Contextualizing Period 7: 1890–1945
UNITED STATES HISTORY: AP® EDITION UNIT 7 — Period 7: 1890–1945
Topic 7.1 Contextualizing Period 7
Learning Objective: Explain the context in which America grew into the role of a world power.
Period Focus (1890–1945):
Transition from horses and buggies to automobiles and airplanes.
Involvement in two world wars.
Experienced the worst depression in history, emerging as a world leader.
Economic growth, industrialization, urbanization, and immigration characterized this period.
Economic Growth
Continuous U.S. economic expansion during 1890 to 1945 marked by:
Transition from a rural, agricultural economy to an urban, industrial one.
Growth of large corporations leading to cycles of economic booms and busts.
Severe hardship during the Great Depression in the 1930s as culmination of these cycles.
Stability and Democracy
Significant Reform Periods:
Progressive Era (1900-1920): Government actions addressed economic instability.
Established the Federal Reserve to regulate banking and business cycles.
Tackled political corruption via reforms in election practices (direct elections of U.S. senators).
Social reforms included women’s suffrage, a landmark in gender equality.
New Deal Era (1933-1938): Addressed the economic crisis of the Great Depression.
Created a limited welfare state, including Social Security and labor protections.
Laws regulating banks and the stock market were passed.
Conflicts in Culture and Society
Cultural Changes:
Rise of mass media (radio and motion pictures) transformed popular culture.
Value conflicts emerged over education, religion, and science (e.g., controversies over evolution teachings).
Immigration:
Debates around national identity and federal restrictions on immigration based on ethnicity/national origin.
Resurgent Ku Klux Klan targeted minorities including African Americans, Catholics, Jews, and immigrants.
Shifts in Foreign Relations
America’s imperialism debates reignited after the Spanish-American War.
Expansion of territories raised questions about adherence to national values of freedom and self-government.
American public divided over engagement in World War I; rejection of League of Nations post-war.
World War II positioned the U.S. as a global leader in political and military affairs, with participation in establishing the United Nations in 1945.
Post-war decisions shaped foreign policy, emphasizing alliances, democracy promotion, and anti-communism.
Topic 7.2 Imperialism: Debates
Learning Objective: Explain the similarities and differences in attitudes about the nation’s proper role in the world.
Expansion Post-Civil War:
William H. Seward promoted U.S. territorial expansion but faced challenges in Congress (e.g., Alaska, Hawaii).
Expansion After the Civil War
Purchase of Alaska (1867):
Advocated by Seward, purchased from Russia for $7.2 million; initially viewed as economically unviable.
Annexation of Hawaii:
U.S. interests in sugar led to American farmers aiding in the overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani (1893).
Economic and Political Motivations
Economic Interests:
Industrialists pushed for expansion to secure access to raw materials and markets.
Military Power:
Capt. Alfred Thayer Mahan argued for a strong navy to secure foreign markets and expansion.
Darwinism Influences:
Advocates of expansion used concepts of social Darwinism to justify imperialism as a natural progression.
Opposition to Imperialism
Anti-imperialists emphasized self-determination, criticized the moral implications of ruling over others, and opposed increased military spending.
Topic 7.3 The Spanish-American War and U.S. Foreign Policy to 1917
Learning Objective: Explain the causes and effects of the Spanish-American War.
Background:
Economic interests in Cuba spurred U.S. expansionism; jingoism reflected the desire for war.
Key Events Leading to War:
Cuban Revolt (1895-1898) against Spanish rule.
Yellow journalism sensationalized events (e.g., the de Lôme Letter, sinking of the USS Maine on February 15, 1898).
U.S. Involvement and Outcomes
War Declaration:
Created under the Teller Amendment, assurance that the U.S. had no intention of annexing Cuba.
Fighting the War:
Major U.S. victories included the naval battle in Manila Bay and ground actions in Cuba (Rough Riders).
Results of the War:
Treaty of Paris (1898): Granted U.S. control of Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines; initiated debates over imperialism.
