Apush Period 6 Test Answers

APUSH Period 6 Test Answers: A Comprehensive Guide to Mastering the Gilded Age and Progressive Era (1865-1917)

This comprehensive guide delves into the key concepts, significant events, and major figures of APUSH Period 6 (1865-1917), often referred to as the Gilded Age and Progressive Era. Understanding this period is crucial for success on the AP US History exam. While I cannot provide specific "answers" to a test (as test questions vary), this detailed overview equips you with the knowledge to confidently tackle any question about this pivotal era in American history. Expect to encounter questions on industrialization, westward expansion, political corruption, social reform movements, and the rise of American imperialism.

I. The Gilded Age (1865-1900): A Time of Extremes

This era, coined by Mark Twain, aptly describes the period's duality: dazzling displays of wealth and progress juxtaposed with widespread poverty, inequality, and corruption.

A. Industrialization and its Impacts:

• Key Players: This period saw the rise of industrial titans like Andrew Carnegie (steel), John D. Rockefeller (oil), and J.P. Morgan (finance). Understanding their business practices (vertical and horizontal integration, monopolies, trusts) is paramount.
• Technological Advancements: Innovations like the Bessemer process (steel production), the telephone, and the electric light bulb dramatically reshaped American society and fueled economic growth. Be prepared to discuss the impact of these inventions on various aspects of life.
• Rise of Big Business and Labor: The growth of large corporations led to significant labor issues. Know the key labor unions (Knights of Labor, American Federation of Labor), their strategies (strikes, boycotts), and significant events like the Haymarket Riot and the Pullman Strike. Understand the contrasting approaches of these unions and the impact of government responses.
• The Impact on Society: Industrialization led to massive urbanization, immigration, and the growth of a new middle class. However, it also resulted in harsh working conditions, child labor, and the widening gap between the rich and the poor. Be ready to discuss the social consequences of industrialization and the emergence of social Darwinism as a justification for inequality.

B. Westward Expansion and its Consequences:

• Manifest Destiny and its Fulfillment: Understand the concept of Manifest Destiny and its role in driving westward expansion. Know the key events and figures associated with westward expansion, including the transcontinental railroad, the Homestead Act, and the displacement of Native American populations.
• The Impact on Native Americans: This period witnessed significant conflicts and injustices against Native Americans. Be prepared to discuss the Dawes Act, the destruction of the buffalo, and the impact of westward expansion on Native American cultures and ways of life. Key battles and figures like Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse are crucial to understand.
• The Development of the West: Analyze the economic and social development of the West, including the growth of ranching, farming, and mining. Understand the challenges faced by settlers and the environmental impact of westward expansion.

C. Political Corruption and Reform:

• Political Machines: Understand the workings of political machines (like Tammany Hall in New York City) and their impact on American politics. Know key figures associated with these machines and their methods of gaining and maintaining power.
• Patronage and the Spoils System: Be prepared to discuss the spoils system and the efforts to reform it through the Pendleton Civil Service Act.
• The Rise of Populism: Understand the emergence of the Populist movement and its key goals (e.g., regulating railroads, increasing the money supply). Analyze the movement's impact on American politics and its legacy.

II. The Progressive Era (1900-1917): Reform and Change

The Progressive Era witnessed a surge in reform movements aimed at addressing the social and economic problems created by industrialization and urbanization.

A. Progressive Reform Movements:

• Muckrakers: Understand the role of muckrakers (like Upton Sinclair and Ida Tarbell) in exposing social and political corruption. Be ready to discuss their impact on public opinion and the reforms they helped inspire.
• Social Reform: Analyze the various social reform movements of the Progressive Era, including the women's suffrage movement (19th Amendment), the temperance movement (18th Amendment), and the efforts to improve working conditions and child labor laws.
• Political Reform: Understand the progressive reforms aimed at improving the political system, such as the direct primary, initiative, referendum, and recall. Analyze the impact of these reforms on American democracy.
• Trust-Busting: Know the efforts of President Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson to regulate big business and break up monopolies (Sherman Antitrust Act).

B. Theodore Roosevelt and the Square Deal:

• Conservationism: Understand Roosevelt's conservation policies and their impact on the environment. Know key figures and events related to conservation.
• Trust-Busting: Analyze Roosevelt's approach to regulating big business and his impact on the economy.

C. Woodrow Wilson and the New Freedom:

• The Progressive Platform: Understand Wilson's progressive agenda and his efforts to reform the banking system (Federal Reserve Act) and the tariff system (Underwood Tariff Act).
• World War I and its Impact: Analyze the factors leading to American entry into World War I and the impact of the war on American society and politics.

III. American Imperialism (1890s-1917): Expanding Influence Abroad

This period saw the United States emerge as a world power, acquiring overseas territories and expanding its influence globally.

A. Factors Leading to Imperialism:

• Economic Interests: Understand the economic motivations behind American imperialism, including the desire for new markets and resources.
• Strategic Considerations: Analyze the strategic reasons for acquiring overseas territories, including the desire for naval bases and control of strategic waterways.
• Social Darwinism and Racial Superiority: Recognize the role of social Darwinism and racist ideologies in justifying American imperialism.

B. Key Events and Acquisitions:

• Spanish-American War: Understand the causes and consequences of the Spanish-American War and the acquisition of territories like Puerto Rico, Cuba, and the Philippines.
• The Roosevelt Corollary: Analyze the Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine and its impact on American foreign policy in Latin America.
• The Panama Canal: Understand the construction of the Panama Canal and its significance for American trade and global power.

IV. Conclusion: A Legacy of Change and Contradiction

The Gilded Age and Progressive Era represent a period of profound transformation in American history. While industrialization and westward expansion brought unprecedented economic growth and technological advancements, they also led to significant social and economic inequalities. The Progressive Era witnessed a surge in reform movements aimed at addressing these inequalities and improving American society. However, the legacy of this period is complex, marked by both progress and contradiction, including the rise of American imperialism and the continued marginalization of certain groups. Thorough understanding of these complexities is vital for success on the APUSH exam.

V. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

• Q: What is the difference between the Knights of Labor and the American Federation of Labor? A: The Knights of Labor was a more inclusive union, accepting skilled and unskilled workers, while the AFL focused on skilled workers and collective bargaining.

• Q: What were the main goals of the Populist movement? A: The Populists aimed to address the concerns of farmers and laborers, advocating for government regulation of railroads, increased money supply (free silver), and political reforms.

• Q: Who were the muckrakers and what was their impact? A: Muckrakers were investigative journalists who exposed corruption and social problems, influencing public opinion and prompting reforms.

• Q: What was the significance of the Spanish-American War? A: The Spanish-American War marked America's emergence as a world power, leading to the acquisition of overseas territories and increased global influence.

• Q: How did the Progressive Era impact American politics? A: The Progressive Era led to significant political reforms, including the direct primary, initiative, referendum, and recall, enhancing democracy and citizen participation.

This comprehensive overview provides a strong foundation for understanding APUSH Period 6. Remember to supplement this information with further reading and practice questions to solidify your knowledge and achieve a high score on your exam. Good luck!