A.P. U.S. History Spring Final Exam Comprehensive Review

Period $6$: Westward Expansion and the Gilded Age

Westward Expansion in the United States during Period $6$ was characterized by the massive growth and development of the American West. This era encompasses the rise of key industries such as Railroads, Mining, and Ranching. The expansion significantly altered the treatment of Native Americans, leading to substantial changes across the entire country. Key legislation that facilitated this movement and impacted the region includes the Homestead Act and the Dawes Severalty Act, along with several other significant laws.

The Gilded Age segment of this period focuses on the complex interplay of politics and legislative action. Notable pieces of legislation include the Interstate Commerce Act and the Sherman Anti-Trust Act. In the realms of business and economics, the notes emphasize understanding key economic and business terms, as well as the prevailing economic and social thought of the time. This era saw a surge in industry and invention, which in turn gave rise to labor movements and the various problems associated with rapid industrialization. Furthermore, the Gilded Age is defined by the social experiences and shifts for various groups, including Women, African Americans, and Immigrants, all within the context of burgeoning urban life.

Period $7$: Imperialism, Progressivism, and Global Conflict

Period $7$ begins with U.S. Imperialism, examining the fundamental reasons why the United States sought to become an imperialistic power. This involved a shift in U.S. foreign policy and early examples of expansionism. Initial acquisitions occurred across the Caribbean, the Pacific, and Latin and South America. At the end of the $19^{th}$ century and the beginning of the $20^{th}$ century, U.S. Imperialism reached a peak, profoundly impacting both America and the global landscape.

The Progressive Era follows, focusing on key people and organizations that drove social and political change. It highlights the differences between various progressive groups and the role of governmental input. The contributions of Progressive Presidents are central to this section, detailing the specific changes they accomplished. Following this, the notes cover World War I, detailing the causes of U.S. involvement, the nature of U.S. participation in the war, and the subsequent impact of the conflict on America and the world.

The Roaring Twenties are explored as a decade of conflict and change. This includes an analysis of government and economics during the $1920s$, as well as the experiences of different people. Conflict points identified include urban vs. rural interests, science vs. religion (modernism vs. traditionalism), and young vs. old generations. The decade is further defined by the Jazz Age, the Harlem Renaissance, and the Lost Generation. Life in the $1920s$ is examined through the lens of Unions and Labor, Immigrants, African Americans, Society and Culture, Women’s Rights, and the politics and business environment of the era.

The Great Depression and the New Deal

This section addresses the Stock Market Crash and the subsequent Great Depression. It investigates the specific reasons why the stock market collapsed and how that collapse pulled down the entire national economy. The impact of the crash and the Great Depression is categorized by its effects on Immigrants, Racial groups, Political structures, Women’s Rights, Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans, Businesses and the Economy, and Society and Culture.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s New Deal is studied through its key programs and the various reactions to these initiatives. The extensive impact of the New Deal is tracked across various sectors of American life, including Unions and Labor, African Americans, Politics, Women’s Rights, Native Americans, Hispanic Americans, Businesses and the Economy, and Society and Culture. Finally, the notes identify the permanent changes wrought by the New Deal on the American landscape.

Period $8$: World War II and the Cold War

Period $8$ covers World War II, starting with the reasons for the conflict and the different types of governmental systems involved. It tracks American reactions to the war and the specific reasons for American entry. The notes include major battles and the total impact of World War II on Unions and Labor, Women, African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans, Native Americans, Businesses and the Economy, and Civil Liberties and Rights.

The Cold War is analyzed starting with its causes and the shift in U.S. foreign policy. Key sections explain how and why foreign policy changed and identify major Cold War events. Life in $1950s$ America is described alongside the various societal responses to the culture of the decade, as well as the continuation and impact of the Cold War during this time.

The $1960s$, Civil Rights, and Vietnam

The $1960s$ content focuses on John F. Kennedy and his "New Frontier" program, as well as his handling of foreign affairs and the Cold War. It transitions to Lyndon B. Johnson and the "Great Society," which included the War on Poverty. The Civil Rights Movement is explored in depth, regarding its development, shifting focus, changing goals, and the societal responses it triggered. Key legislation and constitutional amendments are highlighted as major impacts of the movement.

The Vietnam War is covered by tracing its development and the reasons for growing U.S. involvement and commitment. The notes identify specific turning points in the war and the overall impact the conflict had on America. This leads into the Nixon administration, the Watergate scandal, and the broader challenges of the $1970s$, including economic problems and foreign affairs. The presidencies of Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter are also reviewed, noting their foreign affairs, economic problems, and significant events like growing environmental concerns.

Period $9$: The Modern Era and the Rise of Conservatism

Period $9$ begins with the Reagan and Bush administrations. Central themes include Reaganomics and the rise of conservatism, championed by figures like Jerry Falwell and the Moral Majority. Foreign affairs under Reagan and the domestic and foreign affairs of the George H.W. Bush administration, including Gulf War I, are key components.

