Overview
This lecture provides a comprehensive chronological overview of major themes and events covered in the AP US History (APUSH) course, from pre-Columbian societies to the era of globalization.
Period 1: Pre-Columbian to Early Colonial America (1491–1607)
- Native Americans developed cultures based on their geographic environment (e.g., Maya/Aztec maize cultivation, Plains bison hunting).
- The Columbian Exchange involved the transfer of plants, animals, people, and diseases between the Old and New Worlds.
- Spanish conquistadors established the encomienda system and a racial caste system, leading to debates on the treatment of Native Americans.
Period 2: Colonial America (1607–1754)
- French and Dutch colonies focused on trade and relatively good native relations; English colonies saw mass migration and cash crop economies.
- New England colonies were religiously focused and had mixed economies; middle colonies were diverse and known as the "Bread Basket."
- Conflicts with Indigenous peoples and the development of colonial self-government (e.g., Mayflower Compact).
- Mercantilism was practiced but loosely enforced via "salutary neglect."
- The First Great Awakening spurred religious and political questioning.
Period 3: Revolution and New Nation (1754–1800)
- The French and Indian War ended salutary neglect; British taxes led to colonial protests.
- Key events: Stamp Act, Boston Massacre, Tea Party, Intolerable Acts, Battles of Lexington and Concord.
- Declaration of Independence drafted, inspired by Enlightenment ideals.
- The American Revolution succeeded due to strong leadership, guerrilla tactics, and French alliance.
- The weak Articles of Confederation prompted the Constitutional Convention and new Constitution with checks and balances.
- Federalists and Anti-Federalists debated ratification, resulting in the Bill of Rights.
Period 4: Early Republic and Jacksonian Era (1800–1848)
- Jefferson's presidency included the Louisiana Purchase and limited federal power.
- War of 1812 reinforced national identity; Monroe Doctrine warned Europe to stay out of the Western Hemisphere.
- Expansion of democracy led to the rise of Jacksonian Democracy.
- The Market and Transportation Revolutions transformed the economy; new technologies boosted agriculture and industry.
- Reform movements emerged, including abolitionism, temperance, and women's rights (Seneca Falls Convention).
Period 5: Civil War and Reconstruction (1844–1877)
- Manifest Destiny led to the Mexican-American War and new territories.
- Sectional conflict over slavery led to the Compromise of 1850, Kansas-Nebraska Act, and Bleeding Kansas.
- Dred Scott decision denied citizenship to African Americans.
- Civil War began after Southern secession; Union victory due to economic and population advantages.
- Reconstruction Amendments (13th, 14th, 15th) expanded rights, but sharecropping and Jim Crow laws limited progress.
Period 6: Gilded Age and Populism (1865–1898)
- Industrialization led to monopolies, poor working conditions, and labor unions.
- Immigration and urbanization increased; nativism and the Chinese Exclusion Act emerged.
- Westward expansion displaced Native Americans (Plains Wars, Dawes Act).
- Populist movement advocated for economic reforms benefiting farmers.
Period 7: Progressivism and Global Influence (1890–1945)
- US imperialism expanded territory (Spanish-American War); debates over American values.
- Progressive reforms addressed corruption, labor, and women's suffrage.
- US joined World War I; postwar prosperity characterized the 1920s.
- Great Depression prompted New Deal reforms; US entered WWII after Pearl Harbor.
- WWII ended with atomic bombs and creation of the United Nations.
Period 8: Cold War and Civil Rights (1945–1980)
- Postwar prosperity led to suburbanization and conformity.
- The Cold War fostered anti-communism and proxy wars (Korea, Vietnam).
- Civil Rights Movement led to major legislative gains (Civil Rights/Voting Rights Acts).
- Reform movements expanded to women’s, Latino, Native American, and LGBTQ rights.
- Environmental movement gained momentum.
- Economic issues like stagflation and the Iran hostage crisis ended the period.
Period 9: Modern America and Globalization (1980–present)
- Reaganomics focused on reducing government and taxes, but military spending increased.
- Cold War ended with the Soviet collapse; foreign policy shifted to the Middle East.
- Political polarization increased over social and economic policies.
- Immigration patterns changed US society; globalization interconnected global economies and cultures.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Columbian Exchange — Transfer of goods, people, diseases, and ideas between the Americas and Europe post-1492.
- Encomienda System — Spanish labor system that enslaved Native Americans.
- Mercantilism — Economic policy where colonies serve the parent country for trade and profit.
- Manifest Destiny — Belief in the US’s destined expansion across the continent.
- Reconstruction Amendments — 13th (abolished slavery), 14th (citizenship and equal protection), 15th (voting rights).
- Gilded Age — Late 1800s period of industrial growth and social issues.
- Populism — Political movement for economic reforms for farmers and workers.
- Progressive Era — Early 1900s period of social and political reform.
- Cold War — Period of US-Soviet tension and global competition (1945–1991).
- Globalization — Process of increasing international integration of economies, cultures, and policies.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review key terms and timelines for each period.
- Study landmark Supreme Court cases and major legislative acts.
- Complete assigned readings or practice essays on specific eras.