Treaties and Legacies
Effects on Foreign Policy:
Established the precedent for U.S. intervention in Latin America and Asia, manifesting the notion of American exceptionalism.
Topic 7.4 The Progressives
Learning Objective: Compare the goals and effects of the Progressive reform movement.
Progressive Era Reform Movement:
Advocated for government roles in addressing economic inequalities and corruption.
Key Leaders and Influences:
Theodore Roosevelt and progressive governors implemented major reforms - labor laws, women's rights, and anti-corporate policies.
Muckraking Journalism:
Investigative journalists (muckrakers) like Upton Sinclair and Ida Tarbell exposed corruption and societal ills, spurring public support for reforms.
Key Amendments and Legislation
Important Social Reforms:
16th Amendment (income tax), 17th Amendment (direct election of Senators), 18th Amendment (Prohibition), and 19th Amendment (women's suffrage).
Child and Labor Reforms:
Laws reducing working hours and regulating child labor to improve conditions in factories.
Decline of Progressivism
Factors Leading to Decline:
Entry into World War I shifted attention away from domestic reforms.
Topic 7.5 World War I: Military and Diplomacy
Learning Objective: Explain the causes and consequences of U.S. involvement in World War I.
American Neutrality and Entry into War:
Initial neutrality characterized U.S. policy until aggression and public pressure led to involvement.
Critical Factors Leading to War
Key Events:
Lusitania sinking, Zimmerman Note, and shifting public opinion against Germany contributed to the U.S. joining the war.
War Efforts and Outcomes:
Involvement led to new international commitments and ultimately a role in crafting post-war peace treaties (e.g., Treaty of Versailles).
Topic 7.6 World War I: Home Front
Learning Objective: Explain the causes and effects of international and internal migration patterns over time.
Homefront and Civil Liberties During War:
Prohibition, war propaganda, and suppression of dissent marked the home front experience.
Internal Migration and Social Changes
Great Migration:
Massive movement of African Americans to northern cities for war jobs, increasing urbanization.
Women's Employment Changes:
Women's participation in the workforce increased significantly during the war.
Topic 7.7 1920s: Innovations in Communication and Technology
Learning Objective: Explain the causes and effects of innovations in communications and technology in the United States over time.
Economic Boom:
Significant advancements in production, computing, and consumer behavior characterized the 1920s, leading to widespread prosperity and cultural changes.
Topic 7.1 Contextualizing Period 7 - Learning Objective: Explain the context in which America grew into the role of a world power. - Period Focus (1890–1945): - Transition from horses and buggies to automobiles and airplanes. - Involvement in two world wars. - Experienced the worst depression in history, emerging as a world leader. - Economic growth, industrialization, urbanization, and immigration characterized this period. #### Economic Growth - Continuous U.S. economic expansion during 1890 to 1945 marked by: - Transition from a rural, agricultural economy to an urban, industrial one. - Growth of large corporations leading to cycles of economic booms and busts. - Severe hardship during the Great Depression in the 1930s as culmination of these cycles. #### Stability and Democracy - Significant Reform Periods: - Progressive Era (1900-1920): Government actions addressed economic instability. - Established the Federal Reserve to regulate banking and business cycles. - Tackled political corruption via reforms in election practices (direct elections of U.S. senators). - Social reforms included women’s suffrage, a landmark in gender equality. - New Deal Era (1933-1938): Addressed the economic crisis of the Great Depression. - Created a limited welfare state, including Social Security and labor protections. - Laws regulating banks and the stock market were passed. #### Conflicts in Culture and Society - Cultural Changes: - Rise of mass media (radio and motion pictures) transformed popular culture. - Value conflicts emerged over education, religion, and science (e.g., controversies over evolution teachings). - Immigration: - Debates around national identity and federal restrictions on immigration based on ethnicity/national origin. - Resurgent Ku Klux Klan targeted minorities including African Americans, Catholics, Jews, and immigrants. #### Shifts in Foreign