US History Final Exam Study Guide

 1. Reconstruction

• Necessity of a Reconstruction Plan

• A plan was necessary for Reconstruction to address the aftermath of the Civil War and the reintegration of the Southern states back into the Union.

• Presidential Reconstruction (Ten Percent Plan, Johnson's Plan) aimed at a lenient approach towards the Southern states, while Radical Reconstruction (Congressional/Martial Reconstruction) sought a more stringent and long-lasting solution.

• Significance of Amendments

• The 13th Amendment abolished slavery, the 14th granted citizenship and equal protection under the law, and the 15th granted voting rights regardless of race.

• The South responded to implementing these amendments with resistance, implementing Black Codes and Jim Crow laws to restrict the rights of African Americans.

• Role of Freedmen's Bureau

• The Freedmen's Bureau was established to provide assistance to newly freed slaves in areas such as education, healthcare, and employment.

• Their biggest success during Reconstruction was in education, establishing schools and universities for African Americans.

• Result of Compromise of 1877

• The Compromise of 1877 marked the end of Reconstruction, leading to the withdrawal of federal troops from the South and the election of Rutherford B. Hayes as President.

• This resulted in the removal of protections for African Americans and the rise of Jim Crow laws.

• Success of Reconstruction under US Government

• Reconstruction would have been more successful under the US Government by enforcing legislation and protecting the rights of the formerly enslaved individuals.

• The Radical Republicans were more effective in pushing for civil rights and equality, but their efforts were hindered by lack of support and resources.

2. Gilded Age

• Impact of Industrialization and Urbanization

• Industrialization and urbanization in the late 19th century led to rapid economic growth, technological advancements, and the rise of big businesses.

• Urban areas expanded, creating job opportunities but also poor living conditions for many workers.

• Rise of Immigration and Nativism

• Immigration surged in the late 19th century due to push factors in Europe and pull factors in the US, leading to increased cultural diversity.

• Nativism, fueled by xenophobia and economic competition, resulted in anti-immigrant sentiments and discriminatory policies.

• Most immigrants were migrating from countries in Southern and Eastern Europe.

• Role of Muckrakers in Progressive Movement

• Muckrakers were investigative journalists who exposed social injustices, corruption, and abuses of power in society.

• Their influence led to public awareness and support for Progressive reforms, such as improved working conditions, food safety regulations, and antitrust laws.

• Significance of Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire

• The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in 1911 highlighted the unsafe working conditions and lack of labor regulations in factories.

• This tragedy spurred the implementation of labor laws to protect workers and improve workplace safety standards.

• Sherman Antitrust Act and Business Impact

• The Sherman Antitrust Act was enacted in 1890 to prevent monopolies and promote fair competition in business.

• This act affected businesses by prohibiting anti-competitive practices and regulating corporate mergers and acquisitions.

• Social Gospel and Hull House Movement

• The Social Gospel movement advocated for applying Christian ethics to social issues, promoting social justice and reform.

• The Hull House, founded by Jane Addams, provided social services and education to immigrant communities, aiming to alleviate poverty and inequality.

3. Late 19th Century Reforms

• Reform to Politics and Federal Legislation

• In the late 19th century, reforms such as Referendum, Federal Reserve, and Pendleton Civil Service Act aimed to increase government transparency, regulate banking, and establish a merit-based system for federal employment.

• The Referendum allowed citizens to vote on proposed laws, the Federal Reserve was created to stabilize the economy and prevent financial crises, and the Pendleton Civil Service Act established a system of hiring based on merit rather than political affiliation.

1. Horizontal and Vertical Integration

• Comparison of Horizontal and Vertical Integration

• Horizontal integration involves a company acquiring similar companies in the same industry, while vertical integration involves a company controlling different stages of the production process.

• Horizontal integration aims to increase market share and reduce competition, while vertical integration aims to improve efficiency and control costs.

• Contrast of Horizontal and Vertical Integration

• Horizontal integration focuses on expanding within the same industry, while vertical integration focuses on controlling different aspects of the supply chain.

• Horizontal integration can lead to economies of scale, while vertical integration can provide more control over quality and pricing.

