Apush Period 6 Study Guide

APUSH Period 6 Study Guide: A Comprehensive Overview of 1865-1898

This comprehensive study guide covers AP US History Period 6, spanning the years from 1865 to 1898. This era, encompassing Reconstruction, the Gilded Age, and the rise of American imperialism, is rich with significant events, figures, and social transformations. Mastering this period is crucial for success on the AP US History exam. This guide will delve into key themes, significant events, and important figures, providing you with the knowledge necessary to excel.

I. Reconstruction (1865-1877): Rebuilding a Nation

Reconstruction, the period following the Civil War, aimed to rebuild the South and reintegrate it into the Union. This period witnessed significant political, social, and economic upheaval.

A. Presidential vs. Radical Reconstruction: Two distinct approaches to Reconstruction emerged. Presidential Reconstruction, under Andrew Johnson, aimed for a swift and lenient reintegration of the Southern states. This approach, however, proved insufficient in addressing the needs of newly freed African Americans. Radical Reconstruction, led by Republicans in Congress, sought more significant social and political reforms, including protecting Black civil rights.

B. Key Legislation and Amendments:

• 13th Amendment: Abolished slavery throughout the United States.
• 14th Amendment: Granted citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the U.S., including formerly enslaved people, and guaranteed equal protection under the law.
• 15th Amendment: Prohibited the denial of suffrage based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude.

C. Black Codes and Jim Crow Laws: Despite the amendments, Southern states implemented Black Codes, restrictive laws designed to limit the freedoms of African Americans. These laws were eventually replaced by Jim Crow Laws, which enforced racial segregation and discrimination for decades to come.

D. Key Figures:

• Abraham Lincoln: Though assassinated before Reconstruction's full implementation, his vision shaped early efforts.
• Andrew Johnson: His lenient policies hindered effective Reconstruction.
• Ulysses S. Grant: His presidency oversaw a period of continued, albeit challenged, Radical Reconstruction.
• Thaddeus Stevens & Charles Sumner: Radical Republican leaders who championed civil rights for African Americans.
• Frederick Douglass: A prominent abolitionist and advocate for Black rights during and after Reconstruction.
• Booker T. Washington: Advocated for gradual Black advancement through education and economic self-reliance. His Atlanta Compromise sparked considerable debate.

II. The Gilded Age (1870s-1900): Industrialization and its Consequences

The Gilded Age witnessed unprecedented industrial growth, fueled by technological advancements, abundant natural resources, and a laissez-faire economic policy. However, this period also saw significant social and economic inequality.

A. Industrial Revolution and its Impacts: Rapid industrialization led to the rise of powerful industrialists like Andrew Carnegie (steel), John D. Rockefeller (oil), and J.P. Morgan (finance). These individuals amassed immense wealth, leading to the concentration of economic power.

B. Technological Advancements: Innovations like the Bessemer process (steel production), the telephone, and the electric light bulb revolutionized industry and daily life. The railroad dramatically expanded, connecting markets and facilitating national growth.

C. Rise of Big Business and Monopolies: The pursuit of profits led to the formation of trusts and monopolies, which stifled competition and often exploited workers.

D. Labor Movements: Responding to harsh working conditions and low wages, workers organized into labor unions like the Knights of Labor and the American Federation of Labor (AFL). Strikes, like the Great Railroad Strike of 1877 and the Pullman Strike of 1894, highlighted the growing tensions between labor and capital.

E. Immigration and Urbanization: Massive immigration from Europe and Asia fueled rapid urbanization, leading to overcrowded cities and the emergence of ethnic enclaves. These new arrivals faced discrimination and often worked in harsh conditions.

F. Political Corruption: The Gilded Age was marked by significant political corruption, particularly at the local and state levels. Political machines, like Tammany Hall in New York City, controlled political power through patronage and bribery.

G. Key Figures:

• Andrew Carnegie: Steel magnate who advocated for philanthropy ("Gospel of Wealth").
• John D. Rockefeller: Oil tycoon who built Standard Oil, a powerful monopoly.
• J.P. Morgan: Financier who consolidated industries and controlled vast wealth.
• Eugene V. Debs: Socialist leader and prominent labor organizer.
• Samuel Gompers: President of the AFL, a skilled-labor focused union.

III. The Westward Expansion and Native American Policies

Westward expansion continued throughout this period, significantly impacting Native American populations.

