APUSH General Study Guide

APUSH Period 1

1. Pre-Columbian Societies: Understand the diverse cultures and civilizations that existed in North America before European contact, including the complex societies of the Mississippians, Ancestral Pueblans, and Iroquois Confederacy. The agricultural advancements and trade networks established by these societies were crucial to their development.

2. European Exploration and Colonization: Focus on the motivations for European exploration, including the search for new trade routes, wealth, and the spread of Christianity. Notable figures include Christopher Columbus and the impact of Spanish, French, and English colonization efforts.

   • Spanish Conquistadors: Their conquests in the Americas, including the Aztec and Inca empires, set the stage for Spanish dominance in the New World.

   • French colonization: Focus on fur trade and alliances with Native American tribes.

3. Columbian Exchange: Recognize the significant exchange of plants, animals, goods, and diseases between the Old World and the New World. This had profound effects on the global economy and the populations of both regions, notably including the devastating impact of diseases on Native Americans.

4. Interactions Between Europeans and Native Americans: Understand the nature of initial contact and interactions between Europeans and Indigenous peoples. This includes conflict, disease, trade, and assimilation, as well as the differing worldviews regarding land ownership and resource use.

5. Emergence of Slavery: Note the early developments of African slavery in the colonies, particularly in the Caribbean and Southern colonies. The establishment of a plantation economy was crucial for the economic growth of these regions.

6. Conclusion: Period 1 sets the foundation for understanding the complex dynamics of early American history, including the effects of exploration, colonization, and the beginnings of cultural exchanges that shaped the future of the continent.

APUSH Period 2

• Colonization and Settlement: European powers (Spain, France, England, and the Netherlands) expanded their territories in the Americas, establishing colonies and competing for resources and land.

  • Spanish colonization emphasized extraction of resources and conversion of Native Americans.

  • French and Dutch focus on trade relationships with Native Americans, especially in fur trade.

  • English colonization led to a mix of settlers seeking religious freedom and economic opportunities.

• Interactions with Native Americans: European settlers had varied relationships with Native American tribes ranging from trade and cooperation to conflict and displacement.

  • The Columbian Exchange introduced new crops and animals, significantly impacting both Native American and European lifestyles.

  • Key conflicts included King Philip's War, which highlighted intensifying colonist-native tensions.

• Economic Foundations: The development of colonial economies differed among regions:

  • New England focused on small-scale farming, fishing, and trade.

  • The Middle Colonies became known for grain production and diversity.

  • Southern colonies relied heavily on plantations and slave labor for cash crops like tobacco and rice.

• Cultural Development: The 17th century saw the emergence of distinct colonial cultures influenced by European, African, and Native American elements.

  • Religious diversity played a significant role, notably in colonies like Pennsylvania (Quakers) and Maryland (Catholic).

• Governance: Varied forms of government emerged across the colonies, reflecting a mix of colonial charters, British interests, and local colonial assemblies.

  • The House of Burgesses in Virginia exemplified early democratic governance.

• Resistance and Rebellion: Discontent grew among colonists due to various grievances, including taxation and lack of representation, setting the stage for future revolutionary sentiments

APUSH Period 2

1. The Seven Years' War (French and Indian War): This war marked the beginning of significant British control over North America, leading to the British incurring enormous debt, which in turn prompted increased taxation of the colonies. The war's end resulted in the Treaty of Paris 1763, where France ceded significant territories to Britain, reshaping colonial control and relationships.

2. The Road to Revolution: Following the war, tensions brewed between the colonies and Britain due to acts like the Stamp Act and the Townshend Acts. Colonial responses included protests and the formation of groups like the Sons of Liberty, which catalyzed the push for independence.

3. Key Events Leading to Independence: Major events like the Boston Massacre and Boston Tea Party symbolized colonial resistance. The First and Second Continental Congresses represented the colonies' unified efforts toward managing their affairs and opposing British mandates.

4. Declaration of Independence: Authored by Thomas Jefferson in 1776, this document articulated the colonies' grievances against King George III and established the foundational ideals of the new nation. It emphasized inalienable rights and the concept of government deriving its power from the consent of the governed.

5. The American Revolutionary War: This conflict from 1775 to 1783 involved key battles and alliances, notably with France, which played a crucial role in the American victory. The war solidified the colonies' quest for independence and fostered national identity.

6. The Articles of Confederation: The first governing document of the United States established a weak central government, which faced numerous challenges, leading to calls for reform.

7. Constitutional Convention: In 1787, delegates met to create a new Constitution to establish a stronger federal government. The debates over representation between large and small states resulted in compromises, such as the Great Compromise and the Three-Fifths Compromise.

8. Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists: The ratification of the Constitution sparked debates between Federalists, who advocated for a strong central government, and Anti-Federalists, who championed states' rights and feared centralized power. The inclusion of the Bill of Rights was pivotal in securing support

APUSH Period 4

1. The Jeffersonian Era: Thomas Jefferson's presidency marked a shift toward democratic-republican ideals, promoting agrarianism and limited government. Key events included the Louisiana Purchase, which doubled the size of the U.S., and the Lewis and Clark Expedition, which sought to explore and map the new territory.

2. War of 1812: Often called the "Second War of Independence" against Britain, it stemmed from issues like trade restrictions and impressment of American sailors. The war fostered a sense of nationalism and led to the decline of the Federalist Party after their opposition to the war.

3. The Rise of Nationalism and Sectionalism: As the U.S. expanded, different regional interests began to clash, notably over issues of slavery. This tension intensified during the period, leading to events such as the Missouri Compromise of 1820, which sought to maintain a balance between free and slave states.

4. Jacksonian Democracy: Andrew Jackson's presidency emphasized the power of the common man, expanding suffrage to all white men and promoting policies like the Spoils System. His administration is marked by the Indian Removal Act, resulting in the Trail of Tears.

5. Advancements in Technology and Transportation: The Market Revolution transformed the economy, leading to the rise of factories and the cotton industry, particularly in the South. Transportation infrastructure expanded significantly with canals and railroads, facilitating commerce and westward expansion.

6. Reform Movements: The era saw a rise in various reform movements, including abolitionism, women’s rights, and education reform, as individuals sought to address social inequalities and improve society. Key figures included Frederick Douglass and Elizabeth Cady Stanton.

7. Manifest Destiny: The belief in Manifest Destiny justified westward expansion and was characterized by a sense of entitlement over the continent. This ideology resulted in conflicts with Native Americans and tensions with Mexico, culminating in the Mexican-American War and the annexation of Texas.

8. Political Turmoil and Conflict: The era is marked by the rise of new political parties, including the Whigs, who emerged in opposition to Jacksonian policies, and the emergence of the Republican Party towards the end of the period as a response to the growing tensions

APUSH Period 5

1. Civil War Causes: Key factors leading to the Civil War included the expansion of slavery into new territories, economic differences between the North and South, and the failure of political compromises like the Missouri Compromise and the Kansas-Nebraska Act. The election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860, viewed as a threat to slavery, further escalated tensions.

2. Key Events of the Civil War: Major battles included Gettysburg, Antietam, and Sherman’s March to the Sea, with the Union's military strategies evolving under leaders like Ulysses S. Grant. The Emancipation Proclamation issued in 1863 was a pivotal moment that redefined the war's purpose by turning it into a fight against slavery.

3. Reconstruction Era: Post-war, the Reconstruction period focused on reintegrating Southern states and addressing the rights of freed slaves. Policies included the Freedmen’s Bureau and amendments (13th, 14th, and 15th) aimed at establishing civil rights and preventing discrimination, though the era faced significant challenges and backlash from Southern whites.

4. Economic and Social Changes: The war and Reconstruction led to shifts in American society, including increased industrialization in the North, demographic changes from rural to urban living, and ongoing struggles for African Americans, culminating in practices like sharecropping and the rise of Jim Crow laws that enforced racial segregation.

5. Political Developments: The period also saw shifts in political dynamics, including the rise of the Republican Party and its platform against the expansion of slavery. The election of 1860 marked a breaking point in the two-party system, leading to the emergence of various factions and political groups throughout Reconstruction, as tensions persisted between different ideologies regarding race and citizenship rights.

APUSH Period 6

1. Post-Civil War Industrialization: The late 19th century saw rapid industrial growth in the U.S., driven by technological advancements, the expansion of the railroad network, and economic policies that favored big business. This period marked the rise of industrial magnates, known as "captains of industry" or "robber barons," who wielded substantial economic and political power.

2. Labor Movements: Growing industrialization resulted in harsh working conditions, leading to the rise of labor unions and significant strikes, such as the Haymarket Riot and the Pullman Strike. These movements aimed to secure better wages, hours, and working conditions for workers, often facing violent repression.

3. Immigration and Urbanization: The 1880s and 1890s saw a massive influx of immigrants, particularly from Southern and Eastern Europe, contributing to the growth of cities. This led to diverse urban populations but also to overcrowding, poor living conditions, and social tensions.

4. Political Corruption and Reform: Political machines dominated urban politics, leading to corruption and the rise of reform movements aimed at addressing issues such as women's suffrage, temperance, and anti-corruption. Notable figures like Jane Addams and movements like the Progressive movement emerged in response to these challenges.

5. Emergence of New Foreign Policy: The turn of the century signaled a shift in American foreign policy from isolationism to imperialism, exemplified by the Spanish-American War, the annexation of territories like Puerto Rico and the Philippines, and the establishment of the Open Door Policy in China. This marked a new phase of American engagement on the global stage, setting the foundation for future policies in the 20th century.

