AP US History Ultimate Study Guide Notes

Period 1: 1491-1607

1.1 Context: European Encounters in the Americas

• Christopher Columbus arrived in the New World in 1492.
• Marked the start of the Contact Period, ending with the first English settlement in 1607.
• Bering Land Bridge: Enabled the first migration to the Americas during ice ages.
• Native Americans: Had complex societies before Columbus; faced cultural clashes with Europeans.
• Conflicts included wars, assimilation policies, and population decline due to diseases and policies.

1.2 Native American Societies Before European Contact

• Indigenous societies were complex with permanent settlements and nomadic tribes.
• Spread of maize cultivation supported economic development in several regions.

1.3 European Exploration in the Americas

• Columbus's 1492 voyage: Sponsored by Spain, aimed for wealth and spreading Christianity.
• Led to the Age of Exploration by other European nations.

1.4 Columbian Exchange, Spanish Exploration, and Conquest

• Columbian Exchange: Introduction of new species and diseases between Europe and the Americas.
• Spanish Colonial Power: Spain established towns and exploited wealth in the Americas.
• Differences in Native and European views on land, society, and religion.

1.5 Labor, Slavery, and Caste in the Spanish Colonial System

• Slavery: Enslaved Africans increasingly used due to challenges with enslaving Native Americans.
• Middle Passage: Transport route for enslaved Africans with inhumane conditions.
• End of Atlantic Slave Trade in 1808, yet slavery persisted until 1865.

1.6 Cultural Interactions Between Europeans, Native Americans, and Africans

• Encomienda System: Spanish system of forced labor and conversion.
• Cultures: Blending of African, Native American, and European traditions.
• Conflict and adaptation among Native Americans and Europeans.

Period 2: 1607-1754

2.1 Colonization

• Salutary Neglect: British oversight was minimal, allowing colonial self-governance.
• Trade Regulations: Navigation Acts and Molasses Act regulated colonial trade.
• Colonial efforts for centralization included the New England Confederation.

2.2 The Regions of the British Colonies

• Differences in New England and Chesapeake societies.
• Proprietorships: Colonies controlled by individuals or companies.
• Colonization expanded with settlements in the South and Middle colonies.

2.3 Diversity in the Colonies

• Population Growth: Surge in European and African populations.
• Rural Life: Gender-based division of labor; education secondary.
• Urban Life: Challenging conditions but centers for progress and education.

2.4 Major Events in the Period

• Bacon's Rebellion and Stono Uprising: Examples of resistance to authority.
• Salem Witch Trials: Mass hysteria and reflection of societal tensions.
• First Great Awakening: Religious revivalism challenging Enlightenment rationalism.
• Benjamin Franklin: Symbol of Enlightenment ideals and urban progress.

Period 3: 1754-1800

3.1 The Seven Years War (1754-1763)

• French and Indian War: Conflict between British and French with Native American alliances.
• Resulted in British dominance but with post-war tensions leading to colonial discontent.

3.2 Taxation without Representation

• Sugar Act, Stamp Act, Townshend Acts: Taxation policies inciting colonial resistance.
• Boston Massacre and Tea Party: Key events in escalating tensions.

3.3 Congress

• Formation of Continental Congress in response to British policies.
• Lexington and Concord: "The shot heard 'round the world" starting armed conflict.

3.4 The Pre-Revolutionary War Era

• Second Continental Congress: Prepared for war, commissioned George Washington.
• Common Sense by Thomas Paine: Influential in swaying support for independence.

3.5 The Articles of Confederation

• Articles: First national constitution with limited central government powers.
• Led to Shays' Rebellion and the call for a stronger federal government.

3.6 A New Constitution

• Constitutional Convention: Restructured government with federal authority.
• Three-Fifths Compromise and Bill of Rights: Addressed population representation and individual rights.

3.7 The Washington Presidency

• George Washington: Established precedents, including cabinet formation and neutrality.
• Hamilton's Economic Plan: Bank creation spurring economic development.

3.8 Origins of Two-Party System

• Federalists vs. Democratic-Republicans: Emergence of political parties with differing government visions.

3.9 Republican Motherhood

• Republican Motherhood: Women's role in fostering civic virtue and education.

3.10 The Adams Presidency

• Alien and Sedition Acts: Controversial legislation impacting civil liberties.
• Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions: States' rights response to federal overreach.

