Preparing for AP U.S. History (APUSH) can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to understanding the complex themes and events covered in Unit 6. This comprehensive APUSH Unit 6 study guide aims to provide students with an organized overview of the key concepts, important periods, and significant figures from 1865 to 1898—the era of Reconstruction, Westward Expansion, and the Gilded Age. Whether you're reviewing for a test or seeking to deepen your understanding, this guide will serve as a valuable resource to help you succeed.
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Overview of APUSH Unit 6
Time Period and Themes
APUSH Unit 6 spans roughly from the end of the Civil War in 1865 through the dawn of the 20th century in 1898. This period is marked by rapid industrialization, significant social and political changes, and debates over the role of government, race relations, and economic growth.
Major themes include:
- Reconstruction and its aftermath
- Expansion westward and Native American displacement
- The rise of big business and industrialization
- Social reform movements
- Political corruption and patronage
- The emergence of a consumer society
- The decline of the frontier and the closing of the American West
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Key Events and Developments
1. Reconstruction (1865-1877)
Goals and Policies
- Reintegrate Southern states into the Union
- Protect the civil rights of newly freed slaves
- Implement Presidential and Radical Reconstruction policies
Major Legislation & Amendments
- 13th Amendment (abolished slavery)
- 14th Amendment (granted citizenship and equal protection)
- 15th Amendment (voting rights for African American men)
Key Figures
- Abraham Lincoln
- Andrew Johnson
- Radical Republicans: Thaddeus Stevens, Charles Sumner
- Freedmen’s Bureau
Outcomes and Challenges
- Rise of Black Codes and Jim Crow laws
- Freedmen’s struggles and the failure of Reconstruction to fully secure civil rights
- Compromise of 1877: end of Reconstruction and withdrawal of federal troops from the South
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2. Westward Expansion and Native American Displacement
The Homestead Act (1862)
- Encouraged settlement of the West by offering 160 acres of public land
The Transcontinental Railroad
- Completed in 1869, revolutionized transportation and settlement
Native American Resistance
- Sioux Wars, Battle of Little Bighorn (1876)
- Wounded Knee Massacre (1890)
Policies Toward Native Americans
- Dawes Act (1887): Assimilation through allotment
- Forced removal and reservations
3. The Gilded Age (1877-1900)
Rise of Big Business
- Captains of Industry: Andrew Carnegie (Steel), John D. Rockefeller (Oil), J.P. Morgan (Finance)
- Monopolies and trusts: Standard Oil Trust, U.S. Steel
Labor Movements & Strikes
- Great Railroad Strike (1877)
- Haymarket Riot (1886)
- Pullman Strike (1894)
Political Corruption and Patronage
- Political machines: Tammany Hall
- The Spoils System and Civil Service reform efforts
Social and Economic Inequality
- Wealth concentrated among few
- Poverty and worker exploitation
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Important Legislation and Supreme Court Cases
Legislation
- Interstate Commerce Act (1887): Regulated railroads
- Sherman Antitrust Act (1890): Combat monopolies
- Pendleton Civil Service Act (1883): End patronage-based appointments
Supreme Court Cases
- Plessy v. Ferguson (1896): "Separate but equal" doctrine
- Wabash v. Illinois (1886): Limited states’ regulation of interstate commerce
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Social and Cultural Movements
Populism
- Farmers’ alliances and the rise of the People's Party
- Focus on monetary reform, government control of railroads, and free silver
Progressivism (Emerging at the end of the period)
- Early efforts at social reform
- Addressed issues like corruption, labor rights, and public health
Immigration
- Increased influx of immigrants from Southern and Eastern Europe
- Nativist sentiments and the rise of the Chinese Exclusion Act (1882)
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Key Figures of the Era
| Name | Role | Significance |
|---------|-------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------|
| Andrew Carnegie | Steel magnate | Led the rise of the steel industry, promoted Gospel of Wealth |
| John D. Rockefeller | Oil industry | Established Standard Oil, epitome of monopoly |
| Thomas Edison | Inventor | Light bulb, phonograph, advancing technology |
| Booker T. Washington | African American leader | Advocated vocational education and accommodation |
| W.E.B. Du Bois | Civil rights activist | Co-founded NAACP, demanded immediate civil rights |
| William Jennings Bryan | Politician | Populist leader, famous for "Cross of Gold" speech |
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Study Tips for APUSH Unit 6
- Understand cause-and-effect relationships: How did policies like the Homestead Act and Dawes Act influence Native Americans and settlers?