APUSH Period 7

1. Progressive Era Reforms: The Progressive movement (1900-1920) aimed to address issues caused by industrialization, urbanization, and corruption. Key reforms included antitrust legislation, women's suffrage (Nineteenth Amendment), labor rights, and initiatives to improve working conditions and public health. President Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, and Woodrow Wilson played significant roles in promoting these reforms.

2. U.S. Foreign Policy and World War I: The U.S. moved from isolationism to involvement in global conflicts. The Spanish-American War marked a transition to imperialism, while events like the Zimmerman Telegram and unrestricted submarine warfare led to U.S. entry into World War I. President Wilson’s Fourteen Points outlined a vision for post-war peace and the League of Nations, although the U.S. ultimately did not join.

3. The 1920s: The decade saw economic prosperity and cultural changes marked by the Harlem Renaissance, the emergence of jazz music, and changing social norms, especially concerning women’s roles. However, this period also included backlash against modernity manifested in nativism and the revival of the Ku Klux Klan.

4. The Great Depression: The stock market crash of 1929 led to a severe economic downturn. President Herbert Hoover’s responses were seen as ineffective, leading to public discontent and the election of Franklin D. Roosevelt, whose New Deal aimed to provide relief, recovery, and reform to revive the economy. Key programs included the Social Security Act and the establishment of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

5. The New Deal and WWII: FDR's New Deal policies reshaped the federal government's role in the economy and introduced significant social welfare programs. As the 1930s progressed, the United States gradually moved toward involvement in World War II, transitioning from neutrality through policies like Lend-Lease to full engagement after the Pearl Harbor attack in 1941. The war dramatically transformed U.S. society and economy, leading to the end of the Great Depression and establishing the U.S. as a global superpower post-war.

APUSH Period 8

1. Cold War Dynamics: The Cold War was characterized by the geopolitical tension between the United States and the Soviet Union. Key events included the Truman Doctrine, which aimed to contain communism, and the Marshall Plan for European recovery. The Korean War (1950-1953) exemplified U.S. involvement in conflicts to stop the spread of communism.

2. Civil Rights Movement: This period witnessed significant advances in civil rights, led by figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. Landmark legislation included the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, aimed at ending segregation and ensuring voting rights for African Americans.

3. Vietnam War: The Vietnam War escalated under Presidents Kennedy and Johnson, leading to widespread protest movements. The war's unpopularity ultimately contributed to changes in U.S. foreign policy and public opinion, as well as the implementation of the War Powers Act to limit presidential power in military conflicts.

4. The Great Society: President Lyndon B. Johnson's Great Society aimed to eliminate poverty and racial injustice, expanding social programs like Medicare and Medicaid, while also addressing urban issues and education.

5. Cultural Shifts: The 1960s and 1970s saw cultural upheaval, with the emergence of the counterculture, anti-war movements, and women's rights movements, exemplified by works like "The Feminine Mystique" by Betty Friedan. Issues of gender, race, and class became major topics of public discourse during this time.

APUSH Period 9 

1. The Reagan Era (1980 - 1988)

   • Ronald Reagan's presidency marked a shift toward conservative policies promoting supply-side economics, which emphasized tax cuts for the wealthy to encourage investment and economic growth.

   • The Cold War continued, with significant events such as the Iran-Contra affair and increased military spending, leading to an arms race with the Soviet Union.

   • Reagan emphasized deregulation and cut government spending, affecting social programs and contributing to rising income inequality.

2. George H.W. Bush and the End of the Cold War (1988 - 1993)

   • Bush's presidency witnessed the fall of the Berlin Wall and the dissolution of the Soviet Union, resulting in a significant shift in international relations and the end of the Cold War.

   • The Persian Gulf War in 1991 showcased U.S. military might, leading to a swift victory against Iraq after Saddam Hussein’s invasion of Kuwait.

3. Clinton Presidency (1993 - 2001)

   • Bill Clinton’s administration focused on economic growth, signing the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and implementing welfare reform, but was also marred by scandal, leading to impeachment.

   • Domestic policies prioritized balancing the budget and responding to globalization and technological changes affecting businesses.

4. Social and Demographic Changes

   • Increasing immigration from Latin America and Asia transformed the U.S. demographic landscape, with tensions over immigration policy and cultural assimilation.

   • Changes in gender roles and the rise of feminism continued to challenge traditional norms, leading to advocacy for equal rights and increasing women's political representation.

5. Post-9/11 America and War on Terror (2001 - Present)

   • The September 11, 2001 attacks initiated a shift in U.S. foreign policy towards preemptive military action, primarily in Afghanistan and Iraq.

   • The War on Terror raised questions about civil liberties, security, and the balance of power, leading to developments such as the USA PATRIOT Act and ongoing debates about immigration and national security.

6. Economic Challenges

   • The 2008 financial crisis prompted government intervention in the economy, including bank bailouts and the introduction of the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), emphasizing healthcare reform.