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AP US HISTORY EXAM REVIEW QUESTIONS AND OUTLINES
Early colonial dissent (see Documents Bank: “Colonization of Americas”)
Taylor Hess
[Question]: How did the approaches to governance of New England, Pennsylvania
and Virginia differ and why did they lead to colonial dissent?
1.
Use the documents and your knowledge of the period (1600-1700) to construct your
essay.
Thesis: Due to the subtle differences of the approaches to governance of the original
colonies, dissent among colonies was cultivated and cultural differences were magnified
to an extent that led to disputes among colonists.
Evidence:
 Virginia
o Virginia was led by the House of Burgesses which was an elected body
with direct representation from the different counties.
o It was first settled by the Virginia Company in order to find precious
medals and open new trade routes.
o Church of England was the norm, however practiced freedom of protestant
religion.
 New England
o New England was settled by puritans seeking freedom from oppression
o The government was dominated by weekly local town meetings that
almost all of free white males attended.
o All of the colonies but Rhode Island was strictly Puritan.
 Pennsylvania
o Pennsylvania was settled by William Penn as a personal proprietorship for
his family.
o The government was run by appointed magistrates.
o Pennsylvania was a haven for persecuted religions. The population was
compiled with Welsh, Irish, Dutch, and German settlers, Catholics were
also allowed in the colony.
2.
“Between the Wars: French and Indian and Revolution” (see Documents
Bank: “Road to the Revolution”) Jon Trumbull
Question: How and why did Colonial views towards Britain change between the
French and Indian War and the Revolution?
Thesis: Colonial views toward Britain changed between the French and Indian War and
the Revolution from respectful detachment to utter dissent because Colonists no longer
enjoyed the near-autonomous rule that salutary neglect had granted them.
Evidence:
 James Otis (1764): “We all think ourselves happy under Great Britain. We love,
esteem, and reverence our mother country, and adore our King. And could the
choice of independency be offered the colonies or subjection to Great Britain
upon any terms above absolute slavery, I am convinced they would accept the
latter.”
 Sons of Liberty (ca. 1765): Violent resistance  Burned effigies (Andrew Oliver
– future Distributor of Stamps for Massachusetts) and land held by officials of the
crown.
 Stamp Act Congress (1765):  Declaration of Rights and Grievances (increased
colonial unity vs. Great Britain)
 Paul Revere – Engraving of the Boston Massacre (ca. 1770) – Exaggerated
description of “massacre”
 Boston Tea Party (1773): Respect  Dissent, leads to the Coercive (Intolerable)
Acts
3.
Changing interpretations of the Constitution (see Documents Bank: “Early
American Republic”) Tinni Maitra
Question:
How and why did politicians’ interpretations of the constitution change throughout
the Federal and Jeffersonian Eras?
Use the documents and your knowledge of the period <1790-1825> to construct your
essay.
Thesis:
Although the Jeffersonians believed in strict interpretations of the constitution, once in
power, the Jeffersonians employed Federalist ideas of broad constructionism because
foreign policy necessitated a pragmatic response.
Evidence:
 Hamilton’s Financial Plan
o Fund national debt at par
o Assumption of state debts
o Tariffs on imported goods
o Excise tax
o National bank
 Jay’s Treaty → dealt with unresolved issues of Treaty of Paris, invoked executive
privilege
 Alien and Sedition Acts (power to deport aliens, violated freedom of speech) →
Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions (argued for nullification)
 Louisiana Purchase – justified purchase of land by saying that it was to protect the
country, actually employed Federalist means for Jeffersonian ends
 Embargo Act of 1807 – forbade exports from US
 Non – Intercourse Act, Macon’s Bill #2 – reopened trade with Britain and France
if they promised not to interfere

4.
Clay’s American System
o Rechartered 2nd bank of US
o Protective tariff to increase domestic manufacturing
o National Road
Changes in Foreign Policy (see Documents Bank: “Early American
Republic”) Will Devon-Sand
[Question]: How and why did American foreign policy shift towards isolationism
after the American Revolution.?
Thesis: American Foreign policy shifted towards isolationism through the
guidance of their leaders and treaties to rid foreign powers and fulfill manifest
destiny.
1. Jay’s Treaty- Between United States and Great Britain signed on November 19,
1794. It rid the Brittish of most of their forts they had occupied during the
Revolutionary War.
2. George Washington’s Farewell Address- In his farewell address, he warned
the United States of entangling alliances.
3. Louisiana Purchase- Purchased in 1803- Jefferson purchased from Napoleon.
Resulted in loss of French influence in the west of the United States.
4. Embargo Act of 1807- eliminated American exports so that Brittan would
reduce trade restrictions. Failed.
5. War of 1812- Increased nationalism and made the United States more
independent.
6. Adam-Onis Treaty (1819)-Established boundaries between the United States
and Spain. Increased isolationism.
7. Monroe Doctrine (1823)- outlined that foreign powers can not interven in
Western Hemisphere and in return the United States would not interfere in
Europe.
Political conflict (see Documents Bank: “Early American Republic”) Sopheya
Lambertsen
[Question]: <How and why did domestic politics escalate into real political conflict,
especially regarding federal power, during the period in question?>
5.
Use the documents and your knowledge of the period <1776-1815> to construct your
essay.
Thesis: Because both factions focused their policies (Federalists- chaos, Republicanstyranny) on their respective fears, political conflict became characteristic of the period, as
is demonstrated in Shay’s Rebellion, the Burr-Hamilton duel, and the Hartford
Convention.
Southern fear of slaves
o Because of their desire for States Rights and their fear of northern
governments infringing on their rights, Southerners voted Republican.
o Northern states affirmed Southerners’ fear of their antislavery motives by
beginning to abolish slavery.
 VT- 1777
 Mass- 1780s
 PA- 1780
 NJ- 1804
Republican fear of Tyranny
o Antifederalists, the predecessors to Republicans, supported the weak
Articles of the Confederation because it gave the Executive branch very
little power, especially to tax.
o They also supported the New Jersey plan, which updated the Articles, and
opposed the Virginia plan, which broadened Congressional power.
o Thomas Jefferson’s witch hunt of Federalists immediately after he was
elected demonstrates his fear of their power, and thus their fear of tyranny,
as does his hatred for Chief Justice John Marshall.
Federalist Fear of Chaos
o The National Bank was created in response to currency instability.
o Shays’s Rebellion and the Whiskey Rebellion both demonstrated the
Federalists’ justifiable fear.
6.
Roots of westward expansion (see Documents Bank: “Early American
Republic”) Annie Spofford
Question: What were the reasons for and causes of American westward
expansion and how and why did they affect American foreign and domestic policies
during the era of the Early American Republic?
Thesis: Westward expansion affected both foreign and domestic policy in that foreign
policy became protective and pragmatic while domestic policy expanded because of fear
of European control of western lands and manifest destiny.
Evidence:
1. Louisiana Purchase (1802)- Spain in 1802 gave New Orleans to the French,
which posed a threat to the new American Republic. The French could take
control of the Mississippi and threaten American trade. Napoleon sold the
Louisiana territory to the United States for $15 million dollars because he was
gearing up for war. This shows the American fear of European control of
western lands and also shows the pragmatic foreign policy dimensions needed
to quell this fear.
2. Expeditions of Louis and Clark- Lewis and Clark were sent to investigate
the new Western Territories. They returned with good reports and high spirits
which caused many Americans to go westward in search for wealth, freedom,
and opportunity.
3. War of 1812 and Resolution- The war of 1812 demonstrates the foreign
policy initiative taken by the government in order to protect their territory.
