Apush Period 7 Study Guide

APUSH Period 7 Study Guide: A Comprehensive Overview of the Post-War Era (1945-1980)

This comprehensive study guide covers AP US History Period 7 (1945-1980), focusing on the significant events, social changes, and political developments that shaped post-World War II America. Understanding this period is crucial for success on the APUSH exam. This guide will delve into key themes, provide historical context, and offer strategies for effective studying. We will examine the impact of the Cold War, the Civil Rights Movement, the rise of the counterculture, and the economic shifts that defined this transformative era.

I. The Post-War Boom and the Rise of the Suburbs:

Following World War II, the United States experienced an unprecedented economic boom. The GI Bill provided veterans with educational opportunities and low-interest home loans, fueling suburban growth and the expansion of higher education. Mass production techniques, combined with increased consumer demand, led to the proliferation of automobiles and household appliances, further solidifying the American Dream. However, this prosperity wasn't equally distributed, with racial and economic disparities persisting in many communities.

• Key Concepts: The GI Bill, suburbanization (Levittown), the Baby Boom, consumer culture, the rise of television, and the persistence of economic inequality.
• Significant Figures: William Levitt (developer of Levittown), President Truman, and Eisenhower.

II. The Cold War and the Red Scare:

The post-war era was dominated by the Cold War, a geopolitical struggle between the United States and the Soviet Union. The ideological conflict between capitalism and communism fueled a global arms race and proxy wars across the globe. Domestically, the fear of communist infiltration led to the Red Scare, characterized by Senator Joseph McCarthy's anti-communist witch hunts and investigations that targeted suspected communists and those deemed "un-American." This period highlighted the tension between national security and individual liberties.

• Key Concepts: Containment, the Truman Doctrine, the Marshall Plan, the Berlin Blockade, the Korean War, McCarthyism, the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC), and the Second Red Scare.
• Significant Figures: Joseph McCarthy, Harry Truman, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Nikita Khrushchev.

III. The Civil Rights Movement:

The mid-20th century witnessed a powerful and transformative Civil Rights Movement, aimed at dismantling racial segregation and achieving equal rights for African Americans. From the Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court decision that declared state laws establishing separate public schools for black and white students to be unconstitutional, to the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the sit-in movement, and the March on Washington, the movement utilized various strategies of nonviolent resistance to challenge Jim Crow laws and systemic racism. The assassination of key leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. marked pivotal moments and spurred further activism.

• Key Concepts: Brown v. Board of Education, Montgomery Bus Boycott, Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr., nonviolent resistance, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, Black Power movement, Malcolm X, and the rise of the Black Panther Party.
• Significant Figures: Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Malcolm X, Stokely Carmichael, and Lyndon B. Johnson.

IV. The Vietnam War and its Domestic Impact:

The Vietnam War profoundly impacted American society, dividing the nation and sparking widespread protests. Initially presented as a limited war to contain the spread of communism, the conflict escalated into a protracted and costly struggle. The war's brutality, coupled with the government's handling of the conflict, led to a growing anti-war movement, which encompassed a broad range of social groups and viewpoints. The Pentagon Papers, revealing governmental deception about the war, further fueled public distrust. The war's legacy includes lasting physical and psychological wounds on veterans and a shift in American foreign policy.

• Key Concepts: The domino theory, the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, the Tet Offensive, the My Lai Massacre, the anti-war movement, the Pentagon Papers, and the Vietnamization policy.
• Significant Figures: Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard Nixon, Ho Chi Minh, and Jane Fonda.

V. The Counterculture and Social Change:

The 1960s and 1970s saw the rise of a counterculture movement that challenged traditional social norms and values. Youth-led, this movement embraced ideals of peace, love, and individual expression. Influenced by music, art, and literature, the counterculture questioned authority, promoted environmental consciousness, and advocated for social justice. The movement's impact ranged from changing fashion and music to influencing political activism and environmentalism.

• Key Concepts: The New Left, student activism, the hippie movement, the feminist movement, the gay rights movement, environmentalism, and the rise of rock and roll music.
• Significant Figures: Betty Friedan, Gloria Steinem, Cesar Chavez, and Timothy Leary.

VI. The Rise of Conservatism and the End of an Era:

The late 1960s and 1970s witnessed a shift towards conservatism in American politics. Factors contributing to this shift included the perceived failures of the Great Society programs, economic woes such as stagflation (a combination of inflation and economic stagnation), and a growing sense of national insecurity in the wake of the Vietnam War. The election of Richard Nixon and the rise of the New Right marked the beginning of a conservative resurgence that would shape American politics for decades to come.

• Key Concepts: The New Right, the Moral Majority, the Reagan Revolution, deregulation, and the rise of the Religious Right.
• Significant Figures: Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, and Ronald Reagan.

VII. Economic Transformations and Social Issues:

The period witnessed significant economic shifts. The post-war boom gave way to periods of inflation and economic uncertainty. The energy crisis of the 1970s highlighted the nation's dependence on foreign oil and spurred efforts towards energy independence. Furthermore, issues like deindustrialization, the rise of the service sector, and growing income inequality became increasingly prominent social and economic concerns.

• Key Concepts: Stagflation, the oil crisis, deindustrialization, globalization, and the rise of the service sector.

VIII. Foreign Policy Challenges:

Beyond Vietnam, the United States faced other foreign policy challenges, including relations with the Soviet Union, the rise of détente, and the increasing complexity of global politics. The Iran hostage crisis and the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan further complicated the international landscape and impacted domestic politics.

• Key Concepts: Détente, the Iran hostage crisis, the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, and the Carter Doctrine.

IX. Study Strategies for APUSH Period 7:

• Create a timeline: Organize major events chronologically to understand the flow of history.
• Use primary sources: Analyze documents, photographs, and other primary sources to gain deeper insight.
• Practice multiple-choice questions: Familiarize yourself with the exam format and types of questions asked.
• Write practice essays: Develop your analytical and writing skills by tackling DBQ and LEQ prompts.
• Connect themes: Identify the major themes and how they intersect throughout the period.
• Utilize review books and online resources: Supplement your textbook with additional materials to reinforce your understanding.

X. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

• What is the most important event in Period 7? This is subjective, but many argue the Civil Rights Movement or the Vietnam War had the most lasting impact on American society and politics.
• How do I connect the themes of Period 7? Consider how the Cold War influenced domestic policies, how the Civil Rights Movement intersected with the counterculture, and how economic changes contributed to social unrest.
• What type of essay questions should I expect? Expect DBQs (Document-Based Questions) and LEQs (Long Essay Questions) that assess your ability to analyze primary sources, synthesize information, and construct well-supported arguments.

XI. Conclusion:

APUSH Period 7 represents a pivotal era in American history. Understanding the complex interplay of social, political, and economic forces that shaped this period is essential for success on the AP exam and for a more complete understanding of contemporary America. By thoroughly studying the key events, figures, and themes discussed in this guide, you will be well-prepared to analyze this crucial period and demonstrate your knowledge on the exam. Remember to practice regularly and utilize different study methods to solidify your understanding of this transformative era. Good luck!