Apush Unit 1

Unit 1 of the AP United States History textbook covers the early periods of American history, focusing primarily on the Native American societies prior to European contact, explores the motivations for European exploration, and delves into the interactions and conflicts that arose from European colonization. Key topics include:

• Indigenous Societies: Description of various Native American cultures and their adaptations to different environments across the continent.

• European Exploration: Motivations such as wealth, religious freedom, and expansion of empires, leading to significant explorers like Columbus and the impact of their voyages.

• Colonial Foundations: Examination of the establishment of British, Spanish, French, and Dutch colonies in North America, including economic systems, labor practices, and relations with Indigenous peoples.

• Interactions and Conflicts: How European settlers' arrival disrupted Indigenous societies, leading to alliances and confrontations, as well as the transfer of goods, ideas, and diseases.

• Cultural Exchange: Overview of the Columbian Exchange and its effects on both the New World and Europe, influencing diets, economies, and lifestyles on both sides of the Atlantic.