The resolution prevented Great Britain from becoming an ally of the Indians.
This demonstrates also demonstrates fear of European presence, particularly
British presence in Western territories close to American land.
4. Manifest Destiny- Americans believed that they had a god given right the
territories. This may have derived from the beliefs of the Puritans in the
Massachusetts Bay colony. This demonstrates religion’s role in influencing
people to expand their territories westward.
5. Northwest Ordinances 1787- The NW Ordinances had a Bill of Rights,
abolished Slavery, was friendly towards the Indians, and promoted education.
This demonstrated that the West was a land of opportunity which promoted
the American democratic values as seen in Document C.
6. Land= vote – Although this is not in the time period given this may be useful
knowledge pertaining to the question. In the earlier colonial era owning land
mean being able to vote. Therefore many people moved westward in order to
own their own land, as well as achieve the vote. This can be seen from an
earlier time period in Bacon’s rebellion, and the Proclamation of 1763
forbidding settlement west of the Appalachians.
7. Monroe Doctrine (1823)- a policy of mutual noninterference. This
demonstrates how US foreign policy changed in order to prevent European
interference close to American soil.
7.
Politics of Indian policy (see Documents Bank: “Expansion and Jacksonian
Era”) Lara Seligman
Question: How and why did American misconception and inaccurate portrayal of
the Native Americans during the 1820s and 30s affect and/or reflect Jacksonian Era
policy towards the existing tribes?
Thesis: Due to manipulation of public conception of Native Americans for political
means, the inaccurate portrayal of Indians as savage and uncivilized that arose made way
for the Jacksonian policy of removal or assimilation.
Evidence:
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
Monroe last annual message to Congress (1824) - suggested that all
Indians be moved beyond Mississippi River – special message to Congress
proposing removal – “honorable” – protect Indians from invasion and
provide them with independence for “improvement and civilization” –
force unnecessary – Indians unanimously reject
Cherokee vs. Georgia(1831) - Discovery of gold on Cherokee land 1829 Cherokees under John Ross turned to federal courts – legal strategy reflect
political sophistication – John Marshall ruled that under Constitution
Indian tribe neither foreign nation nor state – no standing in federal courts
– nonetheless unquestionable right to lands – only voluntarily give it up
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8.
Trail of Tears (1831) - Congress provided Jackson with funds necessary to
negotiate new treaties and resettle tribes west of Mississippi – Indians
traded 100 million acres east for 32 million west plus $68 million –
disastrous impact – alien environment – animals plants unfamiliar –
became dependent on government payments to survive
Treaty of New Echota (1835) - Cherokees – some believed further
resistance hopeless and accepted removal only chance to preserve – agreed
to exchange southern home for western land
Second Seminole War - Florida – Treaty of Payne’s Landing 1832 – some
resisted – minority under Osceola refused to vacate homes and fought –
federal troops 1835 – fierce guerrilla war – many stayed although Osceola
died
Social impact of Slavery (see Documents Bank: “Expansion and Jacksonian
Era”) Ashley Arufo
Question:
To what degree did Jacksonian expansionism impact social ideas of equality
and liberty during the era preceding the Civil War?
Thesis:
Manifest Destiny successfully encouraged expansion yet, unprecedented
annexations led to disagreements over establishing civil liberties; As Social and
economic trends changed the North impeded slave expansion, whereas the South
demanded to keep rights to property.
1. (Document B) Nat Turner’s Rebellion (1831): A Slave Rebellion led by Turner
cause great spouts of fear as many white Southern Plantation owners were
targeted in his campaign to fight against slavery. This later led to strict laws
against all blacks living in the South.
2. The Gag Rule 1836- The House of Representatives adopted the Gag rule, which
tabled all petitions to slavery presented by abolitionists.
3. (Documents G, H) The Annexation of Texas in 1845 and Oregon Fever of
1841- Led to multiple problems and sectional discord because lobbyists from the
North no longer believed in expanding slavery, they were less dependent on
African Americans for a workforce and had been weaning themselves off of their
dependencies (gradual emancipation). Also many freedom focused abolitionists
felt that immediate end to slavery was the answer. However, traditional
Southerners felt that they were necessary to further expansion (3/5 clause, later
compromise 1850, fugitive slave Act).
4. Henry Clay and Popular Sovereignty- “Great Pacificator” Clay, using
Cass’Popular Sovereignty for new territories wanted to compromise and let the
new states decide. Yet discord remained, in the year 1842 Prigg v. Pennsylvania
the Supreme Court rules to enforce fugitive slave clause in constitution as a
federal obligation.
5. Treaty of Guadalupe Hildalgo- US pays 15 million for parts of California, New
Mexico, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, Colorado and Wyoming. Represents the end of
war with Mexico and symbolizes continuing disagreements of maintaining
liberties in new states.
6. Grimke Sisters- Leaders in the Abolitionist movement that later catapulted the
movement for womens’ rights. Using common ideals for liberation and equality
for all the sister along with leaders like William Llyod Garrison applied the same
philosophies from the Declaration of independence and the American Revolution
to meet similar goals for those being oppressed in America during the 1830s-40s.
Later….
Helper’s Impending Crisis, Wilmont Proviso, Oregon Treaty, Uncle Tom’s Cabin,
Kansas-Nebraska Act, Bleeding Kansas, Brown raids Harper’s Ferry, Dred Scott case and
Lecompton Constitution
9.
Jacksonian era social upheaval (see Documents Bank: “Expansion and
Jacksonian Era”) Mallika Khandelwal
Question: How and why during the Jacksonian era did social upheaval, in the
form of reform movements, challenge existing political, social, and cultural
practices within the United States?
Use the documents and your knowledge of the period from 1824 to 1845 to
construct your essay.
Thesis: In response to market economy vices, growing inequality and western
expansion, Jacksonian era social upheaval emerged through reform movements
such as temperance and abolitionism, inspired by the Great Awakening, to create a
more egalitarian society.

Evidence:
Second Great Awakening – Movement’s Revivalists shared belief in
individual self-improvement and the perfectibility doctrine demanded that
Christians actively organize and convert others. Followers formed a national web of
moral-reform societies i.e. American Temperance Society (1826), American Peace
Society (1828), American Anti-Slavery Society (1833). – Document C
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Temperance Movement – evangelicals considered drinking sinful; Martha
Washington societies reformed alcoholics with the support of employers who
rejected “St. Monday” as a part of their factory work-week.
Penitentiary and Asylum Reform – led by Dorothea Dix to promote humane
treatment for mentally ill and prisoners.
Antimasonry – crusade against Freemasonry, a secret fraternity, which
represented an elite appeal and was viewed as antidemocratic. Instigated by Morgan
Affair (1827).
Abolitionism – William Lloyed Garrison (immediatist) and other reform
leaders called for emancipation of black slaves claiming that slavery, like Masonry,
undermined republican values. – Document A
Women’s Rights – After crucial involvement within abolition movement,
women turned to defending their own rights as citizens beginning with Grimke’s
Letters. Public participation in religious revival and reform led women to challenge
male domination, manifest in the Seneca Falls Convention and later, Declaration of
Sentiments.
- Document F, H
Manifest Destiny (see Documents Bank: “Expansion and Jacksonian Era”)
Naimah Bahar
Question: Asses the validity of this statement “Americans used expansionism to extend
beyond the Mississippi at the expense of native tribes because of racism and manifest
destiny”
10.
Thesis: Americans used expansionism to extend beyond the Mississippi at the expense of
native tribes because of racism and manifest destiny.
