Social Studies·Advanced Placement
APU.S. History
AP U.S. History: Trace America’s development and prepare for the AP Exam in May.
Built for the AP Exam
Every module sharpens the skills the College Board® tests. Sit the exam in May to earn potential college credit before you graduate.
About the course
Course Overview
AP United States History offers an in-depth exploration of the events, people, and ideas that have shaped America from pre-Columbian times to the present. This college-level course examines key themes in U.S. history, including the development of American identity, political and social change, economic growth, and the influence of the United States on global events. Covering nine historical periods, AP U.S. History provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the nation’s past and its impact on contemporary society.
Students learn to analyze primary and secondary sources, craft historical arguments, and connect historical events to broader trends and themes. Topics range from Native American societies, European colonization, and the American Revolution to the Civil War, the rise of industrialization, the Great Depression, the Cold War, and modern-day issues. Through engaging readings, document analysis, and critical discussions, students develop the skills needed to interpret historical evidence and present well-supported interpretations.
Designed to prepare students for the AP Exam in May, this course not only provides college-level rigor but also fosters a greater understanding of the forces that have shaped the United States. AP U.S. History equips students with the analytical and writing skills valuable for college and careers, particularly in fields like law, political science, education, and public service.
This course has been authorized by the College Board® to use the AP designation.
By the end of the course
Learning Objectives
- Evaluating primary and secondary sources
- Analyzing the claims, evidence, and reasoning you find in sources
- Putting historical developments in context and making connections between them
- Coming up with a claim or thesis and explaining and supporting it in writing
Course contents
What You'll Study
Native Societies and European Encounters (1491–1607) Explore Native American societies, European exploration, and the impact of early cultural exchanges.
Colonial Foundations and Interactions (1607–1754) Study the establishment and development of European colonies and their impact on Indigenous and African communities.
Revolutionary Beginnings and Nation-Building (1754–1800) Examine the American Revolution, the formation of a national identity, and the early years of the United States.
Expansion, Reform, and National Growth (1800–1848) Discover the political, cultural, and economic transformations of the young American nation.
Manifest Destiny and the Civil War Era (1844–1877) Analyze the causes and effects of U.S. territorial expansion, sectional conflicts, and the Civil War.
Industrialization and Societal Shifts (1865–1898) Explore the rise of industrial capitalism, immigration, and social changes following Reconstruction.
Modern America and Global Conflicts (1890–1945) Investigate America’s cultural transformations, economic challenges, and involvement in global wars.
The Cold War and Social Movements (1945–1980) Study the Cold War era, civil rights movements, and the sociopolitical changes that shaped modern America.
Contemporary America and Globalization (1980–Present) Learn about recent political, technological, and demographic shifts and their impact on American society.
Earn your 1.0 credit in U.S. History
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