Unit 7 Apush Study Guide

Unit 7 APUSH Study Guide: Gilded Age to Progressive Era

This comprehensive study guide covers Unit 7 of the AP US History curriculum, focusing on the period from the Gilded Age (roughly 1877-1900) to the Progressive Era (roughly 1890s-1920s). This era witnessed immense industrial growth, social upheaval, and reform movements that fundamentally reshaped American society. Practically speaking, understanding this period is crucial for success on the APUSH exam. We'll explore key themes, significant events, influential figures, and important concepts to help you master this challenging unit.

I. The Gilded Age (1877-1900): A Time of Extremes

The Gilded Age, a term coined by Mark Twain, refers to the period following Reconstruction. Even so, while outwardly appearing prosperous, this era was marked by significant economic inequality and social unrest. The rapid industrialization of the late 19th century fueled massive wealth accumulation for a select few, while many workers faced harsh conditions and low wages.

A. Industrialization and its Impact:

• Key Industries: Steel (Andrew Carnegie), oil (John D. Rockefeller), railroads (Cornelius Vanderbilt), and finance (J.P. Morgan) dominated the economy. These industries experienced unprecedented growth, driven by technological innovations, abundant natural resources, and expanding markets.
• Business Practices: Monopolies and trusts became prevalent, allowing powerful industrialists to control prices and eliminate competition. This led to concerns about economic fairness and the power of big business. Think of the Robber Barons and their strategies for consolidation.
• Labor Movements: The growth of industry also led to the rise of labor unions, such as the Knights of Labor and the American Federation of Labor (AFL). Workers fought for better wages, shorter hours, and improved working conditions, often facing violent repression from employers and government. Significant strikes, like the Pullman Strike, highlight the struggles of the working class.
• Technological Innovations: The period saw incredible technological advancements, including the Bessemer process (steel production), the telephone (Alexander Graham Bell), and the light bulb (Thomas Edison), fundamentally altering daily life and industrial processes.

B. Social and Political Changes:

• Immigration: Massive waves of immigration from Europe and Asia transformed American society. Immigrants often faced discrimination and struggled to assimilate into American culture, settling in urban centers and working in factories. This influx contributed to the growth of cities and the rise of ethnic enclaves.
• Urbanization: Rapid industrialization led to massive urbanization. Cities grew rapidly, leading to overcrowded tenements, sanitation problems, and increased crime rates. This created challenges for city governments and spurred the development of social reform movements.
• Political Corruption: Political machines, like Tammany Hall in New York City, controlled city governments through patronage and corruption. This led to widespread cynicism about politics and government.
• Populism: The rise of the Populist Party in the late 19th century reflected the growing discontent among farmers and laborers. They advocated for government regulation of railroads, currency reform, and greater political influence for ordinary citizens.

II. The Progressive Era (1890s-1920s): Reform and Change

The Progressive Era was a period of widespread social activism and political reform aimed at addressing the problems created by industrialization and urbanization. Progressives sought to improve working conditions, reduce political corruption, and promote social justice.

A. Progressive Reform Movements:

• Muckrakers: Journalists and writers, known as muckrakers, exposed social problems and corporate abuses, influencing public opinion and fueling the reform movement. Upton Sinclair's The Jungle, for example, led to food safety regulations.
• Social Gospel Movement: This movement applied Christian principles to social problems, advocating for social justice and economic equality. It influenced many Progressive reforms.
• Women's Suffrage: The fight for women's right to vote gained momentum during the Progressive Era, culminating in the passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920. Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton were key figures in this struggle.
• Labor Reforms: Progressives pushed for laws to improve working conditions, including child labor laws, minimum wage laws, and workplace safety regulations.
• Political Reforms: Progressive reforms included initiatives like the direct primary, recall elections, and the referendum, aimed at increasing citizen participation in government and reducing political corruption.

