Unit 1

Important Events in Unit 1 of AP US History

• Jamestown Settlement (1607): First permanent English settlement in North America.

• Mayflower Compact (1620): Pilgrims' agreement for self-government in Plymouth Colony.

• French and Indian War (1754-1763): Conflict between British and French for control of North America.

• Proclamation of 1763: British law prohibiting colonists from settling west of the Appalachian Mountains.

• Stamp Act (1765): Tax on printed materials, leading to colonial protests.

• Boston Tea Party (1773): Colonists' protest against British tea tax by dumping tea into Boston Harbor.

• Declaration of Independence (1776): Document declaring American independence from Britain, written by Thomas Jefferson.

• American Revolution (1775-1783): War for independence from British rule.

• Treaty of Paris (1783): Ended the American Revolution and recognized American independence.

• Articles of Confederation (1781): First constitution of the United States, emphasizing state sovereignty.

• Constitutional Convention (1787): Meeting to revise the Articles of Confederation, leading to the drafting of the US Constitution.

• Bill of Rights (1791): First ten amendments to the US Constitution, protecting individual rights.

Diverse Cultures:

• Before European contact, the Americas were inhabited by a vast array of indigenous peoples with diverse cultures, languages, and social structures.

  • These societies ranged from nomadic hunter-gatherers to complex agricultural civilizations like the Aztecs, Mayans, and Incas.

Cultural Achievements:

• Native American societies made significant achievements in agriculture, engineering, astronomy, and art.

  • Examples include the Inca road system, Maya calendar, and Aztec architecture.

Social Structures:

• Social structures varied widely among Native American societies.

  • Some societies were organized into complex chiefdoms or empires, while others lived in smaller tribal groups.

Religious Beliefs:

• Religion played a central role in many Native American societies, with beliefs often tied to nature, spirits, and the cosmos.

  • Rituals, ceremonies, and sacrifices were common practices.

Interactions and Conflicts:

• Interactions between different Native American groups varied from trade and alliances to conflicts and warfare.

  • Some societies developed extensive trade networks across the Americas.

Motivations for European Colonization:

• Europeans were driven by various motivations for exploration, including the search for new trade routes to Asia, the desire for wealth and resources, and religious zeal.

  • Technological advancements in navigation and shipbuilding, such as the compass and caravel, facilitated long-distance exploration.

Key Explorers:

• Christopher Columbus: His voyages in 1492 marked the beginning of European exploration in the Americas, although he mistakenly believed he had reached Asia.

  • Vasco da Gama, Ferdinand Magellan, and John Cabot were among other prominent explorers who mapped coastlines and established trade routes.

Impact on Native Americans:

• European exploration had profound consequences for Native American societies, including the spread of diseases like smallpox, which devastated populations.

  • Encounters with Europeans led to cultural exchange, as well as conflict and displacement.

Spanish Colonization:

• Spain established the first permanent European settlements in the Americas, beginning with Columbus's voyages and later expeditions by conquistadors like Hernán Cortés and Francisco Pizarro.

  • Spanish colonization focused on extracting wealth through activities like mining and plantation agriculture, often through forced labor systems like the encomienda and repartimiento.

French and Dutch Colonization:

• The French and Dutch established colonies primarily focused on fur trade and fishing in North America.

  • French colonies like New France (Canada) and Louisiana had a significant impact on Native American relations and the fur trade network.

English Colonization:

• English colonization began with efforts to establish permanent settlements in North America, including the failed colony at Roanoke.

  • Jamestown, founded in 1607, became the first successful English colony, followed by the Pilgrims' settlement at Plymouth in 1620.

Colonial Economies and Societies:

• European colonies in the Americas developed diverse economies based on agriculture, trade, and resource extraction.

  • Colonies like Virginia and Massachusetts Bay developed distinct social structures and political systems

Heimler Notes

Native American populations in the Americas were diverse people with differing ways of life shaped by he environment in which they lived.

Europeans came to the Americas for various reasons.

European states were undergoing massive change and the consequence of that was a growing upper class which enjoyed luxury goods from Asia but muslim empires controlled the trade route that connected them and the Asian resources so they started to look for sea-based trade routes.

The Columbian Exchange resulted in massive changes in Europe and the Americas. As new foods ended up on different sides of the Atlantic i would expand the diet of people leading to better nutrition and longer life spans, animals were also transferred from the Americas to Europe and Europe to the Americas. Transfer of minerals such as gold and silver from the Americas into Europe. Facilitated European society into a more capitalistic economy.

European and Native American’s understanding of each other would change over time leading to a debate over the relationship Europeans and Native Americans should have.

Unit 2

Important Events in Unit 2 of AP US History

• French and Indian War (1754-1763): Fought between British and French forces, leading to increased tensions and British debt.

