AP United States History Speed Review

This Speed Review covers major themes and events from American history pertinent to the AP United States History exam, organized chronologically in various periods. Each period highlights significant cultural, political, economic, and social developments, offering insights that shape the understanding of America's past.

Period 1: 1491–1607 (4-6% of Exam)

This period focuses on pre-contact Native American societies, European exploration, and the momentous collision between the Old World and New World. Native American cultures displayed a rich diversity influenced by geography, yielding advanced societies like the Aztecs, Incas, and Mayans, who were early on engaged in maize cultivation.

Columbian Exchange

The Columbian Exchange emerged as a profound transfer of crops (e.g., maize, tobacco, potatoes), animals (such as horses and livestock), germs, and ideas (including Catholicism and cultural practices) between the Old and New Worlds. The effects of this exchange were significant:

For Native Americans: Horses introduced new hunting methods and warfare tactics, while devastating diseases like smallpox resulted in what is known as the "Great Dying. "
For Europeans: The exchange led to population growth and increased wealth and power.

Treaty of Tordesillas

This treaty, endorsed by the Pope, facilitated the exploration of Catholic nations, notably allowing Spain to dominate in the New World while Portugal focused on the African slave trade.

Spanish Conquistadors

The motives behind exploration were primarily gold, God, and glory. Spanish conquistadors enforced systems like the encomienda and casta systems, which enabled Catholic missions and supported the influx of enslaved individuals under systems like the Asiento.

Valladolid Debate

This significant debate featured Bartolomé de Las Casas arguing for improved treatment of Native Americans in contrast to Juan Ginés de Sepúlveda, who defended the encomienda system.

Main Figures

Key individuals include Ferdinand and Isabella, Christopher Columbus, Bartolomé de Las Casas, Juan Ginés de Sepúlveda, and Hernán Cortés.

Skills Focus

Cause and Effect: Understanding the causes behind European exploration and the resultant effects of the Columbian Exchange.
Comparison: Analysis of differences among Native American cultures and the ideological debates between Las Casas and Sepúlveda.

Period 2: 1607–1754 (6-8% of Exam)

This period highlights European competition for colonies in North America and the development of various British colonies.

Colonial Regions

The colonies can be categorized into distinct regions:

Chesapeake: Characterized by Virginia (Jamestown, tobacco cultivation, House of Burgesses) and Maryland (Lord Baltimore, Act of Toleration).
New England: Key developments included the Massachusetts Bay Colony (Pilgrims, Mayflower Compact, John Winthrop, Salem Witch Trials).
Middle Colonies: Notable for Pennsylvania under William Penn, known for diverse ethnic and religious populations.
Southern Colonies: Featured agricultural economies based on plantation systems in North and South Carolina, along with Georgia as a buffer colony.

Trade and Labor

Key trade policies like mercantilism and the Navigation Acts, alongside the utilization of indentured servants and enslaved labor, played crucial roles. Events like Bacon's Rebellion highlighted the tensions between classes.

Native American Conflicts

Conflicts such as the Powhatan Uprising, King Philip's War, and the Pueblo Revolt arose due to expansionist pressures and cultural conflicts.

The Great Awakening

Religious fervor surged with figures like Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield, leading to increased socio-economic awareness and diverse religious expressions.

Main Figures

Prominent individuals included John Smith, John Winthrop, Anne Hutchinson, Metacom, and Jonathan Edwards.

Skills Focus

Cause and Effect: Evaluating effects of the triangular trade and the causes behind British colonization.
Comparison: Contrasting motivations among European colonizers.
Continuity and Change: Tracking alterations in labor practices throughout the periods.

Period 3: 1754–1800 (10-17% of Exam)

This period addresses the American Revolution, along with the establishment of the United States’ first government systems.

French & Indian War

Framed by events like the Albany Plan and Treaty of Paris, this conflict led to financial strains on Britain, prompting policies that sparked colonial unrest.

Causes of the Revolution

Key incidents such as the Stamp Act and Boston Massacre galvanized revolutionary sentiments, championing concepts like "No Taxation Without Representation."

American Revolution

The struggle featured Patriots confronting Loyalists, with critical battles significantly impacting the outcome, including Saratoga and Yorktown.

Constitutional Structure

The post-war foundation included Articles of Confederation followed by the Constitution, focusing on critical compromises like the Great Compromise and Three-Fifths Compromise.

Main Figures

Prominent leaders in this era included George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and Thomas Jefferson.

Skills Focus

Cause and Effect: Links between the French & Indian War and the Revolutionary motivations.
Comparison: Positions of Patriots versus Loyalists.
Continuity and Change: Shifts in ideals surrounding independence and governance.

Period 4: 1800–1848 (10-17% of Exam)

This period captures the early evolution of the United States amidst industrialization and the formation of national identity.

Jeffersonian Democracy

Highlighted by the Louisiana Purchase and conflicts such as the Barbary Pirates, Jefferson's administration reflected a vision of agrarian democracy.

War of 1812

The war stemmed from issues like impressment and foreign relations, culminating in the Treaty of Ghent.

Era of Good Feelings

This era saw rising nationalism, addressed sectionalism through the Missouri Compromise, and initiated the American System under Henry Clay.

