AP European History Overview

Overview of AP European History

• AP European History covers European history from the 1450s to the present day.
• The course emphasizes historical context, major themes, and analytical skills.
• Key themes include political developments, economic systems, social structures, cultural trends, and intellectual movements.

Early Modern Europe (1450-1789)

• Renaissance: A period of cultural and intellectual rebirth in Italy, characterized by humanism, art, and rediscovery of classical knowledge.
• Reformation: A religious movement challenging the authority of the Catholic Church, led by Martin Luther and others. This resulted in religious conflicts and the rise of Protestantism.
• Scientific Revolution: A period of scientific advancements and new ways of thinking, challenging traditional beliefs and leading to the development of the scientific method. Key figures include Copernicus, Galileo, and Newton.
• Absolutism: A system of government in which monarchs hold absolute power. Examples include Louis XIV of France and Peter the Great of Russia. Characteristics of absolutism include centralized power, suppression of opposition, and use of royal courts and bureaucracies.
• Exploration and Colonization: European powers explored and colonized vast areas of the world, leading to the exchange of goods, people, and ideas. The Columbian Exchange is a key element to note.
• Commercial Revolution: Increased trade and economic activity, leading to the development of capitalism and mercantilism.
• Enlightenment: An intellectual movement emphasizing reason, individualism, and natural rights. Key thinkers include Voltaire, Montesquieu, and Rousseau.
• Seven Years' War: A global conflict between major European powers, demonstrating the increasing interconnectedness of European politics and economies.

19th and 20th Centuries

• French Revolution: A period of radical social and political upheaval in France, challenging traditional authority and leading to the rise of Napoleon.
• Industrial Revolution: A period of rapid industrialization and technological advancement, transforming European societies and economies. Key aspects include urbanization, new technologies, and social changes.
• Nationalism: A powerful political ideology emphasizing national identity and self-determination, leading to the unification of Germany and Italy, and causing conflicts across Europe.
• Imperialism: European powers extended their influence and control over other parts of the world, driving colonization and economic exploitation. Motives ranged from economic gain to national prestige.
• World War I: A devastating global conflict triggered by complex political and military alliances. Key causes and impacts include intricate alliances, nationalism, and the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand.
• World War II: Another devastating global conflict, resulting from the aggression of Nazi Germany and other totalitarian regimes. The war's consequences included the Holocaust, the division of Europe, and the beginning of the Cold War.
• Cold War: A period of geopolitical tension between the United States and the Soviet Union, characterized by ideological confrontations and proxy wars. Key elements included the nuclear arms race, the Berlin Wall, and the Cuban Missile Crisis.
• Post-War Europe: The rebuilding of Europe following World War II and the rise of the European Union (EU). Focus on social and political changes of this era.

Key Historical Figures

• Many key figures are studied throughout the course, with examples like Luther, Napoleon, Bismarck, and Churchill.
• Understanding their actions, motivations, and historical context is critical for evaluating their impact on events.

Major Themes

• Continuity and Change: Understanding how aspects of European history changed and stayed the same over time.
• Causation: Analyzing the reasons behind historical events.
• Historical Context: Understanding events within their respective historical and societal contexts.
• Comparison and Contrast: Evaluating the similarities and differences between different historical periods and events.

Important Concepts

• The concept of the "balance of power" in European diplomacy.
• The relationship between economic and political systems.
• The evolution of social and political institutions.
• The impact of intellectual and cultural movements on society and politics.

Skills

• Students are required to develop critical thinking skills.
• Analyze historical documents, interpret primary and secondary sources, and engage in historical debates.
• Develop an understanding of historical causation and context.
• Present historical arguments supported by evidence.