Note
Studied by 15 peopleAPUSH FINAL REVIEW Units 1-9
Unit 1: Pre-Columbian to Colonial America 1491-1607
Contextualization: This era marks the initial interactions between Europeans and the Americas, setting the stage for profound cultural, economic, and political transformations. Understanding this period provides insight into the roots of American identity and the complexities of intercultural exchange. A deeper understanding of this era involves recognizing that the Americas were not a 'new' world but a land with diverse, complex societies that had thrived for millennia. The arrival of Europeans initiated a period of unprecedented exchange and conflict, fundamentally altering the trajectory of both the Old and New Worlds.
Summary: This unit covers the diverse societies in the Americas before European contact and the subsequent arrival of Europeans leading to colonization.
Important Details and Events:
Various Native American cultures including the Mississippian, Pueblo, and Iroquois, showcasing adaptations to different environmental conditions, agricultural practices, and societal structures. A more detailed explanation includes:
Mississippian culture: Known for mound building and extensive trade networks, centered around Cahokia.
Pueblo culture: Developed sophisticated irrigation systems and adobe architecture in the Southwest.
Iroquois: Established a political confederacy in the Northeast, demonstrating complex governance structures.
Columbus's voyage in 1492, supported by Spain, marked the beginning of sustained European exploration and led to the establishment of Spanish colonies, such as in the Caribbean and later in Central and South America. More details:
Columbus's voyages were motivated by a desire to find a westward route to Asia for trade.
Spanish colonization focused on extracting resources and converting indigenous populations to Christianity.
The encomienda system was a labor system that exploited Native American labor.
The Columbian Exchange facilitated the transfer of plants, animals, and diseases between the Old and New Worlds, significantly impacting both indigenous populations and European lifestyles. Further explanation:
Plants: The introduction of crops like wheat and rice to the Americas and potatoes and corn to Europe.
Animals: The introduction of horses, cattle, and pigs to the Americas.
Diseases: Devastating impact of diseases like smallpox on Native American populations.
Societal Effects:
Culturally: Introduction of European languages, cultures, and religious beliefs to Native Americans, resulting in significant cultural shifts and the spread of Christianity through missions. Detailed explanation:
Cultural shifts: Native American societies experienced profound changes in their traditional ways of life.
Spread of Christianity: Spanish and French missions played a key role in converting Native Americans.
Economically: The rise of mercantilism in Europe drove the competition for wealth, resulting in the exploitation of resources from the Americas, including gold, silver, and sugar. Further details:
Mercantilism: An economic system in which colonies exist to benefit the mother country.
Exploitation of resources: Extraction of valuable resources from the Americas fueled European economies.
The plantation system: Large-scale agricultural production based on slave labor.
Politically: Establishment of colonial government structures (e.g., encomienda system) and changes in power relations among European monarchies as they claimed territories. More details:
Colonial government structures: Establishment of Spanish, French, and English colonies with varying forms of governance.
Power relations: European monarchies competed for control of territory and resources in the Americas.
Unit 2: Colonial America 1607-1754
Contextualization: The establishment of British colonies in North America defines this era. Varying motivations, from economic opportunities to religious freedom, shaped distinct regional identities and set the stage for future conflicts with both Native Americans and the British crown. A deeper understanding of this era requires examining the diverse motivations behind colonization, the varying relationships between colonists and Native Americans, and the evolving economic and political structures that laid the groundwork for the American Revolution. This period is vital for understanding the regional differences that would influence American history.
Summary: This unit examines the development of the British colonies and the interactions between European settlers and Native Americans.
Important Details and Events:
The founding of key colonies: Jamestown in 1607, recognized for introducing tobacco cultivation, and Plymouth in 1620, noted for the Pilgrims seeking freedom from religious persecution. Further explanation:
Jamestown: The first permanent English settlement in North America, initially struggled but thrived with tobacco cultivation.
Plymouth: Founded by Pilgrims seeking religious freedom from the Church of England, established the Mayflower Compact as a form of self-governance.
The role of indentured servitude in providing labor for tobacco and other cash crops, creating a labor system that laid groundwork for the eventual rise of slavery. More details:
Indentured servitude: A labor system in which individuals contract to work for a set number of years in exchange for passage to the colonies.