Period 4: 1800-1848

4.1 The Revolution of 1800

• Peaceful transition of power reflecting democratic principles.

4.2 Jefferson's Presidency

• Louisiana Purchase: Expanded US territory despite constitutional debates.
• Embargo Act of 1807: Attempted economic strategy leading to economic hardship.

4.3 Madison's Presidency and the War of 1812

• War of 1812: Conflict with Britain over trade and expansionism.
• Hartford Convention: Federalist opposition to the war leading to political decline.

4.4 Political Events and Social Developments

• Era of Good Feelings: Period of relative political unity.
• Missouri Compromise: Addressed slavery in new states.

4.5 Westward Expansion

• Manifest Destiny: Ideology driving westward territorial expansion.
• Texas and Oregon: Regions of settlement and conflict.

4.6 The North and American Cities

• Urbanization challenges and growth of manufacturing.

4.7 The Election of 1836 and the Rise of the Whigs

• Democrat vs. Whig Party dynamics shaped political landscape.

Period 5: 1844-1877

5.1 Political and Judicial Activity Before the War

• Polk Presidency: Expansionist goals leading to Mexican-American War.

5.2 The Compromise of 1850

• Addressed sectional tensions over slavery but led to further conflict.

5.3 The Civil War and Reconstruction

• Civil War: Causes, key battles, Emancipation Proclamation.
• Reconstruction: Efforts to integrate freed slaves and rebuild the South met with resistance and challenges.

Period 6: 1865-1898

6.1 The Age of Invention and Economic Growth

• Technological advances leading to economic expansion and the rise of "captains of industry."

6.2 Jim Crow Laws and Southern Developments

• Jim Crow Laws: Institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination.

6.3 The Silver Issue and the Populist Movement

• Populism: Farmers' response to economic hardships and industrialization.

6.4 Foreign Policy: The Tariff and Imperialism

• Expansionist policies and McKinley Tariff impacting international relations.

Period 7: 1890-1945

7.1 The Progressive Era and World War I

• Progressive reforms: Social, political, and economic changes.
• World War I: US involvement and subsequent domestic impacts.

7.2 Foreign Policy and U.S. Entry into World War I

• US neutrality challenged, leading to eventual involvement.

7.3 The Jazz Age and The Great Depression

• 1920s prosperity and cultural changes.
• Great Depression: Economic collapse and response.

7.4 The New Deal and World War II

• New Deal: Economic recovery programs and reforms.
• World War II: US military involvement and impact on global politics.

7.5 Foreign Policy Leading up to World War II

• Policies shaping pre-war interactions and alliances.

Period 8: 1945-1980

8.1 Truman and the Beginning of The Cold War

• Truman Doctrine: Containment policy against communism.

8.2 McCarthyism

• Anti-communist fervor leading to widespread fear and accusations.

8.3 Truman's Domestic Policy and the Election of 1948

• Post-war economic challenges and civil rights initiatives.

8.4 The Korean War

• Korean Conflict: US involvement and military strategy.

8.5 The Eisenhower Years

• Eisenhower Doctrine: Cold War policies and domestic developments.

8.6 Third World Politics

• US influence and interventions in newly independent nations.

8.7 The 1960 Presidential Election

• Kennedy vs. Nixon: Debates and election outcome.

8.8 Kennedy and Domestic Policy

• Civil Rights Movement: Legislative and activist strides for equality.

8.9 The New Left, Feminism, and the Counterculture

• Social movements challenging traditional norms and advocating for rights.

8.10 American Involvement in Vietnam

• Vietnam War: Escalation, opposition, and impact on American society.

8.11 The Conservative Resurgence

• Reaction to 1960s changes and rise of conservatism.

Period 9: 1980-Present

9.1 Ronald Reagan

• Reaganomics: Economic policies emphasizing tax cuts and deregulation.

9.2 George H.W. Bush

• Persian Gulf War: US military intervention and foreign policy.

9.3 Changing Demographics

• Immigration patterns and cultural impacts on American society.

9.4 The Clinton Presidency

• NAFTA and Clinton's domestic and foreign policies.

9.5 The 2000 Election

• Bush vs. Gore: Controversy and outcome.

9.6 The War on Terror

• Post-9/11 policies and military actions.

9.7 Digital Revolution

• Rise of technology and its impact on society and the economy.