AP European History Exam Review

Introduction

• Lecture by Emily Poole on AP European History exam preparation.
• Free speed review packet available.
• Instructions: Download packet, put pencils down, listen, and interact with key terms later.

Period 1: 1450 - 1648

Fall of Western Roman Empire

• Western Europe fragmented into feudal kingdoms.
• Catholicism united people and provided political stability through canon law.
• Misleading term "Dark Ages" due to perceived loss of literacy and education.

The Renaissance

• Initiated by the Crusades bringing Greek and Roman texts back to Europe.
• Revival of humanist thought, focusing on secularism and individual achievement.
• Artists and philosophers like Machiavelli challenged traditional authorities, especially the Catholic Church.

Northern vs. Italian Renaissance

• Northern Renaissance characterized by Christian humanism.
• Notable figures: Desiderius Erasmus vs. Niccolò Machiavelli.
• Art: Northern focused on realism, Italian on classical ideals.
• Gutenberg's printing press spread knowledge and vernacular languages.

Centralized States and Exploration

• Kings increase power, challenging the Catholic Church.
• Notable figures: Henry VIII, Ferdinand, and Isabella.
• Navigational advancements lead to exploration (e.g., Columbus in 1492).
• Colombian Exchange impacts: population growth in Europe, transatlantic slave trade.

Economic Changes and Conflicts

• Mercantilism and triangular trade developed.
• European colonization leads to conflicts (e.g., Treaty of Tordesillas).
• Economic power shifts to Atlantic states, serfdom codified in the East.

Protestant Reformation

• Martin Luther's 95 Theses and new Protestant denominations emerge.
• Religious Wars: French Wars of Religion, 30 Years War.
• Peace of Westphalia establishes religious pluralism.

Period 2: 1648 - 1815

English Civil War

• Conflict between Parliament and monarchy (James I, Charles I).
• Oliver Cromwell's rule and the Glorious Revolution.
• Establishment of constitutional monarchy and English Bill of Rights.

Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment

• Key figures: Copernicus, Galileo, Harvey, Descartes.
• Enlightenment philosophers: John Locke, Voltaire, Rousseau.
• Emergence of new economic and religious ideas (e.g., Adam Smith, deism).

Political and Social Changes

• Enlightened absolutism in Eastern Europe (e.g., Frederick II).
• American and French Revolutions inspired by Enlightenment ideals.
• Napoleon's rise and fall, Congress of Vienna restores balance of power.

Period 3: 1815 - 1914

Industrial Revolution

• Begins in Britain, spreads to Europe with new technologies.
• Impact: long working hours, low wages, poor conditions.
• Reforms: labor unions, public health measures, compulsory education.

Social and Political Reactions

• Political movements: liberals, socialists, anarchists.
• Artistic movements: Romanticism, Realism.
• 1848 Revolutions and rise of nationalism.

Unification of Germany and Italy

• Key figures: Bismarck, Garibaldi, Cavour.
• Conflicts like the Crimean War and rise of Zionism.
• Imperialism fueled by social Darwinism and race theories.

Period 4: 1914 - Present

World Wars and Political Changes

• WWI triggered by Archduke Ferdinand's assassination.
• Russian Revolution and formation of the USSR.
• Treaty of Versailles and interwar economic crisis.

WWII and its Aftermath

• Rise of totalitarian regimes (Hitler, Stalin).
• Holocaust and racial policies.
• Cold War: ideological battle between capitalism and communism.

Post-War Developments

• Decolonization and migration lead to social tensions.
• EU formation and challenges (e.g., Brexit).
• Ongoing issues with national identity and globalization.

Conclusion

• Comprehensive coverage of AP European History from 1450 to the present.
• Use speed review packet to identify areas for further study.
• Encouragement to excel in AP history exam.