APUSH All Units AP Exam Review

What civilizations were the major pre-Columbian civilizations in Central and South America?

Aztecs, Maya, and Inca.

What key feature characterized the Aztec civilization?

Irrigation systems, human sacrifices, and written language.

What was the significance of maize among indigenous civilizations?

Maize was a common crop that spread north and promoted settlement and economic development.

What were the Pueblo people known for?

Building adobe and masonry homes, staying in one place, and having organized religions.

What social structure did the Iroquois foster in the Northeast?

They grew crops like maize, squash, and beans, and built longhouses.

What was a significant reason for European exploration of the Americas?

The desire for wealth, particularly luxury goods from Asia.

Who was the first European country to seek a water route to Asia?

Portugal.

What was the result of Christopher Columbus's 1492 voyage?

He reached the Caribbean, mistaking it for the East Indies.

What was the Columbian Exchange?

The transfer of food, animals, people, diseases, minerals, and ideas between Africa, Europe, and the Americas.

What did disease do to indigenous populations in the Americas?

It had a devastating impact, decimating populations that had no immunity.

What was the Encomienda System introduced by the Spanish?

A system that granted Spanish settlers rights to enslave Native Americans and Christianize them.

What was Bartolomé de Las Casas's argument regarding the treatment of Native Americans?

He believed that the brutality against Natives was morally wrong and undermined Christianity.

What was the primary cash crop that flourished in the Chesapeake colonies after 1612?

Tobacco.

What was Bacon's Rebellion an example of?

Conflict arising from the need for land and tensions with Native Americans.

What was the primary purpose of the House of Burgesses in Virginia?

It served as the first legislative assembly in the American colonies.

What was significant about the Jamestown settlement in 1607?

It was the first permanent English settlement in North America.

What did the Mayflower Compact establish?

An early form of self-government for the Pilgrims as they settled in New England.

How did the British West Indies economy evolve in the 1620s?

It transitioned from tobacco to sugarcane as the primary cash crop.

What governmental structure was commonly developed in the colonial areas?

Democratic governments with representative bodies.

What was the significance of the Navigation Acts passed by the British Parliament?

They restricted colonial trade to England and required that certain goods be exported only to English ports.

What was a major consequence of the American colonists' smuggling activities?

It illustrated their growing resistance to British economic control.

What was the rationale for the creation of the Sons of Liberty?

To organize resistance against British taxation and policies.

What prompted the Boston Tea Party in 1773?

Colonists protesting the Tea Act, which granted the British East India Company a monopoly on tea sales.

What was the result of the Intolerable Acts passed by Parliament in response to the Boston Tea Party?

They closed Boston Harbor and imposed stricter British control over Massachusetts.

What was the main goal of the First Continental Congress in 1774?

To unify the colonies in their response to British policies.

Who wrote 'Common Sense' and what was its main argument?

Thomas Paine; it called for independence from Britain.

How did the American Revolution officially start?

It began with the battles of Lexington and Concord in April 1775.

What was the decision taken at the Second Continental Congress in 1776?

To draft and adopt the Declaration of Independence.

What was the significance of the Battle of Saratoga in 1777?

It was a turning point that convinced France to support the Americans.

What was the impact of the Treaty of Paris (1783)?

It recognized American independence and established borders for the new nation.

What was the main economic system in place in America before the American Revolution?

Feudalism, which was later replaced by capitalism.

What was the impact of the Articles of Confederation on the new United States?

It created a weak central government that struggled to govern effectively.

What was Shays' Rebellion a response to?

Economic hardship and high taxes faced by farmers.

What was the primary purpose of the Constitutional Convention of 1787?

To draft a new constitution for a stronger federal government.

What was the Great Compromise?

It established a bicameral legislature with a Senate and House of Representatives.

What does the Bill of Rights provide?

It guarantees individual freedoms and rights to Americans.

What was Washington's foreign policy stance during his presidency?

He advocated for neutrality and avoiding entangling alliances.

What was significant about John Adams's presidency?

He faced challenges like the XYZ Affair and the Alien and Sedition Acts.

What did the War of 1812 demonstrate about American nationalism?

It fostered a sense of national unity and identity.

What did the Monroe Doctrine declare?

It warned European powers against further colonization in the Americas.

How did the Second Great Awakening influence American society?

It sparked religious revivalism and social reform movements.

What was the outcome of the Mexican-American War?

The U.S. acquired vast territories including California and New Mexico.

