APUSH Period 6 Key Terms sets the stage for this enthralling narrative, offering readers a glimpse into a story that is rich in detail and brimming with originality from the outset. This era, spanning from the Civil War to the turn of the 20th century, witnessed transformative events that shaped the very fabric of American society.

Join us as we delve into the key terms that unlock the complexities of this pivotal period.

Our exploration begins with an examination of the historical context, setting the stage for the major events that unfolded during APUSH Period 6. We will define and discuss the key terms associated with this era, shedding light on their significance and impact.

Along the way, we will encounter prominent historical figures and delve into the social, cultural, economic, political, and diplomatic changes that characterized this dynamic time.

Historical Context

APUSH Period 6 covers a significant era in American history, spanning from 1865 to 1898. This period witnessed transformative events that shaped the nation’s political, economic, and social landscape.

To fully grasp the complexities of APUSH Period 6, it’s crucial to delve into key terms like the New Deal and the Cold War. One pivotal figure during this period was William W. Bill Haury Jr. , who played a significant role in shaping the political landscape of the time.

Understanding his contributions further enriches our comprehension of the key terms that define this era.

Major Events

• Reconstruction (1865-1877): Efforts to rebuild the South after the Civil War, marked by challenges in race relations and economic recovery.
• Gilded Age (1870s-1890s): A period of rapid industrialization, urbanization, and wealth accumulation, accompanied by social and economic disparities.
• Westward Expansion: The continued migration and settlement of the American frontier, leading to conflicts with Native American tribes and the establishment of new states.
• Indian Wars: A series of conflicts between the United States government and Native American tribes, resulting in the forced removal and assimilation of many Native Americans.
• Spanish-American War (1898): A conflict with Spain that resulted in the United States acquiring new territories, including Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines.

Key Terms

Period 6 of APUSH is a crucial era marked by significant social, political, and economic transformations. Understanding the key terms associated with this period is essential for comprehending its complexities and grasping the major themes that shaped American history during this time.

The following is a comprehensive list of key terms for APUSH Period 6, along with their definitions and explanations:

Reconstruction

• The period following the American Civil War, from 1865 to 1877, during which the United States attempted to rebuild and reunite the nation.
• Reconstruction involved addressing the legacy of slavery, integrating former slaves into society, and rebuilding the war-torn South.

Radical Republicans

• A faction of the Republican Party during Reconstruction who advocated for strong measures to protect the rights of African Americans and punish the former Confederacy.
• Radical Republicans played a significant role in shaping Reconstruction policies, including the passage of the 14th and 15th Amendments.

Carpetbaggers, Apush period 6 key terms

• Northerners who moved to the South during Reconstruction, often with the intention of profiting from the region’s economic and political opportunities.
• Carpetbaggers were often seen as outsiders and opportunists, and their presence in the South contributed to tensions between Northerners and Southerners.

Scalawags

• White Southerners who supported Reconstruction and the Republican Party.
• Scalawags were often ostracized by their fellow Southerners and faced threats and violence from white supremacist groups.

Freedmen

• Former slaves who gained their freedom after the American Civil War.
• Freedmen faced significant challenges in the post-war period, including discrimination, economic hardship, and violence.

Ku Klux Klan

• A white supremacist terrorist organization that emerged in the South after the Civil War.
• The Ku Klux Klan used violence and intimidation to suppress the rights of African Americans and maintain white supremacy.

Gilded Age

• A period of rapid economic growth and industrialization in the United States from the 1870s to the early 1900s.
• The Gilded Age was marked by the rise of big business, the growth of cities, and the emergence of a new wealthy elite.

Robber Barons

• Industrialists and businessmen who amassed vast fortunes during the Gilded Age, often through ruthless and unethical practices.
• Robber barons included figures such as John D. Rockefeller, Andrew Carnegie, and J.P. Morgan.

Populist Party

• A political party that emerged in the late 1800s to represent the interests of farmers and other rural Americans.
• The Populist Party advocated for policies such as the regulation of railroads, the expansion of the money supply, and the direct election of senators.

Progressive Era

• A period of social and political reform in the United States from the late 1800s to the early 1900s.
• The Progressive Era was marked by efforts to address social problems, improve working conditions, and increase government regulation of the economy.

