Progressive Era and New Deal (APUSH Unit 7 - Key Concept 7.1)

Summary

The transcript delves into a critical period in American history from 1890 to 1945, covering the Second Industrial Revolution, the Progressive Era, and the Great Depression. It highlights the rise of urbanization, the emergence of reform movements like the Progressives and muckrakers, and significant constitutional amendments such as Prohibition and women's suffrage. The script also emphasizes FDR's New Deal as a response to the economic crisis, reshaping American politics and creating lasting political realignments. The summary captures key moments of reform, societal challenges, and the economic upheaval that defined early 20th-century America.

Takeaways

• 😀 Period 7 spans from 1890 to 1945, covering World War I, the Great Depression, and World War II, making it a critical time period for U.S. history.
• 😀 Period 7 is the most important for the AP test, with 17% of AP class time dedicated to this time period alone.
• 😀 The Second Industrial Revolution continued through the 1900s, transforming the U.S. into an industrialized nation and shifting society toward urbanization.
• 😀 By 1920, more Americans lived in cities than in rural areas, marking the U.S.'s transformation into an urban nation.
• 😀 The rapid industrialization led to problems like overcrowded cities, political corruption, economic instability, and crime, which prompted the rise of reform movements.
• 😀 Progressives, including muckrakers, were key figures in the reform movement, exposing issues like unsafe working conditions, political corruption, and contaminated food.
• 😀 Notable progressive successes included the 18th amendment (Prohibition) and the 19th amendment (Women's Suffrage), both significant societal changes.
• 😀 The modern conservationist movement emerged during this time, focusing on protecting natural landscapes from industrial destruction and establishing the first national parks.
• 😀 The Great Depression spurred a new wave of reforms led by President Franklin D. Roosevelt through the New Deal, aimed at ending unemployment and economic instability.
• 😀 The New Deal reshaped American politics, aligning many ethnic and working-class groups with the Democratic Party, establishing the modern welfare state and altering federal government roles.

Q & A

What is the time period covered in Period 7 of U.S. History?

Period 7 covers the years from 1890 to 1945, a critical era in American history marked by World War I, World War II, industrialization, urbanization, and the Great Depression.

What were the primary issues caused by rapid industrialization in America during the late 19th and early 20th centuries?

The rapid industrialization led to overcrowded cities, political corruption, economic instability, and high crime rates. These challenges prompted social and political reforms.

Who were the Progressives and what role did they play in addressing industrialization's problems?

Progressives were reformers who advocated for government intervention to address the problems caused by industrialization, including unsafe working conditions, political corruption, and social inequalities. They pushed for significant legislation and constitutional amendments.

What is the significance of muckrakers in the Progressive Era?

Muckrakers were journalists who exposed issues like unsafe working conditions, political corruption, and unsanitary food and services. Their work played a key role in raising public awareness and pushing for reforms.

What were the key legislative accomplishments of the Progressive Era?

Key legislative achievements include the 18th Amendment (Prohibition of alcohol), the 19th Amendment (Women’s suffrage), and the establishment of the first national park system to protect the environment.

How did the Progressive Era influence the role of women in American society?

The Progressive Era helped secure the 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote, and highlighted the active participation of women in social and political reform movements.

What was the primary focus of the New Deal under Franklin D. Roosevelt?

The New Deal aimed to address the economic devastation caused by the Great Depression by providing relief to the poor, stimulating economic recovery, and instituting permanent reforms to the American economy.

How did the New Deal reshape American politics?

The New Deal realigned American politics by forming alliances between ethnic groups, African Americans, and working-class communities with the Democratic Party, which persisted in shaping political affiliations in the decades that followed.

Did the New Deal completely end the Great Depression?

No, the New Deal did not end the Great Depression, but it helped mitigate its effects through relief programs, economic reforms, and the establishment of a welfare state that redefined American liberalism.

What were the main criticisms of the New Deal from different political groups?

Radical and populist movements criticized the New Deal for not doing enough, pushing Roosevelt to adopt more progressive policies, while conservatives opposed it for increasing government intervention in the economy and reducing individual freedoms.