- Connect themes: Relate economic growth to social issues like worker rights and inequality.
- Familiarize with key legislation and court cases: Know their significance and impact.
- Use timelines: Chronologically organize major events for better comprehension.
- Practice with primary sources: Analyze documents related to Reconstruction, labor movements, and Native American policies.
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Sample Questions to Test Your Knowledge
1. Multiple Choice: Which amendment granted citizenship and equal protection under the law to all persons born or naturalized in the United States?
- A) 13th Amendment
- B) 14th Amendment
- C) 15th Amendment
- D) 16th Amendment
2. Short Answer: Explain the significance of the Homestead Act of 1862 in shaping westward expansion.
3. Essay Question: Assess the impact of Reconstruction policies on African Americans in the South. Was Reconstruction successful? Why or why not?
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Conclusion
The APUSH Unit 6 study guide covers a pivotal period in American history characterized by transformation, conflict, and growth. Understanding the interconnected themes of Reconstruction, westward expansion, industrialization, and social reform will prepare you not only for exams but also for a broader comprehension of how these events shaped modern America. Use this guide as a foundation for further study, review primary sources, and practice past exam questions to ensure mastery of the material.
Good luck with your APUSH journey!
Frequently Asked Questions
What key events and policies define APUSH Unit 6, and how did they influence the Progressive Era?
APUSH Unit 6 covers the period from the late 19th century to the early 20th century, focusing on the rise of industrialization, urbanization, and the Progressive Movement. Key events include the advent of big business, labor struggles, the rise of muckraking journalism, and reforms such as antitrust laws, women's suffrage, and efforts to curb corruption. These policies sought to regulate monopolies, improve working conditions, and promote social justice, shaping the modern American economy and society.
How did the Sherman Antitrust Act and other regulatory laws impact big business during Unit 6?
The Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890 was the first federal attempt to limit monopolies and promote competition. Although initially weak, it laid the groundwork for future regulation. During Unit 6, additional laws like the Clayton Antitrust Act and the Federal Trade Commission Act strengthened government oversight of corporations, leading to increased regulation of trusts and monopolies, and encouraging fair business practices.
In what ways did the Progressive Movement address social and political issues during APUSH Unit 6?
The Progressive Movement aimed to eliminate corruption, promote social justice, and improve living conditions. Reforms included the push for women's suffrage, labor rights, child labor laws, and the regulation of food and drug safety (e.g., Pure Food and Drug Act). Politically, reforms such as the direct election of senators (17th Amendment) and initiatives like referendums and recalls aimed to increase democratic participation.
What role did muckrakers play in shaping public opinion and policy during APUSH Unit 6?
Muckrakers were investigative journalists who exposed corruption, social injustices, and unethical practices in business and government. Their work, such as Upton Sinclair’s 'The Jungle' and Ida Tarbell’s reports on Standard Oil, galvanized public support for reforms and influenced policymakers to enact regulations aimed at addressing the issues they uncovered.
How did the United States’ foreign policy evolve during Unit 6, and what were its impacts?
During Unit 6, U.S. foreign policy shifted toward imperialism and expansionism, exemplified by the Spanish-American War, the annexation of Hawaii, and the construction of the Panama Canal. These actions increased American influence overseas, marked a departure from earlier isolationist tendencies, and established the U.S. as a global power with strategic and economic interests.
