APUSH MD's ultimate

Salutary Neglect (1607–1763)

British policy of loose colonial oversight allowed American colonies to self-govern and develop independently, which fostered a unique political identity in the colonies. It also created a foundation for resistance and autonomy that would later be seen in revolutionary movements.

Bacon’s Rebellion (1676)

An armed rebellion in Virginia against Governor Berkeley, which was fueled by frontier settlers’ grievances over Native land policy and social inequality. It illustrated tensions between the colonies and their rulers, and the need for a more responsive government.

Navigation Acts (1651–1673)

These laws regulated colonial trade to benefit Britain’s mercantile system, which ultimately led to economic dependency and fostered smuggling and other illegal activities in the colonies.

French and Indian War (1754–1763)

The war had significant economic consequences, including huge debts for Britain. The British government then sought to tax the colonies, leading to economic protest and changing the ways goods were exchanged.

First Great Awakening (1730s–1740s)

A religious revival that spread across the colonies, emphasizing emotional faith and personal salvation. It led to greater religious diversity and contributed to the questioning of traditional authority, paving the way for democratic ideals.

Bacon’s Rebellion (1676)

The rebellion highlighted class tensions between wealthy plantation owners and poor settlers. It also contributed to increasing reliance on African slaves for labor as the elite sought a more controllable workforce.

Proclamation of 1763

British law that prohibited colonists from settling west of the Appalachian Mountains in an effort to prevent conflict with Native Americans. This event illustrated the continuing struggle for land and the displacement of Native populations.

Bacon’s Rebellion (1676)

A revolt by frontier settlers who sought to expand westward and settle on Native American lands. This event contributed to the ongoing conflict over westward expansion and Native displacement.

French and Indian War (1754–1763)

A conflict between Britain and France over territory in North America that ultimately reshaped colonial borders and set the stage for future American independence.

Declaration of Independence (1776)

A foundational political document that asserted the colonies’ independence from Britain. It marked the colonies’ transformation into a new political entity and influenced the shaping of future democratic ideals in the U.S.

Shays’ Rebellion (1786–87)

A revolt by Massachusetts farmers protesting economic injustices, which exposed weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation and led to calls for a stronger central government.

Constitutional Convention (1787)

A gathering of leaders to draft the new U.S. Constitution, creating a more powerful federal government and addressing political issues raised by Shays’ Rebellion and weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation.

Bill of Rights (1791)

The first ten amendments to the Constitution, which guaranteed individual freedoms and appeased Anti-Federalists who feared the creation of a too-powerful central government.

Louisiana Purchase (1803)

Jefferson’s acquisition of vast territory from France that doubled the size of the U.S., opening up new land for farming, trade, and expansion of the economy.

Whiskey Rebellion (1794)

A tax protest in Pennsylvania over an excise tax on whiskey. The government’s response to the rebellion demonstrated the strength of the federal government and the growing authority of the new republic.

Washington’s Farewell Address (1796)

In his final speech, Washington advised against political factions and foreign entanglements, promoting national unity and caution in foreign relations, reflecting his vision for American political culture.

Louisiana Purchase (1803)

The acquisition of vast land from France opened new territories for settlement, impacting the geography of the United States, and facilitating westward expansion.

Louisiana Purchase (1803)

The acquisition opened up new land for settlement by European-Americans, contributing to further migration westward, and setting the stage for future territorial conflicts.

War of 1812

The United States fought against Britain over maritime rights, and the war’s outcome helped solidify the country’s independence and foster national pride.

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

A landmark Supreme Court case that established judicial review, allowing the courts to strike down laws that violate the Constitution and solidifying the judiciary’s role in American politics.

Election of 1828

The election of Andrew Jackson, a populist leader, marked the rise of democratic ideals and the expansion of suffrage to include more white men, changing the political landscape.

Erie Canal (1825)

A man-made waterway connecting the Hudson River to Lake Erie, revolutionizing transportation and trade by making it easier and cheaper to ship goods from the interior of the U.S. to international markets.

Second Great Awakening (1790s–1840s)

A religious revival that emphasized individual salvation, led to social reform movements like abolitionism, temperance, and women’s rights, and helped shape American religious culture.

