APUSH Curriculum Summary

Overview

This lecture provides a comprehensive summary of the AP US History (APUSH) curriculum from pre-Columbian Native cultures through modern times, focusing on major events, concepts, and changes across historical periods.

Pre-Columbian Era and European Contact (Period 1)

• Native cultures developed based on climate and geography; complex societies in Central/South America, semi-nomadic in North America.
• The Columbian Exchange introduced new plants, animals, diseases, and ideas between the Old and New Worlds.
• Spanish conquistadors established the encomienda system to exploit and convert natives, leading to debates over native treatment (Valladolid Debates).
• Racial hierarchy (Casta system) developed; African slavery increased after decline of encomienda.

Colonial America (Period 2)

• French and Dutch focused on trade and alliances with natives; English established larger settlements for profit and religious reasons.
• Southern colonies grew cash crops with large enslaved populations; violent uprisings and strict slave codes resulted.
• New England colonies were religiously driven, economically dependent on trade, fishing, and lumber.
• Middle colonies were diverse and known as the "breadbasket."
• Tensions with natives led to violent conflicts (King Philip's War).
• Colonies developed traditions of self-government; economies influenced by mercantilism and Navigation Acts (loosely enforced by salutary neglect).
• The First Great Awakening spurred religious and political questioning.
• Bacon’s Rebellion highlighted class tensions and led to greater use of slavery.

Revolution and Early Republic (Period 3)

• French and Indian War led to new British taxes, colonial resentment, and the end of salutary neglect.
• Key events: Stamp Act, Boston Tea Party, Intolerable Acts, Continental Congresses, Declaration of Independence.
• Colonists inspired by Enlightenment ideals; achieved independence due to leadership, tactics, and alliances.
• Articles of Confederation created a weak government; Constitutional Convention led to new Constitution with compromises.
• Federalist and Anti-Federalist debates led to the Bill of Rights.
• Washington set key presidential precedents; rise of first political parties (Federalists vs. Democratic-Republicans).

Expansion, Reform, and Sectionalism (Period 4)

• Jeffersonian and Jacksonian democracy expanded suffrage for white men and limited federal power.
• Louisiana Purchase doubled US territory; War of 1812 fostered nationalism.
• Monroe Doctrine warned European powers; Missouri Compromise maintained slave/free state balance.
• Jackson’s presidency: Indian Removal, Nullification Crisis, opposition to National Bank; rise of Whigs.
• Market and transportation revolutions transformed economy and society; rise of factories, inventions, and new transportation.
• Second Great Awakening inspired moral and social reforms (abolition, temperance, women's rights).

Civil War and Reconstruction (Period 5)

• Manifest Destiny led to westward expansion, Mexican-American War, and territorial gains.
• Slavery debates intensified; Compromise of 1850, Kansas-Nebraska Act, Dred Scott decision, and John Brown’s raid heightened tensions.
• Lincoln’s election prompted Southern secession and Civil War; North’s resources and Lincoln’s leadership secured victory.
• Reconstruction: Freedmen’s Bureau established, 13th-15th Amendments passed, black codes and Jim Crow limited progress.
• Reconstruction ended with Compromise of 1877; South returned to white Democratic control.

Industrialization and the Gilded Age (Period 6)

• Rise of corporations and monopolies; labor unions formed to address poor working conditions.
• Government often sided with business; some regulation attempted (Sherman Antitrust Act).
• Urbanization and immigration surged; political machines dominated city politics.
• Westward expansion displaced Native Americans through wars, assimilation efforts, and broken treaties.
• Southern “New South” promoted economic diversification.

Populism and Progressivism (Late 19th–Early 20th Century)

• Populist movement advocated for farmers and economic reforms; defeated in 1896 election.
• Progressives sought social and political reforms; muckrakers exposed corruption and poor conditions.
• Key reforms: consumer protection, antitrust laws, Federal Reserve, and constitutional amendments for taxes, senators, and women's suffrage.

US as a World Power and Modernization (Period 7)

• Shift to imperialism: Spanish-American War, annexation of territories, debate over American values.
• US entered WWI after German provocations; Wilson’s 14 Points rejected by Senate.
• Roaring Twenties: prosperity, cultural change, prohibition, backlash (nativism, Red Scare).
• Great Depression led to New Deal reforms (relief, recovery, reform); WWII ended economic crisis and established US as a global leader.

Cold War, Civil Rights, and Modern America (Periods 8 & 9)

• Post-WWII prosperity, suburbanization, and conformity; Cold War focused on containment of communism.
• Major events: Berlin Blockade, Korean War, Cuban Missile Crisis, Vietnam War, détente.
• Civil Rights Movement achieved major gains (Civil Rights Act, Voting Rights Act), inspired other groups to seek equality.
• Environmental movement grew due to concerns voiced in works like Silent Spring.
• Late 20th century: conservatism rose under Reagan, Cold War ended, US intervened in Middle East.
• Recent decades: increased immigration, globalization, and political polarization.

Key Terms & Definitions

• Columbian Exchange — Transfer of plants, animals, diseases, and ideas between the Americas and Europe.
• Encomienda System — Spanish labor system exploiting native populations.
• Salutary Neglect — British policy of lax enforcement of colonial regulations.
• Manifest Destiny — Belief in US right to expand across North America.
• Reconstruction Amendments — 13th (abolish slavery), 14th (citizenship), 15th (voting rights).
• Gilded Age — Era of rapid economic growth and inequality in late 19th century.
• Progressivism — Movement for political and social reform in the early 20th century.
• Containment — Cold War policy to prevent spread of communism.

Action Items / Next Steps

• Review APUSH timelines and summary guides.
• Study key Supreme Court cases, amendments, and landmark legislation.
• Practice analyzing primary sources and connecting historical themes across periods.