AP US History AB
AP U.S. History
AP U.S. History analyzes and explores the economic, political, and social changes in America since Columbus. Students master historical knowledge and critical analysis, build reading, writing, and communication skills, and discover how historical events have contributed to American culture. In the process, they’ll learn how decisions and events of the past continue to have profound effects on the world today and how knowledge of the causes behind past events can influence future decisions. By the end of the course, students will be ready to put their factual knowledge to work by weighing evidence and interpreting problems presented by historians. The equivalent of an introductory college-level course, AP U.S. History prepares students for the AP Exam and for further study in history, political science, economics, sociology, and law.
The content aligns to the scope and sequence specified by the College Board and to widely used textbooks.
Prerequisites: At least a B-grade in most recent social studies course
Recommended Grades: For qualified AP students
Length: Two semesters
Unit 1: Foundations of U.S. History (1492-1763)
Lesson 1: Introducing AP U.S. History
Discuss: Why Study History?
Introduce yourself and discuss the value of studying history.
Duration: 0hr 30min Scoring: 15 points
Study: Reading and Writing History
Get suggestions for how to read and write for this course. Identify the parts of an essay, look at document-based questions, learn how essays are scored, and go over the types of AP essay prompts.
Duration: 1hr
Quiz: Primary and Secondary Sources
Find out about early European exploration of and attitudes toward North America by reading two different kinds of historical sources. Answer questions.
Duration: 1hr Scoring: 10 points
Practice: Outlining an Essay
Write an essay outline that includes a thesis statement, topic sentence arguments, and supporting evidence for each paragraph.
Duration: 1hr 30min Scoring: 40 points
Quiz: Check-Up
Answer questions to check your mastery of the content.
Duration: 0hr 30min Scoring: 12 points
Lesson 2: Colonial Development
Study: The Contact Period
Consider early European exploration and settlement in America.
Duration: 1hr
Study: The 13 Colonies
Look at the settlement of each of the 13 British colonies.
Duration: 1hr
Practice: Colonial Society and Economy
Read about the society and economy of the colonies, and write an essay in which you compare and contrast life in Virginia and Massachusetts.
Duration: 2hr Scoring: 40 points
Discuss: The Enlightenment and the Great Awakening
Discuss the similarities and differences between the Great Awakening and the Enlightenment. Consider the impact these movements continue to have on modern American life.
Duration: 1hr Scoring: 15 points
Quiz: Check-Up
Answer questions to check your mastery of the content.
Duration: 0hr 30min Scoring: 12 points
Lesson 3: Governing the Colonies
Study: Colonial Crises
Look at mercantilism, the Glorious Revolution, Salutary Neglect, and early colonial governments.
Duration: 1hr
Practice: The French and Indian War
Write a free-response essay about the effects of the French and Indian War.
Duration: 2hr Scoring: 40 points
Quiz: Check-Up
Answer questions to check your mastery of the content.
Duration: 0hr 30min Scoring: 12 points
Lesson 4: Wrap-Up
Discuss: What Is Interesting? What Is Confusing?
Use this activity to discuss any questions you might have with your instructor and other students before you take your first Unit Quiz.
Duration: 0hr 30min Scoring: 15 points
Review: Foundations of U.S. History
Review concepts covered to prepare for the test. Define terms and complete a question-outlining exercise.
Duration: 2hr
Quiz: Check-Up
Answer questions to check your mastery of the content.
Duration: 0hr 30min Scoring: 10 points
Test (TS): Foundations of U.S. History
Take a 55-minute test which includes a free-response essay.
Duration: 1hr Scoring: 100 points
Lesson 5: Diagnostic
Diagnostic: Foundations of U.S. History
Test your understanding of the key concepts.
Duration: 0hr 45min Scoring: 25 points
Unit 2: The American Revolution (1763-1789)
Lesson 1: The Road to Revolution
Study: Exploring Revolution
Test your knowledge about the Revolutionary Era, and find out whether you have biases that may affect how you think about history.
Duration: 0hr 30min
Study: The Road to Revolution
Look at the events that took place in the 15 years prior to the American Revolution.
Duration: 1hr
Practice: DBQ Prep: The Revolution
Answer questions based on Revolutionary-era documents in a DBQ.
Duration: 1hr
Quiz: Check-Up
Answer questions to check your mastery of the content.
