Unit 7 amsco

Contextualizing Period 7 (1890-1945)

Learning Objective

  • Explain the context in which America grew into a world power.

Major Historical Events

  • Technological Advances: Transition from horses and buggies to automobiles and airplanes between 1890 to 1945.

  • World Wars: The U.S. fought in World War I and World War II, both profoundly impacting domestic and foreign policies.

  • Great Depression: The worst economic downturn in U.S. history, leading to major governmental reforms.

  • Emergence as a World Leader: By 1945, the U.S. had become the leading political and military power globally.

Economic Growth

  • Transition to Industrial Economy: Shift from a rural, agricultural economy to an urban, industrial one. Growth of large corporations.

  • Economic Cycles: Repetitions of boom and bust cycles leading to severe hardships during the Great Depression.

Stability and Democracy

  • Progressive Era Reforms: Government actions to address economic instability, including the establishment of the Federal Reserve System.

  • Political Reforms: Direct election of U.S. senators and women’s right to vote as key achievements.

Response to Economic Crises

  • New Deal: Introduced by President Franklin D. Roosevelt as a response to the Great Depression.

    • Legislation: Laws regulating banks, establishing Social Security, minimum wage, and workers' rights.

    • Growth of Liberal Ideology: Increased role of government to meet needs resulting from industrialization.

Cultural and Social Conflicts

  • Popular Culture Rise: Expansion of mass media (radio, movies) resulting in value conflicts about morality, education, and science (e.g., evolution).

  • Immigration and National Identity: Debates over U.S. identity influenced by immigration, leading to restrictions based on ethnicity.

  • Resurgence of the Ku Klux Klan: Attacks on various minorities, including African Americans and immigrants.

Foreign Relations and Imperialism

  • Debate on Imperialism: Growing interest in overseas territories versus anti-colonial traditions.

    • Acquisition of Territories: Acquisition of islands post-Spanish-American War raised questions about U.S. values of freedom.

  • World War Participation: Mixed feelings about U.S. engagement in WWI and reluctance to join the League of Nations; eventual leadership role in WWII and establishing the United Nations.

Landmark Events Timeline (1890-1950)

  • 1898: Spanish-American War begins.

  • 1901: Theodore Roosevelt becomes president.

  • 1917: U.S. enters WWI.

  • 1929: The Great Depression starts.

  • 1933: FDR elected and begins implementing the New Deal.

  • 1941: U.S. enters WWII.

  • 1945: Atomic bombs dropped on Japan, WWII ends.

Imperialism: Debates

Learning Objective

  • Explain the similarities and differences in attitudes about the nation’s role in the world.

Historical Context of Imperialism

  • Shift in Focus: After the Civil War, the U.S. expanded interest in overseas territories due to its booming industrial economy.

  • Debate on Expansion: Questions raised about joining imperialist competition versus maintaining anti-colonial values.

    • Secretary of State William Henry Seward's Actions: Advocated for expansion, including the purchase of Alaska.

Key Events and Policies

  • Acquisition of Alaska: Purchase from Russia in 1867, initially ridiculed as 'Seward’s Folly.'

  • Expansion into Hawaii: American influence in Hawaii and the eventual annexation.

Causes of U.S. Imperialism

  • Economic Interests: Expansion seen as a necessity for securing raw materials and markets.

  • Political and Military Power: Arguments for strong naval power (Alfred Thayer Mahan) to compete globally.

  • Social Darwinism: Belief in racial and cultural superiority as justification for expansion.

Opposition to Imperialism

  • Anti-imperialists' Arguments: Advocated for self-determination, opposed racial theories, and argued that imperialism violated American principles.

Latin America Relations

  • Monroe Doctrine Origins: U.S. interest in protecting Latin American nations from European colonization.

  • Pan-American Conferences: Aimed to increase cooperation but illustrated America’s protective stance over Latin America.

Key Terms from Topic 7.2

  • Imperialism, Seward, Hawaii, and Platt Amendment.

The Spanish-American War & U.S. Foreign Policy (1898-1917)

Learning Objective

  • Explain the causes and effects of the Spanish-American War.

Causes of the War

  • Cuban Revolt Against Spain: Economic interests and humanitarian concerns about Spanish treatment of Cubans.

  • Yellow Journalism: Sensationalist reporting that stirred American public opinion against Spain.

Major Events

  • Declaration of War: Following the sinking of the USS Maine, the U.S. declared war; led to swift military victories.

Outcomes and Consequences

  • Treaty of Paris (1898): Resulted in U.S. acquisition of Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines, sparking debates on imperialism.

  • Insurrection in the Philippines: Led by Emilio Aguinaldo against U.S. control after the war.

The New Deal

Learning Objective

  • Explain how the Great Depression and New Deal impacted American life.

Economic and Social Impact

  • Relief for Unemployed: Creation of agencies and legislation aimed at economic recovery and social security.

  • Second New Deal: Extension of programs to provide jobs and support for vulnerable populations.

Public Relations and the War Effort

  • Propaganda Campaigns: Government efforts to maintain morale and manage public opinion during wartime.

  • Postwar Effects: Increased government intervention in daily life and long-term shifts in economic views.

Conclusion

The period from 1890 to 1945 witnessed profound transformations in American society, economics, and foreign policy, setting the stage for modern America. Key developments in this era include the transition from isolationism to global involvement, economic reform through the New Deal, and social shifts following the world wars.