The American Nation:  Civil War to the present

8th grade Social Studies

Chapter 18: Reconstruction and the Changing South

After the Civil War, rebuilding the ruined South was a tremendous job. Just as troubling was the task of bringing the former Confederate states back into the Union. Should southerners who had fought against the United States government be welcomed back or treated harshly? How could the nation protect the newly won rights of freed African Americans?

During a period called Reconstruction, North and South slowly reunited. At the same time, the economy of the South slowly recovered, and African Americans in the South gained several important rights and freedoms. However, in the years following Reconstruction, many of these rights were lost.

Unit 6:  Transforming the Nation

Chapter 19: The New Nation (1865-1914)

After the Civil War, settlers flooded the West. Miners sought gold and silver. Railroad builders spanned the continent with rail lines. Ranchers raised great herds of cattle. Farmers changed grasslands into fields of wheat and corn. As these westerners gained political influence, they urged government leaders to address their needs and concerns.

Native Americans, meanwhile, were driven from their homelands. They struggled to keep their way of life. In the end, however, they were defeated. On reservations, they were forced to learn new ways. Native Americans suffered greatly from the changes that swept the West.

Chapter 20: Industrial Growth (1865-1914)

After the Civil War, American industry boomed. One reason for this tremendous growth was the rapid increase in the number of railways in the nation. Shrewd, energetic (and sometimes ruthless) business leaders created vast companies. A constant stream of new inventions also helped industry grow.

In the new economy, workers often faced long hours, unsafe conditions, and low pay. They soon banded together to win improvements in their lives. Slowly, organized labor became a powerful new force in American society.

Chapter 21: A New Urban Culture (1865-1914)

In the 50 years after the Civil War, 25 million immigrants poured into the United States. Most were driven by hunger and poverty and drawn by hope of a better life. They came from places such as Italy, Eastern Europe, Armenia, China, and Mexico. During this time, American cities grew rapidly.

Population growth brought problems, including poor housing and strained city services. At the same time, it led to a rich mix of cultures. Cities fostered new leisure-time activities, such as sports. As education improved, newspapers, magazines, and new American fiction gained a larger audience.

Unit 7: A New Role for the Nation

Chapter 22: The Progressive Era (1876-1920)

A period of reform known as the Progressive Era took shape in the late 1800s. During this time, Americans worked to fight corruption in government, reduce the power of big business, and improve society. Government became more democratic as people in many states gained the power to pass laws directly. After years of effort, American women finally won the right to vote. From 1901 to 1921, three Presidents played a leading role in reform efforts.

African Americans and other minorities also took action against discrimination during the Progressive Era. Despite many setbacks, they laid the groundwork for future progress in civil rights.

Chapter 23:  Becoming a World Power (1865-1916)

The United States increased its role in world affairs throughout the second half of the nineteenth century. As the nation became an industrial and commercial power, American leaders sought new trade opportunities in Asia. Alaska, Hawaii, and other overseas territories came under United States control.

As a result of the Spanish-American War of 1898, the United States acquired an overseas empire. After the war, the United States played an increasing role in the affairs of Latin America. As a result, many Latin Americans began to view the United States with distrust and anger.

Chapter 24:  World War I (1914-1919)

In 1914, long-standing rivalries among European nations exploded into war. At first, President Woodrow Wilson tried to keep the United States neutral. However, after several of Germany's actions affected American citizens, the United States entered the war against Germany in 1917.

World War I, as the war is now called, cost millions of lives. After the war ended, Wilson worked hard to build a lasting peace. However, because of conflicts at the peace conference and at home, he was unable to achieve all of his goals.

Unit 8:  Prosperity, Depression, and War

Chapter 25:  The Roaring Twenties (1919-1929)

In the decade after World War I, Presidents Harding and Coolidge encouraged business growth. The economy grew rapidly as factories churned out new consumer goods, and stock prices soared. American society also changed dramatically. Inexpensive cars and a wide variety of new products for the home became available for the first time. Manners became freer. Young people danced to a wild, new music called jazz.

Not all Americans shared in the good times of the boom years. Even for those Americans who seemed fortunate, trouble loomed ahead.

Chapter 26: The Great Depression (1929-1941)

In October 1929, a stock market crash brought the prosperity of the Roaring Twenties to a sudden end. The period that followed, known as the Great Depression, was the worst economic disaster in United States history. Poverty, hunger, and joblessness became widespread. Believing the government should not interfere too much with the economy, President Herbert Hoover took only limited action.

Seeking bolder action, Americans elected Franklin Delano Roosevelt as President in 1932. Roosevelt supported a large number of programs to restart the economy. Though Roosevelt's programs provided help for many Americans, other people criticized him for expanding the size and role of the government.

Chapter 27:  The World War II Era (1935-1945)

After World War I, most Americans wanted to avoid involvement in international conflicts. However, during the 1930s, Germany, Italy, and Japan increased their military power and invaded other nations. The United States responded by gradually abandoning its policy of neutrality. After the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor in 1941, the United States entered World War II.

Millions of Americans joined with troops from Britain and other allies to fight for victory. At home, civilians worked hard to support the soldiers. First, Italy was defeated, and then Germany. Finally, in 1945, the United States defeated Japan by using a new weapon—the atomic bomb.

Unit 9:  The Bold Experiment Continues

Chapter 28:  The Cold War (1945-1991)

Soon after World War II, a new kind of struggle developed. As the Soviet Union sought to expand its influence around the world, the United States tried to protect non-communist governments. Both superpowers built many atomic weapons. Tensions during the Cold War, as the conflict became known, led to several crises and military conflicts. However, Soviet and American forces never faced each other directly in battle.

For more than 40 years, the Cold War divided the world into opposing camps. This state of tensions continued until the 1990s, when the breakup of the Soviet Union brought an end to the Cold War.

Chapter 29:  Prosperity, Rebellion, and Reform (1945-1980)

In the 1950s, as the United States struggled with the Cold War, the nation entered an era of remarkable economic growth. Prosperity made many Americans feel secure and comfortable. As a result, many wanted to follow a course of political conservatism. Most Americans opposed any form of radical change.

In the 1960s and 1970s, however, American politics went through upheaval. One President was assassinated and another resigned. Citizens disagreed over the war in Vietnam. Women and minorities struggled for justice and equality with protests and demonstrations. By the 1980s, they had won increased recognition for their rights.

Chapter 30:  The Nation in a New World (1970-Present)

In the 1980s, the nation entered a new political era. President Ronald Reagan, a conservative Republican, vowed to cut taxes and reduce the size of government. The nation entered a period of economic growth. After a brief recession, growth continued in the 1990s under Democratic President Bill Clinton. Clinton also worked with a Republican Congress to bring government spending under control.

With the Cold War over, Americans debated the role of the United States in the world. The environment, foreign competition, and greater diversity brought their own challenges. Still, Americans faced a new century with hopes for a bright future.

Summaries from Prentice Hall web site