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Key things to know for the APUSH exam?

My APUSH exam is coming up soon, and I want to make sure I'm covering all my bases. What do you think are the most important things to know for the exam? Are there any specific topics or themes I should make sure to review?

6 months ago

It's always good to prioritize your study efforts, so I'll try to consolidate the key things to know for the APUSH exam. Bear in mind that this is not an exhaustive list, but it should give you a solid foundation for your studies. Here are some important topics, themes, and study tips:

1. Chronological Periods: APUSH exam covers nine chronological periods, so make sure you're comfortable with the significant developments in each period. This includes major events, trends, and influential figures.

2. Themes: APUSH focuses on seven themes that recur throughout American history. These themes are American and National Identity; Politics and Power; Work, Exchange, and Technology; Culture and Society; Migration and Settlement; Geography and the Environment; and America in the World. Familiarize yourself with key events and trends related to these themes.

3. Historical Thinking Skills: Practice your historical thinking skills, such as comparison, causation, continuity and change over time, and context. These skills are essential for answering the short answer, long essay, and document-based questions on the exam.

4. Document Analysis: Develop your document analysis skills for the document-based question. Learn to analyze primary sources, such as political cartoons, speeches, and letters, by understanding the main ideas, biases, and historical context.

5. Essay Writing: Practice your essay-writing skills, particularly for the long essay question. Familiarize yourself with the rubric and be prepared to develop a clear thesis, support your argument with relevant historical evidence, and write a well-organized essay.

In terms of specific content, it's important to have a strong grasp of the following topics:

- Colonial America and early interactions between Native Americans, Europeans, and Africans

- The development and impact of the Atlantic slave trade

- The causes and consequences of the American Revolution

- The creation and ratification of the Constitution

- The early Republic, including the development of political parties and the rise of sectionalism

- Manifest Destiny, Westward Expansion, and their impact on Native Americans

- The causes, course, and consequences of the Civil War

- Industrialization, urbanization, and the rise of labor movements

- U.S. imperialism and foreign policy, including involvement in World War I and II

- The Great Depression and the New Deal

- The Civil Rights Movement

- The Cold War and its domestic and international consequences

- Social and cultural developments from the 1960s to the present

Finally, be sure to review major Supreme Court cases and landmark legislation throughout American history, as they might feature prominently in the exam.

Good luck with your APUSH exam preparations! Remember to practice with official College Board materials and seek help from your teacher if needed.

6 months ago

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