Transition to slavery: As the demand for labor increased, the colonies transitioned to a system of chattel slavery.
Navigation Acts implemented by Britain to control colonial trade, leading to colonial resistance and smuggling activities that laid the foundation for revolutionary sentiments. Further explanation:
Navigation Acts: A series of laws that restricted colonial trade to benefit England.
Colonial resistance: Colonists resisted these acts through smuggling and other forms of defiance.
Societal Effects:
Culturally: Development of distinct colonial cultures and identities in New England, the Middle Colonies, and the Southern Colonies influenced by waves of European immigration and Native American interactions. Detailed explanation:
New England: Characterized by Puritan religious values, small towns, and a focus on education.
Middle Colonies: A diverse region with a mix of agriculture and commerce, known for religious tolerance.
Southern Colonies: Dominated by plantation agriculture and a hierarchical social structure based on slavery.
Economically: Growth of plantation economies in the South leading to agricultural wealth, and trade networks that emerged among the colonies, Africa, and Europe. Further details:
Plantation economies: Large-scale agricultural production of cash crops like tobacco, rice, and indigo.
Triangular trade: A complex trade network connecting the colonies, Africa, and Europe.
Politically: Increased instances of self-governance as seen in Virginia's House of Burgesses and early challenges to British authority, establishing a tradition of colonial assemblies. More details:
House of Burgesses: Established in 1619, the first elected legislative assembly in the colonies.
Colonial assemblies: Representative bodies that governed the colonies and challenged British authority.
Unit 3: The American Revolution 1754-1783
Contextualization: This pivotal period in American history marks the transition from colonial dependence to national sovereignty. Grievances over taxation and governance fueled a revolutionary spirit, leading to the birth of a new nation founded on Enlightenment ideals. To fully grasp this era, one must examine the intellectual and philosophical underpinnings of the revolution, the key events that escalated tensions between the colonies and Britain, and the social and economic transformations that accompanied the struggle for independence. This context is essential for understanding the birth of the United States and its founding principles.
Summary: Focuses on the causes, events, and consequences of the American Revolution.
Important Details and Events:
Key events: The Boston Tea Party in 1773 protesting taxation without representation, the formation of the Continental Congress, and pivotal battles such as Saratoga (turning point) and Yorktown (final battle). Further explanation:
Boston Tea Party: A protest against British taxation policies, in which colonists dumped tea into Boston Harbor.
Continental Congress: A body of representatives from the colonies that coordinated resistance to British policies.
Saratoga: A decisive American victory that convinced France to ally with the United States.
Yorktown: The final major battle of the war, resulting in the surrender of British forces.
The Declaration of Independence in 1776 outlined Enlightenment influences on revolutionary ideas of individual rights and government accountability to the people. More details:
Enlightenment influences: Ideas of John Locke, Montesquieu, and other Enlightenment thinkers shaped revolutionary thought.
Individual rights: The Declaration asserted the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Government accountability: The Declaration argued that governments derive their legitimacy from the consent of the governed.
Societal Effects:
Culturally: Emergence of a unified American identity embracing shared values of liberty, democracy, and republicanism, leading to a sense of patriotism among colonists. Detailed explanation:
American identity: A shared sense of identity based on common values and experiences.
Republicanism: A political ideology emphasizing civic virtue and the common good.
Economically: Disruption of trade with Britain during the war spurred experimentation in self-sufficiency and increased reliance on domestic production. Further details:
Economic disruption: The war disrupted trade with Britain, forcing the colonies to develop their own industries.
Domestic production: Increased reliance on local manufacturing and agriculture.
Politically: The aftermath of the war led to the establishment of a republic and the challenges of governance, notably under the Articles of Confederation. More details:
Establishment of a republic: A government based on elected representatives.
Articles of Confederation: The first attempt at a national government, which proved to be weak and ineffective.
Unit 4: The Formation of a New Nation 1783-1815
Contextualization: Following the Revolution, the fledgling United States grappled with establishing a stable government. The shift from the Articles of Confederation to the Constitution laid the groundwork for a more unified and effective nation, setting precedents for governance and national identity. Understanding this period requires an examination of the failures of the Articles of Confederation, the debates and compromises that shaped the Constitution, and the early challenges faced by the new federal government. This context highlights the critical decisions that determined the future of the United States.