• Proclamation of 1763: Issued by King George III, prohibited colonists from settling west of the Appalachian Mountains.

• Stamp Act (1765): Imposed direct tax on American colonists, leading to widespread protests and boycotts.

• Boston Massacre (1770): Clash between British soldiers and colonists, resulting in the death of five colonists.

• Boston Tea Party (1773): Colonists protested the Tea Act by dumping tea into Boston Harbor.

• Intolerable Acts (1774): Punitive laws passed in response to the Boston Tea Party, further escalating tensions.

• First Continental Congress (1774): Meeting of delegates from 12 colonies to discuss grievances against British rule.

• Lexington and Concord (1775): First battles of the American Revolution, marking the beginning of armed conflict.

• Second Continental Congress (1775): Managed the colonial war effort, eventually leading to the Declaration of Independence.

(Spain)

Colonization Patterns:

• Spain established a vast empire in the Americas, primarily in present-day Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and South America.

  • Spanish colonization was characterized by the encomienda system, which granted land and Native American labor to Spanish settlers.

Economic Activities:

• Spanish colonies relied heavily on extractive industries such as mining (e.g., silver in Peru and Mexico) and plantation agriculture (e.g., sugar in the Caribbean).

  • The labor force included enslaved Africans, Native Americans, and some free settlers.

Impact on Native Americans:

• Spanish colonization had devastating consequences for Native American populations due to diseases, forced labor, and violence.

  • The Spanish Empire imposed Catholicism and Spanish culture on indigenous peoples through missions and conversion efforts.

(French)

Territorial Claims:

• France established colonies primarily in North America, including Canada (New France) and territories along the Mississippi River (e.g., Louisiana).

  • French exploration and fur trade networks extended deep into the interior of North America.

Fur Trade Economy:

• The fur trade was the primary economic activity in French colonies, facilitated by alliances with Native American tribes like the Huron and Algonquin.

  • French settlers often lived among or intermarried with Native American communities.

Struggles with British Colonists:

• French and British colonists clashed over territorial claims, leading to conflicts like the French and Indian War (Seven Years' War), which resulted in French defeat and loss of territory in North America.

New Netherlands:

• The Dutch established New Netherland in present-day New York and New Jersey, centered around the Hudson River.

  • Dutch settlers focused on trade, particularly fur trade with Native Americans.

Diverse Population:

• New Netherland had a diverse population, including Dutch settlers, African slaves, and immigrants from various European countries.

  • The Dutch practiced religious tolerance, attracting settlers from different backgrounds.

British Acquisition:

• The English seized control of New Netherland in 1664, renaming it New York after the Duke of York.

(British)

New England Colonies:

• New England colonies like Massachusetts Bay, Connecticut, and Rhode Island were founded by Puritan settlers seeking religious freedom.

  • These colonies developed economies based on agriculture, trade, fishing, and shipbuilding.

Chesapeake Colonies:

• The Chesapeake colonies of Virginia and Maryland relied heavily on tobacco cultivation, which led to the growth of plantation economies dependent on African slave labor.

Middle Colonies:

• The Middle Colonies, including New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware, were characterized by diverse economies and populations.

  • These colonies attracted immigrants from various European countries and had thriving trade networks.

Southern Colonies:

• The Southern colonies of Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia were primarily agrarian economies based on cash crops like tobacco, rice, and indigo.

  • Slavery played a crucial role in the development of the Southern economy and society.

Heimler Notes

The Spanish, Dutch, French and English projects of colonization were motivated by different goals

Important Events in Unit 3 of AP US History

• Louisiana Purchase (1803): President Jefferson bought the Louisiana Territory from France, doubling the size of the US.

• War of 1812: Fought against Britain over maritime rights and impressment of American sailors. Ended with the Treaty of Ghent in 1814.

• Monroe Doctrine (1823): President Monroe declared that the Americas were off-limits for European colonization.

• Missouri Compromise (1820): Admitted Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a free state to maintain the balance in Congress.

• Indian Removal Act (1830): Forced Native American tribes to move west of the Mississippi River, leading to the Trail of Tears.

• Nullification Crisis (1832): South Carolina attempted to nullify federal tariffs, leading to a showdown with President Jackson.

• Texas Revolution (1835-1836): Texans fought for independence from Mexico, leading to the creation of the Republic of Texas.

• Mexican-American War (1846-1848): Fought over the annexation of Texas, resulted in the US gaining territory including California and New Mexico.

• Seneca Falls Convention (1848): First women's rights convention in the US, launching the women's suffrage movement.

French and Indian War (Seven Years' War):

• Conflict between Britain and France over territorial disputes in North America.

