UNITED STATES HISTORY OUTLINES
These outlines will make up the bulk of your work outside of the classroom. They are
organized to cover the major issues of an era or a president’s terms. There are many
purposes to the outlines. The seemingly trivial identifications will help prepare you for
the multiple-choice part of the AP exam, which constitutes 50 percent of the test. The
outlines will also strengthen your ability to analyze events, and hopefully see how they fit
into larger issues throughout U.S. history. In addition each outline will usually have an
accompanying essay that will help improve your ability to synthesize information into
logical and intelligent responses. These essays make up the other 50 percent of the exam.
While the outlines take a great deal of time they have proved very useful in preparing
students for the AP exam in May.
Overall your job is to demonstrate understanding of the material, which differs from
having the right facts. Telling the “story” only completes part of your job. You need to
communicate an event’s significance, not just its details. The following tips sections
attempt to give you some ideas on how to present insightful entries.
WRITING
READ THE TEXT: Since our textbook is designed for an AP course it is
the best source for finding the critical information that relates to these events. Reading
the text provides you with a complete understanding of events and developments. This
understanding is crucial for the outlines, but also our essays and in-class work. Ask
top-flight students from years past and they will confirm
this advice.
USE YOUR WORDS: To show you understand the material it is crucial
that you summarize your sources, NOT MERELY COPY THEM. I have read the text
numerous times and I can spot INTERNET and ENCYCLOPEDIA sources, so please
improve your skills by using your own language. Let us avoid any messy plagiarism
incidents.
USING ACCURATE VOCABULARY: Students struggle in this area in 3 ways
A. Weak word choices like “good”, “try” “popular” that do not fully convey the
event’s significance.
B. Inaccurate word choice either from not understanding the material and/or the
word being used. It is nice to try out your English class’ vocabulary list, but make
sure you apply the term properly.
C. Overstatement (occasionally understatement): Students tend to inject a bit too
much drama into their summaries. This desire to spice up their entries leads to
inaccurate claims on events’ emotional or political significance. At times, however,
students tend to blandly describe events, when their importance calls for stronger
word choice. (i.e. if your summary of 9/11 or the Emancipation Proclamation reads
like a grocery list then you have not captured the event’s powerful impact.)
PASSIVE TENSE: Ask your English teachers for an exact definition, but in general
using the “to be” verb form (is/are; was/were), indicates the passive tense. Using it often
means students cannot find the proper term to describe the situation. It leads to indirect
phrasing, unspecific analysis and hard to comprehend statements. Using “was/were” and
“by” indicates the passive tense, and a need to rewrite your sentence.
Which sentence is easier to understand?
A. The lion was killed by the hunter.
B. The hunter killed the lion.
LOGICAL SEQUENCES AND TRANSITIONS: These small phrases help show
cause and effect, contrasting viewpoints and reactions. Proper use of them (i.e. but, while,
however, in contrast, and) reveals true comprehension rather than repeating the text.
CRITERIA for the OUTLINES
These items are the main issues you will need to consider when presenting the
identification part of the outline. All of these suggestions will NOT be in every answer
and there is no “right order”, but they provide a solid framework for your responses.
Items are usually worth two points with higher totals for larger entries.
Why the event occurred: Often background information is crucial to understanding why
an event took place.
Detail the major issues debated: Include the ideas expressed, and if they fit into a
particular philosophy (liberal; conservative; Republican; Jacksonian; anti-communist)
note it.
Identify people, ideas, nations or groups involved: A very brief explanation of whom
they were or their views are particularly useful. Always put a person or group’s full name
the first time you mention them. (Doing otherwise is often a sign of copying.)
Understanding of historical context: A very high-level skill where you demonstrate that
certain ideas were normal for their times or were throwbacks to an earlier era or
forerunners of future ideas. (i.e. views of the poor, minorities, women or the role of
government.)
Impact: To measure impact, look at who benefited or lost during the event. What trends
were continued or altered? Did it aid a particular group politically, financially or in terms
of freedom?
Use the Categories: Each event is placed under a particular category to help you see how
it fits into the larger scheme of events. Recognizing categories will be extremely helpful
in organizing your essays. For example the acquisition of Texas would be placed under
Expansion or the Great Railroad Strike of 1877 would go under Labor. If essays appear
that refer to these topics part of your brainstorming will have already been done during
the outline.
The Forest: Can you recognize and present how an event (a tree) fits into a larger issue
(the forest)?
ANSWER THE QUESTION: Often a specific question will be asked. You need to
respond to this question not just parrot the text’s details.
AVOID the NUMBER CRAZE: You will not be asked to know how many votes a
President received or how many men died in a battle, so do not clutter your responses
with endless numbers It is doubtful that you will remember them, and usually they get in
the way of more important details.
USE THE PAST TENSE: This class involves history, so the present tense should not
appear in your summaries.
