knowt ap exam guide logo

APUSH Curriculum Review

Good luck to everyone reading this! You’ll do great on the AP Exam!

AP Writing

Writing Ideas

High-level comparisons across periods is one of the best way to receive the complexity point.

  • Kent State/Jackson State parallel current UT Protests

  • Missionary system colonization parallels White Man’s Burden

  • Counterculture parallels transcendentalism and The Lost Generation

  • The New Deal parallels the Great Society

Essays (LEQ and DBQ) can only be on periods 2-8. LEQs, DBQs, and SAQs generally follow a similar format, such as comparing/contrasting, causes, and effects. Therefore, we can guess the the general ideas of questions in the AP test based on the major events/developments in the periods.

Unit 2

  • Comparing and Contrasting different British Colonies (Chesapeake and New England, for example)

  • Comparing and Contrasting European Colonization (England and Spain, for example)

  • Reasons for the growth of slavery and its consequences

Unit 3

  • Reasons for the Growth of the First Party System.

  • Analyzing the 7 Years War as a turning point.

  • Comparing and Contrasting the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution

Unit 4

  • Causes and Impacts of the Market Revolution.

  • Development of the 2nd Party System

  • Causes and Impacts of the Second Great Awakening

  • Reasons for the growth of slavery and its effects

Unit 5

  • How could The Mexican-American War be seen As A Turning Point?

  • Causes and effects of Manifest Destiny

  • Sectional tensions prior to the Civil War – for example, The Compromise of 1850, The Kansas-Nebraska Act, and The Dred Scott decision.

  • How successful was Reconstruction?

  • Ways Southern states resisted the 13 – 15 Amendments

Unit 6

  • Comparing and Contrasting different labor unions (Knights of Labor and AFL)

  • Comparing and Contrasting “”Old” Immigration with “New” Immigration

  • US relations with Native Americans in the late 19th century

  • Reasons for the development of the Populist Party

Unit 7

  • Causes and effects of the following wars: the Spanish-American War, World War I, and World War II

  • Reasons for overseas expansion in the late 19th century

  • Comparing and Contrasting US foreign policy after WWI and WWII

  • Turning Points: The Spanish-American War or The Progressive Era

Unit 8

  • Comparing the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s with a previous period (Reconstruction or early 1900s – Niagara Movement)

  • Analyzing the tactics used, and successes of the Civil Rights Movement

  • US foreign policy during the Cold War – Containment, Korean War, Vietnam War, etc.

  • Comparing the Great Society with the New Deal


Key Concepts of Each Period

Period 1

1491-1607

This period begins with Columbus’s “Discovery” of the American and ends with the founding of Jamestown.

Reasons for Colonization - God, Gold, and Glory

Autonomy - to have self-government, or independence. Native Americans and Africans sought to preserve autonomy in the face of contact with Europeans.

Subjugation - to take control of a person or group of people by force. Native Americans and Africans were subjugated by Europeans, often in the form of slavery.

Maize - corn, grown in present-day Mexico and spread to the Southwest portion of the present-day United States. Native Americans built societies around maize. Once it was introduced to Europe (Columbian Exchange), it helped lead to a drastic increase in population.

Columbian Exchange - Spread of goods, ideas, people, and diseases between Africa, Europe, and the Americas.

Encomienda System - Spanish system of granting land to colonists in the New World. This system exploited Native Americans and resources. Eventually, Native American labor was replaced with African slave labor.

Casta System - A racist social order imposed by the Spanish for tax purposes

Bartolomeu De Las Casas - A priest who advocated for better treatment for the natives.

Joint-Stock Companies - Privately funded exploration to the Americans for economic game, less risky for investors

Native Tribes

Ute - Rocky Mountains, Western, Nomads, Hunter-Gatherers

Pueblo - Southern, farmers, irrigation, clay houses

Iroquois - Eastern, coastal, farming, fishing, longhouses

Period 2

1607-1754

This period begins with the establishment first British colony, Jamestown, and ends with the beginning of the French and Indian war.

Characteristics of Spanish colonization - focused on converting Natives and gaining wealth through tight control over colonies. (Think 3 Gs - period #1)

Characteristics of French and Dutch colonization - fewer inhabitants than other countries. The French and Dutch focused on trade (especially fur), alliances, and intermarriage with Native Americans.

Characteristics of English colonization - colonies were based on agriculture. English colonies saw a large number of men AND women inhabit the colonies. The English had relatively hostile relations with Native Americans.

Pueblo Revolt - Native American revolt in the late 17th century in present-day New Mexico against the Spanish. The Spanish were expelled for over 10 years. Once they regained control, the Spanish began to take a more accommodating approach to Natives and allowed some religious accommodation.

Bacon’s Rebellion - Indentured servants were being attacked by natives and not given help, so they revolted, making plantation owners switch to slaveryIndentured servants were being attacked by natives and not given help, so they revolted, making plantation owners switch to slavery

Stono Rebellion - A failed slave revolt

Metacom’s War/King Phillip’s War - A large native resistance movement through violent battles. It failed after the assassination of Metacom (called by the English King Phillip)

The Enlightenment - Time period that focused on reason and knowledge and promoted new ideas about government (natural rights, consent of the governed, the social contract, separation of powers). These ideas helped influence the American Revolution. Important figures include John’s Locke and Rousseau.

The Great Awakening - A religious movement that acted as a response to the Enlightenment. Preachers include Jonathan Edward’s and George Whitfield. Partially led by the New Light Clergy

Mercantilism - Economic policy that focuses on making money for the mother country. This policy favors a positive balance of trade for the mother country and the accumulation of gold and silver.

Anglicization - Process of colonies becoming and acting British. This was influenced by print culture (newspapers and writings) and communities based on English models.

Characteristics of New England colonies - founded by mostly Puritans, a group of like-minded individuals. These colonies tended to be close-knit and had longer life expectancies than other English colonies. The economy was a mix of farming and trade.

Characteristics of Middle colonies - These colonies were the most diverse religiously and saw the most immigrants from Europe. The economy was based on grain.

Characteristics of Southern colonies - The Chesapeake (Maryland and Virginia) relied on indentured servants initially, later replaced by African slaves. Staple crops like tobacco, rice, and sugar made the colonies prosperous.

The “City on a Hill” - John Winthrop gave a sermon that his colony, Boston, should be a “city on a hill,” meaning a good Christian example of how to live.

Quakers - Christian who settled in New England colonies. They followed religious tolerance.

Puritans - Christians who settled in New England colonies together. They believed in conformity and predestination. They kicked out Anne Hutchinson

The Middle Passage - A rough, tortuous sea passage for slaves on their way to be sold. They were inhumanly chained together and compacted.

Virginia House of Burgesses - An elected governing body of Virginia, showed the extent of salutary neglect.

Mayflower Compact - The first governing body in the new colonies, showed the extent of salutary neglect.

Period 3

1754-1800

This period begins with the start of the French and Indian war and ends with Jefferson’s election and transition to a democratic-republican government.

Presidents: Washington, Adams

Political Parties: Federalists (dominant), Democratic-Republicans

Impact of the French and Indian War - France was removed from North America; Great Britain was in massive debt, began to consolidate control over colonies - taxes; many colonists resisted

Sectionalism - loyalty or support for a particular region over the nation as a whole.

Common Sense - Written by Thomas Paine, and Enlightenment thinker. Urged that it was "Common Sense" that colonies should break away from Great Britain

Albany Plan of Union - “Join or die” cartoon, the colonies must unite. Failed due to sectionalism, but the idea helped lay the groundwork for the revolution.

Declaration of Independence - Inspired by Common Sense and Enlightenment ideals; inspired France and countries in Latin America to experience revolutions

Reasons for Patriot Victory in the Revolutionary War - Colonists' familiarity with the land; political and military leadership (Washington); ideological commitment (Natural Rights); Support from European Allies (France after Saratoga)

Lexington and Concord - The first battle of the revolution, “The shot heard around the world.”

Battle of Saratoga - A turning point in the war, when the Americans won and inspired the French to provide aid.

Battle of Yorktown - The final battle of the war, American victory.

The Treaty of Paris - The treaty the ended war.

Northwest Land Ordinance - Passed under Articles - banned slavery in NW territory (OH, MI, IN, etc.), created a process for admitting new states (60,000 inhabitants)

Articles of Confederation - First governing document of US - created a WEAK central government; issues with trade - different currencies in each state, tariffs on goods traded between states

Shay’s rebellion - A rebellion of farmers who were angered by the lack of assistance they received after fighting in the war. Showed the weakness of the Articles of Confederation.

Constitution - Replaced the Articles - series of compromises (Great, 3/5, Slave Trade); provided limits on federal power (separation of powers); did not address problems of slavery

Virginia Plan - A plan argued for in the constitutional convection that favored larger states by basing representation on population. Resolved with The Great Compromise which established the Senate (equal) and House of Representatives. (Population)

New Jersey Plan - A plan argued for in the constitutional convection that favored smaller states by giving all states equal representation. Resolved with The Great Compromise which established the Senate (equal) and House of Representatives. (Population)

Whiskey Rebellion - A rebellion of farmers angered by the whiskey tax. Washington put it down. It paralleled Shay’s rebellion and showed the new Constitution was better.

