APUSH Course Themes

Social and Cultural History Intellectual History of important ideas, especially political (enlightenment) and economic (capitalism) and social (social Darwinsim) theories and philosophies, and the role they History played in US history, politics, economics, and culture. Women’s History of women’s roles and of society’s ideas about women’s roles; history of History women’s involvement in public life and the history of the women’s movement African-American History of slavery prior to the Civil War and of free African-Americans since the Civil History War, with an emphasis on the process of obtaining full rights of citizenship Religion History of the changes and impact of religion and cultural life on American history; culture would include high culture (literature, arts) and also popular culture (sports, and Culture popular music, movies, TV) Reform History of the ebb and flow of periods of reform in American history, the goals, Movements accomplishments and actors in the major reform movements The history of the major immigrant groups coming to the US, their particular characteristics, their efforts and inclinations once in the US, their influence on the Immigration economy, society and culture of the US, and of the treatment they received, including immigration legislation and pro-and anti- immigrant groups. Native American The history of the interaction between Native Americans and the European colonists History and the people and government of the US, including Native Americans wars. Political History The history and evolution of the office of the presidency, and the impact of the 43 men The Presidency who have held that office. Constitutional The meaning and history of the Constitution, the varying philosophies regarding its History proper interpretation, and the impact of the Supreme Court and its significant rulings. Political Parties The history of the major political party systems in US history (including important third parties) and the major stands taken by them; the impact of significant elections in US and Elections history Evolution of The history of democracy as an idea beginning with the founders and their Political inspirations, and continuing through US history following the expansion and Democracy contraction of political or civil rights and the groups to whom they belong. War and The history of US foreign policy and international relations. This category should include the Revolutionary and Civil Wars (although both were internal conflicts of a Diplomacy sort), but exclude wars against the Native Americans. Economic History Economic The history of US economic development from an agrarian nation to a post industrial nations; include American innovations, the effects of new technologies and Development discoveries, resources, etc. The history of the labor force in the US including indentured servitude, slavery, Labor apprentice systems, early and later industrial systems; a history of the labor union History movement, and the reaction of the government and the corporations to the movement. Also include major strikes. Demographic The study of the trends in the American population: its ethnic, religious, cultural, educational, and economic makeup; major population movements and shifts, the History impact of the large immigrant influxes; the rural, suburban, and urban trends. Trade and The history of US trade policies and trends; including tariff policies, embargoes, free trade v. protectionism, important trading partners and agreements, the recent trends Globalization toward globalization, outsourcing, etc. Environment and The history of the attitudes of Americans toward the environment, land, water, air, energy, wildlife, and natural resources available, beginning with colonists, through the Resources conservation v. preservation debate, to the present.