Evidence
 Louisiana Purchase
 Worchester vs. Georgia
 Admission of Sates: Missouri, 1821 (Shawnees forced into Kansas); Arkansas,
1836; Michigan, 1837
 Removal Act of 1830
 Trail of Tears
 Annexation of Texas
11.
Politics of Slavery (see Documents Bank: “Road to the Civil War”) Alex
Kornienko
Question: How and why did the politics of slavery affect or reflect the South’s “world view”
and therefore its relations with the North in the decades leading up to the Civil War?
Thesis: The politics of slavery reinforced cultural isolation in the Union, the supposed
righteousness of slavery, and the perceived “threat” posed by the North, strengthening
secessionism.
Evidence:
1) Nat Turner’s Rebellion (1831) – Illustrated the possibilities of slave uprising and led
to a call for strengthened measures to ensure the security and longevity of the slave
system. It would also be used to incite anger and fear, to be used for political gain.
2) “Southern Paternalism” – A prevailing view among slaveholders, which attempted to
justify slavery by portraying blacks as inherently inferior and dependent on the
beneficence of their owners.
3) Fugitive Slave Act (1850) – Extended the pursuit of escaped slaves into free northern
territory. Resistance to the act, like “personal liberty laws” were seen as an attack on
the southern way of life, while the North saw the acts as a dangerous encroachment
of the “slave power”.
4) Freeport Doctrine (1858) – Part of Stephen Douglas’ response to the KansasNebraska Act debate, endorsing popular sovereignty. In this attempt to find
common ground between pro and anti slavery positions, Douglas angered
southerners who wanted stricter enactment of the Dred Scott decision.
5) Commencement of Southern Secession (1860) – The ultimate effect of slave politics.
Feeling that the southern lifestyle could not continue to exist in the Union, the
South’s “world view” had been affected so greatly that secession and armed
resistance were the only viable options.
Western Expansion (see Documents Bank: “Road to the Civil War”) Elspeth
Boynton
Question: How and why did the South and the North’s perception of slavery and property
differ and ultimately lead to the Civil War?
12.
Thesis: Despite the attempts for compromise, dissonance arose concerning slavery,
sectionalism and states rights because of differing economic needs and property
issues which led to the Civil War.
5 Pieces of Evidence:
· Annexation of Texas (1845)- Free vs. Not Free
· Compromise of 1850- Popular Sovereignty, District of Columbia becomes free,
Fugitive slave Law (leading to personal liberty laws), Texas is paid 10 million, California
is free, Douglass and Henry Clay
· Bleeding Kansas- Over popular sovereignty
· Dred Scott Decision- Chief Justice Roger Taney, No freedom for slaves
· John Brown’s Raid- Raid against slavery, Result of Kansas Nebraska Act, led to
“Bleeding Kansas”
13.
Military impact of Civil War (see Documents Bank: “Civil War and
Reconstruction”) Shane Isdaner
Question: How and why did the cause and the moral motivation of the Union lead them
to victory over the Confederacy?
Thesis: Disunity and resent within the Confederates caused a weakening strength and
morale, and integration of Union troops fighting for freedom facilitated Union victory
because the motivation of the Union provided willingness to sacrifice for victory.
Evidence:
1. The southern class system threatened the Confederate cause
a. Planters’ increasing opposition to government
b. Centralizing policies of Davis administration unpopular
c. Food riots- spring of 1863- Atlanta, Macon, Columbus, and Augusta,
Georgia, and also in Salisbury and High Point, North Carolina
2. “What man is there that would stay in the army and no that his family is sufring at
home?” (qtd in Norton, 406). Confederate soldiers, worried about loved ones and
resentful of the “rich man’s war,” left the armed forces in large groups. In
November of 1863, Secretary of War James Seddon admitted that one third of the
army could not be accounted for.
3. Union general William Tecumseh Sherman decided to keep the war in the south
“until they are not only ruined, exhausted, but humbled in pride and spirit.” Deep
invasion was very risky, because the further an attacking army penetrates, the
more vulnerable they become.
4. Approximately 360,000 Union soldiers died, 110,000 of them from wounds
suffered in battle. 275,175 Union soldiers were wounded but survived. 260,000
Confederates lost their lives, and almost as many suffered wounds.
5. Black troops were extremely dedicated and motivated to destroy slavery and
demonstrate equality. As Union units became more and more integrated, the
opinion of white soldiers about black soldiers changed dramatically.
Social impact of Civil War (see Documents Bank: “Civil War and
Reconstruction”) Megan McFarland
1. Question]: How and why did the American Civil War with respect to slavery
change the lives of the people both of the Confederate and Union states?
14.
Thesis: At the end of the Civil War, which attacked the establishment of slavery, citizens
of the Union and Confederacy had to alter their lives socially, economically and
politically to adapt to the new society.
1. Lincoln’s “War to Preserve the Union” Speech- Slavery was a divisive issue that
was an underlying reason for the Confederacy’s separation from the Union. The
speech highlights the tensions between the north and south and Lincoln’s
concerted effort to unite.
2. 13th & 14th Amendments: fighting to end slavery and grant freedmen equal rights
and protection under the law
3. Civil Right’s Act of 1866- People of both the north and south had to deal with the
emancipation of the slaves; freedmen now had access to all rights and protections
as white people.
4. Westward Expansion: Missouri Compromise, Kansas-Nebraska Act, Compromise
of 1850 all shared components regarding slavery in the western territories. The
illegalization of slavery freed settlers and legislators from having to determine the
validity of slavery in new territories.
5. Sherman’s March to the Sea (1864): Destroys land, crops and resources. The
south largely depended on these things for the livelihood; losing the free manual
of numerous slaves burdened white slave owners because they were faced with
the work themselves.
Political impact of Civil War (see Documents Bank: “Civil War and
Reconstruction”) Eric Chan
How did political policies and stances on class and slavery affect the outcome of the
Civil War?
15.
Because political policies enacted by Davis neglected the opinions of citizens,
Confederate policies diminished the will to fight while Lincoln promoted unity and
purpose to the war through anti-slavery legislation which won him the war.
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April 1862 Confederate government enacts first national draft in U.S History.
Davis suspended writ of habeus corpus in case of opposition. Hiring of substitutes
allowed the wealthy to be exempt from the draft. October 1862, Confederate
government enacted twenty –slave law which exempted slaveholders with more
than 20 slaves. Northern drafts did not affect war efficiency as much as the South
because of industrialization. Northern commutation system (substitutes/fees to
escape draft) ended in 1864.
Confiscation Acts, Emancipation Proclamation, and Thirteenth amendment
Davis took a strong central government approach to the war but it contradicted
with the Confederate preference to states rights. Davis essentially controlled
economy through drafts and also forced farmers to switch from cash crop to food
crop. Confederate Congress raised taxes and tax agents made sure taxes were
paid.
Election of 1864. Peace Democrats vs. Republicans. Davis hoped to display
military strength and hoped north would elect a president who would work for
peace instead of continue with war. Rested on defense of Atlanta. Fall of Atlanta
=> Election of Lincoln.
April 2, 1863 Southern Food Riots. Davis stopped riot using force.
Political impact of Reconstruction (see Documents Bank: “Civil War and
Reconstruction”) Christina Vick-Kell
How and why did the course of Reconstruction stir up recognition of old prejudices?
What political shifts came with this re-evaluation of the place in society of African
Americans?
16.
During Reconstruction (1865-1890), federal efforts to combat racist division through
two amendments, plans to reunify the Union and the installation of new rules dividing
capabilities by race revealed continuing racism.