Duration: 0hr 30min Scoring: 12 points
Lesson 2: The Revolutionary War
Study: The American Revolution
Look at the significant battles of the Revolution, the government and their demands, and the Declaration of Independence.
Duration: 1hr
Discuss: The Social Impact of the Revolution
To what extent was the American Revolution also a Revolution for Women, African Americans, and Native Americans? Post an answer and respond to another student's posting.
Duration: 1hr Scoring: 15 points
Practice: DBQ Outline: The Revolution
Write an outline for a DBQ based on the causes of the American Revolution.
Duration: 1hr 30min Scoring: 40 points
Discuss: Debriefing the DBQ
Discuss the process of outlining a DBQ.
Duration: 0hr 30min Scoring: 15 points
Quiz: Check-Up
Answer questions to check your mastery of the content.
Duration: 0hr 30min Scoring: 12 points
Lesson 3: From Confederation to Constitution
Study: The Articles and the Constitution
Look at the Articles of Confederation, the Constitutional Convention, and many of the compromises made in the drafting of the U.S. Constitution.
Duration: 1hr
Practice: The Federalist Papers
Read excerpts from the Federalist Papers and answer questions.
Duration: 1hr
Practice: The Articles and the Constitution: A Comparison
Compare and contrast the Articles of Confederation with the U.S. Constitution.
Duration: 1hr Scoring: 40 points
Quiz: Check-Up
Answer questions to check your mastery of the content.
Duration: 0hr 30min Scoring: 12 points
Lesson 4: Wrap-Up
Review: The American Revolution
Review concepts covered to prepare for the test. Define terms and complete a question-outlining exercise.
Duration: 2hr 30min
Quiz: Check-Up
Answer questions to check your mastery of the content.
Duration: 0hr 30min Scoring: 10 points
Test (TS): The American Revolution
Take a 55-minute test which includes a free-response essay.
Duration: 1hr Scoring: 100 points
Lesson 5: Diagnostic
Diagnostic: The American Revolution
Test your understanding of the key concepts.
Duration: 0hr 45min Scoring: 30 points
Unit 3: The Early Republic (1789-1824)
Lesson 1: The Federalists
Study: Exploring Political Theories
Test your political philosophies. Discover whether you have more in common with the Federalists or the Republicans.
Duration: 0hr 30min
Study: Governing a New Nation
Look at the development of the Federalist and Republican parties. Examine the foreign and domestic crises in America's first administrations.
Duration: 1hr
Discuss: Debating the National Bank
Discuss the constitutionality of the National Bank based on the arguments of Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson.
Duration: 1hr Scoring: 15 points
Practice: Federalist Challenges
Write a free-response essay about the challenges that faced the Federalist leaders at the end of the eighteenth century.
Duration: 2hr Scoring: 40 points
Quiz: Check-Up
Answer questions to check your mastery of the content.
Duration: 0hr 30min Scoring: 12 points
Lesson 2: The Jeffersonian Republicans
Study: The Republican Era
Look at the political and economic events that occurred during Jefferson's and Madison's presidential terms.
Duration: 1hr
Discuss: The War of 1812
Discuss the impact of the War of 1812 on the United States.
Duration: 0hr 45min Scoring: 15 points
Quiz: Check-Up
Answer questions to check your mastery of the content.
Duration: 0hr 30min Scoring: 12 points
Lesson 3: The Rise Of Nationalism
Study: The Rise Of Nationalism
Consider the economic, judicial, and political nationalism that emerged after the War of 1812.
Duration: 1hr
Practice: Comparing the Federalists and Republicans
Write a free-response essay comparing Federalist and Republican presidential policies.
Duration: 1hr Scoring: 40 points
Quiz: Check-Up
Answer questions to check your mastery of the content.
Duration: 0hr 30min Scoring: 12 points
Lesson 4: Wrap-Up
Review: The Early Republic
Review concepts covered to prepare for the test. Define terms and complete a question-outlining exercise.
Duration: 2hr 30min
Quiz: Check-Up
Answer questions to check your mastery of the content.
Duration: 0hr 30min Scoring: 10 points
Test (TS): The Early Republic
Take a 55-minute test which includes a free-response essay.
Duration: 1hr Scoring: 100 points
Lesson 5: Diagnostic
Diagnostic: The Early Republic
Test your understanding of the key concepts.