The Bill Clinton era marks the end of the $20^{th}$ century, focusing on domestic affairs such as "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell" ($DADT$), the Defense of Marriage Act ($DOMA$), and healthcare failure. Clinton’s foreign policy is characterized by "Tomahawk Diplomacy" and the Dayton Accords. The start of the $21^{st}$ century is marked by the presidency of George W. Bush, focusing on the events of $9-11$, the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, the economic crisis involving housing and banking, and the Troubled Asset Relief Program ($TARP$).

Finally, the notes cover Barack Obama’s presidency, mentioning his Nobel Peace Prize, the economic crisis response via the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act ($ARRA$), the ongoing War on Terror, healthcare reform, rising wealth inequality, and the emergence of movements such as the Tea Party and Occupy Wall Street.

Presidential Study Guide: Gilded Age through FDR

The Gilded Age Presidents (various) focused domestically on the Conquest of the West and Native American policy. Their foreign policy was marked by Imperialism, while njih notoriety or key themes included the rise of unions, "Grantism," immigration issues, nativism, and xenophobia.

Theodore Roosevelt served with a domestic policy known as the "Square Deal." His foreign policy was defined by the Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine. He is notable for the Panama Canal, New Nationalism, and the Bull Moose Party.

William Taft continued Progressivism domestically and utilized "Dollar Diplomacy" as his foreign policy approach. He is widely recognized as a major "Trust buster."

Woodrow Wilson also pursued Progressivism domestically and led the country through World War I ($WWI$) in his foreign policy. He is noted for the creation of the Federal Reserve System.

Warren Harding campaigned on a domestic "return to normalcy" and maintained a foreign policy of isolationism. His notoriety stems from the Teapot Dome scandal and the Fordney-McCumber Tariff.

Calvin Coolidge maintained a pro-business domestic stance and an isolationist foreign policy. He is specifically remembered for his veto of the McNary-Haugen Farm Bill.

Herbert Hoover followed a domestic policy of Conservatism and "rugged individualism" with continued isolationism in foreign affairs. His term is defined by the Stock Market crash, the Hawley-Smoot Tariff, the Bonus Army, and the onset of the Great Depression.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt ($FDR$) implemented the "New Deal" domestically. His foreign policy included Lend-Lease and the Atlantic Charter. He is famous for his "Alphabet Administration" and leading the U.S. through World War II ($WWII$).

Presidential Study Guide: Truman through Carter

Harry S. Truman introduced the "Fair Deal" domestically. His foreign policy focused on "Containment" and the Truman Doctrine. He is notorious for the use of the Atomic Bomb, the start of the Cold War, and the Marshall Plan.

Dwight D. Eisenhower practiced moderate conservatism at home. His foreign policy was defined by "massive retaliation" and "brinkmanship." Key notoriety points include his role in the Korean War, the era of McCarthyism, the "military-industrial complex," and the "domino theory."

John F. Kennedy promoted the "New Frontier" domestically. His foreign policy was characterized by "flexible response." He is remembered for his idealism, the Space program, and the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Lyndon B. Johnson created the "Great Society" domestically. His foreign policy was marked by the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution. He is noted for the Vietnam War and significant Civil Rights legislation.

Richard M. Nixon implemented "New Federalism" domestically and the "Nixon Doctrine" in foreign policy. He is famous for the policy of détente, his visit to China, and the Watergate scandal.

Gerald R. Ford focused on "$WIN$' (Whip Inflation Now) domestically and a policy of "rapprochement" in foreign affairs. He is most notorious for pardoning Richard Nixon.

Jimmy Carter dealt with "Stagflation" domestically. His foreign policy centered on Human Rights and the Carter Doctrine. Key events include the Camp David Accords, the Iranian Hostage Crisis, and his "malaise speech."

Presidential Study Guide: Reagan through Obama

Ronald W. Reagan introduced "Reaganomics" at home and the "Reagan Doctrine" abroad. He is known for the Strategic Defense Initiative ($SDI$), the Iran-Contra Affair, and the rise of modern conservatism.

George H.W. Bush is remembered for his domestic pledge of "No New Taxes" and his foreign policy goal of a "New World Order." His presidency saw the $1^{st}$ Gulf War, the end of the Cold War, the fall of communism, and the break-up of the $U.S.S.R.$

William J. Clinton followed a domestic policy of moderation as a "Centrist." His foreign policy was titled "Tomahawk Diplomacy." He is associated with economic prosperity and the rise of the Internet.

George W. Bush practiced "compassionate conservatism" domestically and the "Bush Doctrine" in foreign policy. He is defined by the Global War on Terror, the $2000$ election, the events of $9-11$, the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq, and the subsequent Economic Crisis.

Barack Obama focused on Healthcare (Obamacare) and homosexual rights domestically. His foreign policy centered on the War on Terror, repairing foreign relations, and the "Obama Doctrine." He remains notable for his Nobel Peace Prize, the Great Recession, the Tea Party, Occupy Wall Street, and the death of Osama bin Laden.