  • British victory resulted in increased debt and tensions with American colonists over taxation and land policies.

Colonial Grievances:

• Colonists resented British policies such as the Stamp Act, Townshend Acts, and Intolerable Acts, which imposed taxes and restricted colonial autonomy.

  • The slogan "No taxation without representation" reflected colonists' frustration with being taxed by a government in which they had no representation.

Ideas of Enlightenment and Republicanism:

• Enlightenment ideals of liberty, equality, and natural rights influenced American colonists' beliefs about governance and individual rights.

  • Republicanism, emphasizing civic virtue and participation in government, shaped revolutionary thought.

Boston Massacre and Boston Tea Party:

• Tensions escalated with incidents like the Boston Massacre (1770) and the Boston Tea Party (1773), in which colonists protested British policies and taxation.

  • These events contributed to a sense of unity and resistance among the colonies.

Declaration of Independence:

• The Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, asserting the colonies' right to self-government and outlining grievances against British rule.

  • The Declaration expressed Enlightenment ideals and provided a rallying point for independence.

Military Conflict:

• The Revolutionary War (1775-1783) saw colonial militias and Continental Army led by George Washington fighting against British forces.

  • Key battles such as Lexington and Concord, Saratoga, and Yorktown ultimately led to American victory and British recognition of independence.

Articles of Confederation:

• The first national constitution adopted by the Continental Congress in 1777, but not ratified until 1781.

  • Weak central government with limited powers, leading to issues such as lack of taxation authority and inability to regulate commerce.

Constitutional Convention:

• Delegates convened in Philadelphia in 1787 to address weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

  • The Constitution drafted at the convention established a stronger federal government with separate branches and a system of checks and balances.

Ratification Debates:

• Ratification of the Constitution sparked debates between Federalists, who supported a strong central government, and Anti-Federalists, who feared centralized power and advocated for a Bill of Rights.

Washington's Presidency:

• George Washington served as the first President of the United States (1789-1797), establishing precedents for executive authority and national governance.

  • His administration grappled with issues such as establishing federal institutions, managing relations with Native American tribes, and dealing with foreign powers.

Formation of Political Parties:

• Political divisions emerged between Federalists, led by Alexander Hamilton, and Democratic-Republicans, led by Thomas Jefferson.

  • Debates over issues like the national bank, interpretation of the Constitution, and foreign policy shaped early party politics.

Westward Expansion:

• The young nation expanded westward through treaties, land purchases (e.g., Louisiana Purchase), and conflicts with Native American tribes.

  • Westward expansion fueled economic growth, settlement, and conflicts over land and slavery.

Unit 4

Important Events in Unit 4 of AP US History

• Election of 1800: Thomas Jefferson defeats John Adams, leading to the first peaceful transfer of power between political parties.

• Louisiana Purchase (1803): Jefferson buys the Louisiana Territory from France, doubling the size of the US.

• War of 1812: Fought between US and Britain over maritime rights and impressment of American sailors.

• Monroe Doctrine (1823): President Monroe declares the Western Hemisphere off-limits to European colonization.

• Missouri Compromise (1820): Admitted Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a free state, maintaining the balance in Congress.

• Indian Removal Act (1830): Forced relocation of Native American tribes from southeastern states to Indian Territory.

• Trail of Tears (1838): Cherokee forced removal from Georgia to Oklahoma, resulting in thousands of deaths.

• Nullification Crisis (1832): South Carolina threatens to nullify federal tariffs, leading to a showdown with President Jackson.

• Texas Revolution (1836): Texas gains independence from Mexico after the Battle of the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto.

• Mexican-American War (1846-1848): US acquires California, New Mexico, and Arizona after defeating Mexico.

Jeffersonian Democracy:

• Thomas Jefferson's presidency (1801-1809) marked a shift toward more democratic principles, including reduced government spending, the elimination of the national debt, and the expansion of westward territory through the Louisiana Purchase.

War of 1812:

• Conflict between the United States and Britain over maritime rights, impressment, and support for Native American tribes resisting American expansion.

  • The war ended in 1815 with the Treaty of Ghent, reaffirming pre-war borders and leading to increased nationalism and pride in American identity.

Era of Good Feelings:

• Period of relative political harmony and economic growth during James Monroe's presidency (1817-1825).

  • Marked by the absence of major political parties and initiatives like the Monroe Doctrine, which warned European powers against interfering in the Western Hemisphere.

Jacksonian Democracy:

• Andrew Jackson's presidency (1829-1837) saw the rise of Jacksonian democracy, characterized by increased popular participation in politics, expansion of suffrage to white males, and the spoils system.

  • Jackson's policies included the Indian Removal Act (1830) and the Nullification Crisis (1832), reflecting tensions over states' rights and federal authority.