Historical Figures

Period 6 of APUSH was marked by the rise of prominent historical figures who shaped the course of American history. These individuals played pivotal roles in shaping the nation’s political, social, and economic landscape.

Their contributions ranged from leading the nation through times of war and crisis to advocating for social justice and economic equality. Their decisions and actions left a lasting impact on the United States, influencing its trajectory for generations to come.

Abraham Lincoln

• 16th President of the United States
• Led the Union during the American Civil War
• Issued the Emancipation Proclamation, freeing slaves in Confederate-held territory
• Preserved the Union and abolished slavery

Ulysses S. Grant

• Union general during the American Civil War
• 18th President of the United States
• Overcame Confederate forces at Vicksburg and Appomattox Court House
• Enforced Reconstruction policies

Frederick Douglass

• Abolitionist, orator, and writer
• Escaped slavery and became a leading voice for the anti-slavery movement
• Spoke out against racism and discrimination
• Advocated for equal rights for African Americans

Susan B. Anthony

• Suffragist and women’s rights activist
• Co-founded the National Woman Suffrage Association
• Campaigned for women’s right to vote
• Helped secure the passage of the 19th Amendment

Andrew Carnegie

• Industrialist and philanthropist
• Founded Carnegie Steel Company, one of the largest steel producers in the world
• Believed in philanthropy and donated much of his wealth to education and other causes
• Established the Carnegie Corporation of New York and Carnegie Mellon University

John D. Rockefeller

• Industrialist and founder of Standard Oil
• Monopolized the oil industry and became one of the wealthiest men in the world
• Used his wealth to establish philanthropic foundations
• Founded the Rockefeller Foundation and the University of Chicago

Social and Cultural Changes

The Gilded Age witnessed a surge of transformative social and cultural shifts, fueled by rapid industrialization and urbanization. These transformations had far-reaching consequences, shaping the fabric of American society.

One significant social change was the rise of a wealthy elite. The accumulation of immense wealth by industrialists and financiers created a stark divide between the affluent and the working class. This divide led to tensions and social unrest, as the working class struggled to keep pace with the economic gains of the wealthy.

Immigration and Urbanization

Another transformative change was the influx of immigrants from Europe and Asia. Millions of people sought refuge and opportunity in the United States, contributing to the rapid growth of cities. This urbanization led to the formation of ethnic enclaves and the emergence of new cultural identities.

Education and Social Mobility

The Gilded Age also witnessed a significant expansion of educational opportunities. The establishment of land-grant universities and the growth of public education provided greater access to higher education, fostering social mobility and the rise of a professional class.

Social Activism and Reform

The social and economic inequalities of the Gilded Age sparked a wave of social activism and reform. Progressive reformers sought to address issues such as child labor, poverty, and political corruption. These efforts laid the groundwork for the Progressive Era, which brought about significant social and political changes.

Economic Developments: Apush Period 6 Key Terms

The economic landscape of APUSH Period 6 was characterized by rapid industrialization, urbanization, and the emergence of new economic ideologies.

One of the key factors driving economic growth was the expansion of railroads, which connected distant markets and facilitated the transportation of goods and people. This led to the growth of industries such as mining, manufacturing, and agriculture.

Technological Advancements

• The invention of the Bessemer process revolutionized steel production, making it cheaper and more widely available.
• The development of the telegraph and telephone improved communication and facilitated business transactions.
• The invention of the electric light bulb and the internal combustion engine transformed urban life and transportation.

Government Policies

Government policies also played a significant role in shaping the economy. The protective tariff policies enacted during this period shielded American industries from foreign competition and stimulated domestic production.

Emergence of Economic Ideologies

The late 19th century also saw the rise of new economic ideologies. Laissez-faire capitalism, which advocated for minimal government intervention in the economy, gained popularity among business leaders.

In contrast, labor unions emerged to advocate for the rights of workers and to address issues such as low wages, unsafe working conditions, and child labor.

Political and Diplomatic Events

Period 6 of American history was marked by significant political and diplomatic events that shaped the nation’s course. These events included the outbreak of the Civil War, the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, and the Reconstruction era that followed.

Civil War

The Civil War, fought from 1861 to 1865, was the defining event of Period 6. The war pitted the Union (loyal to the United States government) against the Confederacy (composed of eleven southern states that had seceded). The war was fought over the issue of slavery, with the Union ultimately prevailing and preserving the nation.