 Thirteenth Amendment [1965]: end of involuntary servitude, which Congress can
enforce through “appropriate legislation”.
Fourteenth Amendment: citizenship for freedmen, making them ‘whole’ people.
 Freedmen’s Bureau [Congress 1865]: helped freed blacks, hated by many Southern
whites.
 Johnson orders army removal of former slaves from Sea Island land given by
Sherman’s Special Field Order #15
 Johnson established Reconstruction plan to establish state governments in which
only Southerners who took the oath of amnesty could take part, excluding blacks
from this important process. Radical Republicans eventually changed this to
include extension of Freedmen’s Bureau and a civil rights bill. Ku Klux Klan then
rose in 1869 to combat Reconstruction.
 Black Codes severely limited the southern transformation, as many old laws still
applied to freed blacks. This led many Northerners to challenge the Southern ability
to change with the times.
17.
Social impact of Reconstruction (see Documents Bank: “Civil War and
Reconstruction”) Rahul Jha
Assess the validity of the following statement:
“Reconstruction Era reform brought about a lasting transformation in the social
fabric of American society.”
Thesis: Reconstruction failed to engender a lasting social revolution because federal
subordination of the states did not fully guarantee equality for Freedmen, especially amid the
revitalized North-South tensions that followed the Civil War.
Initial Congressional Activism (Federal Supremacy)
 13th Amendment recognizes slavery’s centrality to the war, abolishing slavery throughout
the states.
 Freedmen’s Bureau, Civil Rights Bill similarly emphasize Radical desire to protect the
Negro’s equality before the law, revealingly invoking federal power to accomplish their
ends.
 14th and 15th Amendments: Blacks are equal in civil rights and voting privileges (federal
issue now); their ratification reflects an unprecedented use of federal power, embodied in
the 14th Amendment’s “due process clause,” which was most certainly aimed at the heart
of Southern secessionist philosophy.
Revolutionary Potential Blunted
 Freedman’s Bureau fails because of work contract, which perpetuates sharecropping,
tenancy, and debt peonage
o Failure of Radical Republican’s land redistribution program: Johnson
overturns Sherman’s Special Field Order 15, Johnson’s vetoes of Freedman’s
Bureau
 Rise of the KKK (“’Tis but a change of banners”) actively combats black gains
o Failure of Grant’s Enforcement Acts: federal supremacy, but ineffective
 Cruikshank v US, Bradwell V US, Slaughterhouse cases: attack 14th and 15th
Amendments
Compromise of 1877: disputed Hayes-Tilden election ends Reconstruction
18.
impact of westward expansion on Native Americans (see Documents Bank:
“Post-Bellum Western and Urban development”) Jennie Norcini
[Question]: How and why did Westward expansion impact the Native Americans?
Use the documents and your knowledge of the period between 1850 and 1880 to
construct your essay.
Thesis: Westward expansion, encouraged by the Homestead and Morrill Acts, resulted in
the suppression and assimilation of the Native Americans and their culture because of
forceful placement into reservations and the dominance of US federal troops.
1. The Homestead Act 1862 and the Morrill Act 1862 -The Homestead Act gave land to
people who were willing to settle the West. The Morrill Land Grant Act gave each state
30,000acres of land from congress.
2. Reservation Policy- The federal government tried to civilize the Native Americans by
organizing them into reservations. The government guaranteed the Native Americans on
the reservations food, clothing and protection. The residents had no rights in the affairs
on the reservation. The federal government disregarded Indian culture and weakened
Indian society.
3. Sand Creek Massacre 1864- Indian chief Black Kettle moved his tribe to Sand Creak,
where the US command guaranteed them safety. On November 29th, 1864, US cavalry
men, led by John Chivington, attacked the Indian settlement. They massacred Cheyenne
men, women and children.
4. Fort Laramie Treaty 1868- In this treaty the US promised to improve the Lakota Indian
reservation. They guaranteed the construction of buildings like a store and a school.
5. Battle of Little Bighorn 1876- Lakota forces attacked federal soldiers led by General
Custer. At first the Indians obliterated the US forces but the US ultimately overcame the
Lakota by starving them.
social impact of Immigration (see Documents Bank: “Post-Bellum Western
and Urban development”) Brittany McCormick
Question: What was the American attitude towards the influx of Immigrants entering the
United States in the late Eighteenth Century? How did this impact the society of that
time?
19.
Thesis: As a result of intimidation and charges of inferiority, both American people and
government of the late 1800’s discriminated against immigrants through cruel social
practices and legislation.
Evidence
 Many Irish workers were refused employment upon the basis of their nationality
(Document B)
 Which American Industrialization on the rise, many inexpensive Chinese laborers
constructed railroads throughout the United States, especially in the West
(Document E)
 Then government became so intimidated by the Chinese workers that they passed
the Chinese Exclusion Act to prohibit their employment opportunities (Document
D)
 The People’s objection to Immigrants became so strong that a political party,
entitled the Know Nothing Party was created. In addition to this, the Union Labor
Party adopted a similar platform (Document F)
 While many Americans wanted to rid of Immigrants, others tied to the Moral
Reform Movement advocated Americanization through settlements like the Hull
House (Document G)
20.
Economic expansion in Gilded Age (see Documents Bank: “Post-Bellum
Western and Urban development”) Victor Rodin
Question:
How and why did economic expansion affect politics during the Gilded Age?
Thesis: Economic expansion during the Gilded age created a new age of political reform
because an increase in immigration coupled with industrialization created new rising
issues such as unions, trusts, and “free silver.”
Evidence:
1) Immigration:
 Between 1870 and 1920, almost 26 million people immigrated to the
United States
 Most of these immigrants settled in ethnic neighborhoods in cities,
creating large bodies of voters
 After 1880, most immigration consisted of Southern and Eastern
Europeans
 Most immigrants entered the work force as unskilled laborers, taking low
paying jobs
2) Unions
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Important unions during the time included The National Labor Union, The
Knights of Labor, and The American Federation of Labor
The Haymarket Riot dealt a major blow to unions when a bomb exploded
and killed people during a demonstration
Railroad Strikes during 1877 were not successful and President Hayes was
forced to send in federal troops
During the Pullman strike, President Clevland sent in troops to end the
strike and union leader Eugene Debs was sent to jail
3) Free silver
 William Jennings Bryan was first a Democrat and then a Populist and
supported the “Free Silver” platform
 The major parties did not support “Free Silver” because they feared a lack
of national support
4) Trust-busting
 Theodore Roosevelt was the first president to back unions over big
businesses
 Trust-busting legislature included the Sherman and Clayton Anti-Trust
Acts
 The Sherman Anti-Trust Act had loopholes that the Clayton Act attempted
to close.
21.
Woman’s movement c. 1895-1920 (see Documents Bank: “Graft, Reform and
Empire”) Rachel Dadonna
Question:
Assess the validity of this statement: Due to increased power in the “woman’s
sphere”, women’s political activity increased significantly throughout the United States
during the period of 1895-1920.
Thesis: Power in the “woman’s sphere” reemerged between 1895 and 1920 and led
to increased political activity due to activism in the women’s workforce because of
domestic authority that transferred to a public level.
Evidence:

Female reform in the 1830s: Female Reform Society, Temperance, Penitentiaries
and Asylums- spurred off of social reform in the Jacksonian era (See Ashley and
Mallika’s DBQs) and leads to a basis for social expansion during 1895-1920.
Also: Seneca Falls Convention, 1848.

