APUSH Unit 7 REVIEW (Period 7: 1890-1945)

Summary

This video provides a comprehensive overview of key topics in AP US History Unit 7, covering imperialism, the progressive era, both world wars, the 1920s, and the Great Depression. It highlights the debates over imperialism, the Spanish-American War, the rise of progressivism, and the impact of major historical figures like Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson. The video also discusses the social and economic changes of the 1920s, including the Harlem Renaissance, the Roaring 20s, and the causes of the Great Depression. The narrative ties together major historical events, offering viewers a clear understanding of these pivotal moments in US history.

Takeaways

• 😀 Imperialism was a brief era in U.S. history, marked by debates over expansion and the U.S. becoming a global power, with key supporters and critics.
• 😀 The Spanish-American War was a pivotal moment in U.S. imperialism, with the U.S. defeating Spain and gaining territories like Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines.
• 😀 The Progressive Era addressed political corruption, social injustice, and economic inequality, with reformers focused on regulating corporations and improving social conditions.
• 😀 Muckrakers played a key role in exposing corruption and injustices, such as Upton Sinclair's *The Jungle* and Ida Tarbell’s investigation into Standard Oil.
• 😀 Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson were significant progressive leaders, advocating for corporate regulation, conservation, and banking reform.
• 😀 The U.S. entered World War I due to factors like German unrestricted submarine warfare and the Zimmerman Telegram, although American involvement was relatively limited.
• 😀 The Treaty of Versailles blamed Germany for World War I, imposing heavy reparations and sparking debates over the U.S.'s role in the League of Nations.
• 😀 The post-war period saw increased racial tensions, exemplified by the Red Scare, which fueled fears of communism and anarchism in the U.S.
• 😀 The Roaring 20s were characterized by technological advancements like the automobile and assembly lines, which led to a booming consumer economy.
• 😀 Cultural phenomena in the 1920s included the Harlem Renaissance, jazz music, and the visibility of women in society, but the decade was also marred by Prohibition and civil unrest.
• 😀 The Great Depression was caused by overproduction, consumer debt, bank failures, and global economic instability, leading to widespread financial collapse.

Q & A

What were the main arguments of imperialists supporting US expansion at the end of the 19th century?

Imperialists supported US expansion for four main reasons: 1) Economics, as imperialism would provide new markets and resources; 2) Power politics, to keep up with European colonial powers; 3) Racism and the 'civilizing mission', believing in the duty of Anglo-Saxon Protestants to uplift others; 4) The closing of the frontier, symbolized by the 1890 census.

What were the key arguments made by anti-imperialists during the same period?

Anti-imperialists argued against US expansion for three main reasons: 1) Self-determination, as imperialism contradicted the values of the Declaration of Independence; 2) Racism, with a resistance to incorporating non-white populations into the US; 3) Isolationism, advocating for a focus on domestic issues instead of overseas entanglements.

How did the Spanish-American War impact US imperialism?

The Spanish-American War marked a significant moment in US imperialism, with the US defeating Spain and gaining territories like Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. Although Cuba technically gained independence, the US imposed heavy influence through military presence. The Philippines, in particular, became a colony, facing a brutal suppression of its independence movement.

What was the role of yellow journalism in the Spanish-American War?

Yellow journalism played a crucial role in inflaming public sentiment against Spain, especially after the sinking of the USS Maine. Journalists sensationalized the event, pushing the narrative that Spain was responsible, which helped catalyze public support for the war.

What were the core goals of the Progressive Movement in the early 20th century?

The Progressive Movement aimed to address the political corruption, social injustice, and economic inequality created by industrial capitalism and urbanization. It involved various reform efforts, from labor rights to consumer protection, and was driven by middle-to-upper-class reformers, often women.

How did muckrakers contribute to the Progressive Era?

Muckrakers were investigative journalists who exposed social and political issues, sparking reform. For instance, Upton Sinclair's 'The Jungle' led to food safety reforms, Ida Tarbell exposed Standard Oil's monopolistic practices, and Jacob Riis' 'How the Other Half Lives' shed light on the squalid living conditions in tenements.

What were the main policy differences between Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson in the Progressive Era?

Theodore Roosevelt advocated for a 'Square Deal,' focusing on regulating corporations, protecting consumers, and conserving natural resources. In contrast, Woodrow Wilson pushed for a 'New Freedom,' aiming to break up monopolies, lower tariffs, and reform the banking system to restore economic opportunity.

What role did the Great Migration play in shaping African-American communities during the early 20th century?

The Great Migration saw a large movement of African-Americans from the rural South to the urban North, driven by the availability of factory jobs and the escape from oppressive Jim Crow laws. This migration led to the development of new black communities and had significant cultural impacts, notably in the Harlem Renaissance.

What was the significance of the 1920s in terms of technology and media in America?

The 1920s saw transformative advancements in technology and media. Henry Ford revolutionized production with assembly lines, and the automobile became a central force in reshaping society. The rise of radio and cinema connected the nation, creating a shared cultural experience and facilitating the consumer economy.

What were some negative consequences of the 1920s, despite its cultural achievements?

Despite the cultural vibrancy of the 1920s, the era was marred by several negative consequences. Prohibition led to crime and civil unrest, immigrants faced harsh treatment through quotas, and there were significant injustices, such as the Scopes Monkey Trial and the unfair execution of Sacco and Vanzetti.