Period 7 Apush Albert Review

Period 7 APUSH Albert Review: A Comprehensive Guide to Mastering the Gilded Age and Progressive Era

The APUSH Period 7 exam covers the Gilded Age and the Progressive Era (roughly 1877-1917), a period marked by significant economic growth, social change, and political reform. This era saw the rise of industrial giants, massive immigration, and growing social and economic inequalities, all of which fueled a powerful reform movement. This comprehensive Albert review will equip you with the knowledge and understanding needed to excel on this section of the AP exam. We’ll delve into key themes, significant events, and important figures, providing you with a solid foundation for success.

I. Key Themes of Period 7: Understanding the Big Picture

Period 7 is not just a collection of dates and names; it’s a story of interconnected themes. Understanding these themes will help you connect seemingly disparate events and analyze primary sources more effectively. The most prominent themes include:

• Industrialization and its consequences: This era witnessed unprecedented industrial growth, fueled by technological advancements, abundant natural resources, and a growing workforce. However, this growth also led to significant problems, including monopolies, labor unrest, and environmental degradation. Think about the rise of robber barons like Carnegie and Rockefeller, and the resulting impact on the working class.

• Immigration and urbanization: Massive waves of immigrants poured into the United States, primarily from Southern and Eastern Europe. This influx led to rapid urbanization, overcrowding in cities, and the emergence of ethnic enclaves. Consider the experiences of new immigrants and how they shaped American society.

• Political and economic inequality: The Gilded Age saw a vast gap between the wealthy elite and the working class. This inequality manifested itself in various ways, from labor strikes to political corruption. Explore the rise of political machines and the challenges faced by marginalized groups.

• Progressive reforms: In response to the problems of the Gilded Age, a reform movement emerged, seeking to address issues such as corruption, poverty, and social injustice. The Progressives advocated for women's suffrage, labor reforms, and government regulation of big business. Examine the different approaches and strategies employed by Progressive reformers.

• Expansionism and foreign policy: The United States increasingly asserted its influence on the world stage during this period, expanding its territory and engaging in overseas conflicts. This expansionism was driven by a variety of factors, including economic interests, strategic concerns, and a sense of national destiny. Consider the Spanish-American War and its consequences.

II. Key Events and Movements: A Chronological Overview

To effectively navigate Period 7, understanding the chronology of events is crucial. Let’s review some of the most significant events and movements:

1. The Gilded Age (1877-1900):

• Reconstruction's End: The withdrawal of federal troops from the South marked the end of Reconstruction and the beginning of the Jim Crow era. Understand the impact of this period on African Americans.
• Rise of Big Business: The growth of industries like steel, oil, and railroads led to the formation of massive corporations and monopolies. Analyze the strategies employed by industrialists and the impact on competition.
• Labor Movements: Workers organized to fight for better wages, working conditions, and the right to unionize. Study significant strikes like the Great Railroad Strike of 1877 and the Pullman Strike.
• Political Corruption: Political machines controlled many cities, using corruption and patronage to maintain power. Examine the role of figures like Boss Tweed.
• Immigration and Urbanization: The influx of immigrants led to rapid urbanization and the growth of cities like New York and Chicago. Explore the challenges and opportunities faced by immigrants.

2. The Progressive Era (1900-1917):

• Progressive Reforms: Reformers sought to address the problems of the Gilded Age through various initiatives, including women's suffrage, child labor laws, and food and drug regulations. Analyze the successes and limitations of these reforms.
• Muckrakers: Journalists exposed corruption and social problems, raising public awareness and fueling the reform movement. Examine the work of figures like Upton Sinclair and Ida Tarbell.
• Trust-Busting: President Theodore Roosevelt's efforts to break up monopolies aimed at promoting competition and curbing the power of big business. Understand the impact of antitrust legislation.
• Conservation Movement: Concerns about environmental degradation led to the establishment of national parks and conservation policies. Analyze the role of figures like John Muir and Gifford Pinchot.
• Women's Suffrage: The fight for women's right to vote gained momentum and culminated in the passage of the 19th Amendment. Study the strategies and figures involved in the suffrage movement.
• Spanish-American War (1898): This war marked a turning point in American foreign policy, leading to the acquisition of overseas territories and increased global involvement. Analyze the causes, consequences, and debates surrounding the war.
• Progressive Presidents: The presidencies of Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, and Woodrow Wilson were marked by significant progressive reforms. Compare and contrast their approaches to reform.