Mechanization and the Changing Status of Labor: (Norton, 487) Industrialization
→ need for more workers → dramatic increase of women laborers → need for
women’s reform in the workplace → rise in women’s power. “Between 1880 and
1900, the numbers of employed women soared from 2.6 million to 8.6 million”
(Norton, 488).

Women Unionists: Ladies Garment Workers Union (ILGWU) leads the “Uprising
of 20,000” strike in NYC, 1909. Women dominate the Telephone Operators’
Department of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers union (note
irony).

Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA): Symbol of the increased
solidarity and independence of young women from men during the early 1900’s1920’s. Also: The rise of public women activists such as Alice Stone Blackwell
(Document F) and Carrie Chapman Catt (Document G) during the 1910’s.

Woman’s suffrage: the ultimate symbol of women’s success and independence
from men: by 1920, all states granted full women’s suffrage (Document A).
Roots of Populism (see Documents Bank: “Graft, Reform and Empire”)
Maria Alexander
Question: To what extent was the Populist agrarian class capitalistic in their response to
the politics and economic growth of the Gilded Age?
22.
Thesis Statement: The Populists were not capitalistic in their organized, political
response to the Gilded Age’s industrial growth, because of their call for free silver and
federal regulation and ownership of the economy.
Evidence:
 Gilded Age Issues
o Party patronage  Civil Service Reform (Pendleton Act 1881)
o Monetary debate (silver or gold)  Greenback Party, Panic of 1873,
Bland Alison Act 1878, Sherman Silver Purchase Act 1890, Panic of 1893
o Tariffs (high or low)  McKinley Tariff 1890
o Antitrust movement  Sherman Antitrust Act 1890

National Grange Movement 1870s
o Granger Laws  Railroad regulation (Munn v Illinois, Wabash v Illinois)
o Interstate Commerce Act & ICC 1887: “reasonable and just” railroad rates
(Alabama Midlands and Maximum Freight cases of 1890s)

Farmers’ Alliance 1880s
o Greater potential for political movement

Populist Party
o Ocala Platform 1890 and Omaha Platform 1892
 Free silver; Australian ballot; Initiative, referendum, recall; Direct
election of U.S. Senators; govt ownership of RR, telephone and
telegraphs; govt “sub-treasury” system (grain silos) to control farm
prices; new banking system regulated by federal govt
23.
Results of Progressivism (see Documents Bank: “Graft, Reform and Empire”)
Teresa Giblin
How and why did progressivism lead to a period of internal reform throughout the
early 1900’s?
Thesis:
Progressivism led to a period of internal reform by attracting politicians’ attention to
major social flaws due to the wide variety of social backgrounds of the activists involved.
Evidence:
1. In the early 20th century, women rallied for suffrage, and in 1920, the 19th
amendment was passed, granting women full voting rights.
2. Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Margaret Sanger organized the Seneca Falls
Convention for women’s rights after being discriminated during a abolitionist
convention.
3. Activists such as Upton Sinclair brought the unsanitary practices of meat packers
and the unregulated practices of drug manufacturers, thus causing the passing of
the Pure Food and Drug act.
4. A religious revival lead to believe in temperance due to the social malice that
alcohol caused such as the destruction of families and inability to hold a job.
5. The 18th amendment lead to a temporary ban on alcohol in December, 1919 due to
groups such as the anti-saloon league.
Imperialism (see Documents Bank: “Graft, Reform and Empire”) Laura
Underwood
Question: “How, why and to what extent did America become an imperial nation
between 1860 leading up to World War I?”
24.
Thesis: The United States became imperialistic as foreign policy changed, due to new
technologies and foreign economic crisis, by abandoning the Monroe Doctrine and using
“the civilizing impulse” as justification for U.S intervention.
Evidence:
1. Spanish-American-Cuba-Filipino War
a. American supported Cuba in their quest for independence from Spain.
b. McKinley believed that Spain should give up his colony
i. Teller Amendment: “disclaimed any U.S intention to annex Cuba
or control the island except to ensure its pacification.
c. McKinley remained in Cuba as he felt that they were not yet ready for
self-governing
d. America aided the Philippines in their revolution against Madrid.
e. Treaty of Paris 1898: America and Spain met and agreed on peace terms
1. Independence for Cuba from Spain
2. Cession of the Philippines, Puerto Rico, and Guam to the
U.S.
3. American payment of $20,000,000 to Spain for its
territories
2. Abandoning the Monroe Doctrine
a. Venezuelan Crisis of 1895: Venezuela and Britain were fighting over the
border between Venezuela, and the British territory, Guiana. The United
States intervened against the bullying Britain. The United States then
disregarded the Venezuelan people, and divided the disputed territory in
1896.
b. McKinley Tariff of 1890 and the Organic Act of 1900: The tariff created
an economic crisis for Hawaii because it undermined the original
government; it proclaimed a duty-free status of all Hawaiian-sugar
exports. Later, after Cleveland confirmed his belief that most Hawaiians
opposed the annexation being sought after (in response to the tariff), the
organic act was drafted. The Act, which was passed, proclaimed
Hawaiian’s American citizens who had the right to vote in elections.
c. Motives for war: McKinley said that it was a “humanitarian impulse to
stop the bloodletting, a concern for commerce and property…”
d. Seward:
i. sent troops to the border with Mexico to fight off the French
ii. Paid Russia for Alaska
iii. Claimed the Midway Islands
3. Policy in China
a. In 1895, Japan was victorious over China, Americans petitioned
Washington to interfere in china before they were closed out
b. Resumed the principal of Open Door- “ became an instrument first to pry
open markets and then to dominate them, not just in china but throughout
the world.” (Pg. 613, Norton)
4. Anti-Imperialist Sentiments (domestic) “ Offering liberty to the Cubans with
one hand, cramming liberty down the throats of the Filipinos with the other,
but with both feet plated firmly upon the neck of the Negro.”(Pg.609,
Norton).
a. Anti-Imperialistic League:
i. Stopped Seward’s mission to buy the Virgin Islands
5. “The Civilizing Impulse”
a. Missionaries in Africa and Asia: sought to bring civilization to these
“primitive” areas
6. Navalism: “ expansionists embraced navalism-the campaign to build an imperial
navy…they argued for a bigger, modernized navy adding the “blue water”
command of the seas…”(Pg.604, Norton).
a. The building up of a large navy to control foreign waters shows America’s
new imperial views.
Social and political impact of World War I (see Documents Bank: “World
War I, 20’s and Depression) Meghan McCormick
Question: WWI showed a decline in political idealism and had social implications
for labor, immigrants, women and African Americans because war blended
distinctions between sexes and classes while fostering hatred for the “enemy” race.
Asses the validity of this statement.
25.
Thesis: Although women and labor gained more equality due to their wartime
contributions, the horrors of WWI caused a decline in idealism, racism and antiimmigrant sentiment as people wanted to blame the “enemy” for their losses.
 Decline in Idealism
o Rejection of the League of Nations
o Lodge’s Reservations
o “Return to Normalcy”
o “Death” of Progressivism
 Women’s Equality
o Flapper culture
o Passing of the 19th amendment
 Racism
o Revival of the KKK
 Anti- Immigrant Sentiment
o Sacco and Venzetti
o Nativists
o Espionage Acts
o Reduction of European immigrants to U.S.
 Labor Equality
o Heavy industry was developed during the war increasing factory jobs
o Labor could bargain more easily
o Fair Labor Standards Act
“Return to Normalcy?”—society in the 1920’s (see Documents Bank: “World
War I, 20’s and Depression) Addie Johnston
The society of the 1920’s showed a return to conformity after the
revolutionary entrance of the US into World War I. Assess the validity of this
statement.
