May 9, 2024
Welcome to the APUSH review for Units 1 to 3! This session covers a broad range of topics from the pre-Columbian era to the early years of the newly independent United States. Let's dive into the key points and themes discussed.
Native American Populations: Diverse societies with differing ways of life shaped by their environments. From coastal regions to the Great Basin and the Mississippi River Valley, indigenous peoples adapted to their surroundings uniquely.
European Contact: Europeans arrived in the Americas for gold, God, and glory. Spain took the lead with its conquest and colonization, introducing the encomienda system and fundamentally transforming socio-economic structures in the Americas.
Columbian Exchange: This critical exchange significantly impacted both the Old and New World. Foods, animals, diseases, and cultures were exchanged, causing both beneficial and detrimental effects on populations and economies.
Colonial Varieties: Different European powers including the Spanish, Dutch, French, and English colonized North America with various goals leading to diverse colonial practices. The British colonies exhibited significant differences in their economic, social, and political structures.
Transatlantic Trade: Mercantilism dominated European economic policies, fostering the development of the Triangular Trade. This economic system led to increased demand for enslaved Africans and the growth of a plantation economy, particularly in the southern colonies.
Colonial Government and Identity: The colonial experience fostered a unique American identity. Salient issues like religious freedom, governance, and relations with Native American peoples played significant roles. This era set the stage for independence, marked by events such as the Stono Rebellion and the Great Awakening.
Path to Independence: Starting with the French and Indian War, increased taxation without representation angered colonists leading to the Revolutionary War. Enlightenment ideals greatly influenced the independence movement, notably through Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" and the Declaration of Independence.
Formation of a New Government: Post-independence challenges led to the Articles of Confederation, which proved ineffective, prompting the creation of the Constitution. This document established a federal system with checks and balances among three branches of government.
Early National Period: George Washington and John Adams' presidencies set significant precedents for America's domestic and foreign policies. The new nation grappled with issues of federal vs. state powers, economic policies including the establishment of a national bank, and foreign relations as evidenced by the XYZ Affair.
National Identity and Regionalism: The ideals of the Revolution inspired art, literature, and architecture that contributed to a growing sense of American identity. However, regional variations remained stark, reflecting different economic, social, and cultural priorities.