Early American History Final Exam Study Guide

EARLY AMERICAN HISTORY - FINAL EXAM STUDY GUIDE

PART 1 - IDs (40%)

Overview of IDs

  • You will identify six terms out of a possible twelve.
  • Each ID should provide the significance of the term in approximately two to three sentences.

Example of ID

  • Containment Policy
    • Definition: Containment was a policy enacted by President Truman at the beginning of the Cold War during the Greek Civil War. It advocated for U.S. interventions to prevent the spread of communism and asserted a clear distinction between democratic and communist systems.
    • Significance: This policy was crucial in opposing the Soviet Union and led to the U.S. engaging in proxy wars globally. Particularly, containment policy is significant in American history as it initiated U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War and spurred various interventions and coups in Latin America.

Additional IDs

  • A comprehensive list of potential ID terms will be provided, covering vital events, individuals, and concepts from early American history. Each ID should include a brief definition and its significance in shaping American historical narratives.

PART 2 - Short Essay (20%)

Overview of Short Essay

  • You will select and write on one short essay topic from four available options.
  • The topics will be derived from major themes discussed throughout the course, and the major goals of each lecture will be posted on Canvas.

PART 3 - Long Essay (40%)

Overview of Long Essay

  • You will write on one specified topic, fully answering all parts of the question.
  • A packet of primary sources will be provided, which must be utilized as evidence in your essay along with relevant details from readings and lectures.

Essay Topics

  1. Colonization Methods and Native American Responses

    • Describe the different methods of colonization employed by each European power in North America.
    • Analyze how Native American nations responded to these colonization efforts.
    • Discuss the impact of these methods on North American history, using examples from primary sources to support your arguments.

  2. Development of Democracy

    • Explain how democracy evolved in the United States from the American Revolution through the Civil War.
    • Identify who had the right to vote and who was excluded.
    • Discuss the transformation of political parties during early American history, noting their contrasting views.
    • Include examples from primary sources to strengthen your argument.

  3. Development of Slavery

    • Outline the evolution of slavery from the colonial period to the Civil War in North America.
    • Compare how slavery differed between various colonies.
    • Investigate how the invention of the cotton gin and westward expansion transformed the institution of slavery in the United States.
    • Provide detailed examples and support your claims with evidence from primary sources.