What did the Wilmot Proviso propose?

To prohibit slavery in any territory acquired from Mexico.

What was the significance of Kansas-Nebraska Act?

It gave the right of popular sovereignty to territories to decide on the slavery issue.

What was the Dred Scott decision?

Ruled that African Americans could not be citizens and Congress could not regulate slavery in territories.

What event triggered the start of the Civil War?

The secession of Southern states and the attack on Fort Sumter.

What was Uncle Tom's Cabin and its impact?

A novel by Harriet Beecher Stowe that depicted the horrors of slavery and fueled abolitionist sentiments.

What was the primary goal of the Reconstruction era?

To reintegrate the Southern states into the Union while addressing the rights of freed slaves.

What were Black Codes?

Laws passed in Southern states to restrict the rights of African Americans post-Civil War.

What was the significance of the Emancipation Proclamation?

It declared the freedom of all slaves in Confederate-held territory.

How did the Compromise of 1877 effectively end Reconstruction?

It led to the withdrawal of federal troops from the South, allowing white Democrats to regain power.

What was the primary aim of the Populist movement in the late 19th century?

To advocate for farmers' rights and address economic grievances.

What led to the economic crisis of 1893?

Overexpansion of railroads, speculation, and bank failures.

What was the impact of the Progressive movement?

It sought to address social issues and limit corporate power through reforms.

How did the rise of industrial capitalism shape the American economy?

It led to the concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a few corporations.

What were the main goals of the women's suffrage movement?

To secure voting rights for women and achieve gender equality.

What was the impact of the Industrial Revolution on labor?

It led to the rise of labor unions advocating for workers' rights.

What was the significance of the New Deal?

It expanded the role of the federal government in the economy and provided relief during the Great Depression.

What were internment camps during World War II?

Detention centers where Japanese Americans were forcibly relocated and confined.

What was the outcome of the Brown v. Board of Education case?

It declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional.

What was the purpose of the Voting Rights Act of 1965?

To eliminate barriers to voting for African Americans.

What was the Watergate scandal?

A political scandal involving a break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters that led to Nixon's resignation.

What was the impact of the Iranian Revolution in 1979 on U.S. relations?

It led to the hostage crisis and a significant decline in U.S.-Iran relations.

How did the end of the Cold War reshape the U.S. foreign policy?

It shifted focus toward globalization, trade, and cooperation with former adversaries.

What led to the Gulf War in 1990?

Iraq's invasion of Kuwait and the subsequent U.S.-led coalition response.

What was the significance of the 9/11 attacks in 2001?

It marked a pivotal shift in U.S. foreign and domestic policy towards terrorism.

What were the outcomes of the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003?

The removal of Saddam Hussein from power and the subsequent instability and insurgency in Iraq.

How did climate change become a focal point of global policy discussions?

Increased evidence of environmental degradation and extreme weather events prompted international agreements and initiatives.

What was the significance of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) of 2010?

It aimed to expand healthcare coverage and reduce costs for uninsured Americans.

What is the current status of women's rights movements in the U.S.?

It continues to address issues like reproductive rights, wage inequality, and political representation.

What was the impact of social media on modern activism?

It has transformed the landscape of social movements by enabling rapid dissemination of information and mobilization.

What role did music and art play in the cultural revolution of the 1960s?

They became critical avenues for expressing dissent and social change.

How did the civil rights movement influence other movements?

It provided a template for various social justice movements advocating for equality and rights.

How did the U.S. respond to the rise of China as a global power?

There have been efforts to engage China diplomatically while also addressing economic and security concerns.

What are the implications of globalization on American labor markets?

It has led to jobs moving overseas, impacting domestic employment and wages.

What is the current issue related to immigration policy in the U.S.?

Debates over border security, DACA, and the path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants.

What are the challenges facing the U.S. education system today?

Issues include funding disparities, standardized testing, and access to quality education.

What has been the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on American society?

It has resulted in significant health challenges, economic downturns, and heightened awareness of public health systems.

What are the current trends in American environmental policy?

Increased focus on sustainability, climate change, and renewable energy initiatives.

How has race relations in the U.S. evolved in recent years?

Ongoing tensions highlighted by movements like Black Lives Matter and increased public discourse on systemic racism.

What is the significance of the recent Supreme Court appointments?

They shape the ideological balance and future decisions on key legal issues in the U.S.

How has American culture been influenced by immigration?

Diverse cultural contributions have enriched American society, shaping language, food, and traditions.