Ap Us History Period 5

AP US History Unit 5 Outline

In this unit, we delve into the tumultuous period of the Civil War and Reconstruction (1861-1877), which reshaped the United States in profound ways. The causes of the Civil War are multifaceted, with issues such as slavery, states' rights, and sectionalism playing significant roles in the conflict. The key events of the Civil War, including the pivotal Battle of Gettysburg, the Emancipation Proclamation, and the surrender at Appomattox Court House, are crucial moments that shaped the outcome of the war.

Following the Civil War, the era of Reconstruction brought about significant changes through the implementation of the Reconstruction Amendments (13th, 14th, 15th), the establishment of the Freedmen's Bureau, and the differing Reconstruction plans put forth by President Lincoln, President Johnson, and the Radical Republicans.

Moving into the Industrialization and Gilded Age period (1865-1900), the United States experienced rapid economic growth driven by industries such as railroads, steel, and oil. Concurrently, labor movements like the Knights of Labor and the American Federation of Labor emerged, advocating for workers' rights amidst industrialization. The era also saw a surge in immigration and urbanization, leading to the rise of political machines and the exacerbation of urban problems.

As the nation expanded westward and embraced the ideals of Manifest Destiny, conflicts with Native Americans intensified, culminating in events like the Dawes Act, the Battle of Little Bighorn, and the Wounded Knee Massacre. The rise of the Populist movement, fueled by farmers' grievances and culminating in the Election of 1896, marked a significant shift in American politics.

The Progressive Era (1890-1920) witnessed a wave of reforms aimed at addressing social and political issues, including trust-busting, the Pure Food and Drug Act, and the fight for women's suffrage. Muckrakers like Upton Sinclair, Ida Tarbell, and Lincoln Steffens played pivotal roles in exposing societal ills, while leaders like Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson championed progressive ideals through initiatives like the Square Deal and the New Freedom.

In exploring these key historical themes, students will gain a deeper understanding of the complexities and transformations that shaped the United States during this pivotal period.

  • Causes of the Civil War: slavery, states' rights, sectionalism

  • Emancipation Proclamation: issued by Lincoln in 1863

  • Reconstruction: period after the Civil War, 1865-1877

  • 13th Amendment: abolished slavery in 1865

  • 14th Amendment: granted citizenship and equal protection under the law

  • 15th Amendment: granted voting rights regardless of race

  • Civil Rights Act of 1866: granted citizenship and equal rights to all

  • Compromise of 1877: ended Reconstruction in exchange for Hayes becoming president