AP US History Study Guide Overview

General Resources

• All Study Guides: Overview of comprehensive resources for AP US History.
• AP US History Units:
  • Unit 1: Interactions in North America (1491-1607)
  • Unit 2: Colonial Society (1607-1754)
  • Unit 3: Conflict and American Independence (1754-1800)
  • Unit 4: American Expansion (1800-1848)
  • Unit 5: Civil War and Reconstruction (1848-1877)
  • Unit 6: Industrialization and the Gilded Age (1865-1898)
  • Unit 7: Conflict in the Early 20th Century (1890-1945)
  • Unit 8: The Postwar Period and Cold War (1945-1980)
  • Unit 9: Entering Into the 21st Century (1980-Present)

Unit Breakdown

Unit 1: Interactions in North America (1491-1607)

• Overview: Early contact with the New World.
• Key Themes:
  • European Encounters in the Americas
  • Native American Societies Before European Contact
  • European Exploration
  • Columbian Exchange & Spanish Conquest
  • Labor, Slavery, and Caste
  • Cultural Interactions
  • Causation in Period 1

Unit 2: Colonial Society (1607-1754)

• Overview: Colonization of North America.
• Key Themes:
  • European Colonization
  • Regions of British Colonies
  • Transatlantic Trade
  • Interactions with Native Americans
  • Slavery in British Colonies
  • Colonial Society and Culture
  • Comparison in Period 2

Unit 3: Conflict and American Independence (1754-1800)

• Overview: Revolution and Nation Building.
• Key Themes:
  • Revolutionary Period Context
  • Seven Years War
  • Taxation and Representation
  • American Revolution
  • Articles of Confederation & Constitution
  • Developing American Identity
  • Continuity and Change

Unit 4: American Expansion (1800-1848)

• Overview: Rise of American Democracy.
• Key Themes:
  • Political Parties and Era of Jefferson
  • Market Revolution
  • Jacksonian Democracy
  • Second Great Awakening
  • Cultural Development
  • Causation in Period 4

Unit 5: Civil War and Reconstruction (1848-1877)

• Overview: Toward Civil War and Reconstruction.
• Key Themes:
  • Manifest Destiny
  • Mexican-American War
  • Compromise of 1850
  • Secession and Civil Conflict
  • Reconstruction Policies
  • Comparison in Period 5

Unit 6: Industrialization and the Gilded Age (1865-1898)

• Overview: The Industrial Revolution.
• Key Themes:
  • Westward Expansion
  • Rise of Industrial Capitalism
  • Labor Movement
  • Technological Innovation
  • Social and Cultural Changes
  • Politics in the Gilded Age

Unit 7: Conflict in the Early 20th Century (1890-1945)

• Overview: Early 20th Century Conflicts.
• Key Themes:
  • Imperialism and the Spanish-American War
  • Progressives
  • WWI and WWII
  • Great Depression and New Deal
  • Cultural and Political Changes

Unit 8: Postwar Period and Cold War (1945-1980)

• Overview: U.S. as a Global Leader.
• Key Themes:
  • Cold War Dynamics
  • Civil Rights Movement
  • Vietnam War
  • Economic and Cultural Changes
  • Society in Transition

Unit 9: Entering Into the 21st Century (1980-Present)

• Overview: Modern America.
• Key Themes:
  • Reagan and Conservatism
  • End of the Cold War
  • Changing Economy
  • Immigration and Migration
  • Challenges of the 21st Century

Additional Resources

FAQs

• Common Questions: Addresses difficulty, worth, and study tips for APUSH.
• APUSH 2023 DBQ Rubric Changes: Updates on essay question guidelines.

Study Tools

• Exam Guides: Tips for APUSH exams, including MCQs, DBQs, and LEQs.
• AMSCO Notes: Detailed notes for specific periods and themes.

Thematic Guides

• Themes: American Identity, Work, and Exchange, Geography, Politics, Social Structures, etc.

Exam Skills

• Essay Questions: Strategies for MCQs, SAQs, DBQs, and LEQs.
• Review Sessions: Slide decks and videos for thorough preparation.

Previous Exam Prep

• Review Sessions: Multiple resources for exam preparation and concept reinforcement.

AP Cram Sessions

• Intensive Reviews: Sessions focusing on specific periods and themes for APUSH.

These notes provide an overview of the resources available for studying AP US History and cover key themes, periods, and skills necessary for success in the course and exams.