26.
Thesis:
Although consumerism created an increasingly homogeneous nation, American
society diversified because racial, ethnic and gender struggles for equality challenged
white supremacy and through progressive reform legislation forever altered society.
Evidence:
1. Conformity – mass production and consumerism; an increase in competition
drove down prices on commodities (i.e. cars – Model T Ford by 1926 was less
than $300, transforming cars from a luxury to a necessity [Norton]). Clothes
became a form of self-expression (new, brighter colors and untraditional styles)
showing a lack of conformity and a turn away from “normalcy” resulting from
industrialization.
2. Racial Struggle: Indians – rejected the “return to normalcy”
a. Indian Rights/Defense Associations – worked to get justice and social
services although they still retained their traditional, cultural attachment to
land and wouldn’t migrate to cities. Document E (Indian Citizenship Act
of 1924) = a legislative reform showing a new turn in society away from
old Indian policy.
3. Gender Struggle: Women – rejection of conformity
a. Document H (Excerpt from “The Blue Book”, 1917) was part of the
women’s suffrage movement that succeeded in extending the vote to
women in 1920.
b. New tactics – lobbying legislators, publicized their causes. The Cable Act
of 1922 allowed women to retain their US citizenship if they married a
foreigner.
c. Cars gave women a new independence as well as new responsibilities
(family shopper, childrens’ chauffeur, etc.).
4. Immigration: Latin America
a. Kept traditional customs and values. I.e. Puerto Ricans in NYC settled in
barrios (essentially replanting thus introducing new cultural influences)
and set up bodegas (social organizations).
5. Racial, Ethnic Struggles: a return to “normal” prejudices as well as a new
acceptance
a. Sacco/Vanzetti Supreme Court Case – two Italians charged with murder;
although evidence failed to prove guilt, the judge sided with the
prosecution, sentencing their execution (“normal” stigma against
immigrants). Document F (Walter Lippmann) shows a new acceptance of
the diverse face of America, as citizens took the side of Sacco/Vanzetti.
b. Reemergence of the KKK – Document G is an excerpt from their
Membership Requirements. Lasting racial hatred (return to “normalcy”.
c. New political views that veered away from conventional American
thought. Socialist and communist groups emerged – Document C
(Workers Party Platform) – challenging capitalism.
d. A new racial integration seen in Document D (Cotton Club).
e. Harlem Renaissance, The Jazz Age (the 1920’s) – African American
literature, music and art took a commanding role in shaping American
culture.
social effects of the Great Depression (see Documents Bank: “World War I,
20’s and Depression”) Erin Espe
Question: How and why did government intervention in the everyday lives of the
American people change throughout the period of the Great Depression?
27.
Use the documents and your knowledge of the period 1928-1940 to construct your essay.
Thesis: Government intervention greatly increased from 1928-1940 through presidential
support and legislation because people realized a lassez-faire approach would fail as a
means to counter the effects of the Great Depression.
Evidence:
 In 1928, President Herbert Hoover spoke about “rugged individualism”, and
believed that if the government were to become too hands-on, this sense of
American workmanship would die down; therefore, if the government remains
hands-off, the depression would work itself out (Doc A).
 President Franklin D. Roosevelt believed that “one of the duties of the stat is that
of caring for those citizens who find themselves the victims of such adverse
circumstances…” – he believed in an increased role for the government. (Doc B)
 In 1933, the National Industrial Recovery Act was employed, and stated “it is a
policy of Congress to remove obstructions to the free flow of interstate and
foreign commerce which tend to diminish the amount thereof”.
 In 1935, the Social Security Act was adapted, where the state governments are
given federal funds to “make more adequate provision for” people in need of aid.
 The WPA took it upon themselves to “Americanize” immigrants through Literacy
and Americanization classes; the government was concerned with the social lives
of its people (Doc H).
political effects of the Great Depression (see Documents Bank: “World War I,
20’s and Depression”) Kelsey Platt
Question: Documents A-H reveal political actions taken in response to the Great
Depression (1929-41). Using the documents and your knowledge of the period, (a)
address how and why federal power expanded during the time period, and (b) evaluate
the success and necessity of political measures taken.
28.
Thesis:
Despite Supreme Court opposition, Roosevelt pragmatically demonstrated liberal
means to achieve conservative ends, immensely expanding federal power through the
abandonment of laissez-faire policies, which proved necessary to enact mildly successful
reforms after the Depression.
Evidence:
 Necessary and Mildly Successful Reforms
 Agricultural Adjustment Act and Farm Credit ActHelped limit crop production and buy surpluses
 Tennessee Valley AuthorityBrought electricity to the poverty stricken South
 Federal Emergency Relief Administration in 1933, Civil Works
Administration, Civil Conservation Corps, and Public Works
AdministrationProvide work opportunities and “relief” for the unemployed
 Abandonment of laissez-faire
 Emergency Banking Relief ActReopened solvent banks
 National Industry Recovery Act and National Recovery
AdministrationRegulated competition and held industry wide “codes” to stabilize
prices and wages
 Social Security Act (1935)Provided pensions and welfare for the American people

Supreme Court Opposition
 United States v. ButlerDeemed AAA unconstitutional
 Schechter v. United StatesSupreme Court under the leadership of Charles Evan Hughes ruled
the NRA unconstitutional
 Judicial Reorganization Bill (1937)Roosevelt’s attempt to appoint new judges that would be more
inclined to accept his policies
“Isolationism” (see Documents Bank: “Isolationism and War: Cold War at
Home and Abroad”—see also WW I documents bank) Rachel Vass
How and why did United states Progress in both foreign and domestic policies
during a presumably isolationist period?
29.
Thesis:
Because America’s National Security proved to be at high risk through the creation of the
Atomic Bomb and threat of nuclear war, America overcame isolationism and took on
realistic and policies of national involvement.
Evidence:
-US pulls out from Versailles treaty- (1919) congress refuses to ratify treaty…
Monroe doctrine… no permanent entanglement
- Good Neighbor Policy (1936)- try to deal more fairly with Latin America—
withdraw troops from Nicuragua, Cuba, etc; modifies Roosevelt Corollary to Monroe
Doctrine
-Neutrality Acts (1935-1941)- US fear of foreigners causes congress to limit
immigration and make stricter laws and requirements to obtain citizenship as an
immigrant.
-Lend-Lease Act (1941)- US “lends” weapons with a disposable fate, free of charge,
to allies in Great Britian and others to ensure homeland security without having to
physically enter the war.
-Japanese Bomb Pearl Harbor Naval base (December 7, 1941)- Put real fears in
American people bbecuase it was an attack so close to their homeland and it took the
country off guard.
- US Drop atomic bomb on Hiroshima and Nagaski on August 6, 1945 in retaliation.
We officially enter the war.
Military impact of WW II (see Documents Bank: “Isolationism and War: Cold
War at Home and Abroad”) Will Oldfather
Question:
Explain how and why the U.S. decision to enter into World War II
affected the U.S. military and vaulted the country into the position of foremost world
power, setting the stage for the Cold War arms race.
30.
Thesis:
The U.S.’s entry into WWII had a large impact because it swung the tide
of the war, changed U.S. foreign policy and revamped the economy by ending
isolationism and increasing the production of military goods.