Summary: This unit discusses the challenges faced by the new nation and the formulation of its government.
Important Details and Events:
The weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation highlighted issues like military ineffectiveness and lack of central authority, prompting the Constitutional Convention in 1787. Further explanation:
Military ineffectiveness: The national government lacked the power to raise a standing army.
Lack of central authority: The Articles created a weak central government with limited powers.
Constitutional Convention: Delegates from the states met to revise the Articles but ultimately created a new Constitution.
The ratification of the Constitution reflected federalist principles and included the Bill of Rights to address Anti-Federalist concerns regarding individual liberties. More details:
Federalist principles: Support for a strong central government.
Bill of Rights: The first ten amendments to the Constitution, guaranteeing individual rights.
Anti-Federalist concerns: Opposition to the Constitution based on fears of centralized power.
The War of 1812 against Britain reinforced national sovereignty and led to a surge in national pride, resulting in the era of good feelings. Further explanation:
War of 1812: A conflict between the United States and Britain over maritime rights and territorial expansion.
National sovereignty: The war helped establish the United States as an independent and sovereign nation.
Era of Good Feelings: A period of national unity and political harmony following the war.
Societal Effects:
Culturally: The framework of American political traditions began to solidify, along with the establishment of political parties stemming from differing views on governance. Detailed explanation:
Political traditions: Development of norms and practices related to elections, governance, and civic engagement.
Political parties: The emergence of the Federalist and Democratic-Republican parties marked the beginning of partisan politics.
Economically: The inception of a national economy encouraged infrastructure improvements such as roads and canals to facilitate trade among states. Further details:
National economy: Creation of a unified economic system with standardized currency, banking, and trade policies.
Infrastructure improvements: Construction of roads, canals, and other transportation networks to facilitate commerce.
Politically: Debates over the balance of power between federal and state governments emerged, notably illustrated in the context of the Bank of the United States. More details:
Federal vs. state power: Ongoing debates over the division of authority between the national and state governments.
Bank of the United States: A controversial institution that sparked debates over the role of the federal government in the economy.
Unit 5: Expansion and Reform 1815-1860
Contextualization: This era is characterized by territorial expansion and social transformation. Manifest Destiny fueled westward movement, even as reform movements addressed issues of equality and justice, setting the stage for sectional conflict. A comprehensive understanding of this period demands an exploration of the concept of Manifest Destiny, the social and economic forces driving westward expansion, and the various reform movements that sought to address societal ills. The growing tensions over slavery and states' rights also play a crucial role in setting the stage for the Civil War.
Summary: Examines westward expansion, manifest destiny, and social reforms.
Important Details and Events:
Key events included the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, the Indian Removal Act of 1830 which forcibly relocated Native American tribes, and the assertion of Manifest Destiny as a rationale for expansion. Further explanation:
Louisiana Purchase: The acquisition of a vast territory from France that doubled the size of the United States.
Indian Removal Act: Legislation that authorized the forced removal of Native American tribes from their ancestral lands.
Manifest Destiny: The belief that the United States was destined to expand across the North American continent.
Social reform movements, including abolitionism and the women’s rights movement (notably the Seneca Falls Convention of 1848) emerged to address societal injustices. More details:
Abolitionism: A movement to end slavery.
Women’s rights movement: A campaign to achieve equality for women, including the right to vote.
Seneca Falls Convention: A landmark event in the women’s rights movement.
Societal Effects:
Culturally: Changes in social norms prompted discussions of equality and justice, leading to a reevaluation of traditional roles within society. Detailed explanation:
Social norms: Traditional roles and expectations within society were challenged by reform movements.
Reevaluation of roles: Discussions about equality and justice led to questions about traditional gender roles, racial discrimination, and other forms of inequality.
Economically: Expansion into new territories opened new markets but sparked tensions over the extension of slavery into these regions. Further details:
New markets: Westward expansion created new opportunities for trade and economic development.
Extension of slavery: The question of whether to allow slavery in new territories fueled sectional tensions.