Relations - America’s imperialism debates reignited after the Spanish-American War. - Expansion of territories raised questions about adherence to national values of freedom and self-government. - American public divided over engagement in World War I; rejection of League of Nations post-war. - World War II positioned the U.S. as a global leader in political and military affairs, with participation in establishing the United Nations in 1945. - Post-war decisions shaped foreign policy, emphasizing alliances, democracy promotion, and anti-communism. ### Topic 7.2 Imperialism: Debates - Learning Objective: Explain the similarities and differences in attitudes about the nation’s proper role in the world. - Expansion Post-Civil War: - William H. Seward promoted U.S. territorial expansion but faced challenges in Congress (e.g., Alaska, Hawaii). #### Expansion After the Civil War - Purchase of Alaska (1867): - Advocated by Seward, purchased from Russia for $7.2 million; initially viewed as economically unviable. - Annexation of Hawaii: - U.S. interests in sugar led to American farmers aiding in the overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani (1893). #### Economic and Political Motivations - Economic Interests: - Industrialists pushed for expansion to secure access to raw materials and markets. - Military Power: - Capt. Alfred Thayer Mahan argued for a strong navy to secure foreign markets and expansion. - Darwinism Influences: - Advocates of expansion used concepts of social Darwinism to justify imperialism as a natural progression. #### Opposition to Imperialism - Anti-imperialists emphasized self-determination, criticized the moral implications of ruling over others, and opposed increased military spending. ### Topic 7.3 The Spanish-American War and U.S. Foreign Policy to 1917 - Learning Objective: Explain the causes and effects of the Spanish-American War. - Background: - Economic interests in Cuba spurred U.S. expansionism; jingoism reflected the desire for war. - Key Events Leading to War: - Cuban Revolt (1895-1898) against Spanish rule. - Yellow journalism sensationalized events (e.g., the de Lôme Letter, sinking of the USS Maine on February 15, 1898). #### U.S. Involvement and Outcomes - War Declaration: - Created under the Teller Amendment, assurance that the U.S. had no intention of annexing Cuba. - Fighting the War: - Major U.S. victories included the naval battle in Manila Bay and ground actions in Cuba (Rough Riders). - Results of the War: - Treaty of Paris (1898): Granted U.S. control of Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines; initiated debates over imperialism. #### Treaties and Legacies - Effects on Foreign Policy: - Established the precedent for U.S. intervention in Latin America and Asia, manifesting the notion of American exceptionalism. ### Topic 7.4 The Progressives - Learning Objective: Compare the goals and effects of the Progressive reform movement. - Progressive Era Reform Movement: - Advocated for government roles in addressing economic inequalities and corruption. - Key Leaders and Influences: - Theodore Roosevelt and progressive governors implemented major reforms - labor laws, women's rights, and anti-corporate policies. - Muckraking Journalism: - Investigative journalists (muckrakers) like Upton Sinclair and Ida Tarbell exposed corruption and societal ills, spurring public support for reforms. #### Key Amendments and Legislation - Important Social Reforms:- 16th Amendment (income tax), 17th Amendment (direct election of Senators), 18th Amendment (Prohibition), and 19th Amendment (women's suffrage). - Child and Labor Reforms: - Laws reducing working hours and regulating child labor to improve conditions in factories. #### Decline of Progressivism - Factors Leading to Decline: - Entry into World War I shifted attention away from domestic reforms. ### Topic 7.5 World War I: Military and Diplomacy - Learning Objective: Explain the causes and consequences of U.S. involvement in World War I. - American Neutrality and Entry into War: - Initial neutrality characterized U.S. policy until aggression and public pressure led to involvement. #### Critical Factors Leading to War - Key Events:- Lusitania sinking, Zimmerman Note, and shifting public opinion against Germany contributed to the U.S. joining the war. - War Efforts and Outcomes: - Involvement led to new international commitments and ultimately a role in crafting post-war peace treaties (e.g., Treaty of Versailles). ### Topic 7.6 World War I: Home Front - Learning Objective: Explain