AP European History Exam Preparation

Introduction

• Speaker: Emily Poole
• Goal: Cover key information for the AP European History exam
• Resources: Free speed review packet available
• Method: Contextualize essays by providing broader historical context

Period 1: 1450-1648

Transition After the Fall of the Western Roman Empire

• Western Europe fragmented into feudal kingdoms
• Catholicism unified people and provided political stability

Renaissance

• Triggered by the Crusades
• Revival of humanist thought and classical learning
• Shift from religion to secularism and individual achievement

Differences in Renaissance

• Italian Renaissance: Focus on secularism, classical ideals
• Northern Renaissance: Focus on Christian humanism
• Key figures:
  • Erasmus: Advocated for virtue in leadership
  • Machiavelli: Believed ends justify the means

Spread of Ideas

• The printing press facilitated spread and rise of vernacular language

Political Power Shifts

• Kings challenged the Catholic Church's power
• Establishment of centralized modern states

Exploration & Colombian Exchange

• New navigational technologies
• Establishment of transatlantic trade routes
• Social and economic impacts, including the slave trade

Period 2: 1648-1815

Political and Military Changes

• English Civil War and Glorious Revolution
• Scientific Revolution led to new theories in natural sciences

Enlightenment

• Focus on laws governing human society
• Key figures:
  • John Locke: Natural rights
  • Voltaire: Freedom of speech
  • Rousseau: Criticized powerful institutions

Expansion and Conflict

• Enlightened absolutism in Eastern Europe
• American and French Revolutions
• Rise of nationalism

Period 3: 1815-1914

Industrial Revolution

• Started in Britain; spread to Continental Europe
• New technologies in manufacturing and transportation

Social and Political Effects

• Rise of social classes and new political ideologies
• Labor unions and political parties formed

Nationalism and Imperialism

• Unification of Germany and Italy
• Imperial competition in Africa and Asia

Period 4: 1914-Present

World Wars

• World War I: Causes and consequences
• World War II: Rise of totalitarian regimes and Holocaust

Cold War

• Ideological battle between capitalism and communism
• Marshall Plan and NATO

Post-Cold War Europe

• Fall of the USSR
• Rise of the European Union

Globalization and Modern Issues

• Decolonization and immigration
• EU’s political challenges and integration efforts

Conclusion

• Comprehensive review of key historical periods and themes
• Importance of review and study for exam success
• Encouragement to students: "You can do it!"