AP U.S. History (APUSH) Vocabulary Guide
This is a comprehensive, organized list of key APUSH vocabulary terms by period.
Period 1 (1491–1607)
* Columbian Exchange: Transfer of plants, animals, diseases, and people between the Americas and the Old World.
* Mercantilism: Economic theory that colonies exist to benefit the mother country.
* Encomienda System: Spanish labor system using Native Americans.
* Joint-Stock Company: Business owned by shareholders investing in exploration.
Period 2 (1607–1754)
* House of Burgesses: First representative assembly in the colonies.
* Salutary Neglect: British policy of limited interference in colonies.
* Great Awakening: Religious revival emphasizing personal faith.
* Middle Passage: Voyage transporting enslaved Africans to the Americas.
Period 3 (1754–1800)
* French and Indian War: Conflict between Britain and France in North America.
* Proclamation of 1763: Restricted colonial expansion west of Appalachians.
* Republicanism: Belief in government based on citizen participation.
* Articles of Confederation: First U.S. constitution.
Period 4 (1800–1848)
* Market Revolution: Expansion of markets and industrialization.
* Manifest Destiny: Belief in U.S. expansion across the continent.
* Second Great Awakening: Religious revival promoting reform movements.
* Missouri Compromise: Balanced free and slave states.
Period 5 (1844–1877)
* Civil War: Conflict between Union and Confederacy.
* Emancipation Proclamation: Freed slaves in Confederate states.
* Reconstruction: Rebuilding the South after the Civil War.
* 13th Amendment: Abolished slavery.
Period 6 (1865–1898)
* Gilded Age: Era of industrial growth and inequality.
* Robber Barons: Wealthy industrialists accused of unethical practices.
* Populist Movement: Farmers’ political movement.
* Social Darwinism: Application of survival of the fittest to society.
Period 7 (1890–1945)
* Progressivism: Reform movement addressing social issues.
* Imperialism: Expansion of U.S. influence abroad.
* Great Depression: Economic crisis of the 1930s.
* New Deal: FDR’s programs to combat the Depression.
Period 8 (1945–1980)
* Cold War: Tension between U.S. and Soviet Union.
* Containment: Policy to stop spread of communism.
* Civil Rights Movement: Movement to end racial segregation.
* Vietnam War: Conflict in Southeast Asia.
Period 9 (1980–Present)
* Reaganomics: Supply-side economic policies.
* Globalization: Increasing global interconnectedness.
* War on Terror: U.S. response to terrorism after 9/11.
* Affordable Care Act: Healthcare reform law
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