Second Great Awakening:

• Religious revival movement emphasizing personal conversion, emotional expression, and social reform.

  • Led to the proliferation of evangelical denominations, increased social activism (e.g., temperance, abolitionism), and the establishment of new religious communities.

Transcendentalism:

• Intellectual movement emphasizing individualism, intuition, and the belief in innate goodness and connection with nature.

  • Prominent figures included Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, and Margaret Fuller, who advocated for self-reliance, civil disobedience, and spiritual exploration.

Cultural Nationalism:

• Growing sense of American cultural identity and pride, manifested in literature, art, and architecture.

  • Writers like Washington Irving and James Fenimore Cooper contributed to the development of American literature, while artists like Thomas Cole depicted landscapes and scenes of national heritage.

Market Revolution:

• Transformation of the American economy characterized by the expansion of markets, transportation networks (e.g., canals, railroads), and industrialization.

  • Increased commercial agriculture, urbanization, and specialization of labor reshaped social and economic structures.

Factory System:

• Growth of factories and manufacturing in urban areas, fueled by innovations like the cotton gin and interchangeable parts.

  • The Lowell System in textile mills and the growth of industrial centers like Lowell, Massachusetts, exemplified the shift toward industrial capitalism.

Expansion and Immigration:

• Westward expansion and territorial acquisition (e.g., Oregon Trail, Texas Annexation) promoted economic opportunity and migration.

  • Immigration from Europe, particularly Irish and German immigrants, contributed to population growth and cultural diversity, but also led to nativist reactions and tensions.

Abolitionism:

• Movement to end slavery, led by activists like Frederick Douglass, William Lloyd Garrison, and Harriet Tubman.

  • Abolitionists used moral arguments, political agitation, and direct action (e.g., Underground Railroad) to challenge the institution of slavery.

Temperance Movement:

• Campaign to reduce or eliminate alcohol consumption, driven by concerns about social ills, family stability, and productivity.

  • Organizations like the American Temperance Society advocated for temperance laws and the establishment of temperance societies.

Women's Rights Movement:

• Movement for women's equality and rights, sparked by activists like Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Lucretia Mott, and Susan B. Anthony.

  • Demands for suffrage, property rights, and access to education and employment challenged traditional gender roles and inequalities.

Jackson got elected because white male suffrage expanded and he was able to appeal to the common man. He could be compared to populists; he was a Southern Democrat.

He was not in favor of the bank because he was a Southern slave owner, he got rid of the bank which was a very powerful regulatory tool which regulated the economy.

Great crash of 1837

A young teenage girl living in the south would be more and more defined by the fact that she is around slavery but if she was a wealthy teenage girl she would have to deal with slaves.

North doesn’t want slaves because they are bad for business the South wants slaves because made them money and southerners thought slaves were good for businesses.

We stopped making money from colonies because it was too expensive to maintain them. This was because it was much easier to start trading for the resources because of the improved infrastructure.

Anti-federalists wanted to limit the power of the federal government and thought that it was going to hurt the people.

Unit 5

Important Events in Unit 5 of AP US History

• Mexican-American War (1846-1848)

  • Conflict over Texas annexation and border disputes.

  • Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ended the war, Mexico ceded territories to the US.

• Compromise of 1850

  • Addressed the issue of slavery in new territories.

  • California admitted as a free state, Fugitive Slave Act passed.

• Kansas-Nebraska Act (1854)

  • Popular sovereignty to decide on slavery in new territories.

  • Led to "Bleeding Kansas" violence between pro and anti-slavery settlers.

• Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857)

  • Supreme Court ruled African Americans were not citizens and couldn't sue in federal court.

  • Declared the Missouri Compromise unconstitutional.

• John Brown's Raid on Harper's Ferry (1859)

  • Attempted slave revolt by seizing a federal arsenal.

  • Increased tensions between North and South over slavery.

• Election of 1860

  • Abraham Lincoln elected as President.

  • Southern states seceded, leading to the start of the Civil War.

Manifest Destiny:

• Ideological belief that the United States was destined to expand across North America, often justified as bringing civilization and democracy.

  • Manifest Destiny drove territorial acquisition, westward migration, and conflicts with indigenous peoples.

Oregon Trail and Western Settlement:

• Migration routes like the Oregon Trail facilitated westward expansion, settlement, and economic opportunities in Oregon and California.

  • The lure of fertile land, gold discoveries, and government incentives attracted settlers to the West.

Mexican-American War:

• Conflict between the United States and Mexico over disputed territory in present-day Texas, New Mexico, and California.

  • The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo (1848) ended the war, resulting in significant territorial gains for the United States, including the Mexican Cession.