Duration: 0hr 45min Scoring: 25 points
Unit 4: The Age of Jackson (1824-1850)
Lesson 1: Jacksonian Democracy
Study: Exploring Democracy
Test your knowledge of sectionalism and Jacksonian Democracy.
Duration: 0hr 30min
Study: The Era of Jackson
Consider Andrew Jackson's presidency, the nullification crisis, the Bank War, Indian removal, and the rise of the Whig party.
Duration: 1hr
Quiz: Economics and Politics in the 1830s
Read about economic and political developments during Jackson's and Van Buren's presidential terms. Answer questions.
Duration: 1hr Scoring: 10 points
Practice: DBQ Prep: Political Cartoons
Analyze political cartoons from the Jacksonian era.
Duration: 1hr Scoring: 40 points
Discuss: Evaluating Jackson
What's your opinion of Andrew Jackson? Was he democratic or despotic?
Duration: 0hr 45min Scoring: 15 points
Quiz: Check-Up
Answer questions to check your mastery of the content.
Duration: 0hr 30min Scoring: 12 points
Lesson 2: Jacksonian Reform
Study: An Era of Reform
Consider the reforms of the 1830s and 1840s in the areas of religion, literature, community, education, women's rights, temperance, and abolition.
Duration: 1hr
Discuss: Transcendentalism
Discuss Transcendentalism and its effect on other reform movements.
Duration: 1hr Scoring: 15 points
Practice: Abolition
Analyze some of the issues relating to abolitionism in the U.S. in the first half of the nineteenth century.
Duration: 1hr
Quiz: Check-Up
Answer questions to check your mastery of the content.
Duration: 0hr 30min Scoring: 12 points
Lesson 3: Sectionalism
Study: The North and West
Examine the changes in agriculture, transportation, industry, and leisure time in the antebellum north and west by looking at photographs and drawings.
Duration: 0hr 30min
Quiz: Economic Growth
Read about many of the changes in the United States economy in the 1840s and 1850s. Answer questions.
Duration: 1hr Scoring: 10 points
Discuss: Immigration
Discuss immigration in mid-nineteenth century America.
Duration: 1hr Scoring: 15 points
Study: The Old South
Look at the economy, politics, and society of the Old South.
Duration: 1hr
Practice: Slavery in the South
Write a free-response essay about the widespread Southern support of slavery.
Duration: 2hr Scoring: 40 points
Quiz: Check-Up
Answer questions to check your mastery of the content.
Duration: 0hr 30min Scoring: 12 points
Lesson 4: Wrap-Up
Review: The Age of Jackson
Review concepts covered to prepare for the test. Define terms and complete a question-outlining exercise.
Duration: 2hr 30min
Quiz: Check-Up
Answer questions to check your mastery of the content.
Duration: 0hr 30min Scoring: 10 points
Test (TS): The Age of Jackson
Take a 55-minute test which includes a DBQ.
Duration: 1hr 30min Scoring: 100 points
Lesson 5: Diagnostic
Diagnostic: The Age of Jackson
Test your understanding of the key concepts.
Duration: 0hr 45min Scoring: 25 points
Unit 5: The Civil War Era (1844-1877)
Lesson 1: National Expansion
Study: Exploring Political Motives
Test your knowledge of the motives behind expansionism, the Civil War, and other issues.
Duration: 0hr 30min
Study: Manifest Destiny
Look at the U.S. acquisition of new land, including Oregon, Texas, and the Mexican Cession.
Duration: 1hr
Discuss: Was Expansion Justified?
Discuss the motives behind U.S. expansion in the mid-nineteenth century.
Duration: 0hr 45min Scoring: 15 points
Quiz: Check-Up
Answer questions to check your mastery of the content.
Duration: 0hr 30min Scoring: 12 points
Lesson 2: The Road to Civil War
Study: The Road to Civil War
Consider the events of the 1850s that brought the North and South into conflict.
Duration: 1hr
Discuss: Evaluating Decisions of the 1850s
Consider the pre-Civil War era in terms of great forces versus great leaders. Could better leaders have avoided war?
Duration: 0hr 45min Scoring: 15 points
Practice: The 1850s: Decade of Crisis
Examine and write about the issues and events that led to the Civil War.
Duration: 1hr Scoring: 40 points
Quiz: Check-Up
Answer questions to check your mastery of the content.