B. Key Progressive Figures:

• Theodore Roosevelt: Roosevelt's presidency (1901-1909) was marked by significant progressive reforms, including trust-busting, conservation efforts, and the expansion of national parks. His "Square Deal" aimed for fairness and equality.
• Woodrow Wilson: Wilson's presidency (1913-1921) saw the passage of significant progressive legislation, including the Clayton Antitrust Act and the Federal Reserve Act. He also championed the idea of "New Freedom," promoting competition and limiting big business influence.
• Jane Addams: A prominent social reformer and founder of Hull House, a settlement house in Chicago that provided social services to the poor.
• W.E.B. Du Bois: A leading African American intellectual and activist who advocated for racial equality and civil rights.

C. Imperialism and Foreign Policy:

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The late 19th and early 20th centuries witnessed the rise of American imperialism, with the United States expanding its influence overseas.

• Spanish-American War (1898): This brief but decisive war resulted in the acquisition of territories like Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines. The war fueled debates about American expansionism and its impact on other nations.
• Roosevelt Corollary: An addition to the Monroe Doctrine, asserting the right of the United States to intervene in Latin American affairs to maintain stability and prevent European interference.
• Open Door Policy: A policy promoting equal access for all nations to trade with China.

III. Connecting Themes and Concepts

Several key themes connect the Gilded Age and the Progressive Era:

• Industrialization and its consequences: The rapid industrialization of the late 19th century created immense wealth but also significant social and economic inequalities, prompting progressive reforms.
• Urbanization and its challenges: The growth of cities led to problems like overcrowding, poverty, and political corruption, which progressives attempted to address.
• The role of government: Debates about the appropriate role of government in regulating the economy and addressing social problems were central to both eras.
• Social reform movements: Various social movements, including labor movements, women's suffrage, and the social gospel movement, played a crucial role in shaping the Progressive Era.
• Immigration and assimilation: The influx of immigrants posed challenges for American society, leading to both discrimination and efforts to promote assimilation.

IV. Preparing for the APUSH Exam

To succeed on the APUSH exam concerning Unit 7, focus on the following:

• Master key terms and concepts: Familiarize yourself with all the important vocabulary and historical concepts mentioned above.
• Analyze primary sources: Practice analyzing primary sources, such as political cartoons, photographs, and excerpts from speeches and documents, to understand different perspectives and historical contexts.
• Develop strong essay writing skills: Practice writing essays that synthesize information from different sources and effectively address the prompt. Focus on crafting a clear thesis statement, supporting arguments with evidence, and incorporating historical context.
• Understand the historical context: Pay attention to the chronological order of events and how different events are connected.
• Practice, practice, practice: Use practice tests and review materials to assess your understanding and identify areas needing improvement.

V. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the difference between a trust and a monopoly?

A: While both represent forms of concentrated economic power, a trust is a legal arrangement where multiple companies combine their operations under a single board of trustees, while a monopoly refers to a single entity controlling an entire industry or market. Trusts were a common strategy to create monopolies.

Q: How did muckrakers influence Progressive reforms?

A: Muckrakers exposed social problems and corporate abuses through investigative journalism, raising public awareness and generating public pressure for reform. Their work directly contributed to legislative changes in areas like food safety and working conditions.

Q: What were the main goals of the Populist Party?

A: The Populist Party advocated for various reforms aimed at improving the lives of farmers and laborers, including government regulation of railroads, currency reform (free silver), and greater political influence for ordinary citizens.

Q: How did the Spanish-American War impact American foreign policy?

A: The Spanish-American War marked a turning point in American foreign policy, signifying the nation's emergence as a major global power and accelerating its expansionist ambitions. It led to the acquisition of overseas territories and increased American influence in the Caribbean and the Pacific.

Q: What were the long-term effects of the Progressive Era?

A: The Progressive Era resulted in significant changes to American society, including increased government regulation of the economy, improvements in working conditions and social welfare, and greater political participation for citizens. Many of the reforms established during this era continue to shape American society today.

VI. Conclusion

Understanding the Gilded Age and the Progressive Era is crucial for a strong foundation in AP US History. In practice, remember to consistently review your notes, make use of practice tests, and actively engage with the material to solidify your comprehension. This period represents a critical time in American history, marked by both immense economic growth and profound social and political upheaval. Think about it: by mastering the key events, figures, and themes discussed in this guide, you will be well-prepared to tackle the challenges of the APUSH exam and gain a deeper understanding of this fascinating and impactful era in American history. Good luck with your studies!