AP US History Period 7: Key Events and Policies Quiz

AP US History Period 7: An Overview of Key Events and Policies

The seventh period of AP US History covers the years from 1890 to 1945, a time marked by significant shifts in the country's domestic and foreign affairs. During this period, the United States transitioned from an agrarian society to an industrialized nation with aspirations of becoming a global power. Several transformative events, movements, and debates shaped the country's policies and its role on the world stage.

World War I

The United States entered World War I in 1917, following years of neutrality. The war marked a turning point for American foreign policy and solidified the nation's global influence. Key factors leading to U.S. involvement included German submarine attacks against American ships and increasingly hostile actions by Germany toward other European nations. After the war, the United States faced intense debates over whether to remain involved in international affairs or return to isolationism.

Roaring Twenties

The 1920s saw rapid economic growth, industrialization, and cultural changes in the United States. Often referred to as the "Roaring Twenties" or "Jazz Age," this period was marked by increased consumerism, new forms of mass media, and the rise of modern culture. Americans debated issues such as science, religion, gender roles, race, and immigration during this era.

Cold War

Following World War II, the United States found itself embroiled in the ideological conflict known as the Cold War. This period of geopolitical tension between the United States and the Soviet Union lasted from approximately 1947 to 1991. Key events during this time include the Korean War (1950-1953) and the Vietnam War (1955-1975), both proxy conflicts with the Soviet Union. The Cold War also saw significant domestic policies aimed at containing communist influence, such as Senator Joseph McCarthy's anti-communist crusade in the late 1940s and early 1950s and the establishment of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in 1947.

Different President's Policies

Theodore Roosevelt (1901-1909)

Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt was a progressive reformer who served as president after William McKinley's assassination in 1901. Known for his Square Deal domestic agenda, which addressed issues like conservation, corporate regulation, and labor rights, Roosevelt also pursued an aggressive foreign policy, including the acquisition of overseas territories through the Spanish-American War and the construction of the Panama Canal. His administration marked the beginning of American expansionism on the global stage.

Woodrow Wilson (1913-1921)

Woodrow Wilson succeeded Theodore Roosevelt as president in 1913. During World War I, he advocated for international cooperation through the League of Nations but ultimately failed to secure Senate approval. After the war, Wilson faced intense opposition to his progressive agenda, leading to setbacks in areas like women's suffrage and civil rights. Despite these challenges, Wilson's presidency laid the groundwork for many of the Progressive Era's ideals and reforms.

Franklin D. Roosevelt (1933-1945)

Franklin D. Roosevelt is perhaps best known for his response to the Great Depression through his New Deal programs, implemented in 1933. These initiatives sought to provide relief to unemployed Americans and stimulate economic growth. FDR's leadership during World War II helped guide the United States to victory against Axis powers and further solidified America's role as a world power.