APUSH: Period 7, 1890-1945 - Contextualizing Period 7

Why This Matters

Contextualizing Period 7, which spans from 1890 to 1945, is crucial for understanding the complexities of modern American history. This period witnessed the rise of the United States as a global power, the impact of World War I and II on American society, and the struggle for civil rights and social justice. The AP theme of Migration is particularly relevant, as millions of immigrants arrived in the United States during this period, shaping the country's cultural, economic, and demographic landscape. Understanding the context of Period 7 is essential for analyzing the consequences of American involvement in global conflicts, the evolution of American identity, and the ongoing struggle for equality and justice.

Key Events & People

• Theodore Roosevelt (1901-1909): 26th President of the United States, known for his trust-busting policies and emphasis on American imperialism.
• The Great Migration (1890-1940): A mass movement of African Americans from the rural South to urban centers in the North, driven by economic opportunities and racial violence.
• The 16th Amendment (1913): Ratified the income tax, allowing the federal government to collect taxes on individual income.
• World War I (1917-1918): The United States entered the war on the side of the Allies, marking a significant shift in American foreign policy.
• The Red Scare (1917-1920): A period of anti-communist hysteria and repression, marked by the Palmer Raids and the passage of the Espionage Act.
• The Harlem Renaissance (1918-1937): A cultural and literary movement that celebrated African American identity and creativity.
• The Great Depression (1929-1941): A global economic downturn that led to widespread poverty and unemployment in the United States.
• The New Deal (1933-1938): A series of programs and policies implemented by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to address the economic crisis and provide relief to Americans.
• The Lend-Lease Act (1941): Authorized the President to supply military aid to countries fighting against the Axis powers, marking a significant shift in American foreign policy.
• The internment of Japanese Americans (1942-1945): The forced relocation and internment of over 120,000 Japanese Americans during World War II.

Cause & Effect Chain

• Cause: The Great Depression led to widespread poverty and unemployment in the United States.
• Effect: The New Deal programs and policies were implemented to address the economic crisis and provide relief to Americans.

• Long-term consequence: The New Deal programs and policies laid the groundwork for the development of the modern welfare state in the United States.

• Cause: The United States' entry into World War I marked a significant shift in American foreign policy.

• Effect: The United States emerged from the war as a global power, with a significant increase in its military and economic influence.

• Long-term consequence: The United States' emergence as a global power led to its involvement in World War II and the Cold War.

• Cause: The internment of Japanese Americans during World War II was a result of anti-Japanese sentiment and fear of espionage.

• Effect: The internment led to significant human rights abuses and a lasting impact on the Japanese American community.
• Long-term consequence: The internment of Japanese Americans during World War II serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of xenophobia and the importance of protecting civil liberties.

Essential Vocabulary

• *Imperialism*: The policy of extending a country's power and influence through colonization or other means.
• *Nationalism*: An ideology that emphasizes the importance of national identity and interests.
• *Fascism*: A totalitarian ideology that emphasizes the importance of national unity and the suppression of individual rights.
• *Communism*: A socialist ideology that seeks to establish a classless, stateless society.
• *Totalitarianism*: A system of government in which the state has complete control over all aspects of society.
• *Propaganda*: Information, ideas, or messages that are spread to promote a particular cause or ideology.
• *Racism*: The belief that one's own racial group is superior to others.
• *Xenophobia*: The fear or dislike of people from other countries or cultures.
• *Eugenics*: The practice of selectively breeding humans to improve the human species.
• *Social Darwinism*: The application of Charles Darwin's theory of evolution to human society, emphasizing the survival of the fittest.

Common Student Mistakes

• What students often get wrong: The Great Migration occurred during the 19th century, and the 16th Amendment was ratified in 1913.
• Correction: The Great Migration occurred from 1890 to 1940, and the 16th Amendment was ratified in 1913, allowing the federal government to collect taxes on individual income.
• What students often get wrong: The New Deal was a single program implemented by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
• Correction: The New Deal was a series of programs and policies implemented by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to address the economic crisis and provide relief to Americans.
• What students often get wrong: The internment of Japanese Americans during World War II was a result of military necessity.
• Correction: The internment of Japanese Americans during World War II was a result of anti-Japanese sentiment and fear of espionage, and was a significant human rights abuse.

DBQ / LEQ Connections

• Possible essay prompt: Analyze the impact of the Great Migration on American society and culture. Be sure to include evidence from at least three of the following sources: the Harlem Renaissance, the Great Migration, the 16th Amendment, and the New Deal.
• Possible document-based question: Evaluate the role of the United States in World War I and its impact on American society. Be sure to include evidence from at least three of the following sources: the Lend-Lease Act, the Red Scare, the internment of Japanese Americans, and the Treaty of Versailles.
• Possible LEQ: How did the New Deal programs and policies address the economic crisis of the Great Depression? Be sure to include evidence from at least three of the following sources: the Works Progress Administration, the Civilian Conservation Corps, and the Social Security Act.

Quick Self?Check

1. What was the main cause of the Great Depression? Correct answer: The stock market crash of 1929. Explanation: The stock market crash of 1929 led to a massive loss of wealth and a subsequent decline in consumer spending, which contributed to the Great Depression.

2. Which of the following was a key feature of the New Deal? Correct answer: The creation of jobs and infrastructure projects. Explanation: The New Deal programs and policies, such as the Works Progress Administration and the Civilian Conservation Corps, created jobs and infrastructure projects to address the economic crisis.

3. What was the significance of the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II? Correct answer: It was a significant human rights abuse and a cautionary tale about the dangers of xenophobia. Explanation: The internment of Japanese Americans during World War II was a result of anti-Japanese sentiment and fear of espionage, and led to significant human rights abuses and a lasting impact on the Japanese American community.

Last?Minute Cram Sheet

• The Great Migration occurred from 1890 to 1940.
• The 16th Amendment was ratified in 1913.
• The New Deal was a series of programs and policies implemented by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
• The internment of Japanese Americans during World War II was a result of anti-Japanese sentiment and fear of espionage.
• The Lend-Lease Act was passed in 1941.
• The Treaty of Versailles was signed in 1919.
• The Red Scare occurred from 1917 to 1920.
• The Harlem Renaissance occurred from 1918 to 1937.
• The Great Depression lasted from 1929 to 1941.
• The internment of Japanese Americans during World War II was a result of military necessity (false).
• The New Deal was a single program implemented by President Franklin D. Roosevelt (false).
• The Great Migration occurred during the 19th century (false).