In this short unit, we will see the United States continue to transform in a variety of ways. Social and political reform will be our early focus as we examine the Progressive movement of the early 1900s. The major changes of the Gilded Age brought some varied reactions from different parts of America. Individuals and groups will seek to improve society and make America a "better place" (although not everyone was part of the reform), and they will enlist the help of the government in the crusade. We will meet the Progressive Presidents as well (one of them was very big with a very cool name). The U.S. will also enter a period of overseas expansion, emerging as a world power as the new century unfolds. Should the U.S. have been an imperial nation? We will debate this question in a class exercise and a written response. The unit will end with an examination of World War I, as we discuss the origins of the European conflict and witness U.S. involvement in the first global war. We will evaluate the rationale for entering the "war to end all wars", describe the American impact on the course of the war, and look at the battle front and the home front. The treaty process in Versailles in 1919 will conclude Unit 6. After a test to complete the unit, we will move on to Unit 7 and SPRING BREAK!