Apush Unit 7 Progress Check Mcq

APUSH Unit 7 Progress Check MCQ: A Comprehensive Guide

The AP US History Unit 7 Progress Check MCQ covers a significant period in American history, focusing on the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This era witnessed tremendous industrial growth, significant social and political upheaval, and the emergence of the United States as a global power. Successfully navigating this progress check requires a deep understanding of key events, individuals, and movements. This guide provides a comprehensive review, focusing on key concepts and potential MCQ questions.

The Gilded Age (1870s-1900): A Time of Extremes

This period, known as the Gilded Age, is characterized by rapid industrialization, massive economic growth, and stark social inequalities. Understanding the key drivers of this growth and its consequences is crucial for success on the progress check.

Industrialization and its Impact:

• Robber Barons vs. Captains of Industry: The debate surrounding the morality of industrial leaders like Andrew Carnegie, John D. Rockefeller, J.P. Morgan, and Cornelius Vanderbilt is a recurring theme. Consider their business practices (monopolies, trusts, vertical/horizontal integration), their philanthropic activities, and the overall impact on American society. Be prepared to analyze their contributions to economic growth alongside the criticisms leveled against them.

• Technological Advancements: This era witnessed remarkable technological advancements, including the Bessemer process (steel production), the telegraph and telephone, and the railroad. Understand how these innovations fueled industrial growth, impacted urbanization, and connected different regions of the country. Expect questions on the social and economic consequences of these technological advancements.

• Labor Movements: The rapid industrialization led to the rise of labor unions and significant labor unrest. Familiarize yourself with key figures like Eugene V. Debs and the American Railway Union, the Knights of Labor, and the American Federation of Labor (AFL). Understand their goals, strategies (strikes, boycotts), successes, and failures. The Pullman Strike and the Homestead Strike are especially important events to understand.

• Urbanization and Immigration: Rapid industrialization led to massive population growth in urban areas, attracting waves of immigrants from Europe and Asia. Understand the challenges faced by immigrants, the rise of ethnic enclaves, and the social and political responses to this influx of people. Know the different immigrant groups and their contributions to American society.

Political and Social Reform Movements:

• Political Machines and Corruption: Urban political machines, like Tammany Hall in New York City, played a significant role in local politics. Understand their methods, their impact on city governance, and the efforts to reform them. Progressive Era reformers aimed to address political corruption and social injustices.

• Populism and the Grange Movement: The Populist Party emerged as a response to the inequalities of the Gilded Age. Understand their platform (including free silver, government regulation of railroads), their impact on the political landscape, and their legacy. The Grange movement also aimed to improve the lives of farmers.

• Progressive Era Reforms: The Progressive Era (roughly 1890s-1920s) saw significant reforms aimed at addressing social and economic problems. Understand the key goals of the Progressive movement, the different approaches taken by reformers, and the successes and limitations of these reforms. Key figures to know include Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, Jane Addams, and Upton Sinclair. Consider the impact of reforms like the Meat Inspection Act, the Pure Food and Drug Act, and the Clayton Antitrust Act.

The United States as a World Power (1890s-1914): Imperialism and Expansion

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw the United States emerge as a global power, driven by a combination of economic interests, strategic ambitions, and ideological justifications.

Imperialism and Expansionism:

• Spanish-American War: This war dramatically altered the position of the United States on the world stage. Understand the causes of the war, the key events (e.g., the sinking of the Maine), and the consequences (acquisition of territories like Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines). The debate over imperialism and the anti-imperialist movement are important aspects to consider.

• Roosevelt Corollary: Theodore Roosevelt's corollary to the Monroe Doctrine asserted the right of the United States to intervene in Latin American affairs to maintain stability and protect American interests. Understand the implications of this policy and its impact on US relations with Latin American countries.

• Panama Canal: The construction of the Panama Canal significantly reduced travel times between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Understand the geopolitical significance of the canal and the challenges involved in its construction.

• Open Door Policy: The Open Door Policy aimed to ensure equal access for all nations to trade with China. Understand the context of this policy and its implications for US foreign policy in Asia.

The Progressive Era and World War I (1900-1920): Reform and Conflict

The Progressive Era continued into the early 20th century, overlapping with the growing tensions that led to World War I.

Progressive Reforms and their Impact:

• Trust-busting: Theodore Roosevelt's efforts to break up monopolies and regulate big business were a central part of the Progressive agenda. Understand the successes and limitations of these efforts.

• Conservationism: Roosevelt's commitment to conservation led to the establishment of national parks and the preservation of natural resources. Understand the significance of this movement.

• Women's Suffrage: The struggle for women's right to vote culminated in the passage of the 19th Amendment. Understand the key figures and events involved in this movement.

World War I and its Aftermath:

• Neutrality and Entry into the War: Understand the reasons behind the United States' initial neutrality, the events that led to its entry into World War I, and the impact of the war on American society.

• Wilsonian Idealism: President Woodrow Wilson's vision for a post-war world, including the creation of the League of Nations, is a critical aspect of this period. Understand the goals of Wilson's idealism and the reasons for the Senate's rejection of the Treaty of Versailles.

• Post-War Social and Political Change: The war had a profound impact on American society, leading to social and political changes that shaped the 1920s.

Potential MCQ Questions and Strategies

The APUSH Unit 7 Progress Check MCQ will likely test your knowledge through a variety of question types, including:

• Identifying causes and consequences of major events: For example, you might be asked about the causes of the Spanish-American War or the consequences of the Progressive Era reforms.

• Analyzing the impact of key figures: You might be asked to analyze the contributions of Theodore Roosevelt or Woodrow Wilson.

• Comparing and contrasting different perspectives: You might be asked to compare and contrast the views of different labor leaders or reformers.

• Interpreting historical documents or images: Be prepared to analyze primary source materials such as political cartoons or excerpts from speeches.

To prepare for the multiple-choice questions, focus on:

• Mastering Key Concepts: Develop a strong understanding of the key concepts outlined above.

• Chronological Understanding: Organize the events chronologically to understand the flow of history and the connections between different events.

• Cause and Effect Relationships: Practice identifying cause-and-effect relationships between major events and trends.

• Analyzing Primary Sources: Practice analyzing primary source documents and images to understand different perspectives and interpretations.

• Practicing with Past Questions: Use practice questions to identify your strengths and weaknesses.

By carefully studying these key topics and practicing with diverse question types, you can significantly improve your performance on the APUSH Unit 7 Progress Check MCQ. Remember to approach the exam with confidence and utilize your knowledge effectively. Good luck!