III. Key Figures: The Architects of Change

Understanding the roles played by key individuals is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of Period 7. Here are some prominent figures:

• Andrew Carnegie: A leading figure in the steel industry, known for his philanthropy and his belief in laissez-faire economics.
• John D. Rockefeller: The founder of Standard Oil, a powerful monopoly that dominated the oil industry.
• J.P. Morgan: A prominent financier who played a key role in the consolidation of industries.
• Theodore Roosevelt: A Progressive president known for his trust-busting policies and conservation efforts.
• Woodrow Wilson: A Progressive president who pushed for reforms such as the Federal Reserve System and the Clayton Antitrust Act.
• Upton Sinclair: A muckraker whose novel The Jungle exposed the unsanitary conditions in the meatpacking industry.
• Ida Tarbell: A muckraker who exposed the monopolistic practices of Standard Oil.
• Jane Addams: A social reformer who founded Hull House, a settlement house that provided services to immigrants.
• W.E.B. Du Bois: A leading figure in the African American civil rights movement, known for his advocacy of equal rights.
• Booker T. Washington: An African American educator and leader who advocated for vocational training and gradual progress.

IV. Analyzing Primary Sources: Developing Your Historical Skills

The APUSH exam will require you to analyze primary sources, such as political cartoons, photographs, excerpts from speeches, and letters. To effectively analyze these sources, consider the following:

• Context: Understanding the historical context in which the source was created is crucial for interpreting its meaning.
• Author's Perspective: Consider the author's background, biases, and intentions.
• Audience: Who was the intended audience for the source?
• Purpose: What was the author's purpose in creating the source?
• Evidence: What evidence does the source provide to support its claims?

V. Preparing for the AP Exam: Strategies for Success

Here are some strategies to help you prepare for the APUSH Period 7 exam:

• Create a Timeline: Develop a timeline of key events and figures, focusing on cause-and-effect relationships.
• Use Practice Questions: Work through practice questions to test your understanding and identify areas where you need more review. Albert.io offers extensive practice questions and quizzes.
• Review Your Notes Regularly: Regular review is key to retaining information.
• Focus on Themes: Connect events and figures to the larger themes of the period.
• Understand Different Perspectives: Consider the perspectives of different groups, such as immigrants, workers, and reformers.
• Practice Essay Writing: Develop your essay-writing skills by practicing DBQs and free-response questions.

VI. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What is the difference between the Gilded Age and the Progressive Era? The Gilded Age (roughly 1877-1900) is characterized by rapid industrialization, vast economic inequality, and political corruption. The Progressive Era (roughly 1900-1917) was a period of reform aimed at addressing the problems created during the Gilded Age.

• Who were the Muckrakers? Muckrakers were journalists who exposed corruption and social problems, playing a key role in fueling the Progressive movement. Examples include Upton Sinclair and Ida Tarbell.

• What were the main goals of the Progressive movement? Progressives aimed to address social and economic inequality, curb the power of big business, and improve working conditions. Their reforms included women's suffrage, child labor laws, and food and drug regulations.

• What was the impact of the Spanish-American War? The Spanish-American War led to the acquisition of overseas territories by the United States, marking a significant shift in American foreign policy toward expansionism and global involvement.

• How did immigration impact American society during this period? Massive immigration led to rapid urbanization, the growth of ethnic enclaves, and challenges related to social integration and labor relations. It also contributed to a diverse and dynamic society.

VII. Conclusion: Mastering Period 7

Mastering Period 7 requires a comprehensive understanding of the key themes, events, and figures of the Gilded Age and Progressive Era. By focusing on these areas, developing strong analytical skills, and utilizing effective study strategies, you can confidently approach the APUSH exam and achieve your desired score. Remember to utilize resources like Albert.io to strengthen your understanding and practice your skills. Good luck!