the causes and effects of international and internal migration patterns over time. - Homefront and Civil Liberties During War: - Prohibition, war propaganda, and suppression of dissent marked the home front experience. #### Internal Migration and Social Changes - Great Migration: - Massive movement of African Americans to northern cities for war jobs, increasing urbanization. - Women's Employment Changes: - Women's participation in the workforce increased significantly during the war. ### Topic 7.7 1920s: Innovations in Communication and Technology - Learning Objective: Explain the causes and effects of innovations in communications and technology in the United States over time. - Economic Boom: - Significant advancements in production, computing, and consumer behavior characterized the 1920s, leading to widespread prosperity and cultural changes. ### Topic 7.8 The Great Depression - Learning Objective: Analyze the causes and effects of the Great Depression on American society. - Economic Collapse: - Stock market crash of 1929 initiated the Great Depression, characterized by widespread unemployment and bank failures. - Social Impact: - Increased poverty and homelessness; the Dust Bowl exacerbated challenges for farmers. - Government Response: - FDR’s New Deal aimed to provide relief, recovery, and reform through various programs (e.g., CCC, WPA). ### Topic 7.9 The Rise of Totalitarianism - Learning Objective: Examine the rise of totalitarian regimes in Europe and their impact on international relations. - Political Climate: - Economic turmoil and dissatisfaction led to the rise of totalitarian leaders (e.g., Stalin, Hitler, Mussolini). - International Responses: - Attempts at appeasement and the failure of the League of Nations undermined collective security. ### Topic 7.10 World War II: Causes - Learning Objective: Understand the causes of World War II and the American response. - Aggressive Expansion: - Axis powers (Germany, Italy, Japan) aggressively expanded, threatening global stability. - American Neutrality: - Initial isolationist stance until direct threats and the attack on Pearl Harbor. ### Topic 7.11 World War II: Home Front - Learning Objective: Analyze the impact of World War II on American society at home. - Mobilization and Economy: - War industries expanded production and employment, leading to economic recovery. - Social Changes: - Women and minorities joined the workforce, challenging traditional social norms. ### Topic 7.12 Post-War America - Learning Objective: Examine the consequences of World War II on American foreign and domestic policy. - Cold War Beginnings: - Tensions between the U.S. and USSR led to the Cold War, impacting international relations. - Domestic Policy: - Economic prosperity and social changes, including the GI Bill and civil rights movements. ### Topic 7.13 Civil Rights Movement - Learning Objective: Explain the key events and developments in the Civil Rights Movement. - Legal Challenges: - Landmark court cases (e.g., Brown v. Board of Education) reversed Jim Crow laws. - Grassroots Activism: - Organizations like NAACP and grassroots movements led by figures such as Martin Luther King Jr. advocated for equality. ### Topic 7.14 Vietnam War - Learning Objective: Understand the causes, course, and consequences of the Vietnam War. - American Involvement: - U.S. got involved to stop the spread of communism in Southeast Asia. - Public Opposition: - Growing anti-war sentiment, protests, and the influence of media coverage on public perception.
Timeline of Significant Events
1890 - U.S. economic growth begins with the transition from a rural, agricultural economy to an urban, industrial one.
1893 - American farmers aid in the overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani in Hawaii.
1898 - The Spanish-American War occurs; U.S. Control of Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines is established through the Treaty of Paris.
1900-1920 - Progressive Era: Government actions address economic instability, including reforms in election practices and establishment of the Federal Reserve.
1933-1938 - New Deal Era: Franklin D. Roosevelt implements programs to address the Great Depression, creating a limited welfare state.
1941 - U.S. enters World War II after the attack on Pearl Harbor.
1945 - The United Nations is established, marking a new role for the U.S. as a global leader in political and military affairs.
1945 - Post-war decisions shape foreign policy with an emphasis on alliances and anti-communism, beginning the Cold War.