Apush Study Guide

The Advanced Placement United States History (APUSH) exam is a comprehensive assessment of a student’s knowledge of American history from the pre-Columbian era to the present. To succeed on this exam, students must demonstrate a deep understanding of historical events, themes, and concepts, as well as the ability to analyze and interpret primary and secondary sources.

Period 1: Pre-Columbian Era to 1491

This period focuses on the earliest inhabitants of the Americas, including Native American societies and their interactions with the environment and each other. Key concepts include the diversity of Native American cultures, the impact of geography on these societies, and the development of early trade networks.

• Key Terms: Mississippian culture, Three Sisters, Cahokia
• Important Dates: 1000 BCE (beginning of Mississippian culture), 700 CE (peak of Mississippian culture)

Period 2: 1491 to 1607

The arrival of Europeans marked a significant turning point in American history, leading to the Columbian Exchange, the spread of diseases, and the beginning of European colonization. Students should understand the varying motivations behind European exploration, the impact of European arrival on Native American populations, and the establishment of the first successful English colonies.

• Key Terms: Columbian Exchange, encomienda system, Roanoke
• Important Dates: 1492 (Columbus’s first voyage), 1585 (establishment of Roanoke)

Period 3: 1607 to 1754

This period saw the expansion of English colonies, the development of a plantation economy in the South, and the beginnings of slavery in what would become the United States. Key themes include the interaction between European colonizers and Native Americans, the growth of colonial economies, and the emergence of regional identities.

• Key Terms: Headright system, indentured servitude, Bacon’s Rebellion
• Important Dates: 1619 (first African slaves arrive in English colonies), 1676 (Bacon’s Rebellion)

Period 4: 1754 to 1800

The mid-18th century to the end of the 18th century was marked by the French and Indian War, the American Revolution, and the early years of the United States under the Constitution. Students should understand the causes and consequences of these events, including the role of key figures like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson.

• Key Terms: Proclamation of 1763, Common Sense, Three-Fifths Compromise
• Important Dates: 1763 (Proclamation of 1763), 1776 (Declaration of Independence), 1787 (Constitutional Convention)

Period 5: 1800 to 1848

This period includes the early 19th-century developments such as the War of 1812, the expansion of democracy, and the growing tensions over slavery. The Mexican-American War and the subsequent expansion of U.S. territory are also critical, as they set the stage for the conflicts of the late 19th century.

• Key Terms: Manifest Destiny, Monroe Doctrine, Trail of Tears
• Important Dates: 1803 (Louisiana Purchase), 1820 (Missouri Compromise), 1846-1848 (Mexican-American War)

Period 6: 1848 to 1877

The late 19th century was defined by the Civil War and Reconstruction. Students should grasp the complexities of the war, including its causes and consequences, as well as the attempts to rebuild and redefine the nation during Reconstruction.

• Key Terms: Kansas-Nebraska Act, Emancipation Proclamation, Freedmen’s Bureau
• Important Dates: 1854 (Kansas-Nebraska Act), 1861-1865 (American Civil War), 1865 (13th Amendment)

Period 7: 1877 to 1900

This period saw the end of Reconstruction, the rise of industrialization, and the growth of urban centers. Key themes include the impact of industrialization on American society, the development of big business, and the emergence of social and political movements in response to these changes.

• Key Terms: Jim Crow laws, Sherman Anti-Trust Act, Populist Party
• Important Dates: 1877 (end of Reconstruction), 1890 (Sherman Anti-Trust Act), 1896 (Plessy v. Ferguson)

Period 8: 1900 to 1945

The early 20th century was marked by World War I, the Roaring Twenties, the Great Depression, and World War II. Students should understand the U.S. role in these global events and the domestic changes that occurred during this period, including the Harlem Renaissance and the New Deal.

• Key Terms: 17th Amendment, 19th Amendment, New Deal
• Important Dates: 1917 (U.S. entry into World War I), 1929 (stock market crash), 1941 (U.S. entry into World War II)

Period 9: 1945 to 1980

The post-war period saw the rise of the United States as a global superpower, the Cold War, the Civil Rights Movement, and significant social and cultural changes. Understanding the complex interplay between domestic and foreign policy during this era is crucial.

• Key Terms: Brown v. Board of Education, Great Society, Nixon Doctrine
• Important Dates: 1954 (Brown v. Board of Education), 1963 (March on Washington), 1973 (U.S. withdrawal from Vietnam)

Practical Study Tips for APUSH

1. Develop a Study Plan: Break down your study material into manageable chunks and create a schedule.
2. Use Active Learning Techniques: Engage with the material by summarizing it in your own words, creating concept maps, or making flashcards.
3. Practice with Sample Questions: Familiarize yourself with the format and content of the AP exam by practicing with sample questions.
4. Join a Study Group: Collaborate with classmates to review material, share insights, and stay motivated.
5. Stay Organized: Keep all your study materials, including notes, readings, and practice exams, well-organized and easily accessible.

Conclusion

Success on the APUSH exam requires a deep understanding of American history, the ability to analyze complex historical events and themes, and effective test-taking strategies. By following a structured study plan, engaging actively with the material, and practicing with sample questions, students can prepare themselves for the exam and develop a lifelong appreciation for the complexities and richness of American history.