Washington’s Farewell Address - Warned of entangling foreign alliances and political parties; helped inspire foreign policy until after WWII

Jay’s Treaty - The British continued to impress US citizens, so to prevent war, they signed Jay’s Treaty which removed their outposts in America and they agreed to stop impressment. (They didn’t, war of 1812)

Pickney Treaty - A treaty with the same which established the 31st parallel as the boundary between Spain and America.

Republican Motherhood - Expectation that women would instill Republican values in children and be active in families; helped increase education for women

Bill of Rights - Added AFTER the Constitutional Convention; created to gain support of anti-Federalists; guaranteed rights of individuals

XYZ Affair - When French diplomats agreed to meet with Americans, they demanded a bribe to begin negotiations. This angered the American public.

Alien and Sedition Acts - During fighting with French, these laws were passed to prevent people from speaking out against the government.

Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions - These were responses to the alien and sedition acts, stating the sates could nullify federal laws they considered unconstitutional. These ideas were replaced by judicial review.

Period 4

1800-1848

This period begins with Jefferson’s presidency and ends with the end of the Mexican-American war and the Seneca Falls convention.

Presidents: Jefferson, Madison, Adams, Jackson

Political Parties: Democratic-Republicans (dominant, then dissolved), Federalist (dissolved after War of 1813), Whigs (Split from DR in the 20/30s, more life Federalists), Democrats (formerly Democratic Republicans)

Impact of the Supreme Court decisions of the early 1800s - The primacy of the judiciary in determining the meaning of the Constitution (think judicial review)) and giving federal laws power over state governments (think Gibbons v. Ogden and McCulloch v. Maryland)

Marbury v Madison - Established judicial review, resolved midnight judges conflict

McCullough v Maryland - National law trumps state laws

Cohens v Virginia - Upheld judicial review, the Supreme Court revolves federal vs state disputes

Gibbons v Ogden - Federal government is in charge of interstate transport regulations/permissions

Woodward v Dartmouth College - States cant control private companies, limited state power

Whigs and Democrats Disagreed over - Role and powers of the federal government, National Bank, tariffs, federally funded internal improvements (Think Henry Clay's American System)

Barbary Pirates - Pirated demanded money for protection to trade in the Barbary states. They raised the price and Jefferson refused, leaving to conflict. A lower tribute was negotiated.

Embargo Act - Passed by Jefferson to restricted trade with France and Britian to prevent impressment. This hurt the economy and stained Jefferson’s legacy

War of 1812 - There was conflict between the British and Americans due to British impressment. Americans won again, but The Federalist were against entering this war and argued against it in the Hartford Convection. The War Hawks (Democratic-Republican senators) demanded war. They entered the war and won, leading to the dissolving of the federalists for being “out of touch.” Swelled nationalism.

Utopian societies - Some religious sects broke out to form their own communities believing the seconding coming of Jesus had already occurred, so they needed to make heaven on earth. The Shakers were one group but they looked down on sexual relations and therefore died off. Another group, the Oneidas, believed everyone has everyone else’s wife/husband/child and therefore there was a lot of polygamy. “One big family.”

Impact of the Second Great Awakening - Moral and social reforms like abolitionism, women's rights, temperance, and mormonism. Charles Finny was a major preacher.

Seneca Falls Convention- Women's Rights convention that sought greater equality (attended by men too such as Frederick Douglass)

Cult of Domesticity - Ideas promoted to women that they belonged at home.

New innovations during the Market Revolution - Textile machinery (spinning jenny), steam engines, interchangeable parts (Eli Whitney), telegraph, and agricultural inventions (cotton gin - Whitney again)

How did the Market Revolution change the production of goods? - Goods were increasingly made outside the home. Women and men began working in factories. Demand for unskilled immigrant labor increased, women worked in (unethical and harsh) Lowell factories.

Where did immigrants settle? - Irish settled in northern cities, Germans settled on the frontier - worked as farmers (CINCINNATI!)

American System - Henry Clay's plan to unify the American economy. Focused on a 2nd BUS, Internal Improvements, and Tariffs. The north and midwest benefitted more than the south.

Whigs - A political party that split from the Democratic Republicans, led by Henry Clay, similar to the previous Federalist Party.

Democrats - The Democrats-Republicans transitioned into the Democrats, led by Jackson.

Monroe Doctrine - President Monroe's message to Europe to NOT colonize any new land in Latin America. The US would stay out of European affairs.

Missouri Compromise (Compromise of 1820) - 3 parts: Maine was a free state, Missouri was a slave state, everything above 36/30 latitude line would be free, everything below would be slave. This applied to ONLY the Louisiana Purchase. Later overturned by the Kansas-Nebraska Act (possible synthesis point).

Turner’s Rebellion - Nat Turner believed God had given him to duty to end slavery. He and other others supporters took over an armory in the hopes to start a slave rebellion.

Corrupt Bargain - Clay supported Adams’ election campaign, so Adams made him Secretary of State. Jackson viewed this as corrupt.

Tariff of 1828 (Tariff of Abomination) - A tariff passed by Jackson, despite being a democrat, that angered Southerners. John C Calhoun, the current vice president, passed the Doctrine of Nullification in South Carolina saying states could nullify bills they thought were unconstitutional. Jackson responded with the Force Bill. A lower tariff was agreed upon, but it highlighted tensions between the north and the south. This was called the Nullification Crisis.

The Spoil’s System - Jackson believed the victor had a right to enjoy the spoils of his victory in elections, so it was fair to appoint his supporters to government positions.

Panic of 1837 - Jackson vetoed the second Bank of America, leading to unregulated “wildcat” and “pet” banks, which failed, leading to a bank run and economic crisis.

Indian Removal Act and Trail of Tears - Jackson passed this bill to remove natives from land they occupied. The natives used the courts to challenge this with Wooster v Georgia, and the courts sided with the natives. So, Jackson meet with natives who had not power or authority to do anything and had them sign the Treaty of Nouakchott, which traded their land for land in Mississippi. Despite the injustice of this, the natives were forced out along tor brutal Trail of Tears.

Period 5

1844-1877

This period begins with Polk’s election, the spread of Westward Expansion, and the start of the Mexican-American war. This period ends with the official ending of reconstruction after the civil war. This is mainly the civil war.

Presidents: Polk, Buchanan, Lincoln, Andrew Johnson,

Political Parties: Republicans (formed from anti slavery Whigs), Democrats

Reasons for westward migration (Manifest Destiny) - Access to natural and mineral resources, economic opportunities for settlers, religious refuge (Mormons).

Arguments to annex western lands included – Manifest Destiny and American institutions (democracy)

Impact US acquiring the Mexican Cession - Debates over the status of slavery (Wilmot Proviso), Native Americans, and Mexicans in the newly acquired land.

How did the government encourage westward migration? - Passing new legislation (think Homestead Act) encouraging settlers to move west, government gave land and subsidies to RR companies.

Goal of the Nativist Movement? - It was especially Anti-Catholic. The nativists hoped to limit the power and cultural influence of the immigrants (Irish and Germans).

What was the free soil movement? - Sought to keep slavery from expanding into newly acquired territories.

Popular Sovereignty - The ideas new states should vote on whether or not to have slavery.

Mexican-American War - A war over the annexation of Texas. Ended in America victory.

Garden Purchase - The acquisition of Alaska

What were ways abolitionists campaigned against slavery? - Moral arguments (think William Lloyd Garrison), assisting slaves' escapes (think Underground RR), using violence (think Bleeding-Kansas and Harpers Ferry).

How did the South justify and defend slavery? – They claimed slavery was a positive good (John C. Calhoun).

What was the Compromise of 1850? - Dealt with the Mexican Cession - popular sovereignty would be used in the territory, slave trade was banned in Washington D.C., California was added as a free state, a more strict fugitive slave law was created.

What was the Kansas-Nebraska Act? - Overturned the MO Compromise - introduced popular sovereignty in Kansas and Nebraska. Helped lead to the creation of the Republican Party.

Bleeding Kansas - As the vote around slavery in Kansas began closer, many people from other states flooded in to vote unfairly. Violence fights broke out between them.

What did the Supreme Court rule in Dred Scott v. Sanford? – Slaves were property, not citizens; Congress could NOT legislate slavery in the territories.

What did Lincoln campaign on in the Election of 1860? A free soil platform, non extension of slavery.

How did Lincoln’s views towards the war change over time? - Lincoln viewed the war initially as preserving the union, but eventually sought to end slavery -> Emancipation Proclamation and Gettysburg Address

How did the Union ultimately prevail in the Civil War? – Improvements in leadership and strategy (Grant and the “Anaconda Plan”), more factories and RRs, the South’s infrastructure was destroyed.

Key Victories – Gettysburg (turning point to union), Antietam (pushed the fighting back to confederate land instead of union land), Fort Sumter (first conflict), Bull Run (first real battle), Vicksburg (split the confederacy), Appomattox Courthouse. (Ended the war)

What did the 13 – 15 amendments do? –

13 – abolished slavery

14 – granted citizenship and equal protection

15 – universal adult male suffrage.

Why did the 15th amendment split the women’s rights movement? – Some women advocated suffrage be extended to women as well as African American males. The National Women’s Suffrage Association was made and the American women’s suffrage association was for it.

10% Plan - Lincoln’s plan for reuniting the nation that was lenient to the south to prevent conflict. 10% of voters in the 1860 election had to pledge loyalty to the north and the south had to ratify the 13th amendment. This angered radical republicans who wanted to punish the south. It was not successful as Lincoln was assassinated soon after.