Duration: 0hr 30min Scoring: 12 points
Lesson 3: The Civil War
Study: The Early Civil War
Consider the different advantages the Union and the Confederacy each had going into the Civil War. Look at the strategies each used in the early battles of the Civil War.
Duration: 1hr
Study: The Later Civil War
Consider the turning points of the Civil War, the effect on society, and the end of the war. Includes a multiple-choice Self Check.
Duration: 1hr
Discuss: Evaluating Lincoln
Evaluate Lincoln as a leader. Consider Lincoln's decisions regarding his generals, the Gettysburg Address, the Emancipation Proclamation, and more.
Duration: 0hr 45min Scoring: 15 points
Practice: Lincoln's Leadership
Examine and write about Lincoln's leadership during the Civil War.
Duration: 2hr Scoring: 40 points
Quiz: Check-Up
Answer questions to check your mastery of the content.
Duration: 0hr 30min Scoring: 12 points
Lesson 4: Reconstruction
Study: Reconstruction
Go over the political, social, and economic Reconstruction of the South after the Civil War.
Duration: 1hr
Practice: Reconstruction
Analyze the political developments during Reconstruction.
Duration: 1hr Scoring: 40 points
Discuss: Was Reconstruction Successful?
Discuss whether you think Reconstruction was successful in achieving its goals. Consider the political, social, and economic elements of Reconstruction.
Duration: 1hr Scoring: 15 points
Quiz: Check-Up
Answer questions to check your mastery of the content.
Duration: 0hr 30min Scoring: 12 points
Lesson 5: Wrap-Up
Review: The Civil War Era
Review concepts covered to prepare for the test. Define terms and complete a question-outlining exercise.
Duration: 3hr 30min
Quiz: Check-Up
Answer questions to check your mastery of the content.
Duration: 0hr 30min Scoring: 10 points
Test (TS): The Civil War Era
Take a 55-minute test which includes a free-response essay.
Duration: 1hr Scoring: 100 points
Lesson 6: Diagnostic
Diagnostic: The Civil War Era
Test your understanding of the key concepts.
Duration: 0hr 45min Scoring: 25 points
Unit 6: Industrialization (1870-1896)
Lesson 1: Industrial Development
Study: Exploring Industrial Change
Test your ideas about progress, corporations, unions, and immigration.
Duration: 0hr 30min
Study: The Rise of Corporations
Look at the industrial and corporate growth of the late nineteenth century.
Duration: 1hr
Practice: Values in the New Era
Analyze ideas from the industrial era, including Social Darwinism, Laissez Faire, and the Gospel of Wealth.
Duration: 1hr
Study: The World of the Worker
Look at the working conditions, unions, and strikes of the late nineteenth century.
Duration: 1hr
Discuss: Business Leaders
Discuss the ethics and motives of business leaders like Andrew Carnegie and John D. Rockefeller. Were they robber barons or captains of industry?
Duration: 0hr 45min Scoring: 15 points
Practice: Trusts: Today and Yesterday
Write an analysis comparing the business mergers of today (using the Internet for research) with the trusts of the late nineteenth century.
Duration: 1hr 30min Scoring: 40 points
Quiz: Check-Up
Answer questions to check your mastery of the content.
Duration: 0hr 30min Scoring: 12 points
Lesson 2: The New South and New West
Study: The New South
Look at the economy, politics, and society of the Southern states after Reconstruction.
Duration: 1hr
Discuss: Evaluating Approaches to Equality
Discuss the approaches of Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. Du Bois to achieving equality for African Americans.
Duration: 1hr Scoring: 15 points
Study: The New West
Look at the post-Civil War West by looking at photographs of mining, farming, cowboys, ranchers, and Native Americans.
Duration: 0hr 30min
Practice: Native American Policy
Write a free-response essay about the U.S. government's Indian policy in the late nineteenth century.
Duration: 2hr Scoring: 40 points
Quiz: Check-Up
Answer questions to check your mastery of the content.
Duration: 0hr 30min Scoring: 12 points
Lesson 3: Wrap-Up
Review: Industrialization
Review concepts covered to prepare for the test. Define terms and complete a question-outlining exercise.
Duration: 2hr
Quiz: Check-Up
Answer questions to check your mastery of the content.
Duration: 0hr 30min Scoring: 10 points
Test (TS): Industrialization
Take a 55-minute test which includes a DBQ.
