Welcome to your comprehensive APUSH Period 6 Study Guide, your ultimate companion for navigating the complexities of American history from 1877 to 1914. Prepare to embark on a captivating journey through pivotal events, societal transformations, and political developments that shaped the nation’s destiny.

This guide is meticulously crafted to provide a clear and engaging overview of the era, ensuring your success in understanding and mastering the key concepts.

Key Historical Events

APUSH Period 6 encompasses a transformative era marked by significant wars, revolutions, and social movements that shaped the political, economic, and social landscape of the United States.

The period begins with the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861, a conflict that pitted the Union against the Confederate States of America over issues of slavery, states’ rights, and the future of the nation.

The Civil War

• Causes:Slavery, states’ rights, economic differences, and political tensions
• Consequences:End of slavery, preservation of the Union, Reconstruction era, and significant social and economic changes

Following the Civil War, the United States embarked on a period of Reconstruction, aimed at rebuilding the war-torn South and integrating freed slaves into society.

Reconstruction

• Causes:Need to reunite the country, address the legacy of slavery, and protect civil rights
• Consequences:Establishment of the Freedmen’s Bureau, passage of the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments, and resistance from white Southerners

The late 19th century witnessed the rise of industrialization, urbanization, and immigration, leading to economic growth but also social challenges.

Industrialization and Urbanization

• Causes:Technological advancements, availability of resources, and labor force
• Consequences:Growth of cities, rise of factories, and economic inequality

The period also saw the emergence of social movements, including the labor movement and the women’s suffrage movement, advocating for the rights of workers and women.

Social Movements

• Causes:Industrialization, urbanization, and inequality
• Consequences:Formation of labor unions, strikes, and the passage of labor laws and women’s suffrage

The end of the 19th century was marked by the Spanish-American War, which led to the acquisition of overseas territories and increased American involvement in global affairs.

Spanish-American War

• Causes:Cuban independence movement, economic interests, and yellow journalism
• Consequences:American victory, acquisition of Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines, and increased American imperialism

Social and Cultural Changes

The years between 1877 and 1912 witnessed a dramatic transformation of American society, driven by industrialization, immigration, and urbanization. These forces profoundly shaped the nation’s social and cultural landscape, leading to new challenges and opportunities.

Changes in Immigration Patterns

During Period 6, the United States experienced an unprecedented wave of immigration. Between 1880 and 1920, over 20 million immigrants arrived from Southern and Eastern Europe, as well as Asia. This influx of newcomers transformed the ethnic and cultural makeup of the nation.

Urbanization

The rise of industrialization fueled a rapid urbanization process. Cities expanded at an unprecedented rate, as people sought employment in factories and businesses. By 1920, over half of Americans lived in urban areas, leading to overcrowding, sanitation problems, and social tensions.

Rise of Mass Culture

The growth of cities and the spread of new technologies, such as the phonograph and motion pictures, fostered the emergence of mass culture. This culture, characterized by standardized entertainment and consumer goods, appealed to a wide range of Americans, regardless of their social or economic status.

Economic Developments

The United States experienced unprecedented economic growth and industrialization during Period 6. Technological advancements and the rise of big business played pivotal roles in shaping the nation’s economy.

Technological Advancements, Apush period 6 study guide

Technological innovations transformed various industries and fueled economic expansion. Inventions such as the telegraph, telephone, and typewriter revolutionized communication and information dissemination. The development of railroads and steamships expanded transportation networks, facilitating the movement of goods and people. Advances in manufacturing, including the use of interchangeable parts and the assembly line, increased productivity and lowered production costs.

Growth of Big Business

The growth of big business, particularly in industries such as railroads, steel, and oil, had a profound impact on the economy. Corporations emerged as powerful entities, consolidating control over vast sectors of the market. They often used their size and influence to eliminate competition, control prices, and maximize profits.

The rise of big business also led to the emergence of wealthy industrialists, such as Andrew Carnegie, John D. Rockefeller, and J.P. Morgan, who played significant roles in shaping the nation’s economic and political landscape.

