APUSH Period 7: Ultimate Guide to Period 7 APUSH

Summary

This video provides an in-depth overview of U.S. history from 1890 to 1945, covering key events and periods essential for the AP U.S. History exam. It explores U.S. foreign expansion, World War I and II, the Progressive Era, the Great Depression, and the New Deal. The script delves into major reforms, such as trust-busting, government interventions, and social changes like the rise of women in the workforce and the Great Migration of African-Americans. It also examines the tensions between security and liberty, the shift in U.S. foreign policy, and post-war developments, including the Cold War's beginning.

Takeaways

• 😀 The time period from 1890 to 1945 covers key U.S. historical events such as U.S. expansion abroad, World War I, the Great Depression, and World War II.
• 😀 U.S. expansion during the late 19th century was driven by economic, political, strategic, and ideological motives, including annexations, the Spanish-American War, and the Open Door Policy in China.
• 😀 The U.S. became involved in World War I in 1917 due to events like the sinking of the Lusitania and the Zimmermann Telegram, but post-war, the Senate rejected joining the League of Nations.
• 😀 In the 1920s, the U.S. pursued an isolationist foreign policy but still engaged in some international matters, such as the Washington Naval Arms Conference and the Kellogg-Briand Pact.
• 😀 The Progressive Era (1890s-1917) focused on reforming political, social, and economic issues, including government intervention to address inequality, regulation of monopolies, and environmental protection.
• 😀 The 1920s saw the rise of new technologies and consumer goods, such as radios and the Model T, which improved living standards and led to cultural shifts, including a demographic change due to new immigrant groups.
• 😀 The Great Depression began in 1929, leading to the New Deal, a series of programs aimed at providing relief, recovery, and reform to the American economy, including Social Security and labor rights protections.
• 😀 Racial tensions rose during this period, particularly in response to the Great Migration, the resurgence of the Ku Klux Klan, and racial conflicts like the Zoot Suit Riots.
• 😀 The U.S. entry into World War II after the Pearl Harbor attack in 1941 led to significant changes on the home front, such as opportunities for women and minorities in the workforce and tensions such as Japanese-American internment.
• 😀 The aftermath of World War II saw the U.S. emerge as a superpower, abandoning its isolationist tradition and becoming involved in international organizations like the United Nations and the beginning of the Cold War.

Q & A

What were the main motivations for U.S. overseas expansion in the late 19th century?

The main motivations for U.S. overseas expansion in the late 19th century included the closing of the frontier, economic motives to open markets abroad, political motives to compete with other nations, strategic military interests, and ideological motives to spread democracy and civilization, particularly in non-European regions.

How did the Spanish-American War impact U.S. imperialism?

The Spanish-American War marked a turning point in U.S. imperialism. Under the Treaty of Paris, the U.S. acquired territories like Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Philippines, and Guam. The war also led to the U.S. intervening in foreign affairs and pursuing policies like Roosevelt's 'Big Stick' diplomacy, which expanded U.S. influence abroad.

What were the key features of the Progressive Era reforms?

The Progressive Era reforms focused on regulating the economy, addressing social inequality, and promoting political reforms. Key features included trust-busting, women's suffrage, child labor laws, environmental conservation, and the establishment of agencies like the Federal Reserve and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

What role did women play during the Progressive Era?

Women played a significant role in the Progressive Era, particularly in advocating for reforms related to child labor, consumer protection, and social welfare. They were also prominent in movements like the suffrage movement, which culminated in the passage of the 19th Amendment granting women the right to vote.

What were some major social and racial tensions during the 1920s in the U.S.?

During the 1920s, the U.S. saw significant racial and social tensions, including the rise of nativism, the resurgence of the Ku Klux Klan, and race riots. African Americans migrated to northern cities, which led to increased racial conflicts, while the Scopes Trial represented the cultural clash between rural fundamentalism and urban scientific progress.

What was the purpose of the New Deal, and how did it change the role of the federal government?

The New Deal, initiated by Franklin D. Roosevelt, aimed to provide relief, recovery, and reform during the Great Depression. It expanded the role of the federal government by creating welfare programs, regulating the economy, and introducing social safety nets like Social Security. These changes marked a shift toward greater government intervention in American life.

How did World War II affect U.S. society on the home front?

World War II led to significant changes on the home front, including increased job opportunities for women and minorities, such as the iconic 'Rosie the Riveter.' The war also highlighted racial tensions, exemplified by the Japanese internment camps and the Zoot Suit Riots, but it also contributed to the end of the Great Depression through war production.

What was the significance of the U.S. joining the United Nations after World War II?

The U.S. joining the United Nations after World War II marked a departure from its previous isolationist policies. It reflected the U.S.'s new role as a global superpower and its commitment to promoting international cooperation, self-determination, and peace, especially in the context of the post-war world order.

What were the key components of the U.S. involvement in the post-World War II Cold War?

After World War II, the U.S. became involved in the Cold War, primarily due to ideological conflicts with the Soviet Union. The U.S. focused on containment of communism, leading to policies like the Truman Doctrine and Marshall Plan, while also participating in military alliances such as NATO to counter Soviet influence.

How did the U.S. government's policies during the Great Depression lead to long-term changes in American society?

The U.S. government's policies during the Great Depression, particularly the New Deal, led to long-term changes by establishing a welfare state, regulating financial markets, and creating public works programs. These reforms reshaped American society, increasing the size and role of the federal government and providing a social safety net for future generations.