Slavery and States' Rights:

• Tensions over slavery and its expansion into western territories intensified sectional conflicts between the North and South.

  • Debates over states' rights versus federal authority, particularly regarding the legality of slavery, divided the nation.

Compromise of 1850:

• Series of legislative measures aimed at resolving disputes over the status of slavery in newly acquired territories from the Mexican-American War.

  • Key provisions included the admission of California as a free state, the organization of the Utah and New Mexico territories under popular sovereignty, and the Fugitive Slave Act.

Kansas-Nebraska Act and Bleeding Kansas:

• Legislation that repealed the Missouri Compromise and allowed for the possibility of slavery in territories previously designated as free.

  • The act led to violent clashes between pro-slavery and anti-slavery forces in Kansas, known as Bleeding Kansas, and heightened tensions between North and South.

Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857):

• Supreme Court case in which the Court ruled that African Americans, whether enslaved or free, were not citizens and could not sue in federal court.

  • The decision also declared the Missouri Compromise unconstitutional, further inflaming tensions over slavery.

Election of Abraham Lincoln (1860):

• Abraham Lincoln's victory in the presidential election of 1860 on a platform opposing the expansion of slavery prompted Southern states to secede from the Union.

  • South Carolina was the first state to secede, followed by other Southern states, leading to the formation of the Confederate States of America.

Civil War (1861-1865):

• Armed conflict between the Union (Northern states) and the Confederacy (Southern states) over issues of slavery, states' rights, and secession.

  • Key battles such as Gettysburg, Antietam, and Vicksburg, along with strategies like the Anaconda Plan, shaped the course of the war.

Emancipation Proclamation:

• Presidential decree issued by Abraham Lincoln in 1863 that declared all enslaved people in Confederate-held territory to be free.

  • Emancipation altered the goals of the Civil War, making abolition a central cause and opening the door for African American enlistment in the Union Army.

Reconstruction Amendments:

• Thirteenth Amendment (1865) abolished slavery, the Fourteenth Amendment (1868) granted citizenship and equal protection under the law to all persons born or naturalized in the United States, and the Fifteenth Amendment (1870) prohibited the denial of voting rights based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude.

Challenges of Reconstruction:

• Reconstruction efforts faced resistance from Southern states, economic upheaval, and debates over the rights and status of newly freed African Americans.

  • Reconstruction governments implemented reforms such as public education, infrastructure improvements, and land redistribution, but ultimately faced backlash from white supremacist groups like the Ku Klux Klan.

Unit 6

Important Events in Unit 6 of AP US History

• Civil War (1861-1865)

  • Fought between the Union (North) and the Confederacy (South) over states' rights and slavery.

  • Key battles: Gettysburg, Antietam, Appomattox Court House.

• Emancipation Proclamation (1863)

  • Issued by President Lincoln, declared all slaves in Confederate states to be free.

• Reconstruction (1865-1877)

  • Period after the Civil War focused on rebuilding the South and integrating freed slaves into society.

  • 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments passed during this time.

• Assassination of Abraham Lincoln (1865)

  • Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C.

• Transcontinental Railroad (1869)

  • Completed at Promontory Point, Utah, connecting the East and West coasts of the US.

• Industrialization

  • Rapid growth of industry, urbanization, and technological advancements in the late 19th century.

• Gilded Age (1870s-1900)

  • Marked by economic growth, but also corruption, political scandals, and social inequality.

• Populist Movement

  • Farmers and workers organized to address economic hardships and advocate for reforms.

• Spanish-American War (1898)

  • Fought over Cuba's independence from Spain, resulted in the US gaining territories like Puerto Rico and the Philippines.

• Progressive Era

  • Reform movement focused on addressing social and political issues, such as women's suffrage, labor rights, and anti-trust laws.

Industrialization:

• The late 19th century saw rapid industrial growth in the United States, with the expansion of manufacturing, transportation, and infrastructure.

  • Industries such as steel, oil, railroads, and textiles experienced significant development, leading to the rise of big business and monopolies.

Technological Innovations:

• Technological advancements, including the Bessemer process for steel production, the telegraph, the telephone, and the light bulb, revolutionized communication, transportation, and daily life.

  • Inventions such as the typewriter, sewing machine, and refrigerated railroad cars increased efficiency and productivity.

Railroad Expansion:

• The construction of transcontinental railroads, such as the Union Pacific and Central Pacific, facilitated westward expansion, trade, and economic growth.

  • Railroads connected previously isolated regions, opened up new markets for goods, and encouraged settlement and industrialization.

Urbanization:

• Industrialization and economic opportunities in cities led to rapid urbanization, with millions of people migrating from rural areas to urban centers.

  • Cities grew in size and population, becoming centers of commerce, industry, and culture.