Politically: Increasing discord between the North and South became evident in legislative debates over slavery in new states, resulting in events like the Missouri Compromise and Compromise of 1850. More details:
Missouri Compromise: An agreement that admitted Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a free state, while also prohibiting slavery in much of the remaining Louisiana Purchase territory.
Compromise of 1850: A series of laws that addressed the issue of slavery in newly acquired territories from Mexico.
Unit 6: The Civil War and Reconstruction 1860-1877
Contextualization: The Civil War represents a critical juncture in American history, testing the nation’s commitment to its founding ideals. Reconstruction sought to rebuild the war-torn South and address the consequences of slavery, but its successes were limited and its legacy remains controversial. A deeper exploration of this era requires examining the complex causes of the Civil War, the key events and turning points of the conflict, and the challenges and failures of Reconstruction. Understanding the motivations, strategies, and outcomes of this period is vital for comprehending the ongoing struggle for racial equality in the United States.
Summary: Covers the events leading up to the Civil War, the war itself, and the Reconstruction period.
Important Details and Events:
Causes of the Civil War included states’ rights debates, economic differences, and the central issue of slavery, leading to key battles such as Gettysburg and Antietam. Further explanation:
States’ rights debates: Disputes over the balance of power between the federal and state governments, particularly regarding slavery.
Economic differences: Diverging economic systems and interests between the industrial North and the agricultural South.
Slavery: The moral, economic, and political issue that ultimately led to the outbreak of war.
Gettysburg and Antietam: Two of the most significant battles of the Civil War, marking turning points in the conflict.
The Emancipation Proclamation issued by Abraham Lincoln in 1863 sought to free enslaved people in Confederate territories, altering the war’s moral compass. More details:
Emancipation Proclamation: A decree that declared all slaves in Confederate-held territory to be free.
Reconstruction policies aimed to reintegrate Southern states into the Union and address the rights of newly freed African Americans (13th-15th Amendments). More details:
Reconstruction: The period after the Civil War in which the United States attempted to rebuild and transform the South.
13th-15th Amendments: Constitutional amendments that abolished slavery, granted citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the United States, and prohibited the denial of the right to vote based on race or previous condition of servitude.
Societal Effects:
Culturally: The era was marked by significant controversies surrounding civil rights and racism, as societal attitudes towards African Americans transformed over time. Detailed explanation:
Civil rights: The struggle for equal rights and opportunities for African Americans.
Racism: Deep-seated prejudice and discrimination against African Americans.
Economically: The post-war Southern economy was devastated, leading to the establishment of sharecropping as a new labor system. Further details:
Sharecropping: A labor system in which tenant farmers work the land in exchange for a share of the crop.
Politically: Expansion of federal power was evident in the efforts to enforce civil rights, clashing with Southern states resisting change. More details:
Enforcement of civil rights: Federal efforts to protect the rights of African Americans in the South.
Southern resistance: White Southerners resisted Reconstruction policies and sought to maintain white supremacy.
Unit 7: The Development of Modern America 1877-1900
Contextualization: This era witnessed rapid industrialization, urbanization, and immigration, transforming the United States into a modern economic power. However, these changes also brought social and economic challenges, including labor unrest and growing income inequality. To fully understand this transformative period, one must examine the factors driving industrial growth, the impact of immigration on American society, the rise of labor movements, and the emergence of new social and economic inequalities. This context is crucial for understanding the foundations of modern America.
Summary: Focuses on industrialization, immigration, urbanization, and the rise of labor movements.
Important Details and Events:
The growth of major industries, particularly steel and railroads, propelled economic growth and increased the influx of immigrants who provided labor. Further explanation:
Steel and railroads: Key industries that drove economic growth and shaped the American landscape.
Immigration: A massive influx of immigrants from Europe and Asia provided labor for these industries.
Key labor movements and significant strikes, such as the Haymarket Affair and the Pullman Strike, illustrated workers' struggles for rights and better conditions. More details:
Labor movements: Organized efforts by workers to improve their wages, working conditions, and rights.
Haymarket Affair and Pullman Strike: Landmark events in the history of the American labor movement.
Societal Effects:
Culturally: Shift in social dynamics led to both cultural assimilation and the emergence of ethnic enclaves in urban areas, fostering exchange among diverse populations. Detailed explanation:
Cultural assimilation: The process by which immigrants adopt the customs and values of the dominant culture.
