US History II

An Interpretive History of Life in America, 1877-1989

Exam Review

UNIT 2 EXAM:  "The Progressive Era" -- 1896-1920

Multiple Choice -- 40%  [NOTE:  See quizzes and notes for lecture and textbook subjects.]

Essay -- 60%

Answer one (1) of the following questions with an extended essay that draws upon class lectures and assigned readings.  Be sure to answer all parts of the question you select

[NOTE:  One your exam, two of the questions will be selected.  You will answer one.]

1.    Why did some Americans believe expansion would solve domestic social and economic problems?
       [HINT:  Trace the origins of the search for a “new empire”.]

Address each of the following questions with at least one paragraph for each as you answer the question above.

• What led to the sense of social crisis in America in the 1890s?
• Where should America expand to and why?
• Did everyone agree with this prescription for success?
• How did the United States expand in 1898?
• What did the United States do with its New Empire?

 Be sure to give examples.  Remember to define your terms.

2.    How did Americans respond to life in urban America?
       [Hint:  Explain Victorian Era gender notions.]

Address each of the following questions with at least one paragraph for each as you answer the question above.

• Why did Americans want to preserve the lifestyle of “island communities?”
• What did “new immigrants” find in American cities?
• How did leisure time reflect the new mass culture?
• Why did women join Anti-Saloon leagues?
• Why did some want to break the power of political machines?

Be sure to give examples.  Remember to define your terms.

3.    How did Progressives seek to humanize the effects of “progress”?
       [HINT:   What did the “social question” mean at that time?]

Address each of the following questions with at least one paragraph for each as you answer the question above.

• Why did Progressives have such faith in “progress?”
• How did fear of "impurity" shape reform?
• Why did they attack trusts?
• How did the Progressive Era change local, state, and federal government in the United States?
• Why did the Progressive movement end?

Be sure to give examples.  Remember to define your terms.

4.    How did the paradoxical entry of the United States into World War I represent the extension of Progressivism abroad?
       [HINT:  What led to war in Europe in 1914?]

Address each of the following questions with at least one paragraph for each as you answer the question above.

• Why were Americans so adamant about remaining out of the war?
• How did the war in Europe expand the Great Migrations?
• Why did Americans respond so enthusiastically to United States entry in 1917?
• What military tactics and technological advances ended the stalemate?
• Why were Wilson's Fourteen Points doomed to fail?

Be sure to give examples.  Remember to define your terms.

5.    Why did the philosophy of government change during the Progressive Era?
       [HINT:  Why did more Americans believe in the general welfare state?]

Address each of the following questions with at least one paragraph for each as you answer the question above.

• How did Teddy Roosevelt view the office of the president?
• Who was the real “trustbuster” and why?
• Why did Woodrow Wilson win in 1912?
• Why did Wilson believe experts should lead government?
• Whe were Wilson's 14 points doomed to fail?

Be sure to give examples.  Remember to define your terms.

NOTE:  Use your Blue Book to write your essay.  Material written on the test sheet will NOT be considered.  Stay cool and keep moving.

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