Overview
This first APUSH review session covered Units 1 & 2 (1491-1754), focusing on Native American cultures, colonial development, contextualization strategies, and tips for writing the DBQ under time constraints.
APUSH Exam Structure & Contextualization
- APUSH DBQ prompts will cover 1754-1945; Units 1 & 2 are mainly for context, not direct DBQ topics.
- Contextualization can reference developments before, during, or after the prompt's period if relevant.
- Useful contextualization examples: Magna Carta, English Bill of Rights, Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke.
Native American Cultures & Early Colonial Period
- Native American societies were diverse in language, culture, and lifestyle (not all nomadic or living in teepees).
- Tribes often had conflicts with each other; Europeans allied with different tribes (French usually friendlier with natives).
- The French and Indian War featured differing alliances: the French had more Native allies than the British.
- The Columbian Exchange brought new plants, animals, people, diseases, and ideas between the Old and New Worlds, shaping Native and colonial life.
- Geography of the Great Plains became important later due to westward expansion and events like the Transcontinental Railroad.
Colonial Government & Social Structure
- Each colony had a representative legislature (e.g., Virginia House of Burgesses).
- Colonial suffrage was usually limited to property-owning men.
- New England used town meetings and had more democratic practices; the South was dominated by large landowners and more hierarchical.
- Colonial experience with self-government influenced later resistance to Parliamentary taxation.
Religious Movements & Comparison
- The First Great Awakening (mid-18th century): Religious revival with Calvinist influence (predestination), emotional preaching (e.g., Jonathan Edwards).
- The Second Great Awakening (early 19th century): Emphasized free will and inspired evangelical Protestant growth.
- Both Awakenings encouraged emotional, revivalist religion and increased denominational diversity.
DBQ Writing Tips
- Aim for 6-8 points; focus on thesis, using 3 documents to support arguments, outside evidence, and POV/context/audience/purpose analysis.
- Do contextualization last to save time; thesis should be in the first paragraph.
- No need for a conclusion; restate thesis at the end if time allows.
- Use outside evidence from inside the prompt’s time period; context can come from earlier periods.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Contextualization — Placing the prompt within broader historical events or trends.
- Columbian Exchange — The transfer of plants, animals, diseases, and ideas between the Old and New Worlds.
- Great Awakening — Religious revival movements emphasizing emotional faith.
- POV Plus (HIP) — Analysis of a document’s point of view, context, audience, or purpose in the DBQ.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the structure and tips for DBQ writing; print and use annotation guides if allowed.
- Study key themes in Units 1 & 2 for contextualization practice.
- Prepare for the next session on the American Revolution (1754–1783).
- Follow BRI Students on Instagram for updates and review resources.