Ethnic enclaves: Urban neighborhoods with a high concentration of residents from the same ethnic group.
Economically: The rapid growth of capitalism resulted in stark economic disparities, prompting calls for regulation and social reforms. Further details:
Economic disparities: A growing gap between the rich and the poor.
Social reforms: Efforts to address the problems caused by industrial capitalism, such as poverty, inequality, and unsafe working conditions.
Politically: The rise of Populism stemmed from discontent among farmers and workers against industrial monopolies, influencing political discourse. More details:
Populism: A political movement that advocated for the interests of farmers and workers against the power of corporations and elites.
Unit 8: America between the Wars 1920-1945
Contextualization: This period encompasses both the exuberance of the Roaring Twenties and the hardships of the Great Depression, followed by the global conflict of World War II. These events reshaped American society, economy, and its role in the world. A complete understanding of this era involves examining the cultural transformations of the 1920s, the economic factors that led to the Great Depression, the impact of the New Deal policies, and the ways in which World War II transformed the United States into a global superpower.
Summary: This unit discusses the Roaring Twenties, the Great Depression, and World War II.
Important Details and Events:
Cultural changes during the 1920s included the Harlem Renaissance, showcasing African American culture, and the women's suffrage movement achieved with the 19th Amendment in 1920. Further explanation:
Harlem Renaissance: A flowering of African American arts and culture in Harlem, New York.
Women’s suffrage movement: The campaign to win the right to vote for women, culminating in the passage of the 19th Amendment.
The stock market crash of 1929 led to the Great Depression, prompting New Deal policies aimed at economic recovery and social welfare programs. More details:
Great Depression: A severe economic downturn that lasted from 1929 to the late 1930s.
New Deal: A series of programs and policies enacted by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to combat the Depression.
America’s engagement in WWII shaped its global role, with significant contributions on the home front through war production and rationing. Further explanation:
WWII: A global conflict that transformed the United States into a leading world power.
Home front: American society mobilized for war through war production, rationing, and other efforts.
Societal Effects:
Culturally: Rise of modernism affected art, literature, and societal views, while changing gender roles highlighted women's contributions during the war. Detailed explanation:
Modernism: A cultural movement that rejected traditional values and embraced new forms of expression.
Changing gender roles: Women stepped into traditionally male roles in the workforce and military during the war.
Economically: The New Deal reshaped government involvement in the economy, leading to enduring federal programs like Social Security. Further details:
Social Security: A government program that provides retirement, disability, and survivor benefits.
Politically: Events led to increased government involvement in economic affairs, alongside advancements in civil rights movements addressing racial injustices. More details:
Government involvement: The New Deal and WWII led to a significant expansion of government power and regulation.
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Unit 9: Contemporary America 1945-Present
Contextualization: The post-World War II era saw the rise of the United States as a global superpower, grappling with the Cold War, civil rights movements, and evolving social and economic landscapes. Contemporary America continues to navigate complex challenges in an increasingly interconnected world. An in-depth understanding of this era requires an investigation into the causes and consequences of the Cold War, the key events and figures of the Civil Rights Movement, the economic transformations driven by globalization and technology, and the evolving social and political issues that shape contemporary American society.
Summary: Examines the Cold War, civil rights movements, and contemporary issues.
Important Details and Events:
The Civil Rights Movement sought to dismantle racial segregation, highlighted by events such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Martin Luther King Jr.'s advocacy. Further explanation:
Civil Rights Movement: A struggle to end racial segregation and discrimination in the United States.
Civil Rights Act of 1964: Landmark legislation that outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
Martin Luther King Jr.: A leader of the Civil Rights Movement who advocated for nonviolent resistance.
The Vietnam War shaped public opinion and sparked protests, influencing a generation’s views on government and war. Further explanation:
Vietnam War: A conflict in Southeast Asia that deeply divided American society.
Economic policies in the late 20th century aimed at globalization and technological advancements while facing challenges such as the 2008 financial crisis. More details:
Globalization: The increasing interconnectedness of the world economy.
2008 financial crisis: A severe economic downturn that had global repercussions.
Societal Effects:
Culturally: Growing awareness of diverse social justice issues (LGBTQ+, environmental movements),