Evidence:
 The United States were able to combat Japan and keep them out of the European
Theater while the rest of the Allied Powers struggled with Germany’s army
 The “Europe First” strategy aided the Allies, and in the fight over North Africa,
the United States allowed the Allies to surround and force a retreat from Rommel
 United States began development of an atomic bomb with the Manhattan Project
to race Germany and the Soviets, and became the first country to use it on August
6, 1945
 In 1939 the U.S. Army ranked 45th in the world in terms of size, but after the war
it was the most powerful nation in the world
 Entered America onto world stage, erasing League of Nations sentiments after
American refusal to join, and helped to restore prosperity to Europe by mediating
peacetime negotiations and instituting the Truman Doctrine and Marshall Plan
Social impact of WW II (see Documents Bank: “Isolationism and War: Cold
War at Home and Abroad”) Jessie Small
[Question]: The Second World War was the impetus for social issues which stripped
Americans of civil liberties and opened up a new work arena for women.
31.
Assess the validity of this statement, in the light of your knowledge of the social
issues between 1941 and 1948.
Thesis: World War II led to the limitation of civil liberties to prevent potential threats on
America, and offered a work arena for women because the lack of men during wartime
increased opportunity outside the home.
Women
- Executive Order No. 8802- prohibited discrimination in war industries and in
the government, thus allowing women to take on jobs
- Women played an important role in the production front
- “Rosie the Riveter”-> an inspiring image
- Number of women working increased by 57%
- 7,000,000 women moved to war-production areas
- Baby boom
Civil Liberties taken away
- Labor Disputes (Smith-Connally) Act- gave the president authority to seize and
operate any strike-bound plant deemed necessary to national security
- Alien Registration (Smith) Act (1940)- made it unlawful to advocate the
overthrow of the US government by force or violence or join organizations
that did so
- The Internment of Japanese Americans
- Japanese living in California, Oregon, and Washington were forced to move
to “relocation centers”
- Korematsu v. US(1944)- Supreme Court upheld government’s action
Segregated Military- US military segregated by race because didn’t want to
worry about racial conflicts because had to defeat axis powers first
Racial Conflicts
- More opportunities available for home-front Americans, people of different
backgrounds moving to the cities
- Confrontation of different types of people through migration led to
widespread racism
- Zoot Suit Riots- City of Los Angeles outlawed zoot suits and arrested men who
wore them
-
32.
Foreign policy impact of WW II (see Documents Bank: “Isolationism and
War: Cold War at Home and Abroad”) Spencer Squire
Question: How and why did emergence of the Soviet Union and the United States as
the two competing world powers following World War Two impact United State’s
foreign policy?
Thesis: Due to the ideological split between a defensive Russia and an expansionistic
United States, the US began a policy of containment, backed by both military and
financial support for countries threatened by communism.
Evidence #1: Russia wanted to prevent a third invasion of their relatively
defenseless country where as the US wanted to take advantage of the newly
decolonized countries as markets for their goods.
Evidence #2: The ideological split (Communism vs. Capitalism), Stalin’s
xenophobia, and Truman’s tough stance impeded the path of compromise leading to
a policy of containment as proposed in Kennan’s Long Telegram.
Evidence #3: The Truman Doctrine declared support for free people who resist
control by armed minorities or outside pressure after Britain asked for help in
defending the Grecian government.
Evidence #4: US created the Marshall plan to reconstruct Europe to create support
for capitalism and passed the National Security Act which created The Secretary of
Defense, the National Security Council, and the Central Intelligence Agency.
Evidence #5: US created the North Atlantic Treaty Organization to unite other
countries against communism (an attack on one is an attack on all) and sent troops
to South Korea, placed Bao Dai in power in South Vietnam (to be later replaced by
Ngo Dinh Diem), and withdrew support for the Aswan Dam but later forced the
British, French, and Israeli troops to withdraw from Egypt.
33.
Cold War foreign policy (see Documents Bank: “Isolationism and War: Cold
War at Home and Abroad”—see also “America at the Crossroads”) Nantale
Nsbirwa
Question: “Because of a growing power struggle between the world’s two strongest
countries, the Soviet Union and the United States, a rising fear of Communist expansion
and a potential nuclear war, for the United State’s own protection, the nation became
more involved in foreign affairs, abandoning its policy of isolationism.” Asses the
validity of this statement in light of your knowledge of this period between the years
1945-1961; regarding U.S. participation in the Cold War.
Thesis: The United States changed its foreign policy from isolationism to complete
participation because of the increasing power struggle between itself and the Soviet
Union, its fear of Communism, and fear of a nuclear war.
Evidence:
-
Federal financial aid to the Eastern Hemisphere
o The Truman Doctrine was designed to give 400 million dollars to Greece
and Turkey to prevent them from welcoming Communism during
Europe’s reconstruction.
o The Marshall Plan gave 12.7 billion dollars to aid in Western Europe’s
reconstruction.
-
The National Security Act
o Created the Department of Defense and the CIA
o Expanded the military and increased military spending to prepare for a
potential nuclear war.
-
NATO
o A collective defense system between North America and a collection of
Western European countries that supported the North Atlantic Treaty
creating permanent entangling alliances. (1949)
-
The Twin Shocks
o When the Soviets detonated their first atomic bomb, Truman detonated
the world’s first hydrogen bomb to demonstrate America’s might.
-
Berlin Blockade and Airlift
o Truman airlifted food and fuel to Berlin when the Soviets blockaded land
access to Berlin, supporting America’s promise to prevent the spread of
Communism.
34.
Cold War domestic issues (see Documents Bank: “Isolationism and War: Cold
War at Home and Abroad”) Cameron Seiber
Question: “In response to Cold War comparisons between Soviet and American society,
US domestic policy changed to one of reform in order to fend off Soviet attacks on
American society.”
Thesis: In order to counter Soviet attacks on American society that could damage the US
internationally, American officials reformed US domestic policy by giving rights to
people of color, condemning unions and supporting aid for education.
Evidence:
Change from Black Codes and limited voting rights before the Cold War
to Civil Rights acceptance:
- 1949 – Truman’s Fair Deal is dismantled because of the amount of Federal
“socialist aid” it attempted to give out. (Universal Health Insurance, Federal Aid
for Education, Civil Rights “anti-lynching” legislation)
Later: It becomes apparent that lack of equality for all is hurting the United States on
the world stage:
- G. L. Mehta Incident in 1955 in which the Indian Ambassador could not receive
service in Houston International Airport, leading John Foster Dulles to declare
racial discrimination, “a major international hazard.”
o Us Attorney General called for desegregation of the schools because
segregation “furnished grist for the Communist Propaganda Mills.” (Leads
to support of Brown Vs. Board of Education in 1954)
- 1964 – Civil Rights Act guarantees legal equality
Change from support of unions to condemning them:
- 1935 – National Labor Relations Act (Wagner Act) supports the rights of
collective bargaining and Unions and outlawed “unfair labor policies”
- 1946 – Taft Hartley Act- outlaws “closed shops” or shops or businesses that only
hire Union workers. It is against Soviet idea of United workers
Education: Change to support of math and science to counter the soviets:
- Fair Deal Federal aid for education in 1949 did not pass through congress
- 1958 – Eisenhower’s National Defense Education Act quickly receives support
and funding
Environmental and Consumer Activism (see Documents Bank: “America at
the Crossroads: the Sixties to the Present”) Logan Greer
[Question]: Assess the validity of the following statement:
“Environmental Activism in the 1960’s reflected the revolutionary attitudes of
the era” (Period 1960-`1975)
35.
Thesis: Environmental Activism reflected the social and political attitudes of the
1960’s and 1970’s, because Johnson’s Great Society, Anti-war Protest, and the Civil
Rights Movement, gave the public power to change and question the status quo.
