Apush Unit 7 Study Guide

APUSH Unit 7 Study Guide: Reconstruction and the Gilded Age (1865-1900)

This comprehensive study guide covers AP US History Unit 7, focusing on the Reconstruction era and the Gilded Age (1865-1900). Understanding this period is crucial for success in the APUSH exam, as it marks a pivotal transition in American history, shaped by the aftermath of the Civil War and the rise of industrial capitalism. We will explore key events, figures, and themes, providing you with a robust foundation for mastering this unit. This guide emphasizes critical analysis and connection-making, helping you understand the complex interplay of social, political, and economic forces that defined this era.

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

The Reconstruction era followed the Civil War, grappling with the immense challenges of reintegrating the Confederate states, abolishing slavery, and defining the rights of newly freed African Americans. Several key plans and approaches shaped this tumultuous period:

A. Presidential Reconstruction (Andrew Johnson): President Johnson's plan aimed for a swift and lenient reunification, offering pardons to most Confederates and emphasizing states' rights. This approach, however, largely ignored the plight of African Americans and ultimately proved insufficient to address the deep-seated racial inequalities. Key weaknesses included a lack of protection for Black civil rights and the resurgence of white supremacist power in the South.

B. Radical Reconstruction (Congressional Reconstruction): Radical Republicans in Congress, led by figures like Thaddeus Stevens and Charles Sumner, advocated for a more forceful approach. They sought to protect Black civil rights, punish Confederate leaders, and fundamentally reshape Southern society. This led to the passage of key legislation:

• 13th Amendment: Abolished slavery throughout the United States.
• 14th Amendment: Granted citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the United States, 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.

Radical Reconstruction also involved military occupation of the South and the establishment of new state governments with Black participation. However, this period was also marked by violence and resistance from white supremacist groups like the Ku Klux Klan (KKK), who used intimidation and terrorism to suppress Black voting and civil rights.

C. Black Life During Reconstruction: Despite facing immense challenges, African Americans made significant strides during Reconstruction. They established schools, churches, and political organizations, actively participating in the political process. Black leaders like Frederick Douglass, Ida B. Wells-Barnett, and Booker T. Washington emerged as prominent voices advocating for civil rights and social justice. However, the gains made during this period were fragile and ultimately limited by persistent racial prejudice and violence.

D. The End of Reconstruction: Reconstruction ended with the Compromise of 1877, a controversial deal that effectively withdrew federal troops from the South. This marked a turning point, leading to the rise of Jim Crow laws and the disenfranchisement of Black voters, effectively dismantling many of the gains achieved during the era.

II. The Gilded Age (1877-1900): Industrialization and its Consequences

The Gilded Age, a term coined by Mark Twain, characterized by rapid industrial growth and vast economic inequalities, witnessed a dramatic transformation of American society.

A. Industrialization and Technological Advancements: This era saw unprecedented industrial expansion fueled by technological innovations like the Bessemer process (steel production), the telegraph, and the telephone. The railroad industry played a crucial role, connecting distant markets and facilitating the growth of national corporations.

B. The Rise of Big Business and Industrialists: Powerful industrialists, often referred to as "robber barons" or "captains of industry," amassed immense fortunes. Key figures include:

• Andrew Carnegie: Steel magnate, known for his philanthropy and the "Gospel of Wealth."
• John D. Rockefeller: Oil tycoon, who built Standard Oil into a vast monopoly.
• J.P. Morgan: Financier who controlled major industries through mergers and acquisitions.

These industrialists utilized various business strategies, including vertical integration (controlling all aspects of production) and horizontal integration (controlling competing companies within the same industry), to achieve dominance in their respective markets.

C. Labor and the Rise of Unions: The rapid industrialization led to the growth of a large industrial working class, often facing harsh working conditions, low wages, and long hours. This gave rise to labor movements and the formation of powerful unions like the Knights of Labor and the American Federation of Labor (AFL). Key events include the Great Railroad Strike of 1877, the Haymarket Affair, and the Pullman Strike, which highlighted the growing tensions between labor and capital.

