Overview
This lecture reviewed APUSH Units 1-5, covering early Native American societies, European colonization, the American Revolution, the emergence of the U.S. government, antebellum reforms, and the Civil War through Reconstruction. Key concepts, turning points, and exam-relevant developments were highlighted.
Unit 1: 1491–1607 (Native Societies and European Contact)
- Native Americans had diverse societies shaped by regional environments (e.g., Chumash, Ute, Cahokia, Iroquois).
- European exploration was driven by trade routes, wealth, and spreading Christianity.
- The Columbian Exchange transferred crops, animals, and diseases between the Old and New Worlds.
- Spanish colonization led to systems like encomienda, rise of African slavery, and the casta system of racial hierarchy.
- Interactions led to changes in European and Native American worldviews; debates over treatment (de Sepúlveda vs. Las Casas).
Unit 2: 1607–1754 (Colonial America)
- Spanish, French, Dutch, and English colonization had distinct goals (gold, trade, religious freedom, land).
- British colonies differed: Chesapeake (tobacco, indentured slaves), New England (religious, family), Middle (trade, diversity), Southern (cash crops, slavery).
- Self-governing traditions emerged (Mayflower Compact, House of Burgesses).
- Triangular trade and mercantilism linked colonies to global economy.
- Conflicts with Native Americans (Metacom’s War, Pueblo Revolt); European policies varied by region.
- Slavery became central, especially in the South; resistance included covert culture and open revolt (Stono Rebellion).
- Enlightenment and First Great Awakening shaped colonial identity.
- British policies (e.g., impressment) increased colonial mistrust.
Unit 3: 1754–1800 (Revolution and New Nation)
- French and Indian War expanded British land but increased colonial taxation, fueling discontent.
- Salutary neglect ended; colonists resented taxes without representation.
- Enlightenment ideas influenced independence (Common Sense, Declaration of Independence).
- Patriots won the Revolution due to leadership, French aid, and British weaknesses.
- The Articles of Confederation created a weak government; events like Shays’ Rebellion exposed flaws.
- The Constitution introduced federalism, separation of powers, and compromises (Great Compromise, 3/5 Compromise, Bill of Rights).
- Revolutionary ideals sparked debates on slavery (emancipation in North), women’s roles (Republican Motherhood), and inspired other revolutions (France, Haiti).
- Washington and Adams set precedents on party politics, economic, and foreign policy; conflicts over state vs. federal authority (Whiskey Rebellion, Alien/Sedition Acts).
- American cultural identity grew in arts, literature, and architecture.
Unit 4: 1800–1848 (Antebellum America)
- Party debates (Federalists vs. Democratic-Republicans) and strict vs. loose constitutional interpretation.
- Louisiana Purchase doubled U.S. territory; Supreme Court gained power (Marbury v. Madison).
- Regional tensions grew (War of 1812, Missouri Compromise, American System).
- Monroe Doctrine asserted U.S. dominance in the Western Hemisphere.
- Market Revolution: transportation/industrial innovations linked regions, increased immigration, and created a middle class.
- Expansion of democracy: universal white male suffrage, new political parties (Democrats, Whigs).
- Jackson’s presidency used federal power (Tariff of Abominations, Bank War, Indian Removal).
- Reform movements: abolitionism (Garrison, Turner), temperance, women’s rights (Seneca Falls Convention, Declaration of Sentiments).
- Southern society centered on agriculture and slavery, even among non-slaveholders.
Unit 5: 1844–1877 (Civil War and Reconstruction)
- Manifest Destiny justified westward expansion (Preemption Acts, Gold Rush, need for land).
- Mexican-American War (from Texas annexation) led to large land gains; disputes over slavery in new territories (Wilmot Proviso).
- Compromise of 1850 temporarily eased sectional tensions (popular sovereignty, fugitive slave law).
- Immigrant waves created ethnic enclaves and nativist backlash (Know-Nothing Party).
- Sectional labor differences and abolitionist movement (Underground Railroad, Uncle Tom’s Cabin) heightened tensions.
- Compromises failed (Kansas-Nebraska Act, Bleeding Kansas, Dred Scott case), leading to sectional political parties.
- Lincoln’s 1860 election triggered Southern secession and the Civil War (Confederate States of America).
- The North’s strategic advantages and shifting war aims (Emancipation Proclamation, Gettysburg Address) led to Union victory.
- Reconstruction brought the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments, federal occupation of the South, and debates over reintegration.
- Reconstruction ultimately failed due to Southern resistance (sharecropping, black codes, KKK), Northern fatigue, and the Compromise of 1877.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Columbian Exchange — Movement of crops, animals, people, and diseases between Old and New Worlds.
- Encomienda System — Spanish labor system exploiting Native Americans.
- Triangular Trade — Three-way trade between Europe, Africa, and Americas.
- Mercantilism — Economic policy aiming for national wealth via colonial resources.
- Federalism — Division of power between state and federal governments.
- Popular Sovereignty — Territory residents vote on slavery status.
- Republican Motherhood — Women’s role to raise virtuous, republican sons.
- Manifest Destiny — Belief in U.S. right to expand across North America.
- Reconstruction — Post–Civil War process of reintegrating Southern states and defining rights for freedmen.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review key examples and definitions for each unit.
- Study major Supreme Court cases (e.g., Marbury v. Madison, Dred Scott).
- Know major legislative acts and compromises (Missouri Compromise, Compromise of 1850, Kansas-Nebraska Act).
- Prepare to explain causes/effects of the Civil War and Reconstruction.
- Complete practice questions and review class notes before the exam.