Political Developments

The political landscape of the United States underwent significant transformations during Period 6. The evolution of political institutions, ideologies, and the rise of political parties shaped the nation’s political development.The expansion of voting rights played a pivotal role in the democratization of American politics.

The removal of property qualifications and the enfranchisement of African Americans through the Fifteenth Amendment marked a shift towards a more inclusive and representative political system.

Major Political Leaders

Several prominent political figures emerged during this period, each leaving an indelible mark on the nation’s political trajectory.

• -*Abraham Lincoln

  Lincoln’s leadership during the Civil War preserved the Union and led to the abolition of slavery.

-*Ulysses S. Grant

Grant’s presidency saw the implementation of Reconstruction policies and the consolidation of federal authority.

-*Rutherford B. Hayes

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Hayes’s election in 1876 marked the end of Reconstruction and the rise of the “New South.”

-*Grover Cleveland

Cleveland’s two terms in office were characterized by fiscal conservatism and opposition to government intervention.

-*William McKinley

McKinley’s presidency coincided with the Spanish-American War and the acquisition of overseas territories.

Foreign Policy

During Period 6, the United States emerged as a global power, and its foreign policy became increasingly assertive. The country expanded its territories through wars and acquisitions, and it played a significant role in international affairs.

Spanish-American War

The Spanish-American War was a conflict between the United States and Spain that took place in 1898. The war was sparked by the Cuban rebellion against Spanish rule, and the United States intervened on the side of the rebels. The war resulted in a decisive American victory, and Spain ceded control of Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines to the United States.

World War I

World War I was a global conflict that lasted from 1914 to 1918. The United States initially remained neutral, but it entered the war in 1917 on the side of the Allies. The war ended with the defeat of Germany and its allies, and the United States emerged as a major world power.

Historical Interpretation: Apush Period 6 Study Guide

Period 6 of APUSH is a complex and multifaceted era that has been interpreted in a variety of ways by historians. These interpretations are shaped by a number of factors, including the availability of primary and secondary sources, the biases of the historians themselves, and the prevailing intellectual climate of the time.

One of the most important factors that shapes historical interpretation is the availability of primary and secondary sources. Primary sources are firsthand accounts of events, such as letters, diaries, and government documents. Secondary sources are interpretations of primary sources, such as textbooks and scholarly articles.

The availability of primary and secondary sources can have a significant impact on how historians interpret the past. For example, if there are few primary sources available for a particular period, historians may have to rely more heavily on secondary sources, which may be biased or inaccurate.

Another factor that shapes historical interpretation is the biases of the historians themselves. All historians have their own biases, which can influence how they interpret the past. For example, a historian who is a strong believer in the importance of individual agency may be more likely to focus on the role of great leaders in history, while a historian who is a Marxist may be more likely to focus on the role of economic forces.

Finally, the prevailing intellectual climate of the time can also shape historical interpretation. For example, during the Cold War, many historians interpreted the American Revolution as a struggle between democracy and communism. In the decades after the Cold War, however, historians have begun to interpret the Revolution in a more nuanced way, taking into account the role of factors such as race, class, and gender.

Areas of Historical Debate and Controversy

There are a number of areas of historical debate and controversy in Period 6 of APUSH. These include:

• The causes of the Civil War
• The role of slavery in the Civil War
• The impact of Reconstruction
• The rise of industrial capitalism
• The development of American imperialism

These are just a few of the many areas of historical debate and controversy in Period 6 of APUSH. As new evidence is discovered and new interpretations are proposed, our understanding of this era will continue to evolve.

Common Queries

What is the significance of APUSH Period 6?

APUSH Period 6 encompasses a pivotal era in American history, marked by rapid industrialization, urbanization, and the emergence of the United States as a global power.

How can this study guide help me succeed in my APUSH course?

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the key events, concepts, and figures of APUSH Period 6, helping you build a solid foundation for success in your coursework and exams.