In-depth Notes on Historical Context and US Policies

Introduction to President's Challenges

  • Hypothetical scenario: Being president at the end of the 1920s/beginning of the 1930s.

  • Major issues: Economic crisis, foreign policy changes in Europe, growing population issues.

  • Importance of historical examples for guidance.

George Washington's Farewell Address

  • Recommendations made by George Washington in his farewell address:

  • Avoid Political Parties: Warned that involvement in political parties would detract from the nation’s strength.

  • Avoid Foreign Alliances: Suggested that America focus on domestic issues, not entangling alliances in Europe.

Overview of Time Period Eight

  • Focus on significant historical events from imperialism to the Great Depression.

  • Topics to cover: The stock market crash, the New Deal, and WWII.

  • Importance of reviewing DBQs and SAQs as part of exam preparation.

Exam Questions and Writing Skills

  • Addressing inquiries about scoring and segments of the AP exam.

  • Understanding scoring: Aim for high marks in all sections.

  • Multiple choice practice recommendations: Use College Board resources for practice.

  • Moving between questions: Restrictions based on exam format (digital vs. paper).

Major Events Leading Up to the Great Depression

Stock Market Crash (1929)

  • Impact of buying on credit and margin leading to economic collapse.

  • Overextension of credit: People could invest in stocks they couldn’t afford.

  • Panic selling leads to rapid price drops in stocks.

Agricultural Challenges

  • Farmers face declining crop prices and rising debts.

  • Banking Problems: Bank runs lead to failures without deposit insurance.

  • Global Financial Crisis: The crisis affects economies worldwide.

Herbert Hoover's Response

  • Majority belief in laissez-faire economics; reluctant to intervene.

  • Implemented the Reconstruction Finance Corporation late in term without effective regulation.

  • Established public works projects like the Hoover Dam.

Franklin D. Roosevelt and the New Deal

Shift to Modern Liberalism

  • Roosevelt’s approach favored more direct government intervention and welfare programs.

  • Key Programs:

  • FDIC (bank deposit insurance)

  • CCC (jobs in conservation)

  • PWA (public works job creation)

  • Social Security (safety net for elderly and disabled)

The Dust Bowl and Migration

  • Severe drought and farming disasters leading to migratory issues.

  • Migrants, often referred to as "Okies," heading to California seeking work.

U.S. Isolationism and Prelude to WWII

European Totalitarianism

  • Rise of regimes under Hitler and Mussolini creating tension in Europe.

  • Munich Pact and its failures highlighting international diplomatic failures.

U.S. Entry into WWII

  • Pearl Harbor attack leads to active involvement.

  • War Production Efforts: Economic shift towards supporting allies through material support.

War Efforts at Home

Economic and Social Changes

  • Racial segregation persists, leading to societal pressures (A. Philip Randolph's efforts).

  • Japanese internment due to wartime fears.

  • Labor shortages filled by women and migrant workers (Bracero Program).

Conclusion on Historical Developments

  • World War II leads to significant shifts in U.S. foreign policy and international role.

  • Comparison between post-WWI and post-WWII foreign policy approaches.

  • Emphasis on learning from history to understand future roles.