AP United States History

The exam format includes 55 multiple-choice questions, three short answer questions, and two free-response questions. Students are allotted 55 minutes to complete the multiple-choice section, 40 minutes for the short answer section, and 1 hour and 40 minutes to compose their responses to the free response questions. To make sure you’re prepared enough to finish in time, take a look through our free APUSH study guide that covers the most important material you should know.

How do I study for AP United States History?

You’ve likely covered a lot of material during your course this year, but to get a 5 on the AP exam, it’s important you understand how often each topic shows up. Once you take a look through the breakdown above, make sure to read through the AP US History study guide above with all the key points you should know for each unit.

What units are on AP United States History?

Unit 1: Period 1: 1491–1607
In this unit, you will learn about Native American societies as well as how and why Europeans first explored, and then began to colonize, the Americas. This will cover how Native American societies were before European contact, European exploration in the New World as well as the Columbian Exchange. You will also become familiar with labor, slavery and caste in the Spanish colonial system and cultural interactions between Europeans, Native Americans and Africans.
Unit 2: Period 2: 1607–1754
You'll study the colonies established in the New World by the Spanish, French, Dutch, and British. You’ll also explore how different European colonies were developed and expanded, what happened in the Transatlantic trade, interactions between American Indians and Europeans, slavery in the British colonies and colonial society and culture.
Unit 3: Period 3: 1754–1800
You'll explore the events that led to the American Revolution and the formation of the United States and examine the early years of the republic. This unit explores what happened during the Seven Years’ War, the American Revolution, the Articles of Confederation, the creation and ratification of the Constitution Developing an American identity and immigration to and migration within America.
Unit 4: Period 4: 1800–1848
You’ll examine how the young nation developed politically, culturally, and economically in this period. During this time, you will learn about the rise of political parties, American foreign policy, innovations in technology, agriculture, and business Debates about federal power, the Second Great Awakening, reform movements and better understand the experience of African Americans.
Unit 5: Period 5: 1844–1877
You’ll learn how the nation expanded and you’ll explore the events that led to the secession of Southern states and the Civil War. This unit explores Manifest Destiny, the Mexican–American War, attempts to resolve conflicts over the spread of slavery The election of 1860 and Southern secession, the Civil War and reconstruction.
Unit 6: Period 6: 1865–1898
You’ll examine the nation’s economic and demographic shifts in this period and their links to cultural and political changes. This unit will make you familiar with the settlement of the West, the "New South", the rise of industrial capitalism Immigration and migration Reform movements, and debates about the role of government.
Unit 7: Period 7: 1890–1945
You’ll examine America’s changing society and culture and the causes and effects of the global wars and economic meltdown of this period. This unit focuses on debates over imperialism, the Progressive movement, World War I, innovations in communications and technology in the 1920s, the Great Depression, the New Deal, World War II and Postwar diplomacy.
Unit 8: Period 8: 1945–1980
You’ll learn about the rivalry between the Soviet Union and the United States, the growth of various civil rights movements, and the economic, cultural, and political transformations of this period. This will include the Cold War and the Red Scare, America as a world power, the Vietnam War, the Great Society, the African American civil rights movement and Youth culture of the 1960s.
Unit 9: Period 9: 1980–Present
You’ll learn about the advance of political conservatism, developments in science and technology, and demographic shifts that had major cultural and political consequences in this period. In this unit, you will learn about Reagan and conservatism, the end of the Cold War, shifts in the economy, migration and immigration and challenges of the 21st century.

What are the video resources?

We’ve handpicked some of our favorite youtube channels and videos that align with the key topics and themes covered in our AP United States History study guides. These channels can be a great way to get a better understanding of United States history in the context of the World Wars, European colonization of America, the expansion of the West, and major shifts in the treatments of various groups within the United States.

Where can I ask AP United States History questions?

Connect with like-minded students who are also preparing for the exam and delve into the world of APUSH review together. By joining our Discord community, you can collaborate, exchange questions, discuss AP US History notes, and discuss any tricky problems with fellow AP US History students. Together, you can better understand challenging concepts, share helpful resources, and support each other on your way to getting a 5!

What is AP United States History?

AP United States History explores history in the context of cultural, economic, political, and social developments that have shaped the United States from c. 1491 to the present. On this page, you’ll find AP United States History resources to help you with your APUSH review.