Lecture Notes: Historical Overview
Introduction
- Provided by Roman Messali, sophomore at Georgetown University.
- A study guide created to aid students struggling with APUSH.
- Email contact: [email protected].
Exam Format
- Section 1A: Multiple Choice (40% of score)
- 55 questions in 55 minutes.
- Analyze historical texts and evidence.
- Section 1B: Short Answer (20% of score)
- 3 questions in 40 minutes.
- Choices include analysis of historical developments between 1491-2001.
- Section 2A: Document-Based Question (25% of score)
- 1 question in 1 hour.
- Focus on topics from 1754–1980.
- Section 2B: Long Essay (15% of score)
- 1 question in 40 minutes.
- Focus on historical developments from 1491-2001.
Unit 1: Early Contact (1491-1607)
Chapter 1: The Beginning
Unit 2: Colonization (1607-1754)
Chapter 2: Thirteen Colonies
-
Types of Colonies:
- Royal, Corporate, and Proprietary.
-
Jamestown:
- First permanent English settlement.
- Tobacco as a cash crop.
-
Labor Systems:
- Indentured servitude and the introduction of slavery.
Chapter 3: Colonial Society in 18th Century
- Population Growth: Driven by immigration and family expansion.
- Characteristics: Self-government, religious freedom, social mobility.
- Economy: Varied by region; emphasis on agriculture and trade.
Unit 3: Revolutionary Era (1754-1800)
Chapter 4: Imperial Wars & Colonial Protests
- Seven Years’ War: British victory and increased tensions.
- British Taxes: Led to colonial protests (e.g., Stamp Act).
- Shift in British Policy: End of Salutary Neglect.
Chapter 5: American Revolution
- Continental Congress: Steps towards independence.
- Key Battles: Lexington, Concord, Bunker Hill.
- Treaty of Paris 1783: U.S. recognized as independent.
- Articles of Confederation: First U.S. government system.
Unit 4: Forming a New Nation (1800-1860)
Chapter 6: Constitution & New Republic
- Drafting of Constitution: Compromises on representation and slavery.
- Federalists vs Anti-Federalists: Debates over ratification.
Chapter 7: Jeffersonian Era
- Jefferson’s Policies: Focused on uniting parties and limiting federal power.
Chapter 8: Era of Good Feelings
- Economic Nationalism: Tariff of 1816, American System.
- Political Changes: Monroe Doctrine, Missouri Compromise.
Chapter 9: Sectionalism
- Regional Differences:
- North: Industrial and commercial.
- South: Agricultural and reliant on slavery.
- West: Frontier and expansion opportunities.
Unit 5: Civil War and Reconstruction (1860-1877)
Chapter 10: Jacksonian Era
- Jackson’s Presidency: Indian Removal Act, Nullification Crisis.
- Two-Party System: Democrats vs Whigs.
Chapter 11: Antebellum Reform
- Second Great Awakening: Religious revival and social reforms.
- Transcendentalism: Emerson and Thoreau's influence.
Chapter 12: Westward Expansion
- Manifest Destiny: Ideology driving U.S. expansion.
- Mexican-American War: Acquired territories and ensuing disputes over slavery.
Chapter 13: Union in Peril
- Slavery Disputes: Compromise of 1850, Kansas-Nebraska Act.
- Rise of New Parties: Republican Party emergence.
Chapter 14: Civil War
- Northern vs Southern Advantages: Industrial capacity vs military leadership.
- Key Battles: Antietam, Gettysburg, Vicksburg.
- End of War: Appomattox Court House surrender.
Chapter 15: Reconstruction
- Presidential vs Radical Reconstruction: Divergent approaches to rebuilding.
- Amendments: 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments.
- End of Reconstruction: Compromise of 1877.
Unit 6: Industrialization and Urbanization (Late 1800s-Early 1900s)
Chapter 16: Second Westward Migration
- Homestead Act: Encouraged settlement of the west.
- Native American Wars: Conflicts over land and resources.
Chapter 17: Business Boomin' Time
- Industrial Growth: Rise of monopolies and trusts.
- Labor Movements: Formation and suppression of unions.
Chapter 18: Victorian Era
- Cultural Developments: Consumer culture and artistic movements.
- Jim Crow Laws: Institutionalized racial segregation.
Chapter 19: Gilded Age Politics
- Laissez-Faire Governance: Limited intervention in economy.
- Populism: Farmers' political movement.
Unit 7: Progressive Era and World Wars (1890s-1945)
Chapter 20: Progressive Era
- Reforms: Consumer protection, labor laws, women's suffrage.
- Major Figures: Teddy Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson.
Chapter 21: Imperialism
- American Expansion: Overseas territories and influence.
- Spanish-American War: U.S. emerges as a world power.
Chapter 22: The Roaring 20s
- Cultural Shifts: Jazz Age, Prohibition, Harlem Renaissance.
- Economic Boom and Bust: Lead-up to the Great Depression.
Chapter 23: Great Depression
- New Deal: FDR's response with relief, recovery, reform.
- Social and Economic Impact: Widespread poverty and unemployment.
Chapter 24: WWII
- Global Conflict: U.S. involvement and allied victory.
- Homefront Changes: Civil rights and women in the workforce.
Unit 8: Cold War and Civil Rights (1945-1980)
Chapter 25: Cold War
- Containment Policy: Strategies to limit Soviet expansion.
- Key Conflicts: Korean War, Vietnam War.
- Domestic Impact: Red Scare and McCarthyism.
Chapter 26: Triumph of the Middle Class
- Economic Prosperity: Growth fueled by GI Bill and consumer demand.
- Suburbanization: Movement to the suburbs post-WWII.
Chapter 27: Civil Rights
- Key Movements: Non-violent protests and civil rights legislation.
- Major Figures: MLK, Malcolm X, Rosa Parks.
Chapter 28: Modern Era & Liberalism
- Cultural Changes: Women's liberation, gay rights.
- Political Shifts: From liberalism to conservatism.
Unit 9: Recent History (1980-Present)
Chapter 30: Conservative Resurgence
- Reagan Era: Economic policies and Cold War strategy.
- Clinton Presidency: Economic boom and technological advancements.
- Contemporary Challenges: Globalization and wealth disparity.
Note: The document covers a broad historical timeline and provides insights into key events and transformations in U.S. history, emphasizing social, political, and economic changes.