A. Manifest Destiny: The belief that the United States was destined to expand its dominion across North America continued to influence policy.

B. Transcontinental Railroad: Its completion in 1869 facilitated westward migration and trade.

C. Native American Resistance: Native American tribes fiercely resisted westward encroachment, leading to numerous conflicts, including the Sioux Wars and the Nez Perce War. The Battle of Little Bighorn, while a Native American victory, ultimately proved unsustainable against the superior resources of the U.S. Army.

D. Assimilation Policies: The U.S. government implemented policies aimed at assimilating Native Americans into American society, including the Dawes Act, which attempted to break up tribal lands and encourage individual land ownership. These policies often resulted in the loss of tribal lands and cultural heritage.

IV. Rise of American Imperialism (1890s)

By the late 19th century, the United States began to assert itself as a global power, embracing imperialism.

A. Reasons for Imperialism: Several factors contributed to American imperialism, including economic interests (access to new markets and resources), a belief in American exceptionalism, and strategic considerations (building a global naval presence).

B. Spanish-American War (1898): This war, sparked by the sinking of the USS Maine in Havana harbor, led to the U.S. acquisition of Cuba, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. The war showcased the growing military strength of the United States.

C. Anti-Imperialist Movement: Despite the expansion, a significant anti-imperialist movement arose, arguing that imperialism violated American principles of self-determination and liberty.

V. Social and Cultural Transformations

This period witnessed significant social and cultural changes:

A. The Rise of Populism: The Populist movement emerged as a response to the economic and political inequalities of the Gilded Age. Farmers and laborers sought to address issues like debt, railroad monopolies, and political corruption. Their platform advocated for government regulation of the economy and greater political representation for ordinary citizens.

B. Progressive Era Beginnings: While the Progressive Era officially begins in the early 20th century, its roots can be seen in late 19th-century reform movements. Growing concerns about social injustices and economic inequality laid the groundwork for future progressive reforms.

C. Changing Roles of Women: Women played increasing roles in social and political movements, advocating for suffrage and other reforms.

VI. Key Themes to Understand for the AP Exam

• Reconstruction and its failures: Understand the successes and shortcomings of different Reconstruction plans.
• Industrialization and its social consequences: Analyze the impact of rapid industrial growth on various segments of American society.
• Westward Expansion and its impact on Native Americans: Grasp the devastating consequences of westward expansion on Native American populations.
• Rise of big business and monopolies: Analyze the formation and impact of monopolies and trusts on the American economy.
• Labor movements and their struggles: Understand the challenges faced by labor unions and the impact of strikes.
• Immigration and urbanization: Analyze the impact of immigration on American society and cities.
• Political corruption: Understand the extent and impact of political corruption during the Gilded Age.
• Rise of American imperialism: Analyze the reasons for and consequences of American imperialism.
• Social and cultural transformations: Analyze the changing social and cultural landscape of the period.

VII. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What were the major causes of the Spanish-American War?

A: The sinking of the USS Maine, yellow journalism exaggerating Spanish atrocities in Cuba, and American economic interests in Cuba all contributed to the outbreak of the war.

Q: What were the main goals of the Populist movement?

A: The Populists sought to address economic and political inequalities through government regulation of the railroads, an increase in the money supply (bimetallism), and greater political representation for farmers and laborers.

Q: How did the Dawes Act affect Native Americans?

A: The Dawes Act aimed to assimilate Native Americans by breaking up tribal lands and allotting individual parcels to Native Americans. This policy often resulted in the loss of tribal lands and the erosion of Native American cultures.

Q: What were the key differences between Presidential and Radical Reconstruction?

A: Presidential Reconstruction, under Andrew Johnson, was more lenient and focused on a quick reintegration of the South. Radical Reconstruction, led by Republicans in Congress, aimed for more extensive social and political reforms, including protecting the rights of African Americans.

Q: What was the significance of the Gilded Age?

A: The Gilded Age was a period of rapid industrialization, economic growth, and significant social and economic inequality. It saw the rise of powerful industrialists, the growth of labor movements, and significant political corruption.

VIII. Conclusion

Understanding APUSH Period 6 requires a nuanced understanding of its complexities. This study guide provides a solid foundation for your preparation. Remember to utilize primary and secondary sources, practice analyzing historical documents, and hone your essay-writing skills. By engaging deeply with the material, you'll not only succeed on the AP exam but also gain a deeper appreciation for this pivotal era in American history. Good luck with your studies!