AP United States History

Unit 7: Period 7: 1890–1945

8 topics to cover in this unit

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Unit Outline

Contextualizing Period 7

An overview of the major social, political, and economic developments that shaped the U.S. from 1890-1945, including the impacts of industrialization, urbanization, and the nation's emergence as a global power. This sets the stage for the Progressive Era, two World Wars, and the Great Depression.

ContextualizationCausation

Common Misconceptions

Underestimating the significance of the Gilded Age's problems as direct causes for Progressive reforms.
Failing to see the interconnectedness of domestic and foreign policy during this period.

The Progressive Era

Examines the diverse reform movements responding to the social, economic, and political problems caused by rapid industrialization and urbanization. Focus on muckrakers, the Social Gospel, political reforms (like direct primaries and initiatives), and environmental conservation efforts led by figures like Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson.

CausationComparisonArgumentation

Common Misconceptions

Believing all Progressives agreed on solutions or goals.
Overlooking the limitations of Progressive reforms (e.g., racial segregation).
Confusing Populism with Progressivism, though they share some goals.

America as a World Power

How the U.S. expanded its influence internationally through economic, diplomatic, and military means. This led to debates over isolationism versus interventionism and the acquisition of overseas territories, transforming the U.S. into a global player.

CausationComparisonHistorical Argumentation

Common Misconceptions

Assuming U.S. imperialism was solely military and not economic or cultural.
Not understanding the economic motivations behind U.S. expansion.
Confusing the original Monroe Doctrine with the later Roosevelt Corollary.

World War I: Military and Diplomacy

Analysis of the causes and course of U.S. entry into World War I, key military events, and President Woodrow Wilson's efforts to shape the postwar world through his Fourteen Points and the League of Nations, ultimately facing Senate rejection.

CausationContinuity and ChangeArgumentation

Common Misconceptions

Overstating the impact of any single event (like the Lusitania sinking) as the sole cause for U.S. entry.
Not understanding the Senate's multifaceted reasons for rejecting the Treaty of Versailles and the League of Nations.

World War I: Homefront

Examination of the significant social, economic, and political changes on the homefront during World War I, including government mobilization efforts, the suppression of civil liberties, and the Great Migration of African Americans to northern cities.

CausationContinuity and ChangeContextualization

Common Misconceptions

Believing the Great Migration was solely a WWI phenomenon rather than accelerated by it.
Underestimating the extent of government control and suppression of dissent during wartime.

The 1920s: Cultural and Political Controversies

Explores the cultural clashes and political debates of the 'Roaring Twenties,' including rising nativism, fundamentalism, the impact of Prohibition, and challenges to traditional values by 'flappers' and the Harlem Renaissance.

ComparisonCausationArgumentation

Common Misconceptions

Viewing the 1920s as uniformly prosperous and modern, ignoring the deep social divisions and backlash against change.
Not recognizing the underlying anxieties that fueled movements like nativism and fundamentalism.

The 1920s: Innovations in Culture and Technology

Focus on the widespread adoption of new technologies (automobile, radio, film) and their transformative impact on American society, fostering a new consumer culture and mass media. Examines the economic boom and its underlying vulnerabilities.

CausationContinuity and ChangeContextualization

Common Misconceptions

Not connecting technological advancements directly to the rise of consumer culture and advertising.
Failing to see the economic vulnerabilities (like credit expansion and speculative investing) beneath the surface of prosperity.

The Great Depression

Analysis of the causes and consequences of the Great Depression, examining the dramatic economic collapse, widespread social hardship, and the government's initial ineffective responses under President Herbert Hoover.

CausationContinuity and ChangeArgumentation

Common Misconceptions

Believing the stock market crash was the *sole* cause of the Depression.
Underestimating the global nature of the depression.
Thinking President Hoover did 'nothing' to address the crisis, rather than his efforts being insufficient.

Key Terms

Gilded AgeProgressive EraImperialismWorld WarsMuckrakersSocial GospelTheodore RooseveltSquare DealWoodrow WilsonSpanish-American WarOpen Door PolicyRoosevelt CorollaryBig Stick DiplomacyLusitaniaZimmerman TelegramUnrestricted submarine warfareFourteen PointsLeague of NationsCommittee on Public InformationEspionage ActSedition ActGreat MigrationWar bondsRed ScareSacco and VanzettiKKKScopes TrialProhibitionAssembly lineHenry FordConsumerismMass mediaJazz AgeStock Market CrashBlack TuesdayHoovervillesDust BowlSmoot-Hawley Tariff

Key Concepts

Continuity and change over time
Impact of industrialization and urbanization
Evolving role of government
Role of government in society
Social reform efforts
Political corruption and reform
American exceptionalism and expansionism
Debates over foreign policy
Economic motivations for expansion
Causes of war
International relations and diplomacy
Impact of technology on warfare
Impact of war on society
Civil liberties versus national security
Government expansion of power
Cultural conflict and social change
Nativism and xenophobia
Traditionalism vs. modernism
Technological innovation and societal impact
Economic prosperity and cultural transformation
Rise of a consumer economy
Economic cycles and government intervention
Social impact of economic crisis
Global interconnectedness of economies

Cross-Unit Connections

**Unit 6 (The Gilded Age):** The problems of industrialization, urbanization, and political corruption discussed in Unit 6 directly fueled the Progressive Era reforms and the demand for government intervention in Unit 7.
**Unit 8 (The Cold War and New Global Role):** The end of World War II and the diplomatic efforts in Unit 7 directly set the stage for the Cold War and the new global role of the United States as a superpower, which are central to Unit 8. Demographic shifts (Great Migration, women in the workforce) from Unit 7 continue and evolve into the postwar era.
**Unit 3 (Revolution and Early Republic) & Unit 4 (Market Revolution):** Debates over federal power versus states' rights and economic policy (e.g., Hamilton vs. Jefferson) find echoes in the Progressive Era and New Deal debates about the appropriate role and scope of government intervention.
**Unit 2 (Colonial Era) & Unit 5 (Civil War and Reconstruction):** Ideas of American exceptionalism and debates over national identity and expansion (like Manifest Destiny) from earlier units are revisited and transformed in the context of U.S. imperialism and its emergence as a global power in Unit 7.
**Unit 9 (Contemporary America):** The legacies of the New Deal (e.g., Social Security, the welfare state) and the U.S.'s established role as a global superpower from Unit 7 continue to shape American society, economy, and foreign policy into the present day.

Unit 6: Period 6: 1865–1898 Unit 8: Period 8: 1945–1980