AP US History Lecture Notes

Introduction

• Speaker: John from Marco Learning
• Purpose: AP US History exam preparation
• Resources: AP US History study guide, free on MarcoLearning website

Study Guide Overview

• Comprehensive one-page guides for each APUS History exam unit
• Free download available from website link

Guest Speakers

• Tom Richie, history expert
• Mentioned Marco the dog, Marco Learning's mascot

Key Topics Discussed

Period 1: 1491-1607

• Colombian Exchange: Movement of goods, people, diseases, and animals across continents
• Native American Societies: Diverse and complex societies before European contact
• European Motivation: God, gold, and glory

Period 2: 1607-1754

• Colonization Patterns: Differences due to goals and environments (British, French, Spanish)
• Mercantilism: Economic policy aimed at strengthening national economies
• Cultural Exchanges and Resistance: Interactions among Europeans, Indigenous peoples, and Africans

Period 3: 1754-1800

• American Revolution: Colonial resistance to British control led to independence
• Ideals and Government: Shift to democratic and republican governance
• Articles of Confederation and Constitution: Experiments in government structure

Period 4: 1800-1848

• Louisiana Purchase: 1803 acquisition doubled US size
• Expansion and Infrastructure: Erie Canal and American System
• Monroe Doctrine: Assertion of influence in the Western Hemisphere

Period 5: 1844-1877

• Manifest Destiny: Expansion westward as a divine mission
• Civil War and Reconstruction: Slavery and secession resolved, but federal power and citizenship rights unresolved

Period 6: 1865-1898

• Second Industrial Revolution: Rise of industrial capitalism
• Urbanization and Labor Movements: Growth of cities, rise of unions
• Gilded Age: Economic disparity and reform efforts

Period 7: 1890-1945

• Progressive Era: Social and political reforms
• World Wars: US emerges as a global power

Period 8: 1945-1980

• Cold War: US-Soviet tensions
• Civil Rights Movement: Major social change and legal battles

Period 9: 1980-Present

• New Conservatism: Rise of conservative politics with Ronald Reagan
• Technological Transformations: Rise of the internet and mobile technology
• Post-9/11 World: Impact of terrorism on US policy

Exam Preparation Tips

• Focus on key themes and concepts rather than memorizing dates
• Understand causes and effects of major events
• Practice writing DBQs with specific evidence

Conclusion

• Encouragement to students
• Reminder to access resources on Marco Learning and other online platforms
• Best wishes for the exam