Period 6 of the AP US History curriculum (1865-1898) covers a pivotal era of Reconstruction, industrialization, and westward expansion. Mastering this period requires understanding its complex interplay of social, political, and economic transformations. This guide breaks down the key concepts you need to know for success.
I. Reconstruction (1865-1877): A Nation Rebuilt, and Redefined
This period witnessed the tumultuous attempt to rebuild the nation after the Civil War. Key concepts to grasp include:
A. The Goals and Failures of Reconstruction:
- Presidential vs. Radical Reconstruction: Understand the differing approaches of Presidents Johnson and the Radical Republicans in Congress, and the impact of their policies on Southern society.
- Black Codes and the struggle for Civil Rights: Analyze the measures taken to restrict African American freedoms, and the subsequent fight for equal rights through the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments.
- The impact of the Ku Klux Klan and other white supremacist groups: Explore the violence and intimidation used to undermine Reconstruction efforts and suppress Black political participation.
- The Compromise of 1877 and its consequences: Analyze how this deal effectively ended Reconstruction and ushered in an era of Jim Crow segregation.
B. The successes (however limited) of Reconstruction:
- The establishment of Freedman's Bureau: Understand its role in providing aid and education to formerly enslaved people.
- The rise of Black political leadership: Explore the significant contributions of individuals like Hiram Revels and others who held office during Reconstruction.
- The temporary expansion of suffrage: Acknowledge the brief period where Black men had the right to vote.
II. Gilded Age (1870s-1900): Industrialization and its Discontents
The late 19th century saw unprecedented industrial growth, accompanied by vast social and economic inequalities. Focus on these core concepts:
A. The Rise of Industrial America:
- Technological innovations and their impact: Discuss the contributions of individuals like Edison and Westinghouse, and the transformative effects of inventions like electricity and the telephone.
- The growth of big business and monopolies: Analyze the rise of powerful corporations like Standard Oil and Carnegie Steel, and the strategies used to control markets. Understand concepts like trusts and vertical/horizontal integration.
- The role of government in promoting industrial growth: Examine policies like protective tariffs and land grants to railroads, and their effects on the economy.
B. Labor and the Rise of Organized Labor:
- The struggles of industrial workers: Understand the harsh conditions faced by factory workers, including low wages, long hours, and dangerous working conditions.
- The rise of labor unions: Analyze the formation and growth of organizations like the Knights of Labor and the American Federation of Labor, and their strategies to improve workers' lives.
- Major labor strikes and their significance: Study events like the Great Railroad Strike of 1877, the Haymarket Affair, and the Pullman Strike, and their impact on labor relations.
C. Immigration and Urbanization:
- The waves of immigration from Europe and Asia: Examine the push and pull factors driving immigration, and the experiences of immigrants in American cities.
- The growth of cities and the development of urban life: Analyze the challenges and opportunities of urbanization, including overcrowding, sanitation problems, and the emergence of new social structures.
- The rise of nativism and anti-immigrant sentiment: Understand the factors contributing to discrimination against immigrants, and the consequences for immigrant communities.
III. Westward Expansion and its Consequences:
The closing of the frontier was a defining feature of this period. Understand:
- The completion of the transcontinental railroad: Analyze its economic and social effects on the nation.
- The displacement of Native American populations: Examine the impact of westward expansion on Native American tribes, including the loss of land, broken treaties, and the effects of policies like assimilation. Understand the significance of events such as the Wounded Knee Massacre.
- The impact of the Homestead Act: Analyze its effects on settlement patterns and land ownership in the West.
- The development of the cattle industry and the myth of the Wild West: Understand the romanticized image of the West and its relationship to reality.
This guide provides a framework for understanding Period 6 of APUSH. Remember to delve deeper into each concept, using primary and secondary sources to develop a thorough understanding of this pivotal era in American history. Good luck with your studies!
