Themes from AP US History
APUSH covers a lot of content. One way to break up this information is into the different themes that the course covers. Read below to see some of the major themes of the course!
There is a lot of material when it comes to US history. Even if we look at only a single decade, quite a lot happens in politics, culture, and society. Therefore, there is way too much material for APUSH to cover everything that has happened in this part of North America for the past 500 years.
To decide which events and people are important to cover, the exam focuses on some key themes in US history. When historians design the course and the test, therefore, they can decide what material to include or exclude on the basis of whether it helps develop these themes.
Themes, then, provide a great way to think about the test. These themes form the basis of the course, so it makes sense to study in a similar way. Especially, test questions that take a wide look at history tend to ask how these themes changed over time. Moreover, by grouping material together in themes, you will be easier to track how certain aspects of life in the US changed over time.
So let’s take a look at these themes!
Democracy + Republicanism
One of the earliest themes in the course is the type of government that the newly independent United States would have. But how would this form of government be enacted? And how would the meaning of democratic ideas continue to develop throughout the country’s history?
Social Movements
Another core theme to the history of the United States is the ways in which citizens themselves have shaped the history of politics, society, and culture in the country. From the very beginning, social movements have shaped life in the US. The course traces these changing attitudes among the public and how these movements have in turn shaped politics and laws.
Rights
The US Revolution was a fight for rights—but what rights did all citizens have? And which residents of the US should enjoy these rights? The answers to these questions changed over time, revealing attitudes, hopes, and prejudices across US history.
US and the World
While much of the course covers events that happened within the United States, the history of the United States also includes places beyond the country’s borders. In considering how the history of the United States interacted with the wider world, the course addresses immigration, trade, international politics, and foreign wars. How has the US used its influence abroad to shape its image overseas? And how have events a world away in turn affected politics and society back at home?
Imperialism
Imperialism has also shaped the history of the United States. The country was founded after a rejection of the rule of the British Empire, and throughout its history, the United States has had to deal with various imperial forces, both from abroad and from sentiments within the United States.
Technology
Developments in technology have also fueled changes within US history. How have technological developments allowed for changes within politics and society? How have technological innovations shaped the US’s role on the world stage?
Regions
Finally, keep in mind the difference between different regions of the country throughout history. We often think of US history as something that everyone in the country experienced in the same way. However, what might have been true in New England, for instance, might not have been true in the southwest. Regional differences help us understand that US history was not experienced in the same way everywhere across the country and give a fuller sense to our study of the past.
Prep for APUSH
Work with the experts at the Circa Project to prepare for all sections of the exam.