Impeachment of Johnson - Johnson became president after Lincoln’s assassination. He blocked several laws to help protect black citizens. This angered congress, so they passed the Tenure Act, which made it illegal for the president to fire a member of his cabinet without consulting congress since they knew Johnson was planning to fire one. He did it anyway, and was impeached, but not convicted.

Compromise of 1877 - There were issues in deciphering the winner of the 1876 election, so the southerns agreed to let the republican candidate be the winner if reconstruction troops were withdrawn from their states.

Why did Reconstruction end? – Compromise of 1877 withdrew troops from the South; The North’s waning resolve led to many in the North to no longer support Reconstruction.

What is sharecropping? – Renting of land to former slaves – limited economic opportunities to former slaves and poor whites in the south.

What were ways the South resisted the 14th and 15th amendments? (Great Short Answer Question) – Segregation, Jim Crow laws; Violence, KKK and White League; Local political tactics such as poll taxes, literacy tests, and grandfather clauses

Period 6

1865-1898

This period begins with the end of the Civil War and ends with the beginning of the Spanish-American war. This period focuses on the aftermath of the removal of reconstruction and the Gilded Age.

Presidents: Grover Cleaveland

Political Parties: Democrats, Republicans, Populist

Migration: Eastern Europe and Chinese immigrants to cities, American wealthy migrated away from cities, Exoduster movement (southern blacks to the West).

Mechanization of Agriculture - increased crop yield, which decreased food price, which hurt small farmers.

Sioux Wars - Violent native resistance to their land, which had been promised to them, being taken.

Indian Appropriation Act - Ended recognition of native sovereignty and nullified all treaties with native tribes.

Wounded Knee - After a man performed the Ghost Dance, a soldier thought this was a violent threat and shooting broke out, killing many peaceful natives.

Ghost Dance - A dance the natives believed would force out the white men.

Indian Appropriation Act - ended recognition of native sovereignty and nullified previous treaties

Dawes Act - Broke up reservation land from natives to be sold to farmers.

“New South” - Idea that the south should industrialize after the Civil War. Despite calls for industrialization, sharecropping and tenant farming persisted in the South

Sharecropping - Persisted in the South (especially for African Americans.) They had to give a share of their crops to plantation owners. Way for southerners to get around the 13th amendment. Mechanized Agriculture: Using machines in farming to increase farm production; displaced many farmers; farmers created organizations to resist corporate power (Grange)

Technological Advancements - Bessemer Process for steel, telegraph, telephone, trans-continental cable, and increased railroads.

People’s (Populist) Party - Created in response to the growth of corporate power; called for political reform (election of senators, secret ballot) and increased government involvement in economy

Decimation of the buffalo - Buffalo almost became extinct due to westward expansion and over hunting of buffalo (buffalo hide); impacted Native Americans

Plessy v. Ferguson - Established the doctrine of "separate but equal." Upheld Jim Crow laws in the South, led to increased discrimination against African Americans; later overturned by Brown v. Board.

Black Codes - Restricted the rights of African-Americans, like the right to vote and own land.

Jim Crow Laws - Enforced Segregation

Ida B. Wells - Wrote against lynching and injustice.

Henry Turner - Helped former slaves migrate to Africa, but they were often mistreated there or died from diseases.

Booker T. Washington - Believed that African-Americans should be once self-sufficiently and vote, and then equality would come naturally. Received backlash due to systemic inequality.

Gilded Age - Coined term by Mark Twain; period from 1870s - 1890s, businesses grew at a rapid rate and many problems lied below perceived prosperity

Social Gospel - Protestant Church Movement that sought to improve the conditions of cities Assimilation of Native Americans: Process of making Natives "American"; Dawes Act - assimilated through cutting hair, changing tribal identities, providing individual land plots

Political Machines - Appealed to immigrants and urban poor; provided services in exchange for support. Think Boss Tweed and Tammany Hall

Patronage system - A continuing of the spoils systems

Pendelton Civil Service Act - Helped the public end the patronage system by having a test and giving government jobs to those who did best in that.

Free Silver - Allowed the US to print money not just based on the gold standard, which would increase inflation and allow those in debt to pay off.

Settlement Houses - Helped immigrants adjust to American life. Focused on providing education and other skills for women, immigrants, and children

Labor Unions: Knights of Labor - skilled, unskilled, white, black, and women were allowed; AFL - skilled labor only; sought to improve working conditions and increase pay.

Robber Barons/Captains of Industry - Two names for the largest players in the economy.

Growth the on Middle Class - Middle Management, as well as the new women’s jobs of teachers and secretaries, led to a rise in middle class. This caused leisure economics to develop, like circuses and Coney Island.

Verticals vs Horizontal Integration - Horizontal integration is the idea of buying all competitors to make a monopoly. Verticals integration is buying all steps of a manufacturing process (raw materials, assembly, shipping, etc) so you are not reliant on any other businesses.

Immigrant Labor and Nativism - Immigrants were willing to work for less wages, so labor unions would have less power as workers would simply be fired and replaced by immigrants. This led to nativists ideas because men were angered by the immigrants “taking their jobs.”

American Protection Association - An anti-immigrant, anti-catholic organization with nativist ideals.

Chinese Exclusion Act - Chinese immigrants worked often in railroads, but nativists hated them, so the Chinese Exclusion Act stopped them from being allowed to continue immigrating to America.

Expansionism Ideas - While some people disliked expansionism since America was founded on the breaking away from an empire, many rich company owners thought it was benefit them annd advocated for it.

Social Darwinism - Charles Darwin's ideas applied to humans, "survival of the fittest." Used by wealthy to justify their position in life

Period 7

1890-1945

This period begins with the “Closing of the Frontier” according to the Turner Thesis, and ends with the end of World War 2.

Presidents: Cleveland, Theodore Roosevelt, Taft, Wilson, Coolidge, Franklin Roosevelt

Political Parties: Democrat, Republican

“Closing” of the Frontier: Frederick Jackson Turner's Frontier Thesis argued the frontier was "closed." Led many Americans to call for overseas expansion

Imperialists vs anti-imperialists - Imperialists argued that expansion would help prove their strength, increase economic opportunities, and it was justified by social Darwinism. Anti-imperialists argued that expansion would make it hard to the US to remain isolationist, believed in self-determination, and argued the question of whether new territories would receive citizenship and rights, which neither group wanted to give them.

Spanish-American War - American declared war on Spain after the USS Maine, which was outside Cuba, exploded and Spain was wrongfully blamed. The US wanted to help free Cuba and other territories for their own expansionism. America won, Cuba got independence, and he Philippines were suceded.

Platt Amendment - An amendment added to the Cuban constitution by America allowing the US to intervene for their own economic interests. It was unfair and restricted Cuban freedom.

The Philippines - America took over the Philippines from Spain, but the Philippines thought they would be free and revolted. Emilio Aguinaldo led the revolt, but it failed.

Annexation of Hawaii - Hawaii helped bridge the gap in the Pacific Ocean, Hawaiians have no choice.

Progressive Era: 1890 - 1920, Progressives tended to be women, middle class, and live in urban areas. Progressives sought to use government influence to solve societal problems.

Niagara Movement and NAACP - Niagara Movement was led by W. E. Dubois, they were fighting for racial equality and ending segregation.

16th amendment - more taxes on the wealthy

17th amendment - direct election of senators, secret ballot, overall more power to the people

18th amendment - Banned alcohol

19th amendment - gave women the right to vote

Mukrackers - Writers who exposed the corruption of politics, horrors of poverty, unfair working conditions, and unsanitary meat packing practices. This name was derogatory, but they embraced it.

Scientific Management - Timing every little thing and then making suggestions to increase efficiency in factories, some argued it should be applied to government.

Cultural Pluralism is a concept that recognizes and respects diverse cultures within a society, promoting equality and mutual understanding among different cultural groups.

Transition from Rural to Urban Society - US society adjusted as more people moved to cities - 1920 census - more people live in cities than rural areas

Harlem Renaissance - Celebration of African American culture through music, poetry, and writing. Key people - Langston Hughes, Claude Monet, Zora Neale Hurston

Actions of Roosevelt:

  • The Square Deal - embodies Roosevelt’s “3 C’s” of consumer protection, corporate regulation, and conservation of natural resources. This was a way of approaching domestic issues, like coal workers strike, where Roosevelt heard out both sides. He was neither on the workers or the companies side, he would hear out both. Previously the government was for the companies.

  • Sherman-Antitrust act - Broke up the “bad” trusts and monopolies

  • Pure Food and Drug Act and Meat Inspection Act - Make sure food was safe

  • Forest Reserve Act - Protected land, big win for conservationists.

World War I - US entrance in 1917. US played a relatively minor role in the war, but large role in postwar negotiations.

Allied powers - Mainly Russia, Britain, China, France, and eventually the US.

Central powers - Mainly Germany, Austria-Hungary, and the Ottoman Empire.

Zimmerman Telegram - A telegraph intercepted by the US that was sent by Germany to Mexico. It told Mexico they should attack America and reclaim lost land during the Mexican-American war, which would prevent the US from fighting Germany. Mexico never received it, and it angered Americans and caused them to join WW1.

The Espionage and Sedition Acts and Schenck vs the US - These restricted speech on the War and criticism of the government. Schneck challenged this as a violation of freedom of speech, but the Supreme Court decided that personal liberties could be infringed on during times of war.

Spanish flu epidemic - After soldiers returned home, they brought this new flu strain with them. The government tried to suppress information about it to prevent panic.