Jacksonian Democracy

Marked by advocacy for the "common man," this period also experienced growing tensions surrounding policy debates, such as the National Bank War.

Market Revolution

Technological innovations and improved transportation networks transformed labor dynamics, with an increase in workforces involving women and children.

Antebellum Reforms

This period prompted significant reform movements, including abolitionism and women's rights, inspired largely by the Second Great Awakening.

Main Figures

Key figures include Thomas Jefferson, John Marshall, Andrew Jackson, James Monroe, and Henry Clay.

Skills Focus

Cause and Effect: Understanding national identity and the impact of the Market Revolution.
Comparison: Nationalism versus sectionalism and various reform movements.
Continuity and Change: Investigating shifts in political party systems and the evolving role of women.

Period 5: 1844–1877 (10-17% of Exam)

This period is characterized by territorial expansion and increasing tensions over slavery leading to the Civil War.

Manifest Destiny

Ceiling the expansionist ideology associated with the election of Polk and territorial acquisitions like Texas and California.

Civil War

Grounded in regional tensions, this conflict involved significant events such as the election of 1860, secession, and the principal military engagements.

Reconstruction

Post-war integration and the establishment of amendments aimed at securing civil rights for freedmen, although marred by widespread backlash and institutional failures.

Main Figures

Key individuals in this period include James K. Polk, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Abraham Lincoln, Jefferson Davis, and Hiram Revels.

Skills Focus

Cause and Effect: Analyzing Manifest Destiny’s implications and reasons behind anti-slavery sentiments.
Comparison: Regional economic differences and strategies utilized during the Civil War.
Continuity and Change: Evolving conditions for African Americans during and post-Reconstruction.

Period 6: 1865–1898 (10-17% of Exam)

This era witnessed a significant shift towards industrialization, westward expansion, and intensified class divisions.

Gilded Age

Characterized by the emergence of monopolies, industrial giants, and ideological movements like Social Darwinism.

Labor Movements

The rise of labor unions indicated growing worker dissatisfaction, culminating in key events such as the Pullman Strike and Haymarket Riot.

Reforms

Social movements aimed at ameliorating workers' rights, rooted in the advancement of the Social Gospel and community initiatives.

Immigration Patterns

Shifts in immigration from old to new immigrants and the socio-political ramifications, including targeted restrictions like the Chinese Exclusion Act.

Main Figures

Important characters include Andrew Carnegie, William "Boss" Tweed, Booker T. Washington, Sitting Bull, and William Jennings Bryan.

Skills Focus

Cause and Effect: Exploring industrial capitalism and its repercussions.
Comparison: Analyzing different reform movements and immigrant experiences.
Continuity and Change: Economic transformations in labor and business practices.

Period 7: 1890–1945 (10-17% of Exam)

This period centers on America’s growing international influence and domestic cultural shifts.

Imperialism

Factors driving American expansion included the desire for new markets and raw materials, leading to significant territorial acquisitions like Hawaii.

World War I

The U.S. engaged in the war with growing involvement, leading to subsequent socio-political changes domestically.

Great Depression & New Deal

The economic collapse led to widespread reforms, with FDR's administration introducing extensive social and economic changes aimed at recovery.

World War II

America’s involvement and strategies during the war reshaped global policies, highlighting contributions from women and minorities on the home front.

Main Figures

Key leaders during this era include Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry S. Truman, Langston Hughes.

Skills Focus

Cause and Effect: Investigating imperialism’s motivations and the economic collapse.
Comparison: Homefront experiences in WWI versus WWII.
Continuity and Change: Shifts in foreign policies post-World War II.

Period 8: 1945–1980 (10-17% of Exam)

This time is marked by Cold War tensions and significant movements towards equality.

Domestic Issues in the 1950s

The GI Bill and Baby Boom created societal shifts regarding education and economic prosperity.

Civil Rights Movement

Key legal battles (e.g., Brown v. Board) and instances of resistance indicated the tumultuous road toward equality.

Vietnam War Impact

The Vietnam conflict and its consequences, including societal division and resultant protests.

Main Figures

Influential figures included Martin Luther King Jr., JFK, and Rachel Carson.

Skills Focus

Cause and Effect: Assessing the civil rights movement's transformative influence.
Comparison: Differentiating between civil rights strategies of leaders like MLK Jr. and Malcolm X.
Continuity and Change: Examining how foreign policy evolved after WWII.

Period 9: 1980–Present (4-6% of Exam)

The concluding period highlights shifts towards conservatism against the backdrop of globalization and modernization.

Modern Conservatism and Politics

Key shifts were introduced by figures like Reagan and Clinton, illustrating changes in policy direction and public sentiment.

Social Changes

Growing technological advances reshaped society, influencing communication, lifestyle, and politics.

Global Events

Post-9/11 dynamics drastically affected U.S. foreign and domestic policy concerning terrorism and national security.

Main Figures

Notable leaders include Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama.

Skills Focus

Cause and Effect: The impacts of economic and foreign policy decisions.
Comparison: Political ideologies and their consequences in governance.
Continuity and Change: Changes in U.S. foreign policy and their global repercussions.

AP United States History Overview

AP United States History Overview