Immigration:

• Immigration from Europe, Asia, and Latin America increased during this period, driven by factors such as poverty, political instability, and religious persecution.

  • Immigrants provided labor for industrial jobs and contributed to cultural diversity, but also faced discrimination and challenges in adapting to American society.

Migration to the West:

• Westward expansion continued as settlers moved across the Great Plains, Rocky Mountains, and into the Pacific Northwest.

  • Factors such as the Homestead Act, mining booms (e.g., California Gold Rush), and government incentives encouraged settlement and development of western territories.

Social Darwinism:

• The application of Charles Darwin's theory of evolution to social and economic spheres, arguing that competition and natural selection justified inequality and the accumulation of wealth.

  • Social Darwinism influenced attitudes toward poverty, race, and government intervention in the economy.

Rise of Consumer Culture:

• Industrialization and advertising fueled the growth of consumer culture, as Americans gained access to a wide range of consumer goods and services.

  • Department stores, mail-order catalogs, and mass-produced goods became symbols of modern consumer society.

Social Reform Movements:

• The late 19th century witnessed the emergence of progressive reform movements aimed at addressing social, economic, and political problems associated with industrialization and urbanization.

  • Reformers advocated for issues such as labor rights, women's suffrage, public education, and regulation of monopolies and trusts.

Progressive Era Reforms:

• Progressive reformers sought to address corruption, inequality, and social injustice through government intervention and regulation.

  • Progressive reforms included initiatives such as antitrust legislation (e.g., Sherman Antitrust Act), consumer protection laws, and measures to improve working conditions and public health.

Expansionism and Imperialism:

• The United States pursued an expansionist foreign policy, acquiring new territories and asserting its influence in the Caribbean, Pacific, and Latin America.

  • Factors such as economic interests, military strategy, and ideas of cultural superiority motivated imperialist ventures.

Populist Movement:

• The Populist movement emerged as a response to agrarian distress, economic hardship, and perceived injustices in the political and economic system.

  • Populists called for reforms such as government regulation of railroads and banks, free coinage of silver, and measures to empower farmers and laborers.

Unit 7

Important Events in Unit 7 of AP United States History

• World War II: Pearl Harbor, D-Day, Atomic Bombs

• Cold War: Truman Doctrine, Marshall Plan, Korean War

• Civil Rights Movement: Brown v. Board of Education, Montgomery Bus Boycott, March on Washington

• Vietnam War: Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, Tet Offensive

• Watergate Scandal: Break-in, Nixon's Resignation

Important Events in Unit 7 of AP US History

• Spanish-American War (1898)

  • Fought between the US and Spain over Cuba's independence.

  • Resulted in the US gaining territories like Puerto Rico and the Philippines.

• Progressive Era (1890s-1920s)

  • Period of social activism and political reform.

  • Led to changes in labor laws, women's suffrage, and regulation of big business.

• World War I (1914-1918)

  • US entered the war in 1917 on the side of the Allies.

  • Resulted in the Treaty of Versailles and the League of Nations.

• Roaring Twenties

  • Decade of economic prosperity and cultural change.

  • Witnessed the rise of jazz, flappers, and the Harlem Renaissance.

• Great Depression (1929-1941)

  • Economic crisis marked by high unemployment and poverty.

  • Led to the New Deal programs by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

• Prohibition (1920-1933)

  • Ban on the production and sale of alcohol in the US.

  • Led to the rise of organized crime and speakeasies.

• Stock Market Crash of 1929

  • Event that triggered the Great Depression.

  • Caused widespread economic hardship and bank failures.

Progressivism:

• The Progressive Era (late 19th to early 20th century) was characterized by social, political, and economic reform movements aimed at addressing issues such as political corruption, urbanization, and industrialization.

  • Progressives advocated for government intervention to promote social welfare, regulate industry, and expand democracy.

Urbanization and Immigration:

• The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw rapid urbanization as people migrated from rural areas to cities in search of employment opportunities.

  • Immigration from Europe, Asia, and Latin America contributed to population growth and cultural diversity, but also led to tensions and challenges in urban areas.

Cultural Changes:

• The period witnessed cultural shifts, including the emergence of new artistic movements (e.g., Harlem Renaissance, Modernism) and changes in social norms and values.

  • Innovations in communication and entertainment, such as radio, cinema, and mass media, reshaped popular culture and public discourse.

World War I:

• The outbreak of World War I in 1914 was sparked by tensions among European powers and the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary.

  • The United States entered the war in 1917, contributing to Allied victory and the Treaty of Versailles, which imposed harsh penalties on Germany but failed to address underlying causes of conflict.

Interwar Period:

• The interwar period (1919-1939) was marked by economic instability, political upheaval, and the rise of totalitarian regimes in Europe.

