Key concepts to know for the APUSH exam?

Hi everyone! I'm taking the APUSH exam soon and I'm feeling a little stressed. Can anyone suggest the most important things I should know or make sure to study? Thanks a lot!

Hey there! I understand how stressful AP exams can be, but you've got this! Since covering every single key concept for the APUSH exam is a bit overwhelming, I'll try to touch on some of the broader themes and important periods you should focus on:

1. Early colonization: Study the key European countries involved in colonization (Britain, Spain, France, and the Netherlands) and understand their relationships with Native Americans. Additionally, know the characteristics of the early North American colonies and regional differences (New England, Middle, Southern).

2. Revolution and early government: Familiarize yourself with the American Revolution's major events, key figures, and the impact of Enlightenment ideas. Follow up by understanding the Articles of Confederation, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.

3. Expansion and conflict: Think about manifest destiny, westward expansion, and the acquisition of territories. Key events include the War of 1812, Mexican-American War, and internal conflicts like the Nullification Crisis and the Missouri Compromise.

4. Slavery and the Civil War: Understand the impact of the cotton gin, the abolitionist movement, events leading up to the civil war (e.g., Compromise of 1850, Kansas-Nebraska Act, Dred Scott decision), and key events and strategies of the Civil War itself.

5. Reconstruction and the Gilded Age: Study the Reconstruction policies, the rise of segregation, and the impact of industrialization. Look into the Populist movement, labor unions, and urbanization.

6. Progressive Era and imperialism: Familiarize yourself with key Progressive Era reforms, leaders, and goals. Understand American imperialism's motivations and outcomes, focusing on events like the Spanish-American War and the Panama Canal construction.

7. WWI and the 1920s: Know the causes and consequences of WWI, the Treaty of Versailles, and the League of Nations debate. Examine cultural, political, and economic changes in the 1920s, such as the Harlem Renaissance, nativism, and laissez-faire policies.

8. Great Depression and WWII: Understand the causes of the Great Depression and the New Deal's goals and policies. Study the key events in WWII, including the U.S. entry and wartime strategy, as well as the eventual impact on the home front.

9. Cold War and Civil Rights: Know the key events and strategies of the Cold War, including containment, the Korean War, and the Cuban Missile Crisis. Study the Civil Rights Movement, examining legislation, court cases, and key figures.

10. Post-Cold War and contemporary America: Study recent developments in American history, including the end of the Cold War, social changes, political realignment, and key events like 9/11 and conflicts in the Middle East.

Remember to practice your DBQ, SAQ, and LEQ skills, and focus on your ability to analyze primary sources and historical thinking skills like causation, continuity and change, and comparison. Good luck with your preparation!