#AP US History: Rise of the US as a World Power (Late 19th - Mid 20th Century) 🚀

Hey there, future APUSH master! Let's break down how the US went from a newbie on the world stage to a global powerhouse. This guide is designed to be your go-to resource the night before the exam, so let's make every minute count! We'll cover the key areas, connect the dots, and get you feeling confident. Let's do this!

#Context: America's Ascent

• Economic Factors: Rapid industrialization fueled by vast natural resources.
• Technological Advancements: Innovations in transportation and communication.
• Population Growth: Fueled by immigration, providing a large workforce.
• Global Conflicts: World War I and II catapulted the US into a leadership role.

#Economic Transformation & Challenges

#Industrialization & the Rise of Big Business

• Shift from Rural to Urban: The US transitioned from an agricultural to an industrial economy.
• Growth of Corporations: Large companies (trusts) dominated the market, leading to industrial capitalism.
• Economic Powerhouse: By the 1920s, the US had the world's largest GDP.

#The Great Depression & The New Deal

• Economic Instability: The Great Depression challenged traditional economic policies.
• New Deal: President Franklin D. Roosevelt's response to the Depression, introducing:
  • Social welfare programs
  • Government-funded public works
  • Financial and agricultural reforms
• Expanded Government Role: The New Deal significantly increased the federal government's role in the economy.
• Redefined American Liberalism: Shift from laissez-faire to a more interventionist approach.

Image: Breadlines during the Great Depression, illustrating the economic hardship and need for government intervention.

#Technology, Migration, and Social Change

#Technological Revolution

• Consumer Culture: New technologies led to mass production and a consumer-driven society.
• Automobiles and Radio: These inventions transformed communication, entertainment, and advertising.

#Migration Patterns

• International Migration: World events (WWI, Russian Revolution) led to large-scale immigration to the US.
• Internal Migration: Suburbanization and westward/southward migration reshaped the country.

Image: American soldiers marching during World War I, highlighting the global impact of the conflict.

#Foreign Policy: From Isolationism to Global Power

#Early Expansionism

• Territorial Ambitions: The US began to expand its influence in the Western Hemisphere and the Pacific.
• Key Acquisitions:
  • Annexation of Hawaii (1898)
  • Acquisition of Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines from Spain
  • Acquisition of the Panama Canal Zone
• Manifest Destiny: Some Americans saw expansion as fulfilling the nation's destiny.

Image: A political cartoon depicting the US as an expanding empire, reflecting the debates over expansionism.

#World Wars and Global Leadership

• World War I: US entry in 1917 was crucial to the Allied victory, but the US returned to isolationism afterward.
• World War II:
  • The US became the "arsenal of democracy," mobilizing its economy.
  • Led to the end of the Great Depression.
  • The US emerged as a superpower after the war.
• Post-War Influence:
  • Key role in the formation of the United Nations.
  • Established the Bretton Woods system for international finance.
  • Developed atomic weapons, giving it leverage in the Cold War.

Image: US soldiers landing on a beach during World War II, representing the country's military might and global involvement.

#Final Exam Focus

#High-Priority Topics

• Economic Transformation: Industrialization, trusts, the Great Depression, and the New Deal.
• Technological and Social Change: Impact of new technologies, migration patterns, and urbanization.
• Foreign Policy Shifts: From isolationism to expansionism, and the impact of WWI and WWII.

#Common Question Types

• Multiple Choice: Often focuses on specific events, policies, and their impacts.
• Short Answer Questions (SAQs): Requires concise explanations of key concepts and historical developments.
• Free Response Questions (FRQs): Demands in-depth analysis, synthesis of information, and clear argumentation.

#Last-Minute Tips

• Time Management: Pace yourself during the exam. Don't spend too long on any one question.
• Connect the Dots: Look for connections between different units and themes. AP questions often combine multiple concepts.
• Address the Prompt: Make sure your answers directly address the question being asked.
• Review Key Terms: Ensure you understand the meaning of important terms and concepts.
• Stay Calm: Take deep breaths and trust your preparation. You've got this!

#

Practice Question

Practice Questions

#Multiple Choice Questions

1. Which of the following was NOT a major cause of the Great Depression? (A) Overproduction of goods (B) Stock market speculation (C) Increased government spending (D) Bank failures

2. The New Deal programs were primarily intended to address which of the following problems? (A) The rise of communism in the United States (B) The economic crisis of the Great Depression (C) The growing threat of fascism in Europe (D) The need for greater military preparedness

3. Which of the following best describes the US foreign policy approach after World War I? (A) Interventionist (B) Isolationist (C) Imperialist (D) Internationalist

#Short Answer Question

1. Briefly explain how technological advancements in the early 20th century contributed to the development of a consumer culture in the United States.

#Free Response Question

Prompt: Analyze the ways in which the United States’ role in the world changed from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century. Be sure to discuss economic, social, and political factors.

Scoring Rubric:

• Thesis (1 point): Presents a historically defensible thesis that establishes a line of reasoning.
• Contextualization (1 point): Describes a broader historical context relevant to the prompt.
• Evidence (2 points): Provides specific examples of economic, social, and political changes that occurred during this period.
• Analysis and Reasoning (2 points): Explains how the evidence supports the thesis and demonstrates an understanding of the complexities of the historical changes.
• Synthesis (1 point): Extends the argument by connecting it to a different time period, geographical area, or historical context.