D. Immigration and Urbanization: The Gilded Age witnessed a massive influx of immigrants, primarily from Southern and Eastern Europe. This led to rapid urbanization, with cities growing at an unprecedented rate. Immigrants faced discrimination and often lived in overcrowded tenements, contributing to social and economic inequalities.

E. Political Corruption and Reform Movements: The Gilded Age was also characterized by widespread political corruption and the influence of powerful corporate interests. This led to the rise of reform movements aimed at addressing issues such as political machines, monopolies, and social injustice. Key figures in the progressive movement, although technically belonging to the next era, began to emerge during this period, laying the groundwork for future reforms. Examples include the growth of the Populist movement advocating for farmers’ rights and greater government regulation of big business.

F. Social Darwinism and the Gospel of Wealth: These competing ideologies shaped the societal views towards wealth and poverty during the Gilded Age. Social Darwinism, borrowing from Charles Darwin's theory of evolution, applied the principle of "survival of the fittest" to society, justifying economic inequality and laissez-faire capitalism. The Gospel of Wealth, advocated by Carnegie, argued that the wealthy had a moral obligation to use their fortunes for the betterment of society.

III. Key Themes and Connections

Several overarching themes connect the Reconstruction era and the Gilded Age:

• Race and Equality: The legacy of slavery continued to shape American society, manifesting in the persistent racial inequalities during Reconstruction and the rise of Jim Crow laws in the post-Reconstruction South. The struggle for racial equality remained a central theme throughout this period.
• Industrialization and its Social Impact: The rapid industrialization transformed American society, leading to economic growth but also creating vast social and economic inequalities. The impact on labor, immigration, urbanization, and the environment are all crucial aspects to understand.
• Government and Reform: The role of the federal government in addressing the challenges of the era, from Reconstruction to the rise of progressive movements, is a key theme. This includes debates about the extent of government intervention in the economy and society.
• Political Corruption and Reform: The Gilded Age witnessed widespread political corruption, prompting the rise of reform movements advocating for greater transparency and accountability in government.

IV. Preparing for the APUSH Exam

To effectively prepare for the APUSH exam on Unit 7, focus on:

• Mastering Key Events and Figures: Develop a strong understanding of the key events, legislation, and figures discussed in this guide. Be prepared to analyze their significance and impact.
• Analyzing Primary Sources: Practice analyzing primary source documents, such as letters, speeches, and photographs, to gain a deeper understanding of the period.
• Developing Essay Writing Skills: Practice writing essays that analyze historical events, compare and contrast different perspectives, and demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of historical context. Focus on using evidence effectively to support your arguments.
• Connecting Themes and Concepts: Practice identifying and analyzing the major themes and concepts that connect the Reconstruction era and the Gilded Age.

V. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What was the significance of the Compromise of 1877?

A: The Compromise of 1877 effectively ended Reconstruction by removing federal troops from the South. This led to the rise of Jim Crow laws and the disenfranchisement of Black voters, marking a significant setback for racial equality.

Q: How did industrialization contribute to social inequality?

A: Industrialization created vast wealth for industrialists but also led to harsh working conditions, low wages, and economic insecurity for the working class. This created a significant gap between the rich and the poor, exacerbating social inequality.

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

A: The Populist movement aimed to address the grievances of farmers and laborers, advocating for greater government regulation of railroads, currency reform, and improved working conditions.

Q: What is the difference between Social Darwinism and the Gospel of Wealth?

A: Social Darwinism justified economic inequality by applying the principle of "survival of the fittest" to society. The Gospel of Wealth, however, argued that the wealthy had a moral obligation to use their fortunes for the betterment of society. These represented contrasting philosophical justifications for the significant wealth disparity of the era.

VI. Conclusion

Understanding the Reconstruction era and the Gilded Age is essential for a comprehensive grasp of American history. This period witnessed profound transformations, shaping the social, political, and economic landscape of the nation. By focusing on the key events, figures, and themes discussed in this study guide, and by practicing your analytical and essay-writing skills, you will be well-prepared to succeed on the APUSH exam and gain a deeper understanding of this crucial era in American history. Remember to delve deeper into specific aspects that pique your interest, using this guide as a springboard for further exploration. Good luck with your studies!