Treaty of Versailles and League of Nations: Treaty that ended WWI; League led to debates over the role of the US in the world; ultimately, the US did NOT join the League

Great Migration: Mass movement of African Americans from the South to the North during WWI for economic opportunities

Tulsa Race Riots - After the Great Migration, many white Northerns hated the new African-Americans flooding in. After a false accusation, many black people were killed.

Red Scare: Fear of Communism after WWI, caused by: Russian Revolution, labor strikes post WWI, nativism; led to a crackdown on immigrants and radicals (suppression of rights)

Palmer raids - Raids conducted to catch and deport communists.

Restrictive Immigration Quotas: 1921 and 1924 acts that severely limited immigration from Southern and Eastern Europe ("New immigrants")

Assembly Line - A new way of manufacturing created by Ford which made production much cheaper and replaced skilled workers with unskilled workers

Ford Model T - Due to the assembly line, this car became available to the middle classes, and it was very popular. Contributed to middle classes moving out into suburbs due to better transport.

Harlem Renaissance - An artistic movement of Black artists celebrating their culture.

Harley-Smoot tariff - a tariff imposed during the time between WW1 and WW2. Many different countries implemented tariffs. This hurt the poor.

Great Depression - Worst financial crisis in US history, led to calls for the creation of a stronger financial regulatory system

New Deal - Drew on ideas from the Progressive Era, sought to address causes of the Depression; faced opposition by the left and right; left a legacy of reforms that are still around today

World War II - US remained neutral until Pearl Harbor. US and Allies won due to political and military cooperation, industrial production, and scientific advancements. US emerged as a world power

Japanese Internment: Japanese and Japanese Americans were placed in camps beginning in 1942; upheld by Korematsu v. US.

The Decision to drop the atomic bombs on Japan: Many reasons - save American lives, end the war quickly, etc.; raised questions about American values

Period 8

1945-1980

This period begins with the end of World War Two and ends with the election of Reagan. It focuses on the Cold War.

Presidents: Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Carter

Political Parties: Democrat and Republicans

Containment - Coined by George Kennan; urged the US to keep communism from spreading (Contain communism)

Truman Doctrine - The US pledged to give financial aid to struggling European countries to stabilize their economy, making it less likely for them to fall to communism.

The “Iron Curtain” - An idea created by Churchhill that Europe was divided by an “iron curtain” with capitalism on one side and communism on the other.

The Berlin Airlift - Berlin and Germany was split after WW2, but Berlin was deeply in the Soviet Union’s territory. The Soviet Union blocked aid from coming to Berlin, so America, Britain, and France used airplanes to airlift supplies to their portion of Berlin. Eventually, Soviet Union gave up and it showed America’s strength.

NATO - The first US peace-time treaty of capitalist nations.

The Warsaw Pact - Russia’s version of NATO for communism countries.

Korean War - Example of Containment; US sided with South Korea against communist North Korea. Some minor domestic opposition to the war

Military-Industrial Complex: Eisenhower warned of a drastic military buildup in his farewell address

Baby Boom: Post WWII drastic increase in births in the US (1946 - 1964); led to future issues with Social Security

Taft-Harley Act - An act that made it harder for unions to strike and made union members swear they were not communists.

HUAC (Unamerican Actives Committee) - A committee that accused many people of being communist and often jailed or blacklisted innocents.

Joseph McCarthy - Gained political offices and fame by claiming to know the names of communists within the government, he lied. He became “the communist hunter” until his lies were exposed.

The Rosenbergs - A couple who was executed for being Soviet Spies

Suburbanization: More and more Americans moved to suburbs after WWII (cars, Interstate Highway System, Levittown)

Mass Culture - Spread by televisions, included rock and roll.

Civil Rights Activists: Used various techniques (sit-ins, legal challenges, etc.); post-1965, debates emerged over the proper role of activists

Brown v. Board of Education: 1954 Supreme Court Case that ruled separate facilities based on race inherently unequal. Reversed Plessy v. Ferguson

Southern Manifesto - A declaration by southern states claiming the judicial branch overstepped their power with Brown v. Board of Education.

Executive Order 9984 - Desegregated the Military.

24th Amendment - Outlaws poll taxes and other rules used to disenfranchise African Americans

Sunbelt: VA to FL, extending to CA; saw a large population increase after WWII and rise of key industries

Guatemala - After the Guatemalan leader nationalized banana trade, the CIA organized a coup and put someone more pro-US in power.

Bay of Pigs Invasion - The CIA trained Cuban Exiles to overthrow the communist Castro Regime in Cuba. It failed, and Cuba knew the US was involved.

Cuban Missile Crisis - The Soviet Union put nuclear missiles on Cuba so they could bomb the US, which they could not from Russia due to the distance. This scared the Americans and the US put up a naval blockade. to prevent bloodshed, the USSR agreed to remove their missiles. (The US was doing the same in Turkey)

Iran - America tried to overthrow the Prime Minister of Iran for nationalizing oil. they replaced him with a Shaw who provided the US with oil.

Great Society: LBJ's platform; increased the size and involvement of the government in society. Extension of New Deal programs and Civil Rights (24th amendment, Civil Rights Act of 1964.)

Immigration Laws of 1965: Reversed discriminatory quotas acts from the 1920s; favored immigrants from Latin America and Asia

Vietnam War: US aided the South (non-communist); led to sizeable, passionate, and sometimes violent protests, especially as the war went on. Fought based on the Domino Theory. (If one country fell to communism, many others would)

Gulf of Tolkin Resolution - Congress gave the president power to continue escalating the Vietnam war without congressional approval. Later limited with the War Powers Act.

Counterculture: "Hippies" - protested Vietnam War; rejected many ideas of their parents' generation; used drugs; helped start a sexual revolution

Détente: Easing of Cold War tensions between the US and Soviet Union (Examples include: SALT I and Salt II)

Environmental Problems: Brought to the attention of the public by Rachel Carson and Silent Spring; helped lead to the creation of the EPA and Clean Air Act

Period 9

1980-Present

This period begins with Reagan’s election and has no end.

Presidents: Reagan, 1st Bush, Clinton, 2nd Bush, Obama, Trump, Biden

Political Parties: Democrat and Republican (Dominant at the beginning with Reagan, then unclear)

Migration - Immigrants from Latin America and Asia into America,(due to abolishment of immigration restriction) migration from northern cities to the sunbelt.

Foreign Policy “Failures”: Helped lead to public distrust in government; example is Iran Hostage Crisis

Taxation and deregulation as victories for conservatives: Tax rates decreased under Ronald Reagan and government regulation of businesses decreased as well

Denouncing “Big Government”: Reagan criticized the growth of the federal government over the previous years (Great Society)

Reagan Administration: Elected in 1980, focused on denouncing "Big Government", decreasing taxes, increased military spending. Appointed many conservative judges,

Reagenomics (Trickle down economics, supply side economics) - Opposite of Keynesian Economics.

The New Right - A rise of conservatism following liberal programs like the New Deal and Great Society as well as civil rights movements. Issues with stagflation, Iranian hostage crisis, and energy crisis angered them. They wanted a refocus on religion, less business regulation, and rolling back of social welfare.

Iranian Hostage Crisis - Americans were held hostage in Iran, worsened fear of terrorism and clamping down on security.

Energy Crisis - Oil-producing Arab nations formed OPEC (Organization of Oil-producing Countries) and increased energy prices together for the US.

Strategic Defense Initiative (Star Wars) - A plan to have satellites with lasers that could shoot down enemy lasers from space. This was not technologically possible, but the public and the USSR did not know that.

Iran-Contra Affair - Reagan’s Administration (but not Reagan) illegally sold weapons to the Iranians who were rebelling against a communist government and used that money (illegally, as congress has budgetary powers) to aid the Contras, a terrorist group fighting a communist regime in Nicaragua.

Mikhail Gorbachev: Soviet leader that saw improved relations with Reagan, instituted glasnost (more political freedom in USSR) and Perestroika (some free-market ideals) which helped lead to the downfall of the Soviet Union

INF Agreement, Start 1 - Agreements to destroy some nuclear missiles.

Fall of the Berlin Wall - Germans ripped down the wall separating Russia’s Communist Berlin and the capitalist Berlin, it symbolized the end of the Cold War.

The Digital Revolution - New technologies made some tasks easier and increased interconnectedness and communicated. It forced several industries to reinvent themselves. Led to greater productivity in America, however, it did not come with the better standard of living one would expect to go with increased productivity. This likely due to an increased wealth gap and a shift away from manufacturing jobs and to service sector jobs.

General Agreement of Trade and Tariffs - Made outsourcing easier.

Election of 2000 - Al Gore and Clinton had disputes on who won

9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon: Led to the war in Afghanistan, increased US involvement in the Middle East

Conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq: Afghanistan - response to 9/11, attacking Afghanistan to find Osama Bin Laden who had refuge in Afghanistan; Iraq - concerns over WMDs and terrorism (no WMDs were found); both resulted in prolonged wars

War on terrorism: Response to 9/11, US would actively fight terrorism throughout the world

Patriot Acts - Acts to monitor Americans and infringe on their privacy rights to prevent terrorism.

Free Trade Agreements: Goal is to increase trade among countries by reducing tariffs (NAFTA - no tariffs between US, Canada, and Mexico)

Concerns over climate change: Continuing of the environmental movement of the 1960s and 1970s. Debates over sources of energy

K

APUSH Curriculum Review

Good luck to everyone reading this! You’ll do great on the AP Exam!