Indian Removal Act (1830)

Legislation that led to the forced relocation of thousands of Native Americans to lands west of the Mississippi River. This event demonstrated the federal government’s commitment to pushing Native Americans off their land to make room for white settlement.

Trail of Tears (1838–1839)

The forced relocation of the Cherokee Nation and other Native tribes to lands west of the Mississippi, which resulted in the deaths of thousands. It reflected the growing tensions between Native Americans and American settlers.

Monroe Doctrine (1823)

A foreign policy statement asserting that European countries should no longer interfere in the Western Hemisphere. It marked the beginning of American diplomatic assertiveness and helped define the country’s foreign relations.

Manifest Destiny (1840s)

The belief that the United States was destined by God to expand across North America. This ideology drove U.S. territorial expansion, including the annexation of Texas, the Mexican-American War, and the acquisition of the Oregon Territory. It shaped political debates over the future of slavery and power in the government.

Mexican-American War (1846–1848)

A conflict between the United States and Mexico over the annexation of Texas and territorial boundaries. The U.S. victory resulted in the acquisition of vast territories, such as California and New Mexico, which deepened sectional tensions over slavery

Compromise of 1850

A series of laws aimed at resolving the debate over slavery in newly acquired territories from the Mexican-American War. It included the Fugitive Slave Act and admitted California as a free state, but only temporarily calmed sectional tensions (Politics).

Kansas-Nebraska Act (1854)

Legislation that allowed territories of Kansas and Nebraska to decide the issue of slavery through popular sovereignty, effectively repealing the Missouri Compromise. It led to violence (Bleeding Kansas) and further divided the nation (Politics and Power).

Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857)

The Supreme Court ruling that declared enslaved people were not U.S. citizens and that Congress had no authority to prohibit slavery in the territories. This decision intensified sectional conflict and undermined political compromises (Politics and Power).

Civil War (1861–1865)

The war between the Union (North) and Confederacy (South) over issues including slavery, state rights, and political power. The outcome preserved the Union, abolished slavery, and set the stage for Reconstruction

Reconstruction Amendments (13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments)

The amendments passed after the Civil War, abolishing slavery (13th), granting citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the U.S. (14th), and securing voting rights for African American men (15th). These amendments reshaped the political landscape and African American rights (Politics, Role of African Americans).

Impeachment of Andrew Johnson (1868)

Johnson was impeached for his lenient Reconstruction policies and violation of the Tenure of Office Act. He was acquitted by one vote, highlighting the political divisions in the post-Civil War U.S. (Politics and Power).

Railroad Expansion (1840s–1860s)

The construction of transcontinental railroads revolutionized American transportation and trade, linking the East to the West, opening up new markets, and facilitating the settlement of new territories. The expansion also led to increased exploitation of resources and labor (Work and Exchange).

Homestead Act (1862)

Legislation that provided 160 acres of land to settlers who would cultivate it for five years. It encouraged westward migration and settlement but often resulted in the displacement of Native Americans (Migration and Settlement, Geography and Environment).

Cotton Gin (1793)

Though predating this period, its impact carried through the 19th century. It revolutionized cotton production in the South, making it a major economic driver of the region, and contributed to the entrenchment of slavery (Work and Exchange).

Second Great Awakening (1790s–1840s)

A religious revival that spurred social movements, including abolitionism, temperance, and women’s rights. It had a major impact on reform culture and helped create a more inclusive American identity

Abolitionist Movement (1830s–1860s)

A social movement aimed at ending slavery in the United States. Key figures like Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, and Sojourner Truth worked to reshape societal values around freedom and equality (Culture and Society, Role of African Americans).

Women’s Suffrage Movement (1848–1877)

The fight for women’s rights, culminating in events like the Seneca Falls Convention (1848) and expanding the fight for equality and voting rights. The movement was intertwined with other reform movements (Culture and Society, Role of Women).

Emancipation Proclamation (1863)

Executive order by President Lincoln that declared enslaved people in Confederate-held territories free. It transformed the war’s moral purpose and redefined the national identity around freedom and equality (American Identity, Politics, Role of African Americans).

