AP US History Review Notes

Part I: 1491-1820

  • South Atlantic Trade System: Involved the trade of sugar and other goods between the Americas, Europe, and Africa.

    • Stono Rebellion: A slave uprising in 1739 that highlighted the brutal conditions of slavery and the desire for freedom.

  • French and Indian War: Conflict between British and French forces in North America.

    • Neolin and Pontiac: Indigenous leaders who resisted British expansion after the war.
    • Proclamation of 1763: British law that restricted colonial expansion westward.

  • Salutary Neglect: British policy of lax enforcement of regulations in the colonies.

    • Proclamation of 1763: Response to colonial expansion leading to unrest.
    • Stamp Act: First direct tax on colonists, provoking opposition.

  • John Locke: Philosopher who influenced ideas of natural rights and government.

    • Thomas Paine: Wrote "Common Sense", advocating for independence.
    • Declaration of Independence: Document asserting American freedom from British rule.

  • Articles of Confederation: First governing document of the U.S.

    • Northwest Ordinance of 1787: Established governance for territories.
    • Shay's Rebellion: Armed uprising against economic injustices, leading to calls for a stronger federal government.

  • Constitutional Convention: Gathering to draft the U.S. Constitution.

    • Anti-Federalists: Opponents of a strong central government; advocated for states’ rights.
    • Bill of Rights: First 10 amendments protecting individual liberties.

  • Federalism: Division of power between national and state governments.

    • Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions: States’ rights response to federal laws.
    • McCulloch v. Maryland: Supreme Court case that upheld federal power.

Part II: 1820-1877

  • Market Revolution: Transformation in the economy and society.

    • Temperance Movement: Movement advocating against alcohol consumption.
    • Democracy: Expansion of voting rights and participation.

  • Corrupt Bargain: Alleged deal in the election of 1824.

    • Jacksonian Democrats: Political party favoring the “common man”.
    • Common Man: Ideal associated with democracy and egalitarianism.

  • Indian Removal Act of 1830: Law facilitating the removal of Native Americans.

    • Worcester v. Georgia: Supreme Court case asserting tribal sovereignty.
    • Trail of Tears: Forced relocation of Native Americans, resulting in death and suffering.

  • 2nd Great Awakening: Religious revival movement.

    • Transcendentalists: Philosophers advocating for self-reliance and nature.
    • Utopian Communities: Communities aiming for perfect societies.

  • Abolition Movement: Movement to end slavery.

    • American Colonization Society: Efforts to resettle freed slaves.
    • Frederick Douglass: Influential abolitionist and speaker.

Part III: 1890-1945

  • Big Business: Growth of large corporations in America.

    • Social Darwinism: Belief that only the fittest survive in the economy.
    • Strikes: Labor actions aiming for better conditions.

  • Immigrants: Influx of people leading to urban challenges.

    • Urban Problems: Issues like poverty and overcrowding in cities.
    • Americanization: Efforts to assimilate immigrants into American culture.

  • Political Machines: Corruption and patronage in local politics.

    • President Garfield: Assassinated due to political conflicts.
    • Pendleton Civil Service Act: Introduced merit-based government employment.

  • Theodore Roosevelt: Progressive president focused on reform.

    • Upton Sinclair: Author of "The Jungle", revealing meatpacking industry horrors.
    • Jane Addams: Social reformer and founder of Hull House.

Part IV: 1945-1989

  • Containment: U.S. strategy to prevent the spread of communism.

    • Truman: President known for implementing containment policies.
    • Europe and Asia: Key geographic focuses of containment efforts.

  • 2nd Red Scare: Fear of communism within the U.S.

    • HUAC: House Un-American Activities Committee investigating alleged communists.
    • McCarthyism: Political witch hunts led by Senator McCarthy.

  • Civil Rights Movement: Struggle for African American equality.

    • Beat Generation: Literary movement questioning societal norms.
    • Teenagers: Emergence of a distinct youth culture during the era.

  • Great Society: LBJ's programs aimed at reducing poverty.

    • Vietnam: Ongoing conflict affecting American society and policy.
    • Warren Court: Supreme Court known for its expanding civil rights decisions.