AP US History Overview

Overview of AP US History

• The AP US History exam covers the history of the United States from pre-Columbian times to the present.
• The course emphasizes key themes, such as political institutions, social structures, economic transformations, and cultural developments.
• Students will examine the causes and consequences of major historical events, movements, and developments.

Key Themes

• American Identity: The evolving concept of what it means to be American, influenced by various factors such as immigration, westward expansion, and changing social norms.
• Politics and Power: The development of political institutions, ideologies, and movements, including exploration of different political parties and their platforms throughout American history.
• Work, Exchange, and Technology: The evolution of the American economy, workforce, and technological innovations that shaped American society and its relationships with other nations.
• Geography and the Environment: The impact of geography and environmental factors on American history, including westward expansion, resource exploitation, and environmental movements.
• Culture and Society: The diverse cultural expressions, social structures, and social movements that shaped American society.
• America and the World: The role of the US in global affairs, including diplomacy, international conflicts, and economic exchanges.

Historical Periods

• Pre-Columbian America: Focus on indigenous civilizations in North America and their diverse cultures and societies before European contact.
• Colonial Era (1607-1763): Covers European settlements, colonial economies and social structures, and growing tensions between colonists and Britain.
• Revolution and Early Republic (1763-1815): Focuses on the American Revolution, US government formation, and the nation's early challenges.
• Westward Expansion and Reform (1815-1861): Examines westward growth, Manifest Destiny, westward expansion of slavery, and concurrent social reforms.
• Civil War and Reconstruction (1861-1877): Analyses Civil War causes and consequences, and Reconstruction efforts to reunify the nation politically, socially, and economically.
• Industrialization and Urbanization (1877-1914): Covers industrialization, urban growth, and resulting social and economic issues.
• Progressive Era (1890-1920): Focus on societal reforms, late 19th and early 20th century tensions and conflicts.
• World War I and the Twenties (1914-1941): Discusses US involvement in World War I, its impact, and the 1920s economic and cultural changes.
• World War II and the Cold War (1941-1975): Covers US WWII involvement, the Cold War, and post-war domestic and foreign policy challenges.
• Post-Cold War Era and Beyond (1975-present): Explores significant events, issues, and developments post-Cold War.

Key Concepts

• Constitutionalism: The concept and development of the US Constitution and its governing impact.
• Federalism: The balance of power between the federal and state governments.
• Individual Liberty and Rights: The evolution of individual liberties, civil rights, and government's role in upholding them.
• Economic Systems: Changes in economic structures, from mercantilism to industrial capitalism.
• Social Movements: Analysis of movements (abolitionist, Civil Rights) and their impacts.
• Political Ideologies: Exploration of political philosophies and ideologies influencing the nation.

Study Strategies

• Chronological Understanding: Firm understanding of timelines, and connecting events.
• Contextual Analysis: Comprehending events in their social, economic, and political contexts.
• Multiple Perspectives: Considering different historical viewpoints and narratives.
• Primary Sources: Reviewing original documents, letters, speeches.
• Active Recall: Testing oneself with practice questions and flashcards.
• Outlining Key Themes and Issues: Connecting historical eras to broader patterns.