of APUSH Unit 7
APUSH Unit 7 covers 1890-1945, focusing on Progressivism, World War I, the Roaring Twenties, the Great Depression, and World War II, shaping U.S. domestic and foreign policies.
1.1. Timeline and Significance
Spanning 1890 to 1945, Unit 7 explores transformative events like the Progressive Movement, World War I, the Roaring Twenties, the Great Depression, and World War II. These periods highlight the U.S.’s shift from domestic reforms to global influence, shaping its identity and policies during times of crisis and change.
1.2. Key Themes and Concepts
Unit 7 emphasizes industrialization, Progressivism, foreign policy shifts, and societal changes. Themes include economic growth, labor reforms, imperialism, cultural transformations, and the U.S.’s emergence as a global power. The period also addresses racial tensions, technological advancements, and the impact of two world wars on American society and politics, highlighting the nation’s evolving identity and challenges.
The Progressive Movement
The Progressive Movement aimed to address issues like trusts, monopolies, and worker exploitation; It emphasized government intervention, social justice, and political reforms to create a fairer and more equitable society.
2.1; Key Progressive Reforms
Key Progressive reforms included the 16th Amendment for income tax, the 17th Amendment for direct Senate elections, and the 18th Amendment for Prohibition. Trust-busting policies targeted monopolies, while labor laws improved working conditions. Women’s suffrage and education reforms were also central, aiming to empower citizens and create a more just society.
2.2. Role of Muckrakers and Reformers
Muckrakers like Lincoln Steffens and Ida Tarbell exposed societal ills, spurring reforms. Reformers such as Theodore Roosevelt and Jane Addams advocated for labor rights, education, and women’s suffrage. Their efforts led to trusts’ dismantling, improved working conditions, and social justice, transforming the nation’s approach to governance and equity during the Progressive Era.
World War I and Its Impact
World War I transformed the U.S. from isolationism to global intervention, sparking economic mobilization and societal shifts. The Treaty of Versailles’ consequences shaped future conflicts and diplomacy.
3.1. U.S. Entry into the War
The U.S. initially maintained neutrality in World War I, focusing on economic gains through trade with both sides. However, Germany’s unrestricted submarine warfare and the sinking of the Lusitania shifted public opinion. The Zimmermann Telegram, revealing Germany’s plan to ally with Mexico against the U.S., was the final catalyst. President Wilson, despite earlier diplomacy, led Congress to declare war on Germany in 1917.
3.2. Treaty of Versailles and Its Consequences
The Treaty of Versailles (1919) ended World War I, imposing harsh penalties on Germany, including heavy reparations and territorial losses. The war-guilt clause blamed Germany for the conflict, fueling resentment. The U.S. refused to ratify the treaty, leading to its rejection by the Senate. The treaty’s terms contributed to economic instability and nationalist sentiment, setting the stage for World War II and the rise of fascist regimes in Europe.
The Roaring Twenties
The 1920s saw cultural and social transformation, marked by Prohibition, Harlem Renaissance, and technological advancements. Economic prosperity and consumer culture defined the era, alongside the stock market boom.
4.1. Cultural and Social Changes
The Roaring Twenties brought significant cultural shifts, including the Harlem Renaissance, which celebrated African American culture, and the rise of flappers, symbolizing women’s liberation. Prohibition led to speakeasies and organized crime, while technological advancements and consumerism reshaped societal norms. The era also saw increased immigration and urbanization, fostering cultural diversity and social change that defined the modern American identity.
4.2. Economic Boom and Its Effects
The 1920s saw an economic boom driven by mass production, consumerism, and technological advancements. Industries like automobiles and electronics thrived, while stock market speculation reached new heights. However, this prosperity was uneven, with wealth concentrated among the elite. Overproduction and underconsumption by the working class led to economic instability, setting the stage for the Great Depression and exposing flaws in the capitalist system.
The Great Depression
The Great Depression, triggered by the 1929 stock market crash, caused widespread unemployment, economic collapse, and societal despair, necessitating radical government intervention and policy reforms.
5.1. Causes and Consequences
The Great Depression, triggered by the 1929 stock market crash, stemmed from overproduction, underconsumption, and speculative investing. Banks failed, unemployment soared, and global trade collapsed. Consequences included widespread poverty, a 27% drop in GDP, and a 25% unemployment rate. The crisis deepened social inequalities and spurred a global economic downturn, lasting over a decade and reshaping U.S. economic policies.
5.2. New Deal Programs and Policies
The New Deal, launched by FDR, aimed to alleviate the Great Depression through relief, recovery, and reform. Programs like the CCC, WPA, and NRA provided jobs and stimulus. The TVA and FDIC addressed infrastructure and banking stability. While the NRA was struck down, the New Deal reshaped government intervention, offering relief to millions and redefining the federal role in the economy and society.