Freedmen’s Bureau (1865)

A government agency that provided aid to formerly enslaved people and poor whites in the South. It facilitated education and job placement for African Americans, though it faced significant opposition (Politics and Power, Role of African Americans).

Indian Removal Act (1830)

The forced relocation of Native American tribes to territories west of the Mississippi River. This policy intensified the displacement of Native communities and impacted settlement patterns across the U.S. (Migration and Settlement, Geography and Environment).

Transcontinental Railroad (1869)

The completion of the railroad connected the East and West coasts, opening up new lands for settlement and economic exploitation. This significantly impacted the environment and land use in the U.S. (Geography and Environment).

Homestead Act (1862)

Encouraged settlers to move westward and claim land, leading to increased agricultural expansion but also to conflict with Native American tribes over land ownership (Migration and Settlement, Geography and Environment).

California Gold Rush (1848–1855)

The discovery of gold led to a massive migration of people to California, fueling the state’s rapid population growth and ultimately its admission as a free state (Migration and Settlement).

Trail of Tears (1838)

The forced relocation of Cherokee and other tribes from their ancestral lands to reservations in the west. Thousands of Native Americans died along the way, and it represented a significant loss of Native land (Migration and Settlement, Geography and Environment).

Mexican-American War (1846–1848)

The war resulted in the U.S. gaining vast territories through the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which set the stage for further U.S. involvement in international affairs and imperialism (America in the World).

Reconstruction (1865–1877)

The period following the Civil War when the federal government took steps to reintegrate the Southern states and grant civil rights to formerly enslaved people. This was a politically turbulent time, as efforts at Reconstruction faced resistance from the South (Politics and Power).

Jim Crow Laws (1877–1960s)

State and local laws enforcing racial segregation in the Southern United States. These laws reflected the ongoing political struggle over civil rights and the legacy of slavery (Politics and Power, Role of African Americans).

Populist Movement (1890s)

A political movement of farmers that advocated for the free coinage of silver, government regulation of railroads, and a more direct form of democracy. This highlighted tensions between rural America and industrial interests (Politics and Power).

Industrialization (Late 19th Century)

The growth of factories, railroads, and mechanized agriculture led to mass production and urbanization. This transformed the economy and the nature of work, leading to labor unions and calls for reform (Work and Exchange, Technology).

Transcontinental Railroad (1869)

The completion of the railroad revolutionized transportation and commerce, linking the Eastern and Western U.S. and facilitating the settlement of the West (Work and Exchange, Geography and Environment).

Social Darwinism (Late 19th Century)

The belief that society should operate based on natural selection, used to justify the disparity between rich industrialists and the poor. It reinforced the capitalist ideology of the time (Culture and Society).

Settlement Houses (1880s–1900s)

Organizations such as Jane Addams’ Hull House provided services to the poor, especially immigrants, and became centers for social reform and women’s rights (Role of Women, Culture and Society).

Women’s Suffrage (Late 19th Century)

The fight for women's voting rights continued throughout the period with key figures like Susan B. Anthony leading the charge, culminating in the 19th Amendment (Role of Women, Politics).

Urbanization (Late 19th Century)

The rise of industrial cities created new opportunities for migration but also led to overcrowded and unsanitary living conditions. The environment of cities and the rural landscape were drastically reshaped (Geography and Environment).

National Parks (1870s–1890s)

The establishment of parks like Yellowstone and Yosemite marked a shift in the American relationship to the land and reflected growing concerns about preserving natural beauty (Geography and Environment).

Great Migration (Late 19th Century)

African Americans moved from rural Southern areas to urban centers in the North in search of jobs and better living conditions. This migration altered demographics and contributed to cultural movements like the Harlem Renaissance (Migration and Settlement, Role of African Americans).

Spanish-American War (1898)

The U.S. emerged as a world power after defeating Spain and acquiring territories like Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines, marking the start of American imperialism (America in the World).

Politics and Power:

Progressive Era (1890–1920)

A period of social and political reform focused on addressing issues caused by industrialization, urbanization, and corruption. Reforms included labor rights, women’s suffrage, and antitrust laws (Politics, Role of Women, Work and Tech).