AP Writing

Writing Ideas

High-level comparisons across periods is one of the best way to receive the complexity point.

  • Kent State/Jackson State parallel current UT Protests

  • Missionary system colonization parallels White Man’s Burden

  • Counterculture parallels transcendentalism and The Lost Generation

  • The New Deal parallels the Great Society

Essays (LEQ and DBQ) can only be on periods 2-8. LEQs, DBQs, and SAQs generally follow a similar format, such as comparing/contrasting, causes, and effects. Therefore, we can guess the the general ideas of questions in the AP test based on the major events/developments in the periods.

Unit 2

  • Comparing and Contrasting different British Colonies (Chesapeake and New England, for example)

  • Comparing and Contrasting European Colonization (England and Spain, for example)

  • Reasons for the growth of slavery and its consequences

Unit 3

  • Reasons for the Growth of the First Party System.

  • Analyzing the 7 Years War as a turning point.

  • Comparing and Contrasting the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution

Unit 4

  • Causes and Impacts of the Market Revolution.

  • Development of the 2nd Party System

  • Causes and Impacts of the Second Great Awakening

  • Reasons for the growth of slavery and its effects

Unit 5

  • How could The Mexican-American War be seen As A Turning Point?

  • Causes and effects of Manifest Destiny

  • Sectional tensions prior to the Civil War – for example, The Compromise of 1850, The Kansas-Nebraska Act, and The Dred Scott decision.

  • How successful was Reconstruction?

  • Ways Southern states resisted the 13 – 15 Amendments

Unit 6

  • Comparing and Contrasting different labor unions (Knights of Labor and AFL)

  • Comparing and Contrasting “”Old” Immigration with “New” Immigration

  • US relations with Native Americans in the late 19th century

  • Reasons for the development of the Populist Party

Unit 7

  • Causes and effects of the following wars: the Spanish-American War, World War I, and World War II

  • Reasons for overseas expansion in the late 19th century

  • Comparing and Contrasting US foreign policy after WWI and WWII

  • Turning Points: The Spanish-American War or The Progressive Era

Unit 8

  • Comparing the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s with a previous period (Reconstruction or early 1900s – Niagara Movement)

  • Analyzing the tactics used, and successes of the Civil Rights Movement

  • US foreign policy during the Cold War – Containment, Korean War, Vietnam War, etc.

  • Comparing the Great Society with the New Deal


Key Concepts of Each Period

Period 1

1491-1607

This period begins with Columbus’s “Discovery” of the American and ends with the founding of Jamestown.

Reasons for Colonization - God, Gold, and Glory

Autonomy - to have self-government, or independence. Native Americans and Africans sought to preserve autonomy in the face of contact with Europeans.

Subjugation - to take control of a person or group of people by force. Native Americans and Africans were subjugated by Europeans, often in the form of slavery.

Maize - corn, grown in present-day Mexico and spread to the Southwest portion of the present-day United States. Native Americans built societies around maize. Once it was introduced to Europe (Columbian Exchange), it helped lead to a drastic increase in population.

Columbian Exchange - Spread of goods, ideas, people, and diseases between Africa, Europe, and the Americas.

Encomienda System - Spanish system of granting land to colonists in the New World. This system exploited Native Americans and resources. Eventually, Native American labor was replaced with African slave labor.

Casta System - A racist social order imposed by the Spanish for tax purposes

Bartolomeu De Las Casas - A priest who advocated for better treatment for the natives.

Joint-Stock Companies - Privately funded exploration to the Americans for economic game, less risky for investors

Native Tribes

Ute - Rocky Mountains, Western, Nomads, Hunter-Gatherers

Pueblo - Southern, farmers, irrigation, clay houses

Iroquois - Eastern, coastal, farming, fishing, longhouses

Period 2

1607-1754

This period begins with the establishment first British colony, Jamestown, and ends with the beginning of the French and Indian war.

Characteristics of Spanish colonization - focused on converting Natives and gaining wealth through tight control over colonies. (Think 3 Gs - period #1)

Characteristics of French and Dutch colonization - fewer inhabitants than other countries. The French and Dutch focused on trade (especially fur), alliances, and intermarriage with Native Americans.

Characteristics of English colonization - colonies were based on agriculture. English colonies saw a large number of men AND women inhabit the colonies. The English had relatively hostile relations with Native Americans.

Pueblo Revolt - Native American revolt in the late 17th century in present-day New Mexico against the Spanish. The Spanish were expelled for over 10 years. Once they regained control, the Spanish began to take a more accommodating approach to Natives and allowed some religious accommodation.

Bacon’s Rebellion - Indentured servants were being attacked by natives and not given help, so they revolted, making plantation owners switch to slaveryIndentured servants were being attacked by natives and not given help, so they revolted, making plantation owners switch to slavery

Stono Rebellion - A failed slave revolt

Metacom’s War/King Phillip’s War - A large native resistance movement through violent battles. It failed after the assassination of Metacom (called by the English King Phillip)

The Enlightenment - Time period that focused on reason and knowledge and promoted new ideas about government (natural rights, consent of the governed, the social contract, separation of powers). These ideas helped influence the American Revolution. Important figures include John’s Locke and Rousseau.

The Great Awakening - A religious movement that acted as a response to the Enlightenment. Preachers include Jonathan Edward’s and George Whitfield. Partially led by the New Light Clergy

Mercantilism - Economic policy that focuses on making money for the mother country. This policy favors a positive balance of trade for the mother country and the accumulation of gold and silver.

Anglicization - Process of colonies becoming and acting British. This was influenced by print culture (newspapers and writings) and communities based on English models.

Characteristics of New England colonies - founded by mostly Puritans, a group of like-minded individuals. These colonies tended to be close-knit and had longer life expectancies than other English colonies. The economy was a mix of farming and trade.

Characteristics of Middle colonies - These colonies were the most diverse religiously and saw the most immigrants from Europe. The economy was based on grain.

Characteristics of Southern colonies - The Chesapeake (Maryland and Virginia) relied on indentured servants initially, later replaced by African slaves. Staple crops like tobacco, rice, and sugar made the colonies prosperous.

The “City on a Hill” - John Winthrop gave a sermon that his colony, Boston, should be a “city on a hill,” meaning a good Christian example of how to live.

Quakers - Christian who settled in New England colonies. They followed religious tolerance.

Puritans - Christians who settled in New England colonies together. They believed in conformity and predestination. They kicked out Anne Hutchinson

The Middle Passage - A rough, tortuous sea passage for slaves on their way to be sold. They were inhumanly chained together and compacted.

Virginia House of Burgesses - An elected governing body of Virginia, showed the extent of salutary neglect.

Mayflower Compact - The first governing body in the new colonies, showed the extent of salutary neglect.

Period 3

1754-1800

This period begins with the start of the French and Indian war and ends with Jefferson’s election and transition to a democratic-republican government.

Presidents: Washington, Adams

Political Parties: Federalists (dominant), Democratic-Republicans

Impact of the French and Indian War - France was removed from North America; Great Britain was in massive debt, began to consolidate control over colonies - taxes; many colonists resisted

Sectionalism - loyalty or support for a particular region over the nation as a whole.

Common Sense - Written by Thomas Paine, and Enlightenment thinker. Urged that it was "Common Sense" that colonies should break away from Great Britain

Albany Plan of Union - “Join or die” cartoon, the colonies must unite. Failed due to sectionalism, but the idea helped lay the groundwork for the revolution.

Declaration of Independence - Inspired by Common Sense and Enlightenment ideals; inspired France and countries in Latin America to experience revolutions

Reasons for Patriot Victory in the Revolutionary War - Colonists' familiarity with the land; political and military leadership (Washington); ideological commitment (Natural Rights); Support from European Allies (France after Saratoga)

Lexington and Concord - The first battle of the revolution, “The shot heard around the world.”

Battle of Saratoga - A turning point in the war, when the Americans won and inspired the French to provide aid.

Battle of Yorktown - The final battle of the war, American victory.

The Treaty of Paris - The treaty the ended war.

Northwest Land Ordinance - Passed under Articles - banned slavery in NW territory (OH, MI, IN, etc.), created a process for admitting new states (60,000 inhabitants)

Articles of Confederation - First governing document of US - created a WEAK central government; issues with trade - different currencies in each state, tariffs on goods traded between states

Shay’s rebellion - A rebellion of farmers who were angered by the lack of assistance they received after fighting in the war. Showed the weakness of the Articles of Confederation.

Constitution - Replaced the Articles - series of compromises (Great, 3/5, Slave Trade); provided limits on federal power (separation of powers); did not address problems of slavery

Virginia Plan - A plan argued for in the constitutional convection that favored larger states by basing representation on population. Resolved with The Great Compromise which established the Senate (equal) and House of Representatives. (Population)

New Jersey Plan - A plan argued for in the constitutional convection that favored smaller states by giving all states equal representation. Resolved with The Great Compromise which established the Senate (equal) and House of Representatives. (Population)

Whiskey Rebellion - A rebellion of farmers angered by the whiskey tax. Washington put it down. It paralleled Shay’s rebellion and showed the new Constitution was better.

