AP US History Periods 1-3 Study Notes

• Period 1 (1491-1607): Exploration and Contact

  • Key events: Columbus's voyages, early European exploration

  • Impacts on Indigenous populations and the beginning of transatlantic exchange.

• Period 2 (1607-1754): Colonization and Settlement

  • Major Themes: Development of colonial economies, the emergence of American identity

  • Events: Jamestown founded, the establishment of various colonies (e.g., New England, Middle, Southern)

• Period 3 (1754-1800): Revolution and the Formation of a New Nation

  • Critical events: The French and Indian War, the American Revolution, the writing of the Constitution

  • Important concepts: Enlightenment ideas, Federalism vs. Anti-Federalism.

Period 1: Native American Societies (1491-1607)

Year 1491 signifies the rich and complex tapestry of life in the Americas before significant European contact.

Native American societies were extraordinarily diverse and adaptive:

• Different environments, such as deserts, forests, and plains, fostered unique cultures, subsistence strategies, and societal organization.

Migration theories:

• Bering land bridge theory proposes that early peoples migrated from Asia to North America over a land mass connecting the continents during the last Ice Age.

• Other theories suggest maritime migration from the African shore via boats, advancing depictions of prehistoric human ingenuity.

Regional Societies

• Southwest:

  • Pueblo tribes constructed intricate communities using adobe bricks and developed sophisticated agricultural techniques, including irrigation.

  • Caves were often used for ceremonial and residential purposes, reflecting a deep connection with their environment.

• Plains Indians:

  • Initially, horse-less nomadic tribes relied on foot for hunting buffalo, necessitating strong intertribal relations for survival and trade.

  • The introduction of horses transformed their hunting strategies and societal dynamics significantly.

• Southeast:

  • The Five Civilized Tribes (Cherokees, Chickasaws, Choctaws, Creeks, and Seminoles) engaged in agriculture, adopting European farming techniques and forming semi-permanent villages that showcased complex societal structures.

• Northeast:

  • The Iroquois Confederacy formed a sophisticated political alliance among different tribes, emphasizing governance, diplomacy, and unity, which was unique among Native American societies.

Columbian Exchange (1492)

The Columbian Exchange led to an exchange of goods, food, animals, and diseases among the Americas, Europe, and Africa, radically altering the landscape of global interactions.

Consequences:

• Population increase in Europe fostered new agricultural practices and introduction of crops, such as potatoes and maize, which enhanced food security.

• The devastating impact on Native American populations due to diseases like smallpox resulted in massive demographic shifts and cultural disruptions.

Period 2: European Empire Building (1607-1754)

This period begins with the establishment of the Jamestown colony in 1607 and ends with the French and Indian War in 1754.

Motivations for Colonization:

• Economic (Gold), religious (God), and imperial aspirations (Glory) drove European powers to establish and expand their territories.

Spanish Empire:

• The encomienda system functioned as a labor system that coerced indigenous people into demanding labor, leading to significant cultural intermixing through intermarriages, birthing the mestizo identity.

• Efforts to convert the indigenous population to Christianity were supported by missions and military conquests.

French Empire:

• Focused on building trade networks and alliances with Native American tribes rather than large-scale colonization, with fur trade becoming a cornerstone of their economic model.

Dutch Empire:

• Similar to the French, the Dutch flourished through extensive trade, notably in fur and spices, solidifying their influence in the region without extensive territorial claims.

English Colonization

• The Roanoke Colony's failure set a precedent before the eventual establishment of Jamestown, which overcame initial hardships under the leadership of John Smith.

• John Rolfe's introduction of tobacco cultivation revolutionized the economy, leading to increased settlement and exportation to Europe.

• Maryland was founded as a haven for Catholics, enshrined in the Act of Toleration which allowed religious freedom.

• The headright system incentivized settlers by granting land, fostering rapid population growth and agricultural development.

• Joint-stock companies emerged as a solution to mitigate financial risks associated with colonization.

• Distinct differences arose between New England and Chesapeake colonies:

  • New England: Emphasized family-oriented communities and practices, with a strong focus on religious freedom and governance influenced by the Pilgrims and Puritans.

  • Chesapeake: Characterized by profit-driven motives, these settlements were heavily male-dominated and relied on indentured servitude before shifting to African slavery.

Period 3: The American Revolution (1754-1800)

The period's prelude is marked by the French and Indian War, which heightened colonial frustrations with British policies due to increased taxation post-war.

British taxation following the war:

• The Proclamation of 1763 restricted colonial expansion, igniting resentment.

• The Stamp Act introduced the first direct tax on goods, sparking widespread opposition.

• The Townshend Acts further enraged the colonies, resulting in protests and boycotts.

Ideas of self-government gained traction, profoundly influenced by Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, advocating for individual rights and governmental responsibility.

Developments such as the Boston Tea Party and formation of the Sons of Liberty illustrated the growing nationalism and determination for independence.

Key Figures and Events

• Patrick Henry famously advocated the rallying cry of "no taxation without representation," becoming a central figure in mobilizing opposition.

• Critical battles, including Lexington, Saratoga, and Yorktown, underscored key turning points in the colonial struggle for independence.

• The Declaration of Independence articulately outlined natural rights and grievances against British rule, crystallizing revolutionary sentiment.

• Post-war debates highlighted emerging issues, including the status of slavery and the early calls for Women's Rights, as seen in the correspondence of Abigail Adams.

New Government Structure

The initial Articles of Confederation established a fragile government that proved ineffective:

• Lacked the power to tax or enforce laws, leading to significant economic and political challenges, exemplified by Shays' Rebellion.

• The Constitutional Convention resulted in the Great Compromise, creating a bicameral legislature to balance representation.

• Debates between Federalists and Anti-Federalists during ratification underscored the importance of individual rights, resulting in the Bill of Rights being incorporated as a direct response to concerns about government overreach.

Conclusion

This session aims to equip students with crucial topics and skills necessary for the APUSH exam, emphasizing a comprehensive understanding of early American history.

Encourage collaboration, question-asking, and using resources for effective study, and promote a sense of community in preparation efforts to support one another in academic journeys.