Background Evidence (Prior to 1960)
Environmental Degradation (accompanying economic growth 1950’s)
1. New consumer Society of 1950’s,
2. Plastics and cheap products, newly developed to cut costs, were not
biodegradable,
3. Rapid Middle class Growth,
4. Sub urbanization, relying on the automobile’s ability to transport American
citizens into urban centers
Evidence:
1. Johnson supports preservation legislation. Lady Bird Johnson wages war on
billboards and junkyards along interstate highways.
2. 1962-Rachel Carson indicts DDT for the deaths of mammals, birds and fish
3. Water Quality Act, Air Quality Act, Clean Water Restoration Act (19651966)
4. 1969 Oil spill in Santa Barbara, California; Cuyahoga River catches fire in
1969
5. Oil Embargo, energy crisis 1970’s (Recognition that earth’s resources finite)
6. Public environmental activism in 70’s, Environmental Protection Agency
1970 (18 major laws enacted by congress)
7. Earth Day April 22, 1970
8. Barry Commoner “The present course of environmental degradation..is so
serious, that, if continued, it will destroy the capability of the environment to
support a reasonably civilized human society.”
The Civil Right Movement (see Documents Bank: “America at the
Crossroads: the Sixties to the Present”—see also “Cold War at Home”)
Andrew Nassau
During the Civil Rights Movement, the black community was divided between the
use Non-violent protests versus standing up against the oppression. To what extent
were both of these methods able to achieve their goals?
36.
1946-1966
Although the violent Black Power achieved few of its goals through publicity, terror and
violence, they did compliment the non-violent movement, which through communal
support and faith was able to achieve all of its goals.
-Student Nonviolent Coordinating Communittee (SNCC) was created in 1960. However,
in 1965 it kicked out all white members and decided it needed to “stand up and take
over”.
-Key Phrases: Emmett Till, Little Rock Nine, Montgomery Bus Boycott, Freedom Rides,
SNCC, and SCLC.
-1954 was Brown vs. Board of Education of Topeka
-Race Riots occurred from 1965 to 68 in much the same fashion as they did in France in
2005
-The Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Voting Rights Act of 1965 LEGALLY ended
discrimination.
Duality of protest can be tied into the Revolution, when the upper class mainly had nonviolent and demonstrative protests, while the rabble had violent and fiery protests.
37.
The Woman’s Rights Movement (see Documents Bank: “America at the
Crossroads: the Sixties to the Present”) Trina Long
[Question]: How, why, and to what degree was the Woman’s Rights Movement
successful in achieving equality for women in the 1960s and 1970’s?
Thesis: Women made great strides in achieving equality and received more rights under
law by joining together and radically fighting for their cause, but did not fully succeed
legally and met a good deal of opposition.
Evidence:
1. In 1972 Congress approved the Equal Rights Amendment stating that the
“equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United
States or by any State on account of sex” (Norton p.865).
2. Congress also passed Title IX of the Higher Education Act preventing funds from
entering colleges or universities that discriminated against women. As a result
more money went to women’s causes, namely sports.
3. In 1973 the Supreme Court decided in Roe v. Wade that women have the right to
make choices about their pregnancies.
4. Women became more active in religious communities and a greater percent of
women attended universities and got degrees in law and medicine.
5. Opposition to the Women’s Rights Movement existed, even from a large number
of women. Women and many men felt that the movement threatened gender
roles. The STOP-ERA movement led by Phyllis Schlafly opposed the movement
for rights and prevented the Equal Rights Amendment from being ratified, so that
it expired in 1982. Many black women also felt that the movement was a “white”
movement that took time away from gaining rights for blacks.
Vietnam (see Documents Bank: “America at the Crossroads: the Sixties to the
Present”) Ross Godick
1. [Question]: Asses the validity of the following statement. Lyndon B. Johnson’s
continued support of the war in Vietnam was necessary in light of foreign political
alignments and his preoccupation with it deterred him from achieving his liberal
“Great Society” goals at home.
38.
Thesis
Johnson was unable to fully achieve the social and economic goals of his “Great
Society” because of the proven threat to the US by Vietnam, thus emphasizing foreign
affairs over his domestic agenda.
Evidence
1- 1964 Commencement Address at the University of Michigan Johnson stressed his
vision for the new US. He foresaw, “ abundance and liberty for all… demanding
an end to poverty and racial injustice. This shows Johnson’s desire to end the
inequality that plagued the United States and thereby make it one of his top
priorities.
2- Civil Rights Act 1964- ended legal discrimination on the basis of race, color,
religion, national origin, and sex in federal programs, voting, unemployment, and
public accommodation. Shows he did vehemently try to promote his “Great
Society” early on in his term before truly committing all his time and national
focus to Vietnam.
3- Johnson saw the world in, “simple, bipolar terms-them against us- and he saw a
lot of them.” Johnson saw that in order to protect the United States from possible
communism he needed to work actively to protect his country. By the early 1960s
the situation in Vietnam had escalated with “Ho Chi Minh’s North assisting
Vietcong guerrillas in the South.” Attack on Tonkin Gulf fortified Johnson’s need
to intervene and the resulting Tonkin Gulf Resolutions “opened the floodgates”
which eventually took much of the focus from his domestic agenda.
4- Northern response to the new Civil Rights Act showed the large dissatisfaction
within white society. White officer shot a black teenager in Harlem and numerous
riots occurred between whites and blacks.
-The Black Panther Party, “blending black separatism and revolutionary
communism, dedicated themselves to destroying both capitalism and the military
arms of the oppressors.”
-Malcolm X urged blacks so seize freedom “by any means necessary.”
5- In 1964 only 23,300 troops in Vietnam, but by 1968-69 that number had reached
536,100. The war truly escalated at a frantic pace therefore adding to the need for total
government support and focus. Many other countries also under communist influence:
China, USSR. Ect.
39.
Watergate (see Documents Bank: “America at the Crossroads: the Sixties to
the Present”) Cliff Satell
Question: “The Watergate affair proved to be the culminating event that ended the
dominance of the executive branch, and led to an ‘increased level of cynicism about
politics’”. (http://www.watergate.info/aftermath/)
Asses the validity of this statement using the documents and your knowledge of the
period from 1968-1975 to construct your essay.
THESIS: Following the Watergate fiasco and concurrent strife over Vietnam, the
American people lost faith in the executive branch, marking the end of an
unprecedented period of government growth that had existed since WWII.

Vietnam
o Nixon continued war…increasing troop levels to nearly half a million
o Cambodian Incursion: shocked Americans’ morality; hurt Nixon’s
credibility and popularity
o Pentagon Papers: leaked from Pentagon in 1971 in NY Times and
Washington Post; showed US intent for war well before Tonkin Gulf
o War Powers Resolution: greatly reduced executive power by limiting the
President’s ability to commit troops (must have statutory authority,
declaration of war, or imminent threat to the US) “…The President in
every possible instance shall consult with Congress before introducing
United States Armed Forces into hostilities…”

Watergate
o Nixon recorded all his conversations and telephone calls, and is heard on
tape conspiring with top aids the deceit necessary for the Watergate
cover-up
o Woodward and Bernstein: Washington Post writers who uncovered the
Watergate scandal with the help of Deapthroat, a mysterious Washington
insider, now known to be Mark Felt, the number two man at the FBI
o Impeachment: articles of impeachment drawn up in 1974, alleging
conspiracy, obstruction, perjury, and other covert activities
 Nixon resigns before impeachment, Gerald Ford pardons him