Duration: 1hr 30min Scoring: 100 points
Lesson 4: Diagnostic
Diagnostic: Industrialization
Test your understanding of the key concepts.
Duration: 0hr 45min Scoring: 21 points
Unit 7: Review and Exam
Lesson 1: U.S. History
Review: U.S. History
Review concepts covered to prepare for the test.
Duration: 5hr
Discuss: Themes in U.S. History
Discuss many of the themes that have emerged in U.S. history from 1600-1900.
Duration: 1hr Scoring: 15 points
Exam: U.S. History
Take a test covering concepts from U.S. History. The exam includes multiple-choice questions and two free-response essays.
Duration: 2hr Scoring: 200 points
Unit 8: Change and Reform (1877-1917)
Lesson 1: Urbanization
Study: Exploring Reform
Test your knowledge of the reforms of the early-twentieth century.
Duration: 0hr 30min
Study: Urbanization
Look at urban growth, modernization, and the emergence of urban culture in the late-nineteenth century.
Duration: 1hr
Discuss: New Immigration
Discuss the experiences of turn-of-the-century immigrants.
Duration: 0hr 45min Scoring: 15 points
Quiz: Check-Up
Answer questions to check your mastery of the content.
Duration: 0hr 30min Scoring: 12 points
Lesson 2: Political and Agricultural Reform
Discuss: Corruption in Politics
Discuss the corruption of late nineteenth century politics and compare it with corruption in contemporary politics.
Duration: 0hr 45min Scoring: 15 points
Practice: DBQ Prep: Gilded-Age Politics
Create a DBQ outline using outside information and documents for evidence.
Duration: 1hr 30min Scoring: 40 points
Study: Agrarian Discontent
Look at the agrarian movements that emerged in the late 1800s.
Duration: 1hr
Practice: The Populists
Complete a DBQ exercise in which you choose outside information and documents to support a thesis statement.
Duration: 0hr 45min
Quiz: Check-Up
Answer questions to check your mastery of the content.
Duration: 0hr 30min Scoring: 12 points
Lesson 3: The Progressive Era
Study: Progressive Reform
Look at the reform movements that emerged in the late 1800s.
Duration: 1hr
Practice: Suffrage and Women
Read and answer questions about the women's suffrage movement of the early twentieth century.
Duration: 1hr Scoring: 40 points
Discuss: Evaluating the Progressives
Evaluate the success of the various progressive reforms.
Duration: 0hr 45min Scoring: 15 points
Practice: DBQ: Progressive Presidents
Write a DBQ essay about the progressive reforms of Presidents Roosevelt and Wilson.
Duration: 2hr Scoring: 40 points
Quiz: Check-Up
Answer questions to check your mastery of the content.
Duration: 0hr 30min Scoring: 12 points
Lesson 4: Wrap-Up
Review: Change and Reform
Review concepts covered to prepare for the test. Define terms and complete a question-outlining exercise.
Duration: 2hr 30min
Quiz: Check-Up
Answer questions to check your mastery of the content.
Duration: 0hr 30min Scoring: 10 points
Test (TS): Change and Reform
Take a 80-minute test which includes a DBQ.
Duration: 1hr 30min Scoring: 100 points
Lesson 5: Diagnostic
Diagnostic: Change and Reform
Test your understanding of the key concepts.
Duration: 0hr 45min Scoring: 32 points
Unit 9: Imperialism and World War I (1895-1919)
Lesson 1: Imperial Expansion
Study: Exploring International Involvement
Test your knowledge of U.S. involvement in foreign countries in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Duration: 0hr 30min
Study: U.S. Expansion
Look at the Spanish-American War and American imperialism in Asia and Latin America.
Duration: 1hr
Discuss: Understanding Imperialist Motives
Discuss and evaluate the motives of U.S. expansion in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Duration: 0hr 45min Scoring: 15 points
Practice: U.S. Imperialism
Write about U.S. imperialist acquisitions.
Duration: 1hr Scoring: 40 points
Quiz: Check-Up
Answer questions to check your mastery of the content.
Duration: 0hr 30min Scoring: 12 points
Lesson 2: World War I
Study: The U.S. in World War I
Examine U.S. mobilization and involvement in World War I by looking at photographs and posters.
