AP World History Modern Overview

Overview of AP World History Modern

• AP World History Modern covers world history from 1200 CE to the present.
• The course highlights global connections and interactions.
• Key themes include human-environment interaction, cultural development, state-building, empires, and economic systems.
• Students analyze historical context, interpret sources, and construct arguments.

Key Themes in AP World History Modern

• Interaction Between Humans and the Environment:

  • Examines human impact on the environment (agriculture, disease, industrialization).
  • Includes human adaptation to different environments.
  • Focuses on environmental change influencing societies.

• Development and Interaction of Cultures:

  • Explores the development, diffusion, and transformation of religions and philosophies.
  • Highlights cultural exchange between societies.
  • Includes the role of art, literature, and architecture in cultural expressions.

• State-Building, Empires, and Systems of Governance:

  • Covers the rise, expansion, and fall of empires.
  • Analyzes governmental structures (forms of government, legal systems, social hierarchies).
  • Compares and contrasts different political models globally.

• Creation, Expansion, and Interaction of Economic Systems:

  • Examines various economic systems, from traditional agriculture to industrialisation and globalisation.
  • Explores the roles of trade, technology, and finance in shaping economies.
  • Analyzes the impact of economic interactions on society and politics.

Key Historical Periods

• Post-Classical Era (1200-1450):

  • Emphasizes the growth of major empires and trade expansion.
  • Features the development of innovative technologies and ideas.

• Early Modern Era (1450-1750):

  • Highlights European exploration and colonization.
  • Focuses on the emergence of global trade and the Columbian Exchange.
  • Explores the rise of mercantilism and capitalism.

• Industrial Revolution and its Consequences (1750-1900):

  • Examines the transformation of industrial societies and their new technologies.
  • Explores the rise of ideologies like nationalism and liberalism.
  • Includes global conflicts and the growth of European empires.

• 20th Century and Beyond (1900-Present):

  • Covers the impact of the world wars on the global order.
  • Explores the rise of communism and the Cold War.
  • Features decolonization and the emergence of new nations.
  • Analyzes globalization's impact.

Key Concepts

• Globalization: Increasing interconnectedness and interdependence through trade, communication, and cultural exchange.
• Imperialism: Policy of extending a nation's influence through diplomacy or force.
• Industrialization: Transformation of agrarian societies into industrialized ones, using machines and technology.
• Revolutions: Significant changes in political, social or economic systems.
• State Formation: The creation and evolution of political entities and their institutions.
• Trade Networks: Systems of exchange of goods, ideas and people globally.
• Cultural Exchanges: Spreading and adapting beliefs, practices, and ideas between communities.

Skills for Success

• Historical Thinking Skills:
  • Identifying patterns, analyzing sources, constructing arguments, and supporting claims with evidence.
• Process and Methods:
  • Understanding primary and secondary sources.
  • Formulating and defending thesis statements.
  • Evaluating various interpretations of historical events.

Essential Resources

• Textbook: Comprehensive textbook for understanding course content.
• Study Guides: Guides focusing on AP exam content, skills, and format.
• Review Books: Review materials to prepare for the exam.
• Online Resources: Variety of websites and apps for course content.