Washington’s Farewell Address - Warned of entangling foreign alliances and political parties; helped inspire foreign policy until after WWII

Jay’s Treaty - The British continued to impress US citizens, so to prevent war, they signed Jay’s Treaty which removed their outposts in America and they agreed to stop impressment. (They didn’t, war of 1812)

Pickney Treaty - A treaty with the same which established the 31st parallel as the boundary between Spain and America.

Republican Motherhood - Expectation that women would instill Republican values in children and be active in families; helped increase education for women

Bill of Rights - Added AFTER the Constitutional Convention; created to gain support of anti-Federalists; guaranteed rights of individuals

XYZ Affair - When French diplomats agreed to meet with Americans, they demanded a bribe to begin negotiations. This angered the American public.

Alien and Sedition Acts - During fighting with French, these laws were passed to prevent people from speaking out against the government.

Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions - These were responses to the alien and sedition acts, stating the sates could nullify federal laws they considered unconstitutional. These ideas were replaced by judicial review.

Period 4

1800-1848

This period begins with Jefferson’s presidency and ends with the end of the Mexican-American war and the Seneca Falls convention.

Presidents: Jefferson, Madison, Adams, Jackson

Political Parties: Democratic-Republicans (dominant, then dissolved), Federalist (dissolved after War of 1813), Whigs (Split from DR in the 20/30s, more life Federalists), Democrats (formerly Democratic Republicans)

Impact of the Supreme Court decisions of the early 1800s - The primacy of the judiciary in determining the meaning of the Constitution (think judicial review)) and giving federal laws power over state governments (think Gibbons v. Ogden and McCulloch v. Maryland)

Marbury v Madison - Established judicial review, resolved midnight judges conflict

McCullough v Maryland - National law trumps state laws

Cohens v Virginia - Upheld judicial review, the Supreme Court revolves federal vs state disputes

Gibbons v Ogden - Federal government is in charge of interstate transport regulations/permissions

Woodward v Dartmouth College - States cant control private companies, limited state power

Whigs and Democrats Disagreed over - Role and powers of the federal government, National Bank, tariffs, federally funded internal improvements (Think Henry Clay's American System)

Barbary Pirates - Pirated demanded money for protection to trade in the Barbary states. They raised the price and Jefferson refused, leaving to conflict. A lower tribute was negotiated.

Embargo Act - Passed by Jefferson to restricted trade with France and Britian to prevent impressment. This hurt the economy and stained Jefferson’s legacy

War of 1812 - There was conflict between the British and Americans due to British impressment. Americans won again, but The Federalist were against entering this war and argued against it in the Hartford Convection. The War Hawks (Democratic-Republican senators) demanded war. They entered the war and won, leading to the dissolving of the federalists for being “out of touch.” Swelled nationalism.

Utopian societies - Some religious sects broke out to form their own communities believing the seconding coming of Jesus had already occurred, so they needed to make heaven on earth. The Shakers were one group but they looked down on sexual relations and therefore died off. Another group, the Oneidas, believed everyone has everyone else’s wife/husband/child and therefore there was a lot of polygamy. “One big family.”

Impact of the Second Great Awakening - Moral and social reforms like abolitionism, women's rights, temperance, and mormonism. Charles Finny was a major preacher.

Seneca Falls Convention- Women's Rights convention that sought greater equality (attended by men too such as Frederick Douglass)

Cult of Domesticity - Ideas promoted to women that they belonged at home.

New innovations during the Market Revolution - Textile machinery (spinning jenny), steam engines, interchangeable parts (Eli Whitney), telegraph, and agricultural inventions (cotton gin - Whitney again)

How did the Market Revolution change the production of goods? - Goods were increasingly made outside the home. Women and men began working in factories. Demand for unskilled immigrant labor increased, women worked in (unethical and harsh) Lowell factories.

Where did immigrants settle? - Irish settled in northern cities, Germans settled on the frontier - worked as farmers (CINCINNATI!)

American System - Henry Clay's plan to unify the American economy. Focused on a 2nd BUS, Internal Improvements, and Tariffs. The north and midwest benefitted more than the south.

Whigs - A political party that split from the Democratic Republicans, led by Henry Clay, similar to the previous Federalist Party.

Democrats - The Democrats-Republicans transitioned into the Democrats, led by Jackson.

Monroe Doctrine - President Monroe's message to Europe to NOT colonize any new land in Latin America. The US would stay out of European affairs.

Missouri Compromise (Compromise of 1820) - 3 parts: Maine was a free state, Missouri was a slave state, everything above 36/30 latitude line would be free, everything below would be slave. This applied to ONLY the Louisiana Purchase. Later overturned by the Kansas-Nebraska Act (possible synthesis point).

Turner’s Rebellion - Nat Turner believed God had given him to duty to end slavery. He and other others supporters took over an armory in the hopes to start a slave rebellion.

Corrupt Bargain - Clay supported Adams’ election campaign, so Adams made him Secretary of State. Jackson viewed this as corrupt.

Tariff of 1828 (Tariff of Abomination) - A tariff passed by Jackson, despite being a democrat, that angered Southerners. John C Calhoun, the current vice president, passed the Doctrine of Nullification in South Carolina saying states could nullify bills they thought were unconstitutional. Jackson responded with the Force Bill. A lower tariff was agreed upon, but it highlighted tensions between the north and the south. This was called the Nullification Crisis.

The Spoil’s System - Jackson believed the victor had a right to enjoy the spoils of his victory in elections, so it was fair to appoint his supporters to government positions.

Panic of 1837 - Jackson vetoed the second Bank of America, leading to unregulated “wildcat” and “pet” banks, which failed, leading to a bank run and economic crisis.

Indian Removal Act and Trail of Tears - Jackson passed this bill to remove natives from land they occupied. The natives used the courts to challenge this with Wooster v Georgia, and the courts sided with the natives. So, Jackson meet with natives who had not power or authority to do anything and had them sign the Treaty of Nouakchott, which traded their land for land in Mississippi. Despite the injustice of this, the natives were forced out along tor brutal Trail of Tears.

Period 5

1844-1877

This period begins with Polk’s election, the spread of Westward Expansion, and the start of the Mexican-American war. This period ends with the official ending of reconstruction after the civil war. This is mainly the civil war.

Presidents: Polk, Buchanan, Lincoln, Andrew Johnson,

Political Parties: Republicans (formed from anti slavery Whigs), Democrats

Reasons for westward migration (Manifest Destiny) - Access to natural and mineral resources, economic opportunities for settlers, religious refuge (Mormons).

Arguments to annex western lands included – Manifest Destiny and American institutions (democracy)

Impact US acquiring the Mexican Cession - Debates over the status of slavery (Wilmot Proviso), Native Americans, and Mexicans in the newly acquired land.

How did the government encourage westward migration? - Passing new legislation (think Homestead Act) encouraging settlers to move west, government gave land and subsidies to RR companies.

Goal of the Nativist Movement? - It was especially Anti-Catholic. The nativists hoped to limit the power and cultural influence of the immigrants (Irish and Germans).

What was the free soil movement? - Sought to keep slavery from expanding into newly acquired territories.

Popular Sovereignty - The ideas new states should vote on whether or not to have slavery.

Mexican-American War - A war over the annexation of Texas. Ended in America victory.

Garden Purchase - The acquisition of Alaska

What were ways abolitionists campaigned against slavery? - Moral arguments (think William Lloyd Garrison), assisting slaves' escapes (think Underground RR), using violence (think Bleeding-Kansas and Harpers Ferry).

How did the South justify and defend slavery? – They claimed slavery was a positive good (John C. Calhoun).

What was the Compromise of 1850? - Dealt with the Mexican Cession - popular sovereignty would be used in the territory, slave trade was banned in Washington D.C., California was added as a free state, a more strict fugitive slave law was created.

What was the Kansas-Nebraska Act? - Overturned the MO Compromise - introduced popular sovereignty in Kansas and Nebraska. Helped lead to the creation of the Republican Party.

Bleeding Kansas - As the vote around slavery in Kansas began closer, many people from other states flooded in to vote unfairly. Violence fights broke out between them.

What did the Supreme Court rule in Dred Scott v. Sanford? – Slaves were property, not citizens; Congress could NOT legislate slavery in the territories.

What did Lincoln campaign on in the Election of 1860? A free soil platform, non extension of slavery.

How did Lincoln’s views towards the war change over time? - Lincoln viewed the war initially as preserving the union, but eventually sought to end slavery -> Emancipation Proclamation and Gettysburg Address

How did the Union ultimately prevail in the Civil War? – Improvements in leadership and strategy (Grant and the “Anaconda Plan”), more factories and RRs, the South’s infrastructure was destroyed.

Key Victories – Gettysburg (turning point to union), Antietam (pushed the fighting back to confederate land instead of union land), Fort Sumter (first conflict), Bull Run (first real battle), Vicksburg (split the confederacy), Appomattox Courthouse. (Ended the war)

What did the 13 – 15 amendments do? –

13 – abolished slavery

14 – granted citizenship and equal protection

15 – universal adult male suffrage.

Why did the 15th amendment split the women’s rights movement? – Some women advocated suffrage be extended to women as well as African American males. The National Women’s Suffrage Association was made and the American women’s suffrage association was for it.

10% Plan - Lincoln’s plan for reuniting the nation that was lenient to the south to prevent conflict. 10% of voters in the 1860 election had to pledge loyalty to the north and the south had to ratify the 13th amendment. This angered radical republicans who wanted to punish the south. It was not successful as Lincoln was assassinated soon after.