Plessy v. Ferguson (1896)

The Supreme Court ruling that established the "separate but equal" doctrine, legalizing racial segregation in the U.S. This decision solidified racial discrimination in the South and led to the institutionalization of Jim Crow laws (Politics, Role of African Americans).

New Deal (1933–1939)

A series of programs and policies initiated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to combat the effects of the Great Depression. It expanded the role of the federal government in economic regulation, welfare, and social safety nets (Politics, Work and Tech, Culture and Society).

World War I (1914–1918)

The U.S. entered the war in 1917, and its involvement helped reshape global politics and the country’s foreign relations. Post-war, the U.S. emerged as a major world power and took a more active role in global affairs (America in the World).

World War II (1939–1945)

The U.S. entered World War II in 1941 after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. The war significantly changed American society, economy, and its place in global politics, eventually leading to its emergence as a superpower (Politics, American Identity, Work and Tech).

Social Security Act (1935)

A New Deal program that established a system of pensions for the elderly, unemployment insurance, and aid to dependent children. It marked a significant expansion of the federal government's role in providing social welfare (Politics, Work and Tech).

The Gilded Age (Late 19th Century)

A period of rapid industrialization, urbanization, and the rise of big businesses, marked by the creation of monopolies and poor working conditions. This period saw major technological advances in industry, transportation, and communications (Work and Tech, Culture and Society).

Assembly Line (1913)

Introduced by Henry Ford, this innovation revolutionized manufacturing, dramatically increasing production efficiency and lowering costs, contributing to the growth of mass consumer culture (Work and Tech).

The New Deal (1933–1939)

The federal programs enacted during the Great Depression helped to shape modern welfare states and contributed to the rise of labor unions. Policies like the National Industrial Recovery Act (NIRA) and the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) aimed to regulate business practices and protect workers (Work and Tech, Politics).

The Great Depression (1929–1939)

An economic collapse that led to massive unemployment, widespread poverty, and drastic changes in U.S. economic policy. It catalyzed the development of social safety nets and government intervention in the economy (Work and Tech).

The Harlem Renaissance (1920s)

A cultural, social, and artistic explosion centered in Harlem, New York, where African American writers, musicians, and artists flourished. The movement had a lasting influence on the culture and identity of African Americans (Culture and Society, Role of African Americans).

Women’s Suffrage (1920)

The 19th Amendment granted women the right to vote. It marked a major victory in the fight for women’s rights and was part of the broader progressive movement to address inequality in American society (Culture and Society, Role of Women).

The Roaring Twenties (1920s)

A period of cultural upheaval, marked by economic prosperity, the rise of consumer culture, jazz music, the flapper lifestyle, and the first wave of feminist activism. It reshaped American cultural identity (Culture and Society, American Identity).

Great Depression and Social Reform (1930s)

The Great Depression led to increased poverty and the emergence of new social reform movements. The New Deal programs, such as the Works Progress Administration (WPA), provided jobs, housing, and education, changing American society’s approach to welfare (Culture and Society, Work and Tech).

Dust Bowl (1930s)

A period of severe dust storms and droughts in the Great Plains that led to widespread agricultural failure and mass migration. It displaced thousands of farmers and changed American farming practices (Geography and Environment, Migration and Settlement).

New Deal Environmental Programs (1930s)

Programs like the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) focused on improving environmental conditions, managing natural resources, and providing jobs (Geography and Environment, Work and Tech).

Great Migration (1916–1970)

The migration of African Americans from the rural South to urban centers in the North and West, in search of better economic opportunities and to escape racial violence. This movement reshaped the demographic and cultural landscape of the U.S. (Migration and Settlement, Role of African Americans).

Dust Bowl Migration (1930s)

Thousands of displaced families from the Great Plains moved westward, particularly to California, in search of new opportunities. This migration shaped the U.S. demographic and contributed to California's growth (Migration and Settlement, Geography and Environment).

