APUSH Period 7 (1890–1945) explores transformative decades marked by industrialization‚ Progressivism‚ World Wars‚ and the Great Depression‚ shaping the U.S. into a global superpower.
Time Period Overview: 1890-1945
Spanning 1890 to 1945‚ this period witnessed profound transformations in the United States. Industrialization and urbanization reshaped society‚ while domestic and global challenges‚ such as economic instability and two World Wars‚ tested the nation. The U.S. emerged as a global superpower‚ navigating shifts from isolationism to international engagement. Key events included the Progressive Era‚ World War I‚ the Roaring Twenties‚ the Great Depression‚ and World War II. These decades laid the foundation for modern America‚ balancing progress with persistent social and economic struggles that defined the era.
Significance of the Era
The era from 1890 to 1945 holds immense significance as it marked the United States’ rise as a global power. This period saw industrialization reshape the economy‚ urbanization alter society‚ and major reforms emerge during the Progressive Era. The U.S. engaged in two World Wars‚ influencing international relations and domestic policies. The Great Depression and the New Deal fundamentally changed the role of government in society. These events collectively shaped the nation’s identity‚ fostering cultural pluralism and establishing the U.S. as a dominant world power by the end of World War II.
Key Themes of the Period
Industrialization‚ urbanization‚ domestic and global challenges‚ and the rise of pluralism defined this era‚ driving social‚ economic‚ and political reforms that reshaped the nation’s identity and global role.
Industrialization and Urbanization
Industrialization and urbanization dominated the late 19th and early 20th centuries‚ fostering economic growth and technological advancements. Cities expanded rapidly‚ drawing immigrants and migrants seeking opportunities. However‚ this growth also led to overcrowding‚ poor working conditions‚ and social inequality. The rise of industrial giants and monopolies sparked debates over regulation and labor rights‚ prompting Progressive reforms. Urban centers became hubs of cultural diversity and innovation‚ yet issues like poverty and exploitation persisted‚ highlighting the complexities of America’s transformation into an industrial powerhouse.
Domestic and Global Challenges
The late 19th and early 20th centuries presented significant domestic and global challenges for the United States. At home‚ issues like racial segregation‚ labor disputes‚ and economic inequality persisted‚ while the Great Depression brought widespread hardship. Globally‚ the U.S. navigated imperialism‚ World War I‚ and the rise of fascism leading to World War II. These challenges tested the nation’s resilience‚ prompting reforms like the Progressive Era’s focus on social justice and the New Deal’s economic recovery efforts. The U.S. emerged as a global superpower‚ but not without confronting profound internal and external struggles that shaped its identity and policies.
Pluralism and Reform Movements
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries‚ the United States experienced a surge in pluralism and reform movements. The Progressive Era emphasized addressing social inequalities‚ with figures like Jane Addams and muckrakers pushing for change. Civil rights activists‚ including those in the NAACP‚ fought against racial discrimination. Labor movements sought better working conditions and union rights. These efforts reflected a growing recognition of diverse voices within American society‚ leading to reforms that aimed to create a more inclusive and equitable nation‚ though significant challenges persisted.
The Progressive Era
The Progressive Era focused on reforming capitalism‚ addressing social inequalities‚ and promoting government regulation. Muckrakers exposed injustices‚ leading to significant legislation and a shift in political priorities.
Goals and Objectives of Progressives
Progressives aimed to address industrialization’s negative impacts‚ such as inequality and corruption. They sought to empower citizens‚ regulate businesses‚ and improve social welfare through reforms like antitrust laws and labor protections.
Role of Muckrakers and Key Legislation
Muckrakers like Ida Tarbell and Upton Sinclair exposed societal ills‚ sparking public outrage and reform. Their investigations led to landmark legislation such as the Meat Inspection Act and the 16th Amendment‚ enabling income taxes to fund social programs. These reforms addressed industrial abuses‚ workplace safety‚ and economic inequality‚ reflecting the Progressive Era’s focus on accountability and justice.
Foreign Policy and Imperialism
During Period 7‚ U.S. foreign policy shifted toward imperialism‚ driven by economic and strategic interests. The Spanish-American War marked the emergence of the U.S. as a global power.