Impeachment of Johnson - Johnson became president after Lincoln’s assassination. He blocked several laws to help protect black citizens. This angered congress, so they passed the Tenure Act, which made it illegal for the president to fire a member of his cabinet without consulting congress since they knew Johnson was planning to fire one. He did it anyway, and was impeached, but not convicted.

Compromise of 1877 - There were issues in deciphering the winner of the 1876 election, so the southerns agreed to let the republican candidate be the winner if reconstruction troops were withdrawn from their states.

Why did Reconstruction end? – Compromise of 1877 withdrew troops from the South; The North’s waning resolve led to many in the North to no longer support Reconstruction.

What is sharecropping? – Renting of land to former slaves – limited economic opportunities to former slaves and poor whites in the south.

What were ways the South resisted the 14th and 15th amendments? (Great Short Answer Question) – Segregation, Jim Crow laws; Violence, KKK and White League; Local political tactics such as poll taxes, literacy tests, and grandfather clauses

Period 6

1865-1898

This period begins with the end of the Civil War and ends with the beginning of the Spanish-American war. This period focuses on the aftermath of the removal of reconstruction and the Gilded Age.

Presidents: Grover Cleaveland

Political Parties: Democrats, Republicans, Populist

Migration: Eastern Europe and Chinese immigrants to cities, American wealthy migrated away from cities, Exoduster movement (southern blacks to the West).

Mechanization of Agriculture - increased crop yield, which decreased food price, which hurt small farmers.

Sioux Wars - Violent native resistance to their land, which had been promised to them, being taken.

Indian Appropriation Act - Ended recognition of native sovereignty and nullified all treaties with native tribes.

Wounded Knee - After a man performed the Ghost Dance, a soldier thought this was a violent threat and shooting broke out, killing many peaceful natives.

Ghost Dance - A dance the natives believed would force out the white men.

Indian Appropriation Act - ended recognition of native sovereignty and nullified previous treaties

Dawes Act - Broke up reservation land from natives to be sold to farmers.

“New South” - Idea that the south should industrialize after the Civil War. Despite calls for industrialization, sharecropping and tenant farming persisted in the South

Sharecropping - Persisted in the South (especially for African Americans.) They had to give a share of their crops to plantation owners. Way for southerners to get around the 13th amendment. Mechanized Agriculture: Using machines in farming to increase farm production; displaced many farmers; farmers created organizations to resist corporate power (Grange)

Technological Advancements - Bessemer Process for steel, telegraph, telephone, trans-continental cable, and increased railroads.

People’s (Populist) Party - Created in response to the growth of corporate power; called for political reform (election of senators, secret ballot) and increased government involvement in economy

Decimation of the buffalo - Buffalo almost became extinct due to westward expansion and over hunting of buffalo (buffalo hide); impacted Native Americans

Plessy v. Ferguson - Established the doctrine of "separate but equal." Upheld Jim Crow laws in the South, led to increased discrimination against African Americans; later overturned by Brown v. Board.

Black Codes - Restricted the rights of African-Americans, like the right to vote and own land.

Jim Crow Laws - Enforced Segregation

Ida B. Wells - Wrote against lynching and injustice.

Henry Turner - Helped former slaves migrate to Africa, but they were often mistreated there or died from diseases.

Booker T. Washington - Believed that African-Americans should be once self-sufficiently and vote, and then equality would come naturally. Received backlash due to systemic inequality.

Gilded Age - Coined term by Mark Twain; period from 1870s - 1890s, businesses grew at a rapid rate and many problems lied below perceived prosperity

Social Gospel - Protestant Church Movement that sought to improve the conditions of cities Assimilation of Native Americans: Process of making Natives "American"; Dawes Act - assimilated through cutting hair, changing tribal identities, providing individual land plots

Political Machines - Appealed to immigrants and urban poor; provided services in exchange for support. Think Boss Tweed and Tammany Hall

Patronage system - A continuing of the spoils systems

Pendelton Civil Service Act - Helped the public end the patronage system by having a test and giving government jobs to those who did best in that.

Free Silver - Allowed the US to print money not just based on the gold standard, which would increase inflation and allow those in debt to pay off.

Settlement Houses - Helped immigrants adjust to American life. Focused on providing education and other skills for women, immigrants, and children

Labor Unions: Knights of Labor - skilled, unskilled, white, black, and women were allowed; AFL - skilled labor only; sought to improve working conditions and increase pay.

Robber Barons/Captains of Industry - Two names for the largest players in the economy.

Growth the on Middle Class - Middle Management, as well as the new women’s jobs of teachers and secretaries, led to a rise in middle class. This caused leisure economics to develop, like circuses and Coney Island.

Verticals vs Horizontal Integration - Horizontal integration is the idea of buying all competitors to make a monopoly. Verticals integration is buying all steps of a manufacturing process (raw materials, assembly, shipping, etc) so you are not reliant on any other businesses.

Immigrant Labor and Nativism - Immigrants were willing to work for less wages, so labor unions would have less power as workers would simply be fired and replaced by immigrants. This led to nativists ideas because men were angered by the immigrants “taking their jobs.”

American Protection Association - An anti-immigrant, anti-catholic organization with nativist ideals.

Chinese Exclusion Act - Chinese immigrants worked often in railroads, but nativists hated them, so the Chinese Exclusion Act stopped them from being allowed to continue immigrating to America.

Expansionism Ideas - While some people disliked expansionism since America was founded on the breaking away from an empire, many rich company owners thought it was benefit them annd advocated for it.

Social Darwinism - Charles Darwin's ideas applied to humans, "survival of the fittest." Used by wealthy to justify their position in life

Period 7

1890-1945

This period begins with the “Closing of the Frontier” according to the Turner Thesis, and ends with the end of World War 2.

Presidents: Cleveland, Theodore Roosevelt, Taft, Wilson, Coolidge, Franklin Roosevelt

Political Parties: Democrat, Republican

“Closing” of the Frontier: Frederick Jackson Turner's Frontier Thesis argued the frontier was "closed." Led many Americans to call for overseas expansion

Imperialists vs anti-imperialists - Imperialists argued that expansion would help prove their strength, increase economic opportunities, and it was justified by social Darwinism. Anti-imperialists argued that expansion would make it hard to the US to remain isolationist, believed in self-determination, and argued the question of whether new territories would receive citizenship and rights, which neither group wanted to give them.

Spanish-American War - American declared war on Spain after the USS Maine, which was outside Cuba, exploded and Spain was wrongfully blamed. The US wanted to help free Cuba and other territories for their own expansionism. America won, Cuba got independence, and he Philippines were suceded.

Platt Amendment - An amendment added to the Cuban constitution by America allowing the US to intervene for their own economic interests. It was unfair and restricted Cuban freedom.

The Philippines - America took over the Philippines from Spain, but the Philippines thought they would be free and revolted. Emilio Aguinaldo led the revolt, but it failed.

Annexation of Hawaii - Hawaii helped bridge the gap in the Pacific Ocean, Hawaiians have no choice.

Progressive Era: 1890 - 1920, Progressives tended to be women, middle class, and live in urban areas. Progressives sought to use government influence to solve societal problems.

Niagara Movement and NAACP - Niagara Movement was led by W. E. Dubois, they were fighting for racial equality and ending segregation.

16th amendment - more taxes on the wealthy

17th amendment - direct election of senators, secret ballot, overall more power to the people

18th amendment - Banned alcohol

19th amendment - gave women the right to vote

Mukrackers - Writers who exposed the corruption of politics, horrors of poverty, unfair working conditions, and unsanitary meat packing practices. This name was derogatory, but they embraced it.

Scientific Management - Timing every little thing and then making suggestions to increase efficiency in factories, some argued it should be applied to government.

Cultural Pluralism is a concept that recognizes and respects diverse cultures within a society, promoting equality and mutual understanding among different cultural groups.

Transition from Rural to Urban Society - US society adjusted as more people moved to cities - 1920 census - more people live in cities than rural areas

Harlem Renaissance - Celebration of African American culture through music, poetry, and writing. Key people - Langston Hughes, Claude Monet, Zora Neale Hurston

Actions of Roosevelt:

  • The Square Deal - embodies Roosevelt’s “3 C’s” of consumer protection, corporate regulation, and conservation of natural resources. This was a way of approaching domestic issues, like coal workers strike, where Roosevelt heard out both sides. He was neither on the workers or the companies side, he would hear out both. Previously the government was for the companies.

  • Sherman-Antitrust act - Broke up the “bad” trusts and monopolies

  • Pure Food and Drug Act and Meat Inspection Act - Make sure food was safe

  • Forest Reserve Act - Protected land, big win for conservationists.

World War I - US entrance in 1917. US played a relatively minor role in the war, but large role in postwar negotiations.

Allied powers - Mainly Russia, Britain, China, France, and eventually the US.

Central powers - Mainly Germany, Austria-Hungary, and the Ottoman Empire.

Zimmerman Telegram - A telegraph intercepted by the US that was sent by Germany to Mexico. It told Mexico they should attack America and reclaim lost land during the Mexican-American war, which would prevent the US from fighting Germany. Mexico never received it, and it angered Americans and caused them to join WW1.

The Espionage and Sedition Acts and Schenck vs the US - These restricted speech on the War and criticism of the government. Schneck challenged this as a violation of freedom of speech, but the Supreme Court decided that personal liberties could be infringed on during times of war.

Spanish flu epidemic - After soldiers returned home, they brought this new flu strain with them. The government tried to suppress information about it to prevent panic.

