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.