Home APUSH Chapter 17 Amsco Apush Notes

Chapter 17 Amsco Apush Notes

April 1, 2024

Chapter 17 AMSCO APUSH Notes embarks on a captivating journey through the annals of history, inviting you to delve into the transformative events that shaped the 20th century. From the depths of the Great Depression to the tumultuous rise of fascism and the cataclysmic conflict of World War II, this chapter unravels a tapestry of human experience that continues to resonate in our present.

As we navigate this historical landscape, we will explore the causes and consequences of the Great Depression, examining its profound impact on American society and the New Deal policies enacted to mitigate its devastating effects. We will delve into the ideologies of fascism and Nazism, tracing their ascent in Europe and analyzing the factors that fueled their popularity.

Overview of Chapter 17

Chapter 17 of the AMSCO APUSH textbook focuses on the transformative period of the United States from the end of the Civil War to the beginning of the 20th century. This chapter explores the major themes of Reconstruction, industrialization, urbanization, immigration, and the emergence of the United States as a world power.

Key events and developments discussed in this chapter include the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, the ratification of the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments, the rise of the Ku Klux Klan, the Compromise of 1877, the completion of the transcontinental railroad, the growth of cities, the influx of immigrants from Europe and Asia, the Spanish-American War, and the acquisition of overseas territories.

The Great Depression

The Great Depression, a devastating global economic crisis, hit the United States with unprecedented force, leaving an indelible mark on the nation’s society, economy, and politics. This catastrophic event, spanning from 1929 to the late 1930s, brought widespread unemployment, poverty, and social unrest.

The roots of the Depression can be traced to a combination of factors, including the unregulated stock market speculation during the Roaring Twenties, the overproduction of goods, and the collapse of international trade. The stock market crash of 1929, known as Black Tuesday, triggered a chain reaction that crippled the financial system and led to widespread bank failures.

The consequences of the Great Depression were far-reaching and severe. Unemployment skyrocketed, reaching nearly 25% at its peak. Millions of Americans lost their jobs, homes, and savings, plunging the nation into poverty and despair. The economic crisis had a devastating impact on businesses, industries, and agriculture, leading to widespread bankruptcies and foreclosures.

Social Impact

The Great Depression had a profound impact on American society. The widespread unemployment and poverty led to a decline in living standards and an increase in social unrest. People lost faith in the government and the economic system, and many turned to radical ideologies.

  • Increased crime rates, as desperate individuals resorted to illegal activities to survive.
  • Homelessness and shantytowns, known as “Hoovervilles,” emerged as millions lost their homes.
  • Increased social tensions, as the gap between the wealthy and the poor widened.

Economic Impact

The Great Depression devastated the American economy. The collapse of the stock market and the banking system led to a loss of confidence in the financial system. Businesses closed, investment dried up, and trade declined.

  • Massive unemployment, reaching nearly 25% at its peak.
  • Bank failures and the loss of savings, leading to a decline in consumer spending.
  • Decline in industrial production, construction, and agriculture.

Political Impact

The Great Depression had a significant impact on American politics. The public’s dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of the crisis led to the election of Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1932. Roosevelt’s New Deal policies aimed to provide relief, recovery, and reform.

  • Election of Franklin D. Roosevelt, who promised a “New Deal” for the American people.
  • Increased government intervention in the economy, through programs such as the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and the Works Progress Administration (WPA).
  • Social Security Act, providing a safety net for the elderly, unemployed, and disabled.

The Rise of Fascism and Nazism: Chapter 17 Amsco Apush Notes

Fascism and Nazism, two ideologies that emerged in the interwar period, shared several characteristics, including a belief in the superiority of the nation, a strong leader, and a rejection of democracy and liberalism. Both ideologies also glorified violence and aggression as means of achieving their goals.

Fascism

Fascism, which originated in Italy under Benito Mussolini, emphasized the importance of the state and the need for a strong leader to guide the nation. Fascists believed that the individual should subordinate their own interests to the interests of the state and that the state should have absolute authority over all aspects of society.

Chapter 17 of the AMSCO APUSH notes delves into the complexities of the ancient world. To enhance your understanding of this era, we recommend exploring the ancient near east map quiz . This interactive tool will test your knowledge of the region’s geography, helping you visualize the interconnectedness of ancient civilizations.

By engaging with this quiz, you can reinforce your understanding of Chapter 17 and gain a deeper appreciation for the historical context.

Nazism

Nazism, which emerged in Germany under Adolf Hitler, was a more extreme form of fascism that incorporated elements of racism and anti-Semitism. Nazis believed that the Aryan race was superior to all other races and that Jews were a threat to the German nation.

They sought to create a racially pure German state through policies of persecution and genocide.

Factors Contributing to the Popularity of Fascism and Nazism

The rise of fascism and Nazism was fueled by a number of factors, including the economic and political instability of the interwar period. The Great Depression caused widespread unemployment and poverty, which created a fertile ground for the spread of radical ideologies.

Additionally, the failure of the League of Nations to prevent the outbreak of World War II and the subsequent chaos and violence that ensued undermined faith in democracy and liberalism.