2. Gilded Age and Progressive Era Characteristics

• Characteristics of the Gilded Age

• The Gilded Age was characterized by rapid industrialization, urbanization, and economic growth.

• It was marked by political corruption, wealth inequality, and the rise of big business.

• Characteristics of the Progressive Era

• The Progressive Era focused on social and political reforms to address issues such as child labor, women's suffrage, and monopolies.

• It saw the emergence of activists and reformers advocating for change through legislation and social movements.

3. Imperialism

• Reasons for US Imperialism

• The US sought imperialism in the late 19th century due to economic interests, desire for military strength, and belief in cultural superiority.

• Presidential Policies of Imperialism

• Roosevelt's Big Stick policy focused on military intervention, Taft's Dollar Diplomacy emphasized economic influence, and Wilson's Moral Diplomacy promoted democracy and human rights.

• Spanish-American War

• The US got involved in the Spanish-American War due to the sinking of the USS Maine, resulting in the US gaining territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines.

• Panama Canal and Roosevelt Corollary

• The US gained access to the Panama Canal through diplomatic and military efforts, and the Roosevelt Corollary asserted US intervention in Latin America to maintain stability.

4. World War 1

• Causes and Alliances of WW1

• Contributing factors to WW1 included militarism, alliances, imperialism, and nationalism, with organized alliances involving the Triple Entente (France, Russia, UK) and the Central Powers (Germany, Austria-Hungary).

• US Entry into WW1

• The US entered WW1 due to unrestricted submarine warfare by Germany, President Wilson's push for democracy and peace, and the Zimmermann Telegram.

• President Wilson persuaded Congress and the public through his Fourteen Points, emphasizing self-determination and the League of Nations.

• Women's Role and Suffrage in WW1

• Women played crucial roles in WW1 as nurses, factory workers, and activists, which contributed to the eventual granting of suffrage through the 19th Amendment.

• Funding and Civil Liberties in WW1

• The US raised money for WW1 through Liberty Bonds and increased taxes.

• Schenck v. US highlighted limitations on free speech during wartime, establishing the 'clear and present danger' test.

• Treaty of Versailles and Wilson's 14 Points

• Wilson's 14 Points aimed for peace and self-determination, but Congress rejected the Treaty of Versailles and the League of Nations due to concerns over sovereignty and entanglement in foreign affairs.

• The Treaty of Versailles contributed to WW2 tensions by imposing harsh penalties on Germany.

5. Impact of WW1 and Great Depression

• Warfare and Great Migration

• WW1 featured trench warfare, new technologies like machine guns and poison gas, and the Great Migration of African Americans to northern cities for wartime jobs.

• Red Scare and 1920s Fear

• The Red Scare in the 1920s was fueled by fears of communism and radicalism, leading to government crackdowns on perceived threats to national security.

• Stock Market Crash and Great Depression

• The stock market crash of 1929, known as Black Tuesday, led to widespread bank failures, unemployment, and economic hardship.

• Causes of the Great Depression included overproduction, speculation, and unequal distribution of wealth.

• Hoover's Response to Great Depression

• President Hoover responded to the Great Depression with limited government intervention, relying on volunteerism and public works projects, which proved ineffective in addressing the economic crisis.

1. The Great Depression

• Causes and Effects

• The stock market crash of 1929, known as Black Tuesday, led to the Great Depression.

• President Herbert Hoover's response to the Great Depression was largely ineffective.

• Environmental Factors and Impact on Farmers

• Farmers during the Great Depression were affected by environmental factors such as drought and dust storms

2. WW1 and its Consequences

• Outbreak and Alliances

• The outbreak of WW1 was contributed to by factors like militarism, alliances, imperialism, and nationalism.

• Organized alliances in WW1 included the Triple Entente (France, Russia, UK) and the Central Powers (Germany, Austria-Hungary, Ottoman Empire).

• US Involvement and Impact

• The US entered WW1 due to reasons like unrestricted submarine warfare by Germany and the Zimmerman Telegram.

• President Wilson persuaded Congress and the public to join the war through his Fourteen Points.

• Social Impact and Civil Liberties

• Women played a significant role during WW1, contributing to the fight for suffrage.

• The fear of communism during the Red Scare in the 1920s affected civil liberties in the US.