  • The Great Depression, triggered by the stock market crash of 1929, led to widespread unemployment, poverty, and social unrest, fueling the rise of fascism and Nazism.

World War II:

• World War II (1939-1945) erupted with the invasion of Poland by Nazi Germany and the subsequent global conflict between the Axis powers (Germany, Italy, Japan) and the Allies (United States, Soviet Union, United Kingdom, etc.).

  • The war ended with Allied victory in 1945, but at a tremendous cost in human lives and widespread destruction, including the Holocaust and the use of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Economic Meltdown and Recovery:

The Great Depression:

• The Great Depression was a severe economic downturn that began with the stock market crash of 1929 and lasted throughout the 1930s.

  • The Depression was characterized by widespread unemployment, bank failures, agricultural devastation, and social dislocation, prompting government intervention and the implementation of New Deal programs by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

New Deal:

• The New Deal was a series of government programs and reforms aimed at providing relief, recovery, and reform during the Great Depression.

  • New Deal initiatives included public works projects (e.g., Works Progress Administration), financial regulations (e.g., Securities and Exchange Commission), and social welfare programs (e.g., Social Security Act).

Post-World War II Recovery:

• The post-World War II period witnessed economic recovery and prosperity, fueled by government spending, technological innovation, and consumer demand.

  • The United States emerged as a global superpower, with significant influence in international affairs and the establishment of institutions like the United Nations and the Bretton Woods system.

Unit 8

Important Events in Unit 8 of AP US History

• Spanish-American War (1898)

  • Fought between the US and Spain over Cuba's independence.

  • Resulted in the US gaining territories like Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines.

• Progressive Era (1890s-1920s)

  • Reform movement addressing social and political issues.

  • Led to reforms in areas like labor, women's suffrage, and regulation of big business.

• World War I (1914-1918)

  • US entered the war in 1917 on the side of the Allies.

  • Led to the Treaty of Versailles and the creation of the League of Nations.

• Roaring Twenties

  • Period of economic prosperity and cultural change in the US.

  • Marked by the rise of consumerism, jazz music, and the Harlem Renaissance.

• Great Depression (1929-1941)

  • Economic crisis triggered by the stock market crash of 1929.

  • Led to widespread unemployment, poverty, and government intervention under the New Deal.

• New Deal

  • Series of programs and reforms implemented by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to combat the Great Depression.

  • Included measures like the creation of Social Security and the FDIC.

• World War II (1939-1945)

  • US entered the war in 1941 after the attack on Pearl Harbor.

  • Ended with the defeat of the Axis powers and the beginning of the Cold War.

Origins of the Cold War:

• The Cold War emerged as a geopolitical rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union, fueled by ideological differences, military competition, and conflicting national interests.

  • Tensions heightened with the division of Europe after World War II and the emergence of the United States and the Soviet Union as superpowers.

Containment Policy:

• The United States pursued a policy of containment to prevent the spread of communism, as articulated in the Truman Doctrine and the Marshall Plan.

  • The formation of military alliances such as NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) and the Warsaw Pact further solidified the division between the Western and Eastern blocs.

Arms Race and Space Race:

• The Cold War arms race led to the development of nuclear weapons and the proliferation of military technology, heightening fears of nuclear war.

  • The Soviet Union's launch of Sputnik in 1957 marked the beginning of the Space Race, as both superpowers competed for technological and ideological supremacy.

African American Civil Rights Movement:

• The African American civil rights movement aimed to end racial segregation and discrimination, achieve voting rights, and secure equal treatment under the law.

  • Key figures and events included the Montgomery Bus Boycott, Brown v. Board of Education, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Women's Rights Movement:

• The women's rights movement sought to achieve gender equality and address issues such as reproductive rights, workplace discrimination, and social inequality.

  • The publication of Betty Friedan's "The Feminine Mystique" and the founding of organizations like the National Organization for Women (NOW) and the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) campaign were significant milestones.

Other Civil Rights Movements:

• Other marginalized groups, including Native Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans, and LGBTQ+ communities, organized for civil rights and social justice.

  • Movements such as the American Indian Movement (AIM), the Chicano Movement, and the Stonewall Riots contributed to broader struggles for equality and representation.

Postwar Economic Boom:

• The United States experienced economic growth and prosperity in the postwar period, fueled by government spending, technological innovation, and consumer demand.

  • The expansion of industries like manufacturing, technology, and defense, along with suburbanization and consumerism, reshaped American society.

Counterculture and Social Movements:

• The 1960s witnessed the emergence of a counterculture that challenged mainstream values and norms, advocating for social change, peace, and individual freedom.

