Apush Unit 7 Book

Contextualizing Period 7: 1890–1945 Overview

Timeframe: The period from 1890 to 1945 represents a dynamic and transformative era in American history marked by economic, social, and political changes that continually reshaped the nation. It witnessed the United States transitioning from a primarily agrarian society to an industrial powerhouse.
In 1890, the U.S. surpassed Great Britain to become the world's leading industrial power, benefiting from abundant natural resources, technological innovation, and an increase in labor supply due to immigration. Urbanization accelerated as people moved from rural areas to cities in search of employment opportunities, leading to significant demographic shifts.
This era was not only characterized by economic transformation but also significant developments in foreign policy as the U.S. began to assert itself on the global stage, marking its entry into conflicts such as the Spanish-American War and later, the two World Wars.

The transition from a rural, agricultural economy to an urban, industrial one was a core theme of this period. The establishment of large factories and mass production methods dramatically changed the American labor landscape, leading to the rise of large corporations that dominated markets.
Along with economic growth came cycles of prosperity and downturns, culminating in significant events such as the Great Depression. This economic crisis had far-reaching effects, leading to widespread unemployment and food scarcity, and prompting the government to intervene in unprecedented ways to stabilize the economy.
The financial markets experienced volatility, with stock market crashes, bank failures, and loss of savings, further highlighting the need for regulatory reforms that would later be addressed in the New Deal.

In response to the socio-economic challenges of the time, two major reform movements emerged: the Progressive Era and the New Deal. The Progressive Era, beginning in the late 19th century and continuing into the early 20th century, was characterized by efforts to address issues of economic inequality, political corruption, and social injustices.
Key reforms during this period included the establishment of the Federal Reserve to regulate the banking system, direct election of U.S. senators through the 17th Amendment, and advocacy for women's suffrage culminating in the 19th Amendment.
The New Deal, introduced by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in response to the Great Depression, represents a seismic shift in government policy aimed at providing relief, recovery, and reform. Programs were created to offer job opportunities, stabilize financial institutions, and establish a social safety net through the creation of agencies such as the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and Social Security.

A significant aspect of this period was the growth of mass media, including radio and film, which played a crucial role in shaping public opinion and culture. While these media fostered a shared national identity, they also sparked cultural debates and tensions.
The teaching of evolution in schools became a contentious issue, epitomized by the Scopes Trial, highlighting conflicts between science and religion that reflected broader societal changes.
Immigration laws and restrictions based on ethnicity and nationality further complicated national identity discussions, leading to racial tensions. The resurgence of the Ku Klux Klan in the 1920s exemplified these conflicts, as the organization targeted various ethnic and religious groups, promoting a narrative of white supremacy and nativism.

The era was also marked by significant shifts in U.S. foreign relations and policy. Following the Spanish-American War in 1898, the United States began to expand its influence overseas, acquiring territories and challenging imperial powers.
The decision to enter World War I in 1917 reflected the U.S.'s evolving role on the global stage, as debates emerged concerning isolationism versus international engagement. The aftermath of the war raised questions about U.S. involvement in global governance, notably leading to the rejection of the League of Nations by the Senate.
By the time World War II erupted, the United States had shifted to a position of collective security, ultimately leading to its role as a founding member of the United Nations in 1945, as the country emerged as a global leader advocating for peace and cooperation.

1898: The Spanish-American War marks the beginning of U.S. global involvement, asserting its presence on the world stage.
1917: The United States enters World War I as one of the Allied powers, significantly influencing the outcome of the war.
1929: The stock market crash triggers the Great Depression, an era of economic hardship lasting throughout the 1930s.
1933: Franklin Roosevelt introduces the New Deal, a series of policies aimed at economic recovery and social reform.
1941: The United States enters World War II following the attack on Pearl Harbor, leading to significant military and economic mobilization.
1945: The United Nations is formed, signaling a commitment to international collaboration and peace in the post-war landscape.

The New Deal can be understood in two phases: the First New Deal, focusing on immediate relief and recovery through job creation and financial reform, and the Second New Deal, which aimed to provide long-term reforms affecting labor and social welfare.
Agencies created during this time included the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), both of which sought to develop infrastructure while providing employment.
The enactment of the Wagner Act marked a significant change in labor rights, empowering workers to unionize and engage in collective bargaining, while the Social Security Act established a safety net for the elderly and unemployed.
However, the New Deal faced opposition from various political factions; some felt it did not go far enough in addressing inequities, while others believed it infringed on capitalist principles.

The period saw evolving dynamics among different social groups. African Americans experienced limited gains during the New Deal era, often facing continued discrimination in both employment and social services despite some positive provisions aimed at alleviating economic hardship.
The role of women expanded significantly as they increasingly joined the workforce, although they often encountered wage disparities and were typically relegated to lower-paying jobs. Women’s participation in the labor force became a crucial aspect of American economic life.
Additionally, protests such as the Bonus March of 1932 highlighted growing discontent among groups like World War I veterans, who demanded promised bonuses to help cope with the economic crisis, stressing the need for responsive government action in times of economic distress.

The period from 1890 to 1945 encapsulates a transformative era in American history characterized by significant socio-economic shifts, evolving international involvement, and extensive domestic reform movements that laid the foundation for the modern United States.