Unit 8 Progress Check Apush

Conquering the APUSH Unit 8 Progress Check: A Comprehensive Guide

The AP US History Unit 8 Progress Check covers the period from 1945 to the present, a tumultuous era marked by the Cold War, the Civil Rights Movement, and rapid technological advancements. This comprehensive guide will help you master the key concepts, themes, and events of this period, ensuring you're fully prepared for the progress check and beyond. We'll delve into the significant political, social, and economic changes, providing you with the tools to not only answer the questions but to understand the underlying historical context.

I. The Post-War World and the Cold War (1945-1960s)

This section forms the bedrock of Unit 8. Understanding the dynamics of the Cold War is crucial. The progress check will likely assess your knowledge of:

A. The Rise of the Superpowers:

• The United States and the Soviet Union emerged as global superpowers after World War II, leading to a bipolar world order. Their contrasting ideologies – capitalism versus communism – fueled intense rivalry and global tensions. Understand the Yalta and Potsdam Conferences and their impact on the post-war world.
• The Truman Doctrine and the Marshall Plan represented key US strategies to contain communism through economic and military aid. Know the goals and implications of these policies and how they shaped US foreign policy.
• The formation of NATO and the Warsaw Pact solidified the division of Europe into two opposing blocs. Analyze the strategic and ideological significance of these military alliances.
• The Korean War and the Vietnam War served as major proxy wars between the US and the USSR, highlighting the escalating Cold War tensions. Understand the key players, strategies, and outcomes of these conflicts. Pay close attention to the impact of these wars on domestic American politics and society.

B. Domestic Impact of the Cold War:

• McCarthyism and the Second Red Scare: Explore the impact of Senator Joseph McCarthy's anti-communist crusade on American society, including the infringement on civil liberties and the atmosphere of fear and paranoia.
• The Space Race: Analyze the competition between the US and the USSR in space exploration, its significance as a Cold War battleground, and its impact on scientific advancements and technological innovation.

II. The Civil Rights Movement and Social Change (1950s-1970s)

This section is equally vital to mastering Unit 8. The progress check will test your understanding of the diverse strategies and significant figures involved in the Civil Rights Movement:

A. Key Events and Figures:

• Brown v. Board of Education (1954): This landmark Supreme Court case declared state laws establishing separate public schools for black and white students to be unconstitutional. Understand the implications of this decision and its impact on the desegregation process.
• The Montgomery Bus Boycott (1955-1956): Analyze the significance of Rosa Parks' refusal to give up her seat and the subsequent boycott as a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement. Understand the leadership of Martin Luther King Jr. and the strategy of nonviolent resistance.
• The Little Rock Nine (1957): Examine the federal government's intervention in Little Rock, Arkansas, to enforce school desegregation, highlighting the challenges and resistance encountered.
• The Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965: Understand the legislative milestones achieved during this period and their transformative impact on racial equality in the US. Analyze the strategies used to overcome opposition to these laws.
• The rise of Black Power and the Black Panther Party: Understand the emergence of more radical approaches to achieving racial justice, contrasting them with the nonviolent philosophy of Martin Luther King Jr.

B. Expanding the Movement:

• The Chicano Movement: Analyze the struggles for civil rights and empowerment within the Latino community.
• The American Indian Movement (AIM): Understand the activism and demands for self-determination and land rights among Native American populations.
• The Women's Rights Movement and Second-Wave Feminism: Examine the broader context of social change and the fight for gender equality, including landmark legal battles and the changing roles of women in society.

III. Economic and Social Transformations (1945-Present)

This section examines the broader social and economic landscape shaping the post-war era. Expect questions related to:

A. The Post-War Economic Boom:

• The rise of the suburbs and the impact of the GI Bill: Understand the factors contributing to suburban growth and the significant role played by government policies in providing educational and housing opportunities for veterans.
• The rise of consumer culture and mass media: Analyze the impact of television, advertising, and consumerism on American society and culture.

B. Social and Cultural Change:

• The counterculture movement: Examine the social and cultural rebellion of the 1960s, including the anti-war movement, the rise of youth culture, and changing attitudes towards traditional values.
• The environmental movement: Understand the growing awareness of environmental issues and the emergence of environmental activism.
• The rise of globalization: Analyze the increasing interconnectedness of the world economy and its impact on American society.

IV. The Late 20th and Early 21st Centuries (1970s-Present)

The final section brings the narrative up to the present day, covering significant events and trends:

A. The End of the Cold War and its Aftermath:

• The collapse of the Soviet Union (1991): Understand the factors contributing to the end of the Cold War and the subsequent geopolitical changes.
• The rise of new global challenges: Analyze emerging challenges like terrorism, climate change, and economic inequality.

B. Contemporary American Society:

• Political polarization and partisan gridlock: Examine the increasing division in American politics.
• Technological advancements and their impact on society: Consider the impact of the internet, social media, and technological innovation on various aspects of American life.
• Ongoing social movements: Recognize the continuation of struggles for social justice and equality in the contemporary period, including ongoing fights for racial and economic justice.

V. Preparing for the APUSH Unit 8 Progress Check:

To effectively prepare for the progress check, follow these steps:

1. Review your class notes and textbook thoroughly: Pay close attention to the key concepts, events, and figures discussed in class.
2. Utilize online resources: Numerous websites and online resources can provide additional information and practice questions. Focus on reputable sources.
3. Practice with past APUSH exams and progress checks: This will help you familiarize yourself with the format and types of questions asked.
4. Create timelines and outlines: Organizing the information chronologically will help you understand the flow of events and their interconnections.
5. Focus on analyzing historical causation and consequences: The APUSH exam emphasizes historical thinking skills. Practice analyzing cause-and-effect relationships and the long-term consequences of major events.
6. Develop strong essay-writing skills: Many progress checks require essay responses. Practice writing clear, concise, and well-supported essays.

VI. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What type of questions will be on the progress check? Expect a mix of multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, and potentially an essay question. The focus will be on understanding key concepts, analyzing historical evidence, and demonstrating historical thinking skills.
• How much time should I spend studying for the progress check? The amount of time needed depends on your prior knowledge and learning style. However, dedicating several hours of focused study over a few days is recommended.
• What are the most important topics to focus on? The Cold War, the Civil Rights Movement, and the major social and economic changes of the post-war era are key areas to concentrate on.
• Can I use outside resources? While you can use textbooks and class notes, avoid relying solely on external websites or unverified sources. Focus on materials provided by your teacher or approved by the College Board.

VII. Conclusion

The APUSH Unit 8 Progress Check covers a vast and complex period of American history. By systematically reviewing the key events, figures, and themes outlined in this guide, and by actively engaging with the material through practice and analysis, you can confidently approach the progress check and gain a deeper understanding of this transformative era in American history. Remember that the key to success lies not just in memorizing facts but in comprehending the underlying historical processes and their lasting impact. Good luck!