#AP World History: Modern - Industrialization & Reactions (1750-1900) 🚀

Hey! Let's get you prepped for the exam with a super-focused review of industrialization and its impacts. We'll break down everything you need to know, making sure you're not just memorizing, but understanding.

#1. The Rise of Labor Unions ✊

This is a huge topic! Expect to see questions about labor movements and their effects.

Industrialization created major problems for workers, leading to the rise of labor unions. Think of it like this: workers realized they were stronger together than alone.

#1.1. Why Unions Formed:

• Poor Working Conditions: Dangerous factories, long hours, and low pay were the norm.
• Income Inequality: Huge gap between factory owners and workers.
• Lack of Bargaining Power: Individual workers had little influence; unions provided collective strength.

#1.2. Key Achievements of Labor Unions:

• Shorter Work Hours: Reduced workdays (e.g., 10 to 8 hours). ⏱️
• Improved Working Conditions: Safer workplaces, better treatment, and regulations to protect workers.
• Increased Wages & Welfare: Higher pay through collective bargaining, plus benefits like pensions and healthcare (especially in Germany). 💰
• Advocated for Workers' Rights: Right to form unions, bargain collectively, and strike.
• Improved Job Security: Protection against unfair dismissal.
• Expanded Suffrage: More men (even those without land) could vote. 🗳️

#2. Alternative Ideologies 💡

Industrialization didn't just change the economy; it sparked new ways of thinking about society and government.

#2.1. Utilitarianism:

• Key Idea: "The greatest good for the greatest number." Think of it as a way to make decisions that benefit the majority, not just the wealthy few.
• Founder: John Stuart Mill

#2.2. Marxism:

• Key Idea: Capitalism leads to class warfare between the Bourgeoisie (owners) and the Proletariat (workers). ⚔️
• Goal: Overthrow the upper class and create a classless society (communism).
• Founders: Karl Marx and Frederick Engels ( Communist Manifesto)

Karl Marx. Image courtesy of Wikimedia

#3. Government Responses to Industrialization 🏛️

Different countries reacted to industrialization in different ways, with varying degrees of success.

#3.1. Ottoman Empire:

• Initial Reforms: Sultan Mahmud II modernized the military, tax collection, roads, and postal service.
• Tanzimat Reforms: Aimed to decrease corruption, secularize education, codify laws for businesses, and update the legal system.
• Limitations: Reforms were too late, excluded women, and were eventually halted by Sultan Abdulhamid.
• Outcome: Failed to keep pace with industrialized nations.

#3.2. Qing Dynasty (China):

• Self-Strengthening Movement: Attempted to modernize China by abolishing the civil service exam, fighting corruption, and reforming medical practices.
• Boxer Rebellion: Uprising against foreign influence and the Qing Dynasty. It was ultimately suppressed by foreign powers. 😠
• Outcome: Further weakened the Qing Dynasty, leading to its collapse in 1911.
  Common Mistake

Don't confuse the Self-Strengthening Movement with the Boxer Rebellion. One was an attempt to modernize, the other was a reaction against foreign influence.

#Final Exam Focus 🎯

Okay, let's zoom in on what's most likely to show up on the exam:

• Labor Unions: Their goals, methods, and impact on society. Be ready to discuss specific examples, like the 8-hour workday movement.
• Alternative Ideologies: Understand the core ideas of utilitarianism and Marxism. How did they challenge capitalism?
• Government Responses: Compare and contrast how different countries tried to modernize. What were the successes and failures?
• Connections: How did industrialization lead to these reactions? How did these reactions shape the world?

#Last-Minute Tips:

• Time Management: Don't spend too long on any one question. Move on and come back if needed.
• Rubric Awareness: Make sure you understand what the graders are looking for. Answer all parts of the question.
• Practice Questions: Do a few more practice questions to get in the zone.

Practice Question

#Multiple Choice Questions

1. Which of the following best describes a primary goal of labor unions during the Industrial Revolution? (A) To promote free trade and global markets (B) To overthrow capitalist governments and establish communist states (C) To improve working conditions and wages for laborers (D) To encourage the development of new technologies

2. The ideas of Karl Marx primarily focused on which of the following? (A) The importance of individual liberties and rights (B) The need for a strong, centralized government (C) The conflict between social classes and the exploitation of workers (D) The promotion of free-market capitalism and competition

3. Which of the following was a major consequence of the Boxer Rebellion? (A) The strengthening of the Qing Dynasty (B) Increased foreign influence and control in China (C) The rapid industrialization of China (D) The establishment of a communist government in China

#Short Answer Question

Briefly explain ONE way in which labor unions improved the lives of industrial workers and ONE way in which industrialization led to new ideologies.

#Free Response Question

Analyze the various responses to industrialization by governments and social movements in the period 1750-1900. * Point Breakdown: * 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 government and social responses to industrialization. (1 point each). * Analysis (2 points): Explains the causes and effects of these responses and the similarities and differences between them. (1 point each). * Complexity (1 point): Demonstrates a nuanced understanding of the topic by considering multiple perspectives or complexities.

You've got this! You're well-prepared and ready to rock the AP exam. Go get 'em! 💪