AP United States History
How did the United States become THE United States? What happened to the American economy when factories went from being powered by water to powered by coal? Or how have definitions of who is, and who is not, a U.S. citizen changed over time? In AP United States History, you’ll explore and try to answer questions like these, while discussing the ways in which Americans have debated their values, practices, and traditions since even before the country’s founding.
Course Content
Unit 1: Period 1: 1491-1607
You'll learn about Native American societies as well as how and why Europeans first explored, and then began to colonize, the Americas.
4%-6%
Unit 2: Period 2: 1607-1754
You'll study the colonies established in the New World by the Spanish, French, Dutch, and British
6%-8%
Unit 3: Period 3: 1754-1800
You'll explore the events that led to the American Revolution and the formation of the United States and examine the early years of the republic.
10%-17%
Unit 4: Period 4: 1800-1848
You'll examine how the young nation developed politically, culturally, and economically in this period.
12%-15%
Unit 5: Period 5: 1844-1877
You'll learn how the nation exapnded and you'll explore the events that led to the secession of Southern states and the Civil War
10%-17%
Unit 6: Period 6: 1865-1898
You'll examine the nation's economic and demographic shifts in this period and their links to cultural and political changes.
10%-17%
Unit 7: Period: 7: 1890-1945
You'll examine America's changing society and culture and the causes and effects of the global wars and economic meltdown of this period.
10%-17%
Unit 8: Period 8: 1945-1980
You'll learn about the rivalry between the Soviet Union and the United States, the growth of various civil rights movements, and the economic, cultural, and political transformations of this period.
10%-17%
Unit 9: Period 9: 1980-Present
You'll learn about the advance of political conservatism, developments in science and technology, and demographic shifts that had major cultural and political consequences in this period
4%-6%
Tips
Mia Shippley
Score: 4
AP US History can seem like a more intense version of AP World History, with an in-depth analysis of US History. It will move quickly, and will require you to do a lot of studying outside the classroom, as the curriculum is extensive but doable. In this class, you will be required to put time, effort, and collaboration with your peers. Most of these tips and tricks are exactly like AP World History, but this class is more independent, so outside time is needed. Collaborate on the study guides to ensure all information for each lesson is added to the study guide. You MUST study the study guide and not just add the information. For SAQs, complete notes and be as thorough as can be with details for each topic. Include anything that can help you remember what is in each topic, so you aren't spending too much time looking through your notes for answers for SAQs. When studying for unit tests/ AP exams, Heimler is going to be your best buddy. If you don’t have time to watch every topic video, watch the unit reviews. When the time comes closer for the exam, join his live reviews, ask questions, and take notes. For SAQs, use the format: Answer the question (1st sentence), Use Evidence (2nd sentence), Relate evidence to Question (3rd sentence). For LEQs and DBQs, collaborate on the prompts and the documents, as you might not know ALL the information. Try sourcing all your documents using HIPPO (History, context, Intended Audience, Purpose, POV, Outside information) to try to achieve as many sourcing documents as you can. When writing your paragraphs answering the prompt in both the LEQ and DBQ, try using the SAQ format but elongate to include all evidence. Personal tip: take the day before the exam to only watch the Heimer review, don’t overstudy. Rest
Clinton Truong
Score: 3
I am really bad at history but still managed to pass! I used Heimler's videos to help me with units that made up the majority of the exam. Studying these units is key to maximizing your exam score. What helped me with APUSH was focusing on the information through concepts, you will realize some patterns continue throughout history like thought processes.
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Remembering what occurred in each period is INCREDIBLY IMPORTANT. The whole course is focused on one country so getting the periods mixed up is something you want to avoid going into the exam. Questions will ask you what occurred during a particular period, using a correct statement in the wrong period will not grant you the point. Memorize pivotal turning points in history as they are typically marked by the change in eras.
Resources
Course Description
Know what is expected of you to know and what is the makeup of your exam. Each topic has its dedicated page. Look at what the rubric will look like for your essays.
Heimler's History
Quick and concise review videos for almost all topics.
Review Packet
Review packet consisting of several videos, guided notes, and practice exams from Heimler's History.
APSPU Google Drive
Personal resources we used whilst studying for the exam and course.
Fivable
Study guides for all units and topics.