World War I (1914–1918)

U.S. involvement in the war marked its entry into the global political arena. The U.S. emerged as a world power, and the war’s outcome led to the creation of the League of Nations, although the U.S. did not join

World War II (1939–1945)

U.S. involvement in World War II led to its rise as a superpower, influencing global geopolitics for decades. The war reshaped international relations and led to the creation of the United Nations (America in the World).

Cold War (1947–1991)

A geopolitical struggle between the U.S. and the Soviet Union that shaped U.S. foreign policy and led to proxy wars, nuclear arms race, and political and economic competition worldwide (America in the World, Politics).

Civil Rights Movement (1950s–1960s)

A social movement led by African Americans to end racial segregation and discrimination, culminating in landmark legislation like the Civil Rights Act (1964) and the Voting Rights Act (1965), fundamentally transforming U.S. society and politics (Politics, Role of African Americans).

Brown v. Board of Education (1954)

Supreme Court decision that declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional, overturning Plessy v. Ferguson and triggering the desegregation of schools (Politics, Role of African Americans).

Great Society (1964–1965)

A series of domestic programs launched by President Lyndon B. Johnson aimed at eliminating poverty and racial injustice. Programs included Medicare, Medicaid, and the Civil Rights Act (Politics, Work and Tech, Culture and Society).

Watergate Scandal (1972–1974)

A political scandal that led to President Richard Nixon’s resignation, exposing corruption at the highest levels of government and resulting in greater skepticism toward the political establishment (Politics, American Identity).

The Postwar Economic Boom (1945–1973)

The U.S. economy saw tremendous growth after World War II, fueled by industrial production, suburbanization, and the expansion of consumer culture (Work and Tech).

Suburbanization (1950s–1960s)

The growth of suburban communities, particularly in the Sun Belt, transformed the American landscape and economy, fostering the rise of consumer culture and the automobile industry (Work and Tech, Geography and Environment).

Technology and Space Race (1950s–1960s)

The U.S. engaged in an intense competition with the Soviet Union to lead in technological and scientific advancements, culminating in the U.S. landing on the moon in 1969. This era reshaped American culture and global perceptions of technological power (Work and Tech, America in the World).

Civil Rights Movement (1950s–1960s)

The movement to end racial segregation and discrimination was marked by peaceful protests, marches, and legal battles, reshaping American society and its values on race and equality (Culture and Society, Role of African Americans).

Feminist Movement (1960s–1980s)

A resurgence of the feminist movement in the 1960s and 1970s called for gender equality, including the passage of Title IX (1972) and the push for the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) (Culture and Society, Role of Women).

Counterculture (1960s)

A movement primarily among young people that rejected traditional social norms, especially around race, gender, and authority. It was closely tied to the civil rights, anti-Vietnam War, and feminist movements (Culture and Society).

The New Left (1960s–1970s)

A broad political movement that emerged in response to the perceived failures of American society and its political system, advocating for civil rights, anti-war protests, and more inclusive democratic practices (Culture and Society).

Environmental Movement (1960s–1970s)

A growing concern about pollution and the degradation of the environment led to the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the passage of significant environmental laws like the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act (Geography and Environment, Work and Tech).

Sun Belt Migration (1945–1980)

A demographic shift where Americans moved from the industrial North to the warmer South and West, leading to political and economic changes in these regions (Migration and Settlement, Geography and Environment).

Post-WWII Immigration (1945–1980)

Immigration policies became more inclusive after the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, leading to greater diversity in U.S. immigration patterns and changes in American society (Migration and Settlement).

Cold War (1947–1991)

The U.S. faced off against the Soviet Union in a global struggle for political and ideological dominance, leading to wars in Korea, Vietnam, and other proxy conflicts (America in the World).

Vietnam War (1955–1975)

The U.S. involvement in Vietnam was part of its broader strategy to contain communism, but it ultimately led to a loss of American life and credibility on the world stage (America in the World).

Clinton Impeachment (1998)

President Bill Clinton was impeached by the House of Representatives for perjury and obstruction of justice related to a scandal involving Monica Lewinsky. He was acquitted by the Senate. The event intensified partisan divisions and mistrust in political leadership. (Politics and Power)