Duration: 0hr 30min
Practice: The U.S. in World War I
Answer questions about U.S. mobilization and involvement in World War I.
Duration: 0hr 30min
Discuss: The World War I Home Front
Discuss the domestic effects of World War I.
Duration: 0hr 45min Scoring: 15 points
Practice: The End of World War I
Write a free-response essay about the end of World War I.
Duration: 2hr Scoring: 40 points
Quiz: Check-Up
Answer questions to check your mastery of the content.
Duration: 0hr 30min Scoring: 12 points
Lesson 3: Wrap-Up
Review: Imperialism and World War I
Review concepts covered to prepare for the test. Define terms and complete a question-outlining exercise.
Duration: 2hr 30min
Quiz: Check-Up
Answer questions to check your mastery of the content.
Duration: 0hr 30min Scoring: 10 points
Test (TS): Imperialism and World War I
Take a 55-minute test which includes a free-response essay.
Duration: 1hr Scoring: 100 points
Lesson 4: Diagnostic
Diagnostic: Imperialism and World War I
Test your understanding of the key concepts.
Duration: 0hr 45min Scoring: 29 points
Unit 10: The Twenties and Thirties (1920-1939)
Lesson 1: Culture of the 1920s
Study: Exploring the 1920s
Test your knowledge of the events of the 1920s.
Duration: 0hr 30min
Study: The Roaring Twenties
Examine the culture of the 1920s by looking at photographs and art.
Duration: 0hr 30min
Practice: The Roaring Twenties
Answer questions about the culture of the 1920s.
Duration: 0hr 30min
Discuss: Evaluating the 1920s
Discuss and evaluate events of the 1920s.
Duration: 0hr 45min Scoring: 15 points
Quiz: Check-Up
Answer questions to check your mastery of the content.
Duration: 0hr 30min Scoring: 12 points
Lesson 2: Politics and Economics in the 1920s
Study: Politics and Economics in the 1920s
Look at the shift towards conservativism under Presidents Harding and Coolidge, consider the widening gap between urban and rural populations, and go over the causes of the Great Depression.
Duration: 1hr
Practice: DBQ Prep: Bias in 1920s Documents
Analyze the bias in the documents of a DBQ about the 1920s.
Duration: 1hr
Practice: DBQ Prep: Outlining a 1920s DBQ
Write an outline for a DBQ essay about the 1920s.
Duration: 1hr 30min Scoring: 40 points
Discuss: Politics of the 1920s
Discuss the politics and politicians of the 1920s, and consider different opinions about the role government should play in the economy.
Duration: 0hr 45min Scoring: 15 points
Quiz: Check-Up
Answer questions to check your mastery of the content.
Duration: 0hr 30min Scoring: 12 points
Lesson 3: Depression and the New Deal
Practice: The Great Depression
Learn about life during the Great Depression by exploring Web sites.
Duration: 0hr 45min
Practice: The Great Depression
Answer questions about life during the Great Depression.
Duration: 0hr 30min
Practice: The New Deal Programs
Fill out a chart of the New Deal programs.
Duration: 1hr
Study: The New Deal
Take a look at FDR's New Deal policies and how they affected American society, economics, and politics.
Duration: 1hr
Practice: DBQ: The New Deal
Write a DBQ essay about the New Deal.
Duration: 2hr Scoring: 40 points
Quiz: Check-Up
Answer questions to check your mastery of the content.
Duration: 0hr 30min Scoring: 12 points
Lesson 4: Wrap-Up
Review: The Twenties and Thirties
Review concepts covered to prepare for the test. Define terms and complete a question-outlining exercise.
Duration: 2hr 30min
Quiz: Check-Up
Answer questions to check your mastery of the content.
Duration: 0hr 30min Scoring: 10 points
Test (TS): The Twenties and Thirties
Take a 80-minute test which includes a DBQ.
Duration: 1hr 30min Scoring: 100 points
Lesson 5: Diagnostic
Diagnostic: The Twenties and Thirties
Test your understanding of the key concepts.
Duration: 0hr 45min Scoring: 36 points
Unit 11: World War II and Containment (1939-1950)
Lesson 1: Path to War
Study: Exploring the 1940s
Test your knowledge of a variety of events from the 1940s.
Duration: 0hr 30min
Study: From Isolation to War
Look at the evolution of American foreign policy prior to World War II.