World War II
World War II transformed the U.S. into a global superpower, with significant events like Pearl Harbor, D-Day, and the atomic bombings shaping its involvement and legacy.
6.1. U.S. Involvement and Major Events
The U.S. entered World War II after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, leading to a formal declaration of war. Key events included the D-Day invasion of Normandy, the Battle of the Bulge, and the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The U.S. played a pivotal role in Allied victories, with significant contributions from both the military and the home front, emerging as a global superpower.
6.2. Home Front and War Efforts
During World War II, the U.S. home front mobilized extensively. Women entered the workforce in unprecedented numbers, particularly in industries like shipbuilding and aerospace. The War Production Board coordinated the conversion of civilian industries to military production. Rationing and propaganda campaigns promoted patriotism and sacrifice. The G.I. Bill was enacted to support returning veterans. Social changes, including increased migration and minority participation, reshaped American society, despite ongoing racial tensions.
Domestic Challenges and Reforms
The U.S. faced significant domestic challenges, including civil rights struggles, labor movements, and social reforms, shaping a more inclusive society and addressing systemic inequalities during this era.
7.1. Civil Rights and Social Movements
The civil rights movement gained momentum, addressing racial segregation and discrimination through landmark events like the March on Washington and the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Social movements, including feminism and environmentalism, also emerged, advocating for equality and justice, while labor strikes and unionization efforts pushed for workers’ rights and better working conditions.
7.2. Labor Movements and Strikes
Labor movements intensified during this period, with workers demanding better wages, safer conditions, and shorter hours. Strikes, such as the Lawrence Textile Strike, highlighted labor unrest. The rise of unions like the CIO and AFL sought to empower workers. Legislation like the National Labor Relations Act and Fair Labor Standards Act addressed workers’ rights, while company resistance and violent confrontations often marred progress.
Foreign Policy and Imperialism
APUSH Unit 7 examines U.S. expansion and imperialism, highlighting the shift from isolationism to global intervention, driven by economic and ideological motivations, shaping America’s role as a superpower.
8.1. U.S. Expansion and Imperialism
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the U;S. pursued expansionist policies, driven by economic and strategic interests. The Spanish-American War marked a turning point, resulting in the acquisition of Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. This period also saw the rise of “Dollar Diplomacy” and the Marshall Plan, which aimed to stabilize post-war Europe.
Key events like the Philippine-American War and the Open Door Policy highlighted the nation’s growing global influence, as it sought to expand markets and assert its role as a world power.
8.2. Isolationism vs. Interventionism
The U.S. debated its global role, oscillating between isolationism and interventionism. Post-WWI, isolationist policies prevailed, avoiding entanglements like the League of Nations. However, economic interests and rising global threats led to interventionist measures, such as the Lend-Lease Act during WWII, marking a shift toward international engagement and leadership.
This tension shaped foreign policy, balancing domestic priorities with global responsibilities, reflecting America’s evolving role as a world power.
Key Legislation and Supreme Court Cases
Unit 7 highlights significant laws like the New Deal programs and landmark Supreme Court decisions that shaped civil liberties, economic policies, and social reforms during 1890-1945.
9.1. Significant Laws of the Era
This period saw landmark legislation like the Marshall Plan, which aided post-war Europe, and the Fair Labor Standards Act, establishing minimum wage and overtime rules. The Social Security Act provided economic security for citizens, while the GI Bill supported veterans’ education and housing. These laws addressed economic recovery, labor rights, and social welfare, shaping America’s domestic landscape during 1890-1945.
9.2. Landmark Supreme Court Decisions
Key rulings include Lochner v. New York, which limited government regulation of labor, and West Coast Hotel v. Parrish, upholding minimum wage laws. The Court also addressed civil liberties in Schenck v. United States and Korematsu v. United States, reflecting tensions between national security and individual rights during wartime. These decisions shaped constitutional interpretations of economic regulation and civil liberties during 1890-1945.
Study Tips and Review Strategies
Use flashcards for key terms, practice essay questions, and review timelines. Active recall and spaced repetition enhance retention. Utilize study guides and mock exams for comprehensive preparation.
10.1. Effective Note-Taking and Flashcards
Active recall and spaced repetition are key. Create concise flashcards with key terms and concepts. Organize notes by themes and events. Review regularly to reinforce memory. Use color-coding and bullet points for clarity. Focus on understanding context over memorization. Practice summarizing complex ideas in your own words to deepen comprehension and retention for exam success.
10.2. Practice Questions and Mock Exams
Engage with practice questions and mock exams to assess understanding and improve test-taking skills. Focus on both multiple-choice and essay questions to refine critical thinking and writing abilities. Simulate exam conditions during mock tests to enhance time management and reduce anxiety. Review incorrect answers to identify weak areas and strengthen knowledge. Consistent practice ensures readiness for the actual APUSH exam.