AP WORLD HISTORY

Key Themes and Periods:

  1. Global interactions (1450-1750):

    • Emergence of global trade networks: The Columbian Exchange

    • European exploration and colonization: motivations (gold, glory, God)

    • Major empires involved: Spain, Portugal, Britain, France

    • Impact on indigenous populations: disease, warfare, culture clash

  2. Revolutions and Nations (1750-1914):

    • Enlightenment ideas: liberty, equality, fraternity

    • Key revolutions: American, French, Haitian, Latin American

    • Nationalism and state formation in Europe and beyond

    • Industrial Revolution: technological innovations and socio-economic changes

  3. World Wars and Global Conflict (1914-1945):

    • Causes and consequences of WWI and WWII

    • Totalitarian regimes: fascism, communism

    • Role of women and minority groups in war efforts

    • Holocaust and human rights movements emerging post-WWII

  4. Cold War and Decolonization (1945-1991):

    • Ideological confrontation between the USA and USSR

    • Proxy wars: Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan

    • Independence movements in Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean

    • Globalization and the rise of economic interdependence

  5. Contemporary World (1991-Present):

    • Post-Cold War dynamics and conflicts

    • Rise of technology and information age

    • Climate change and environmental issues impacting global policy

    • Social movements: gender rights, civil rights, and more

Key Terms to Remember:

  • Mercantilism

  • Industrialization

  • Nationalism

  • Imperialism

  • Totalitarianism

  • Globalization