Duration: 1hr
Discuss: Justifying War
When is it justified for the U.S. to get involved in international conflicts? Discuss the scenarios you think are acceptable and unacceptable.
Duration: 0hr 45min Scoring: 15 points
Practice: Between the Wars: Foreign Policy
Complete a chronology exercise in which you analyze the historical significance of U.S. foreign policy between the wars.
Duration: 0hr 45min
Quiz: Check-Up
Answer questions to check your mastery of the content.
Duration: 0hr 30min Scoring: 12 points
Lesson 2: World War II
Study: The U.S. in World War II
Look at American actions in Europe, Africa, Asia, and on the homefront during World War II.
Duration: 1hr
Study: Images of World War II
Look at photographs and posters to explore the American experience at war and on the homefront during World War II.
Duration: 0hr 30min
Practice: World War II
Answer questions about the American experience at war and on the homefront during World War II.
Duration: 0hr 30min
Practice: Japanese Internment
Learn about Japanese internment.
Duration: 0hr 45min
Practice: Social Effects of World War II
Write a free-response essay about the social effects of World War II.
Duration: 2hr Scoring: 40 points
Discuss: The Atomic Bomb
Discuss the decision to drop atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Duration: 0hr 45min Scoring: 15 points
Quiz: Check-Up
Answer questions to check your mastery of the content.
Duration: 0hr 30min Scoring: 12 points
Lesson 3: Containment and the Cold War
Study: The Early Cold War
Look at events that occurred in the early years of the Cold War.
Duration: 1hr
Discuss: McCarthyism
Discuss the causes and effects of McCarthyism.
Duration: 0hr 45min Scoring: 15 points
Practice: The Korean War
Read and answer questions about the Korean War.
Duration: 0hr 45min
Practice: Origins of the Cold War
Write a free-response essay in which you investigate the origins of the Cold War.
Duration: 2hr Scoring: 40 points
Quiz: Check-Up
Answer questions to check your mastery of the content.
Duration: 0hr 30min Scoring: 12 points
Lesson 4: Wrap-Up
Review: World War II and Containment
Review concepts covered to prepare for the test. Define terms and complete a question-outlining exercise.
Duration: 2hr 30min
Quiz: Check-Up
Answer questions to check your mastery of the content.
Duration: 0hr 30min Scoring: 10 points
Test (TS): World War II and Containment
Take a 55-minute test which includes a free-response essay.
Duration: 1hr Scoring: 100 points
Lesson 5: Diagnostic
Diagnostic: World War II and Containment
Test your understanding of the key concepts.
Duration: 0hr 45min Scoring: 35 points
Unit 12: Post-War Politics and Society (1945-1970)
Lesson 1: Society in the 1950s
Study: Exploring the Post-War U.S.
Test your knowledge about the culture and politics of the 1950s and 1960s.
Duration: 0hr 30min
Study: Post-War Society
Take a look at social and economic characteristics of post-war society in America.
Duration: 1hr
Discuss: Conformity in the 1950s
Discuss culture and conformity during the 1950s.
Duration: 0hr 45min Scoring: 15 points
Quiz: Check-Up
Answer questions to check your mastery of the content.
Duration: 0hr 30min Scoring: 12 points
Lesson 2: The Eisenhower Years
Study: Politics in the 1950s
Look at the politics of the 1950s, including the domestic and foreign policies of the Eisenhower administration.
Duration: 1hr
Practice: DBQ Prep: Foreign Affairs in the 1950s
Complete an exercise on DBQ preparation based on documents related to foreign affairs of the 1950s.
Duration: 1hr 30min Scoring: 40 points
Quiz: Check-Up
Answer questions to check your mastery of the content.
Duration: 0hr 30min Scoring: 12 points
Lesson 3: Turbulent Times: The 1960s
Study: The Civil Rights Movement
Look at some of the important events and ideas of the American civil rights movement, including desegregation, nonviolent protest, and Black Power.
Duration: 1hr
Discuss: Civil Rights Strategies
Discuss the different civil rights strategies that were used during the 1950s and 1960s.
Duration: 0hr 45min Scoring: 15 points
Practice: Domestic Programs of the 1960s
Record information about Kennedy's New Frontier and about Johnson's Great Society programs.
Duration: 1hr
Study: Foreign Affairs in the 1960s
Look at American foreign affairs in the 1960s, including Vietnam and the Cold War.