  • Movements such as the anti-war movement, the hippie movement, and the environmental movement reflected broader cultural shifts and generational tensions.

Political Activism and Reform:

• Political activism and reform efforts addressed issues such as government accountability, environmental protection, and corporate power.

  • The 1960s and 1970s saw significant legislative reforms, including the Great Society programs, environmental regulations, and the establishment of regulatory agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Watergate Scandal:

• The Watergate scandal, involving illegal activities and abuse of power by the Nixon administration, led to President Richard Nixon's resignation in 1974 and eroded public trust in government institutions.

  • Watergate prompted calls for government reform and accountability, leading to changes in campaign finance laws and greater oversight of executive power.

End of the Vietnam War:

• The Vietnam War, marked by protests, social unrest, and controversy, ended with the fall of Saigon in 1975 and the reunification of Vietnam under communist rule.

  • The war's legacy included political polarization, disillusionment with government, and debates over American foreign policy and military intervention.

Shifts in Global Dynamics:

• The period witnessed shifts in global power dynamics, including the decline of European colonial empires and the rise of new geopolitical challenges, such as the Sino-Soviet split and the emergence of non-aligned nations.

Unit 9

Important Events In Unit 9 of AP US History

Reagan Era and Conservative Resurgence:

• The election of Ronald Reagan in 1980 marked a shift toward conservative politics, emphasizing free market principles, limited government intervention, and a strong national defense.

  • Reagan's policies, known as Reaganomics, sought to stimulate economic growth through tax cuts, deregulation, and privatization.

Conservative Movement:

• The conservative movement gained momentum in the 1980s and 1990s, with the rise of organizations like the Moral Majority and the Heritage Foundation advocating for conservative values, including traditional family values, anti-communism, and free-market capitalism.

  • Conservatives also focused on issues such as deregulation, tax reform, and reducing government spending.

Republican Dominance and Political Polarization:

• Republican dominance in national politics, particularly in Congress and the presidency, led to increased political polarization between conservatives and liberals.

  • Divisive issues such as abortion, gun control, and immigration fueled partisan debates and shaped electoral politics.

Information Revolution:

• The advent of the internet and digital technologies revolutionized communication, commerce, and social interaction, leading to the rise of the information age.

  • The proliferation of personal computers, smartphones, and social media platforms transformed how people access information and connect with one another.

Biotechnological Advances:

• Biotechnological advancements, including genetic engineering, stem cell research, and personalized medicine, revolutionized healthcare, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals.

  • These developments raised ethical and regulatory questions regarding privacy, consent, and the manipulation of genetic material.

Environmental Concerns:

• Growing awareness of environmental issues, such as climate change, pollution, and habitat destruction, prompted calls for environmental conservation and sustainability.

  • Environmental activism and advocacy led to initiatives like the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and the establishment of environmental protection agencies.

Immigration and Diversity:

• Immigration from Latin America, Asia, and other regions increased demographic diversity and reshaped the cultural landscape of the United States.

  • Debates over immigration policy, including issues of border security, citizenship, and refugee resettlement, became politically contentious.

Changing Family Structures:

• Changes in family structures, including rising divorce rates, delayed marriage, and increased single-parent households, reflected shifting social norms and economic realities.

  • Debates over family values, gender roles, and LGBTQ+ rights highlighted tensions between traditional and evolving notions of family and identity.

Urbanization and Suburbanization:

• Urbanization continued, with increasing concentrations of population and economic activity in urban centers, while suburbanization led to the growth of suburban communities and commuter lifestyles.

  • Issues such as urban sprawl, transportation infrastructure, and housing affordability became focal points of urban planning and development.

Culture Wars:

• The period saw cultural conflicts, often referred to as the culture wars, over issues such as religion, morality, and cultural identity.

  • Debates over education, censorship, and public expression reflected broader disagreements about the direction of American society and values.

Social Movements:

• Social movements advocating for civil rights, environmental justice, LGBTQ+ rights, and other causes continued to shape public discourse and policy debates.

  • Grassroots activism, online organizing, and advocacy campaigns mobilized diverse communities around shared goals and values.

Globalization and American Influence:

• Globalization intensified economic interdependence, cultural exchange, and geopolitical competition, with the United States exerting significant influence on international affairs and global institutions.

  • Debates over free trade, international intervention, and America's role in the world reflected tensions between nationalism and global cooperation.

LEQ and DBQ information

LEQ (topic of the document based question will include historical developments or processess across the years 1754 and 1980)

DBQ (Each tests the same skills and reasoning process (e.g., comparison, causation, or continuity and change) but the questions focus on historical developments and processes from different time periods (either the period from 1491 to 1800, from 1800 to 1898, or from 1890 to 2001).)

Information that is crucial for the SAQ Questions