World War II

World War II, also known as the Second World War, was a global conflict that lasted from 1939 to

1945. It involved the vast majority of the world’s countries—including all of the great powers—forming two opposing military alliances

the Allies and the Axis powers. In a state of total war, directly involving more than 100 million personnel from more than 30 countries, the major participants threw their entire economic, industrial, and scientific capabilities behind the war effort, blurring the distinction between civilian and military resources.

World War II was the deadliest conflict in human history, marked by 50 to 85 million fatalities, most of whom were civilians in the Soviet Union and China. Tens of millions of people died due to genocides (including the Holocaust), premeditated death from starvation, massacres, and disease.

Aircraft played a major role in the conflict, including in the strategic bombing of population centers, the development of nuclear weapons, and the only two uses of such in war.

Causes of World War II

The causes of World War II are complex and multifaceted, but some of the key factors include:

  • The Treaty of Versailles, which ended World War I, was widely seen as unfair and punitive, and it left Germany feeling humiliated and resentful.
  • The rise of fascism and Nazism in Europe, which promoted aggressive nationalism and expansionism.
  • The failure of the League of Nations to prevent aggression and maintain peace.
  • The global economic crisis of the 1930s, which led to widespread unemployment and poverty.

Outbreak of World War II, Chapter 17 amsco apush notes

World War II began on September 1, 1939, when Germany invaded Poland. Great Britain and France, which had pledged to protect Poland, declared war on Germany two days later. The war quickly spread to other parts of Europe, and by 1941, it had become a global conflict.

Major Battles and Events of the War

The major battles and events of World War II include:

  • The Battle of Britain (1940): A major air battle between the Royal Air Force and the German Luftwaffe.
  • The invasion of the Soviet Union (1941): A massive German invasion that led to the deaths of millions of Soviet soldiers and civilians.
  • The attack on Pearl Harbor (1941): A surprise attack by the Japanese on the US naval base in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
  • The Battle of Midway (1942): A major naval battle that turned the tide of the war in the Pacific.
  • The D-Day landings (1944): A massive Allied invasion of Normandy, France.
  • The Battle of the Bulge (1944-1945): A major German offensive in the Ardennes Forest.
  • The atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki (1945): The only two uses of nuclear weapons in war.

Impact of the War on the United States and the World

World War II had a profound impact on the United States and the world. The war led to the deaths of millions of people, the destruction of cities, and the displacement of millions more. The war also led to the rise of the United States as a global superpower and the decline of European colonialism.The

war also had a significant impact on the development of technology. The war led to the development of new weapons, such as the atomic bomb, and new technologies, such as radar and jet engines. The war also led to the development of new medical technologies, such as penicillin and blood transfusions.The

war also had a significant impact on the arts and culture. The war led to the development of new art forms, such as abstract expressionism, and new genres of literature, such as war literature. The war also led to the development of new forms of music, such as jazz and rock and roll.World

War II was a major turning point in history. The war led to the end of European colonialism, the rise of the United States as a global superpower, and the development of new technologies and art forms. The war also had a profound impact on the lives of millions of people around the world.

The Cold War

The Cold War was a period of intense political and military tension between the United States and the Soviet Union and their respective allies. It began after the Second World War and lasted until the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.The

Cold War originated from a combination of factors, including ideological differences between the two superpowers, the Soviet Union’s expansionism, and the United States’ desire to contain communism. The major events and conflicts of the Cold War included the Berlin Wall, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the Vietnam War.The

Cold War had a profound impact on the United States and the world. It led to an arms race, the development of nuclear weapons, and the creation of the United Nations. It also shaped the political, economic, and cultural landscape of the world.

Origins and Causes

The Cold War emerged from the aftermath of World War II, where tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union escalated over ideological and geopolitical differences. The Soviet Union, led by Joseph Stalin, aimed to spread communism globally, while the United States, under President Harry Truman, sought to contain Soviet influence and promote democracy.

Major Events and Conflicts

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-*Berlin Wall (1961)

East Germany constructed a wall dividing Berlin, symbolizing the ideological and physical separation between the Soviet bloc and the West.

  • -*Cuban Missile Crisis (1962)

    A Soviet attempt to install nuclear missiles in Cuba brought the world to the brink of nuclear war, forcing a resolution through diplomacy.

  • -*Vietnam War (1954-1975)

    A proxy war between the United States and the Soviet Union, where the U.S. supported South Vietnam against the communist North Vietnam, resulting in a costly and divisive conflict.

Impact

The Cold War profoundly shaped the United States and the world:*

-*Arms Race and Nuclear Weapons

The Cold War fueled an intense arms race, leading to the development of nuclear weapons and the threat of mutually assured destruction (MAD).

  • -*United Nations

    The Cold War played a significant role in the establishment of the United Nations as a forum for international diplomacy and cooperation.

  • -*Political and Cultural Divide

    The Cold War created a global ideological divide, influencing political systems, cultural norms, and international relations.

Top FAQs

What is the main focus of Chapter 17 AMSCO APUSH Notes?

Chapter 17 focuses on the major events and developments of the 20th century, including the Great Depression, the rise of fascism and Nazism, World War II, and the Cold War.

What are the key themes explored in Chapter 17?

Chapter 17 explores themes such as economic crisis, political extremism, global conflict, and the Cold War’s impact on American society and foreign policy.