APUSH Period 7: Ultimate Guide to Period 7 APUSH

Overview of Period 7 (1890-1945)

Time frame covers significant events in U.S. history relevant to the AUSH exam.
Major themes include U.S. expansion, involvement in World Wars, and domestic transformations.

Imperialism in regions such as Cuba, Hawaii, the Philippines, and China.
Key concept of post-frontier expansion due to the closing of the American frontier per Frederick Jackson Turner.
Economic, political, strategic, and ideological motives for expansion:
- Economic: Need for markets and raw materials.
- Political: Competition with European nations and Japan.
- Strategic: Naval base acquisition as promoted by Alfred T. Mahan.
- Ideological: Duty to civilize other nations.

The U.S. maintained neutrality initially but was influenced by multiple incidents:
- Sinking of the Lusitania (neutral ships).
- The Zimmerman Telegram.
Wilson's post-war proposal at Versailles: the 14 Points; push for the League of Nations.
Senate's rejection of League membership and non-involvement traditions.

The Roaring Twenties: Economic prosperity and cultural shifts.
The Great Depression: Lead to the New Deal and significant government intervention in the economy.
1920s isolationist policies and Neutrality Acts by the America First Committee.

Economic transformation and transition from laissez-faire to more government intervention.
Key figures in the Progressive Movement:
- Jane Addams: Hull House and immigrant assistance
- Florence Kelley: National Consumer League and labor reforms
- John Muir: Environmental advocacy and conservation work.
Efforts included regulation of the economy, environment, and expanded democracy through reforms (e.g., 17th Amendment).
Trust-busting under Roosevelt and Taft, and the establishment of the Federal Reserve.

Aimed at relief, recovery, and reform in response to the Great Depression.
Key programs:
- FDIC: Insured bank deposits.
- Securities and Exchange Commission: Regulated stock market.
- AAA: Regulated agricultural production.
- WPA and CCC: Public works projects to employ the unemployed.
- Wagner Act: Protects workers' rights to unionize.
Criticism from both conservative and radical factions regarding New Deal effectiveness.

Rise of urbanization with more Americans living in cities by 1920.
Ongoing immigration trends with new immigrant waves from Southern and Eastern Europe.
The Great Migration of African Americans to urban centers due to opportunities created by WWI.

Espionage and Sedition Acts during WWI limiting free speech.
The Red Scare, Palmer Raids, and rise of anti-immigrant sentiments.
The Immigration Act of 1924 establishing restrictionist quotas.
Prohibition and its consequences leading to organized crime.
Cultural conflicts exemplified by the Scopes Trial, highlighting rural vs. urban divides.

Significant shifts in job opportunities for women and minorities due to war production.
The Bracero Program: addressed labor shortages through Mexican immigrants.
Civil rights struggles: Double Victory campaign for equality in defense work.
Controversies surrounding internment of Japanese Americans upheld by Korematsu case.

Transition in U.S. foreign policy and emergence as a world superpower.
Contrasting interests among the Big Three (Roosevelt, Stalin, Churchill) post-war.
Establishment of the United Nations, marking a shift towards global engagement and internationalism.