USH EOC Study Guide

Late 19th – Early 20th Century (32%)

  • Covers a transformative period in American history: aftermath of the Civil War, rapid industrialization, and agricultural sector changes.

Civil War and Reconstruction

  • Causes of the Civil War:
    • Slavery
    • States' Rights
    • Economic Differences
  • Major Events and Figures of the War:
    • Important battles and leaders on both sides.
  • Reconstruction:
    • Different plans for rebuilding the South (Presidential vs. Radical Republican).
    • 13th Amendment: Abolished slavery.
    • 14th Amendment: Granted citizenship and equal protection under the law.
    • 15th Amendment: Prohibited denying voting rights based on race or previous condition of servitude.
    • Jim Crow Laws: Segregation and disenfranchisement of African Americans.
    • Reasons for the Failure of Reconstruction: Political compromise, economic hardship, and persistent racism.

Challenges to American Farmers

  • Issues Faced by Farmers:
    • Westward expansion challenges.
    • Falling crop prices due to overproduction.
    • Debt from loans for machinery and land.
    • Railroad monopolies charging high rates for shipping.
  • Populist Movement:
    • Goals:
      • Regulation of railroads to prevent monopolistic pricing.
      • Free silver to inflate the currency and ease debt burdens.
      • Graduated income tax to redistribute wealth.
    • Significance: Addressed farmer grievances and influenced later progressive reforms.

Industrial Revolution

  • Key Factors Fueling the Second Industrial Revolution:
    • New technologies (steel, electricity, petroleum).
    • Abundant natural resources.
    • Immigration providing a large labor force.
    • Laissez-faire policies allowing businesses to operate with minimal government intervention.
  • Rise of Big Business and Monopolies:
    • Andrew Carnegie's steel empire.
    • John D. Rockefeller's oil empire.
  • Growth of Cities:
    • Urbanization due to factory jobs and immigration.
  • Changing Nature of Work:
    • Factory work becoming more specialized and less skilled.
  • Labor Movement:
    • Goals:
      • Better wages.
      • Shorter hours.
      • Safer working conditions.
    • Major Labor Strikes:
      • Haymarket Affair
      • Pullman Strike
  • Social Consequences of Industrialization:
    • Wealth inequality between industrialists and workers.
    • Urbanization leading to overcrowding, poverty, and social problems.

Global Military, Political, and Economic Challenges (1890-1940) (34%)

  • Focuses on America's growing role in the world and domestic challenges.

US Imperialism

  • Reasons Behind American Expansionism:
    • Economic interests (access to new markets and resources).
    • Strategic military needs (naval bases and coaling stations).
    • Social Darwinism (belief in racial superiority and the need to civilize other nations).