Spanish-American War and Its Impact
The Spanish-American War (1898) was a pivotal event in U.S. history‚ driven by American expansionism and public outrage over Spanish colonial practices. The war resulted in the U.S. gaining control of Puerto Rico‚ Guam‚ and the Philippines‚ establishing itself as a global power. This expansion marked the beginning of U.S. imperialism‚ with debates arising over the morality of overseas territories and the treatment of native populations. The war’s aftermath also sparked discussions about the nation’s role in international affairs and the balance between expansion and ethical responsibility. This period set the stage for further U.S. involvement worldwide.
World War I and the Roaring Twenties
World War I (1914–1918) marked the U.S.’s emergence as a global power. Initially neutral‚ America entered the war in 1917 due to Germany’s unrestricted submarine warfare and the Zimmermann Telegram. The war’s end with the Treaty of Versailles introduced President Wilson’s idealistic Fourteen Points but failed to secure U.S. membership in the League of Nations. The 1920s‚ known as the Roaring Twenties‚ saw cultural shifts‚ technological advancements‚ and economic prosperity. However‚ this era also faced challenges like Prohibition‚ racial tensions‚ and the Harlem Renaissance‚ reflecting the complexities of a rapidly changing society.
The Great Depression and the New Deal
The Great Depression (1929–late 1940s) brought economic crisis‚ prompting Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal. This era of reform aimed to stabilize the economy and society.
Causes and Effects of the Great Depression
The Great Depression (1929–late 1940s) was triggered by the stock market crash of 1929‚ exacerbated by bank failures‚ overproduction‚ and underconsumption. Global trade collapsed‚ worsening economic instability. Unemployment soared to 25%‚ poverty rose sharply‚ and widespread despair gripped society. The crisis strained families‚ heightened social tensions‚ and deepened racial disparities. Internationally‚ it contributed to political extremism‚ such as the rise of fascism. These dire conditions prompted urgent calls for reform and set the stage for the New Deal programs.
New Deal Programs and Their Impact
The New Deal introduced a series of reforms and programs under President Franklin D. Roosevelt‚ aiming to alleviate the Great Depression’s economic and social hardships. Programs like the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and the Works Progress Administration (WPA) provided jobs for millions‚ while the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) restored confidence in banking. The Social Security Act established a safety net for the elderly and unemployed. These measures helped stabilize the economy‚ reduce unemployment‚ and modernize infrastructure‚ leaving a lasting legacy in social welfare and government intervention in the economy.
World War II
World War II revitalized the U.S. economy‚ ending the Great Depression‚ and spurred social changes‚ including women’s workforce entry‚ while propelling America to global superpower status.
U.S. Entry and Key Battles
The U.S. entered World War II after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941. Key battles included Midway‚ a turning point in the Pacific‚ and D-Day (Normandy landings)‚ crucial for liberating Europe. The Battle of the Bulge and Iwo Jima showcased American resilience; These battles‚ along with strategic initiatives like Lend-Lease‚ highlighted the U.S. role as a global military power. The home front supported the war effort through rationing and women in the workforce‚ ensuring a united response to Axis aggression.
Home Front and Social Changes
During World War II‚ the U.S. home front saw significant social shifts. Women entered the workforce in unprecedented numbers‚ symbolized by Rosie the Riveter‚ while rationing and victory gardens became common. African Americans and Japanese Americans played crucial roles despite facing discrimination. The Double V Campaign highlighted the fight for victory abroad and equality at home. The war accelerated industrial production and migration‚ fostering economic growth. These changes laid the groundwork for post-war civil rights movements and redefined societal roles‚ highlighting the war’s profound impact on American society and culture.
APUSH Period 7 (1890–1945) marked a transformative era for the United States‚ defined by industrialization‚ global conflicts‚ and social reform. The period saw the rise of the U.S. as a global superpower‚ the Great Depression’s economic upheaval‚ and World War II’s unifying impact. Domestic reforms‚ such as the New Deal‚ and movements like Progressivism addressed inequality and reshaped governance. These events collectively laid the foundation for the nation’s role in the Cold War and its commitment to social justice‚ embodying the complexities and advancements of the American experience during this pivotal time.
Transformations in the United States
APUSH Period 7 witnessed profound transformations in the United States‚ reshaping its economy‚ society‚ and global role. Industrialization and urbanization drove technological advancements and demographic shifts‚ while the Progressive Era and New Deal addressed systemic inequalities. The Great Depression tested economic resilience‚ and World War II solidified the U.S. as a global superpower. Culturally‚ the Roaring Twenties and wartime efforts fostered social change‚ including women’s suffrage and civil rights movements. These decades laid the groundwork for the nation’s postwar dominance and its commitment to addressing domestic and international challenges.