Assassination of Abraham Lincoln

In April 1865, just days after the end of the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth, a Confederate sympathizer. Lincoln’s assassination was a profound tragedy that shocked the nation and cast a long shadow over the Reconstruction era.

Reconstruction

The Reconstruction era (1865-1877) was a period of significant political and social change in the United States. During this time, the federal government sought to reunite the country, rebuild the South, and protect the rights of African Americans who had been freed from slavery.

Foreign Policy

The foreign policy of the United States during APUSH Period 6 was characterized by a focus on expansionism, imperialism, and the pursuit of economic interests. The key goals of US foreign policy during this period were to acquire new territories, protect American economic interests, and promote American values and institutions abroad.

The United States pursued these goals through a variety of strategies, including military intervention, economic coercion, and diplomatic negotiations. The United States also used its influence to promote the development of international organizations, such as the Pan-American Union and the League of Nations.

Expansionism

The United States pursued a policy of expansionism during APUSH Period 6, acquiring new territories through both war and diplomacy. The United States acquired the Philippines, Puerto Rico, and Guam as a result of the Spanish-American War in 1898. The United States also annexed Hawaii in 1898 and purchased the Alaska Territory from Russia in 1867.

Imperialism

The United States also pursued a policy of imperialism during APUSH Period 6, establishing colonies and protectorates in other parts of the world. The United States established colonies in the Philippines, Puerto Rico, and Guam. The United States also established protectorates in Cuba, Panama, and Nicaragua.

Economic Interests

The United States pursued its economic interests during APUSH Period 6 through a variety of means, including tariffs, subsidies, and investments. The United States also used its military power to protect its economic interests, such as when it intervened in Mexico in 1914 to protect American oil interests.

Promotion of American Values and Institutions

The United States also used its foreign policy to promote American values and institutions abroad. The United States promoted democracy, human rights, and free trade. The United States also used its influence to promote the development of international organizations, such as the Pan-American Union and the League of Nations.

Successes and Failures

The foreign policy of the United States during APUSH Period 6 had both successes and failures. The United States was successful in acquiring new territories, protecting its economic interests, and promoting American values and institutions abroad. However, the United States also failed to achieve some of its goals, such as the establishment of a permanent peace in Europe.

Impact on Modern Society

The events and developments of APUSH Period 6 have left a lasting impact on modern society. The period’s focus on westward expansion, industrialization, and social reform laid the foundation for many of the institutions and values that shape the United States today.

One of the most significant impacts of Period 6 was the expansion of the United States. The Louisiana Purchase in 1803 doubled the size of the country, and the acquisition of Texas, Oregon, and California in the 1840s and 1850s further expanded the nation’s territory.

This expansion led to increased economic opportunities and a sense of national pride, but it also created tensions with Native Americans and contributed to the outbreak of the Civil War.

Industrialization

Another major impact of Period 6 was the Industrial Revolution. The invention of new technologies, such as the cotton gin, the steam engine, and the telegraph, led to a dramatic increase in productivity and economic growth. Industrialization also led to the growth of cities and the emergence of a new working class.

The Industrial Revolution had a profound impact on the lives of Americans, creating both opportunities and challenges.

Social Reform

The period also saw a wave of social reform movements. Abolitionists fought to end slavery, while suffragettes fought for women’s right to vote. These movements laid the foundation for the civil rights movement and the feminist movement of the 20th century.

The social reforms of Period 6 helped to make the United States a more just and equitable society.

Essential FAQs

What is the significance of APUSH Period 6?

APUSH Period 6 encompasses a pivotal era in American history, marked by transformative events such as the Civil War, Reconstruction, and the rise of industrialization. It witnessed the nation’s expansion westward, the emergence of a global superpower, and the development of key social, cultural, and political institutions.

What are the key terms associated with APUSH Period 6?

Key terms include Reconstruction, Jim Crow, industrialization, urbanization, immigration, and imperialism. These terms help us understand the major themes and developments that shaped this era.

Who are some prominent historical figures of APUSH Period 6?

Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant, Frederick Douglass, Andrew Carnegie, and Theodore Roosevelt are among the many influential figures who played key roles in shaping the events of APUSH Period 6.