3. WW2 and its Aftermath

• US Response and Involvement

• The US supported the Allies by providing aid through programs like Lend-Lease.

• America's stance on involvement in WW2 prior to Pearl Harbor was one of neutrality.

• Military Strategies and Decisions

• The US used island hopping as a military strategy in the Pacific theater of WW2.

• The dropping of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki influenced Japan's unconditional surrender.

• Social Impact and Discrimination

• Japanese-Americans faced internment camps after the bombing of Pearl Harbor.

• African-Americans played a crucial role during WW2, contributing significantly to the war effort.

4. Imperialism and Expansion

• Factors and Policies

• The US pursued imperialism in the late 19th century due to factors like economic interests and the desire for global influence.

• Presidential policies of imperialism included Roosevelt's Big Stick, Taft's Dollar Diplomacy, and Wilson's Moral Diplomacy.

• Spanish-American War and Panama Canal

• The US got involved in the Spanish-American War due to events like the sinking of the USS Maine.

• The outcome of the war led to the US gaining territories like Puerto Rico and the Philippines.

5. The Cold War and its Dynamics

• Conflict and Policies

• The Cold War was a conflict between the US and the Soviet Union characterized by political tension and nuclear arms race.

• The US policy of containment aimed to prevent the spread of communism.

• Tensions and Terms

• Major tensions between the US and Soviet Union during the Cold War included ideological differences and competition for global influence.

• The term 'iron curtain' coined by Winston Churchill symbolized the division between Western and Eastern Europe.

• Nuclear Strategy and Significance

• Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD) was a policy where both sides in the Cold War possessed enough nuclear weapons to destroy each other, deterring conflict.

1. Great Depression and World War II

• Impact of Great Depression

• Environmental factors like drought and dust storms affected farmers during the Great Depression.

• The stock market crash led to widespread unemployment and bank failures.

• World War I to World War II

• WWI contributed to WWII by creating economic instability and unresolved issues.

• The event that led Great Britain and France to declare war on Germany was the invasion of Poland in 1939.

• US Involvement in WWII

• The US supported the Allies through programs like Lend-Lease to provide aid without direct involvement.

• America responded to aggressive nations like Japan, Germany, and Italy by increasing military preparedness.

• Events Leading to WWII

• America was initially hesitant to get involved in WWII before the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941.

• The difficulty for America to offer rescue to Jews was due to immigration restrictions and anti-Semitic sentiments.

• Hitler's 'final solution' led to the genocide of millions of Jews.

• Aftermath of Pearl Harbor

• Japanese-Americans faced discrimination, internment, and loss of property after the bombing of Pearl Harbor.

• African-Americans in WWII

• African-Americans played significant roles in the war effort, serving in segregated units and contributing to the home front.

2. Cold War

• Origins and Policies

• The Cold War was a conflict between the United States and the Soviet Union characterized by political and military tension.

• The US policy of containment aimed to prevent the spread of communism.

• Tensions and Strategies

• Major tensions between the US and Soviet Union included ideological differences and competition for global influence.

• The 'iron curtain' term referred to the division between Western Europe and the Eastern bloc controlled by the USSR.

• Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD) policy deterred nuclear war by ensuring both sides would be destroyed.

• Key Events and Responses

• The US responded to Soviet Union's blockade of East Germany with the Berlin Airlift.

• The Truman Doctrine and Marshall Plan outlined US foreign policy to contain communism and aid European recovery.

• Later Cold War Developments

• Joseph McCarthy led anti-communist campaigns known as McCarthyism.

• The Korean War saw US support for South Korea against Communist-backed North Korea.

• NATO and the Warsaw Pact were military alliances formed by Western and Eastern blocs respectively.

3. Post-WWII and Civil Rights Movement

• Post-WWII Events

• The Potsdam Conference in 1945 discussed post-war Europe and the division of Germany.

• The United Nations (UN) was established to promote international cooperation and prevent future conflicts.

• Civil Rights Movement

• The major goal of the Civil Rights movement was to achieve equality and end racial segregation.

• The Civil Rights Act of 1964 aimed to outlaw discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

• The Voting Rights Act of 1965 aimed to overcome legal barriers preventing African Americans from voting.