Treaty of Versailles and League of Nations: Treaty that ended WWI; League led to debates over the role of the US in the world; ultimately, the US did NOT join the League

Great Migration: Mass movement of African Americans from the South to the North during WWI for economic opportunities

Tulsa Race Riots - After the Great Migration, many white Northerns hated the new African-Americans flooding in. After a false accusation, many black people were killed.

Red Scare: Fear of Communism after WWI, caused by: Russian Revolution, labor strikes post WWI, nativism; led to a crackdown on immigrants and radicals (suppression of rights)

Palmer raids - Raids conducted to catch and deport communists.

Restrictive Immigration Quotas: 1921 and 1924 acts that severely limited immigration from Southern and Eastern Europe ("New immigrants")

Assembly Line - A new way of manufacturing created by Ford which made production much cheaper and replaced skilled workers with unskilled workers

Ford Model T - Due to the assembly line, this car became available to the middle classes, and it was very popular. Contributed to middle classes moving out into suburbs due to better transport.

Harlem Renaissance - An artistic movement of Black artists celebrating their culture.

Harley-Smoot tariff - a tariff imposed during the time between WW1 and WW2. Many different countries implemented tariffs. This hurt the poor.

Great Depression - Worst financial crisis in US history, led to calls for the creation of a stronger financial regulatory system

New Deal - Drew on ideas from the Progressive Era, sought to address causes of the Depression; faced opposition by the left and right; left a legacy of reforms that are still around today

World War II - US remained neutral until Pearl Harbor. US and Allies won due to political and military cooperation, industrial production, and scientific advancements. US emerged as a world power

Japanese Internment: Japanese and Japanese Americans were placed in camps beginning in 1942; upheld by Korematsu v. US.

The Decision to drop the atomic bombs on Japan: Many reasons - save American lives, end the war quickly, etc.; raised questions about American values

Period 8

1945-1980

This period begins with the end of World War Two and ends with the election of Reagan. It focuses on the Cold War.

Presidents: Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Carter

Political Parties: Democrat and Republicans

Containment - Coined by George Kennan; urged the US to keep communism from spreading (Contain communism)

Truman Doctrine - The US pledged to give financial aid to struggling European countries to stabilize their economy, making it less likely for them to fall to communism.

The “Iron Curtain” - An idea created by Churchhill that Europe was divided by an “iron curtain” with capitalism on one side and communism on the other.

The Berlin Airlift - Berlin and Germany was split after WW2, but Berlin was deeply in the Soviet Union’s territory. The Soviet Union blocked aid from coming to Berlin, so America, Britain, and France used airplanes to airlift supplies to their portion of Berlin. Eventually, Soviet Union gave up and it showed America’s strength.

NATO - The first US peace-time treaty of capitalist nations.

The Warsaw Pact - Russia’s version of NATO for communism countries.

Korean War - Example of Containment; US sided with South Korea against communist North Korea. Some minor domestic opposition to the war

Military-Industrial Complex: Eisenhower warned of a drastic military buildup in his farewell address

Baby Boom: Post WWII drastic increase in births in the US (1946 - 1964); led to future issues with Social Security

Taft-Harley Act - An act that made it harder for unions to strike and made union members swear they were not communists.

HUAC (Unamerican Actives Committee) - A committee that accused many people of being communist and often jailed or blacklisted innocents.

Joseph McCarthy - Gained political offices and fame by claiming to know the names of communists within the government, he lied. He became “the communist hunter” until his lies were exposed.

The Rosenbergs - A couple who was executed for being Soviet Spies

Suburbanization: More and more Americans moved to suburbs after WWII (cars, Interstate Highway System, Levittown)

Mass Culture - Spread by televisions, included rock and roll.

Civil Rights Activists: Used various techniques (sit-ins, legal challenges, etc.); post-1965, debates emerged over the proper role of activists

Brown v. Board of Education: 1954 Supreme Court Case that ruled separate facilities based on race inherently unequal. Reversed Plessy v. Ferguson

Southern Manifesto - A declaration by southern states claiming the judicial branch overstepped their power with Brown v. Board of Education.

Executive Order 9984 - Desegregated the Military.

24th Amendment - Outlaws poll taxes and other rules used to disenfranchise African Americans

Sunbelt: VA to FL, extending to CA; saw a large population increase after WWII and rise of key industries

Guatemala - After the Guatemalan leader nationalized banana trade, the CIA organized a coup and put someone more pro-US in power.

Bay of Pigs Invasion - The CIA trained Cuban Exiles to overthrow the communist Castro Regime in Cuba. It failed, and Cuba knew the US was involved.

Cuban Missile Crisis - The Soviet Union put nuclear missiles on Cuba so they could bomb the US, which they could not from Russia due to the distance. This scared the Americans and the US put up a naval blockade. to prevent bloodshed, the USSR agreed to remove their missiles. (The US was doing the same in Turkey)

Iran - America tried to overthrow the Prime Minister of Iran for nationalizing oil. they replaced him with a Shaw who provided the US with oil.

Great Society: LBJ's platform; increased the size and involvement of the government in society. Extension of New Deal programs and Civil Rights (24th amendment, Civil Rights Act of 1964.)

Immigration Laws of 1965: Reversed discriminatory quotas acts from the 1920s; favored immigrants from Latin America and Asia

Vietnam War: US aided the South (non-communist); led to sizeable, passionate, and sometimes violent protests, especially as the war went on. Fought based on the Domino Theory. (If one country fell to communism, many others would)

Gulf of Tolkin Resolution - Congress gave the president power to continue escalating the Vietnam war without congressional approval. Later limited with the War Powers Act.

Counterculture: "Hippies" - protested Vietnam War; rejected many ideas of their parents' generation; used drugs; helped start a sexual revolution

Détente: Easing of Cold War tensions between the US and Soviet Union (Examples include: SALT I and Salt II)

Environmental Problems: Brought to the attention of the public by Rachel Carson and Silent Spring; helped lead to the creation of the EPA and Clean Air Act

Period 9

1980-Present

This period begins with Reagan’s election and has no end.

Presidents: Reagan, 1st Bush, Clinton, 2nd Bush, Obama, Trump, Biden

Political Parties: Democrat and Republican (Dominant at the beginning with Reagan, then unclear)

Migration - Immigrants from Latin America and Asia into America,(due to abolishment of immigration restriction) migration from northern cities to the sunbelt.

Foreign Policy “Failures”: Helped lead to public distrust in government; example is Iran Hostage Crisis

Taxation and deregulation as victories for conservatives: Tax rates decreased under Ronald Reagan and government regulation of businesses decreased as well

Denouncing “Big Government”: Reagan criticized the growth of the federal government over the previous years (Great Society)

Reagan Administration: Elected in 1980, focused on denouncing "Big Government", decreasing taxes, increased military spending. Appointed many conservative judges,

Reagenomics (Trickle down economics, supply side economics) - Opposite of Keynesian Economics.

The New Right - A rise of conservatism following liberal programs like the New Deal and Great Society as well as civil rights movements. Issues with stagflation, Iranian hostage crisis, and energy crisis angered them. They wanted a refocus on religion, less business regulation, and rolling back of social welfare.

Iranian Hostage Crisis - Americans were held hostage in Iran, worsened fear of terrorism and clamping down on security.

Energy Crisis - Oil-producing Arab nations formed OPEC (Organization of Oil-producing Countries) and increased energy prices together for the US.

Strategic Defense Initiative (Star Wars) - A plan to have satellites with lasers that could shoot down enemy lasers from space. This was not technologically possible, but the public and the USSR did not know that.

Iran-Contra Affair - Reagan’s Administration (but not Reagan) illegally sold weapons to the Iranians who were rebelling against a communist government and used that money (illegally, as congress has budgetary powers) to aid the Contras, a terrorist group fighting a communist regime in Nicaragua.

Mikhail Gorbachev: Soviet leader that saw improved relations with Reagan, instituted glasnost (more political freedom in USSR) and Perestroika (some free-market ideals) which helped lead to the downfall of the Soviet Union

INF Agreement, Start 1 - Agreements to destroy some nuclear missiles.

Fall of the Berlin Wall - Germans ripped down the wall separating Russia’s Communist Berlin and the capitalist Berlin, it symbolized the end of the Cold War.

The Digital Revolution - New technologies made some tasks easier and increased interconnectedness and communicated. It forced several industries to reinvent themselves. Led to greater productivity in America, however, it did not come with the better standard of living one would expect to go with increased productivity. This likely due to an increased wealth gap and a shift away from manufacturing jobs and to service sector jobs.

General Agreement of Trade and Tariffs - Made outsourcing easier.

Election of 2000 - Al Gore and Clinton had disputes on who won

9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon: Led to the war in Afghanistan, increased US involvement in the Middle East

Conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq: Afghanistan - response to 9/11, attacking Afghanistan to find Osama Bin Laden who had refuge in Afghanistan; Iraq - concerns over WMDs and terrorism (no WMDs were found); both resulted in prolonged wars

War on terrorism: Response to 9/11, US would actively fight terrorism throughout the world

Patriot Acts - Acts to monitor Americans and infringe on their privacy rights to prevent terrorism.

Free Trade Agreements: Goal is to increase trade among countries by reducing tariffs (NAFTA - no tariffs between US, Canada, and Mexico)

Concerns over climate change: Continuing of the environmental movement of the 1960s and 1970s. Debates over sources of energy