Duration: 1hr
Practice: Writing a Timed DBQ
Write a timed DBQ essay based on events of the 1960s.
Duration: 1hr 30min Scoring: 40 points
Discuss: Examining the 1960s
Discuss the outcome of the major events of the 1960s.
Duration: 0hr 45min Scoring: 15 points
Quiz: Check-Up
Answer questions to check your mastery of the content.
Duration: 0hr 30min Scoring: 12 points
Lesson 4: Wrap-Up
Review: Post-War Politics and Society
Review concepts covered to prepare for the test. Define terms and complete a question-outlining exercise.
Duration: 2hr 30min
Quiz: Check-Up
Answer questions to check your mastery of the content.
Duration: 0hr 30min Scoring: 10 points
Test (TS): Post-War Politics and Society
Take a 80-minute test which includes a DBQ.
Duration: 1hr 30min Scoring: 100 points
Lesson 5: Diagnostic
Diagnostic: Post-War Politics and Society
Test your understanding of the key concepts.
Duration: 0hr 45min Scoring: 31 points
Unit 13: The Modern Age (1970-Today)
Lesson 1: The 1970s: At Home and Abroad
Study: Exploring the Modern Era
Use history to reflect on events and issues of the past 25 years.
Duration: 0hr 30min
Study: The 1970s
Look at some of the social and political events of the 1970s.
Duration: 1hr
Practice: Nixon as President
Write a timed free-response essay in which you evaluate Nixon's presidency.
Duration: 0hr 45min Scoring: 40 points
Quiz: Check-Up
Answer questions to check your mastery of the content.
Duration: 0hr 30min Scoring: 12 points
Lesson 2: Reagan and Bush: The Conservative Years
Study: The Reagan and Bush Years
Learn about the Reagan and Bush presidencies in the 1980s into 1990s as well as the events leading to the end of the Cold War and the Persian Gulf War.
Duration: n/a
Practice: The Reagan and Bush Years
Fill out a chart on important events of the Reagan and Bush years.
Duration: 0hr 45min
Quiz: Multiple-Choice Practice: Reagan and Bush
Answer questions on the Reagan and Bush years.
Duration: 0hr 45min Scoring: 10 points
Discuss: Reagan and Bush
Discuss the effectiveness of Reagan and Bush as presidents.
Duration: 0hr 45min Scoring: 15 points
Quiz: Check-Up
Answer questions to check your mastery of the content.
Duration: 0hr 30min Scoring: 12 points
Lesson 3: Our Times
Discuss: Looking Backward
Discuss current issues in a historical context.
Duration: 0hr 45min Scoring: 15 points
Practice: Reflective Essay
Write an essay in which you reflect on what you've learned this year.
Duration: 2hr Scoring: 40 points
Quiz: Check-Up
Answer questions to check your mastery of the content.
Duration: 0hr 30min Scoring: 12 points
Lesson 4: Wrap-Up
Review: The Modern Age
Review concepts covered to prepare for the test. Define terms and complete a question-outlining exercise.
Duration: 2hr 30min
Quiz: Check-Up
Answer questions to check your mastery of the content.
Duration: 0hr 30min Scoring: 10 points
Test (TS): The Modern Age
Take a 55-minute quiz covering concepts from the unit. The quiz includes a free-response essay.
Duration: 1hr 30min Scoring: 100 points
Lesson 5: Diagnostic
Diagnostic: The Modern Age
Test your understanding of the key concepts.
Duration: 0hr 45min Scoring: 22 points
Unit 14: Preparing for the AP Exam
Lesson 1: U.S. History Review
Review: U.S. History
Review concepts covered. Complete thematic review charts and sample essay outlines.
Duration: 12hr
Discuss: Themes and Patterns in U.S. History
Discuss some overarching themes of U.S. history.
Duration: 1hr Scoring: 15 points
Practice: AP Exam Practice I
Complete 55 sample multiple-choice questions.
Duration: 1hr
Practice: AP Exam Practice II
Complete a sample free-response section consisting of two free-response essays and one DBQ.
Duration: 2hr 15min
Lesson 2: Final Course Exam
Final Exam: U.S. History
Take a Final Exam covering concepts from U.S. history. The exam includes 55 multiple-choice questions, two free-response essays, and a DBQ.
Duration: 3hr 30min Scoring: 240 points
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