SPECIFIC ENTRIES
Elections: Include the major candidates, their political party, major issues and why a
candidate won or lost. Never include total number of votes, and try to use words, not
numbers for electoral tally.
Amendments, Bills and Acts: Background that explains why they were created. Who
promoted or blocked their passage? Why did they pass? Summarize the impact of the
new laws.
Battles: Be very brief on the actual fighting and strategy. Put your emphasis on how the
battle altered momentum of the war.
Court Cases: Briefly summarize the case, but more importantly explain the Court’s
decision and its impact on a particular issue.
Include the date for all entries: D-Day (1944) or Specie Circular (1837)
This outline includes how you should divide the items up with your partner. Use this as a model for
future outlines. An * indicates that the item needs to be researched using other sources. Otherwise all
items can be found in the text.
SETTLING THE CHESAPEAKE REGION AND THE SOUTH (17th century)
I.
Early Virginia (1600-25)
A. Describe 2 key factors motivating emigration from England (Otis)
B. The Virginia Company’s charter and goals (Bill)
C. Jamestown (1607-25)
1. Describe the conditions (Otis)
2. John Smith and Pocahontas (Bill)
II.
Indian Relations
A. Powhatan’s Confederacy (Otis)
B. Lord De La Warr and the First Powhatan War (1610-14) (Bill)
C. 2nd Powhatan War (1644-46) (Otis)
D. Explain key reasons for the Chesapeake Indians demise (Bill)
III.
Economics: Tobacco Rules
A. John Rolfe’s role (1616) (Otis)
B. Slavery begins (1630s) (Bill)
C. House of Burgesses (Otis)
IV.
Maryland (1634)
A. Lord Baltimore and Catholic motives (Bill)
B. Act of Toleration (1649) (Otis)
V.
The West Indies, the Carolinas and Georgia
A. Sugar and its power (1650s onward) (Bill)
B. Sugar and slavery (Otis)
C. Carolina’s settlement (1670s) (Bill)
D. Rice’s role in the Carolinas (Otis)
E. Indian relations in the Carolinas (early 1700s) (Bill)
F. James Oglethorpe and the founding of Georgia (1733) (Otis)
THE PURITANS AND NEW ENGLAND (1620-1690s)
Chapter: “Settling the Northern Colonies”
I.
Puritanism: Founding, Beliefs and Reception (1536-early 1600s)
A. Summarize the origins of Calvinism. How did predestination and conversion shape
Puritans’ behavior?
B. Puritans clash with the Church of England (late 1500s-early 1600s)
II.
Pilgrims at Plymouth (1620)
A. Separatists’ motives for emigrating and /or immigrating
B. Describe key aspects of Plymouth’s founding and early years, include the Mayflower
Compact (1620)
III.
Massachusetts Bay Colony Government
A. Describe two major differences between Massachusetts Bay and Plymouth colonies
(1630s)
B. What was the Puritans’ “calling”? How did it affect their goals for the colony? Include
the ideas in John Winthrop’s “City Upon a Hill” (1630s)
C. In terms of government how was the Congregational Church both dominant and
limited?
D. Dissenters
1. Anne Hutchinson (late 1630s)
2. Roger Williams’ break from the Puritans and the founding of Rhode Island
(1636)
IV.
New England’s Growth and the Indians’ Demise
A. Thomas Hooker and Connecticut (1635-1662)
B. Summarize the reasons for conflict between Native Americans and settlers. What were
the effects of the clashes? Include the Pequot War (1630s) and King Philip’s War
(1675-76)
V.
Troubles With the Mother Country (1640s-1690s)
A. New England Confederation (1643)
B. Explain how Charles II’s Restoration impacted the colonies (1660s)
C. Explain the Glorious Revolution’s impact on New England’s independence including
Governor Edmund Andros and the Dominion of New England’s demise (1688-89)
VI.
New York, New York and the Quaker State
A. Describe the Dutch West India Company’s rule of New Amsterdam (1620s-1650s)
including the rise and fall of Peter Stuyvesant
B. Summarize key reasons for Pennsylvania’s founding
C. Explain Pennsylvania’s unique characteristics and how they played a role in its success
ROOTS OF THE REVOLUTION and the CIVIL WAR
Chapter: “American Life in the 17th Century”
I.
Slavery Becomes Entrenched
A. Bacon’s Rebellion (1676)
B. Describe two reasons for the growth of slavery (1680s onward)
C. Summarize key aspects of the Slave Trade including Triangle Trade and the Middle
Passage
II. Social Revolution in the Colonies (1660s-1770s)
A. Why did the Puritans’ influence fade in the late 1600s-early 1700s?
B. How did Puritan leadership react to the faith’s loss of importance? Include the jeremiads and
the Half-Way Covenant (1660s)
C. Salem Witch Trials (1692)
Chapter: “Colonial Society on the Eve of the Revolution”
C. 18th century settler Michel-Guillaume de Crevecoeur saw America as a “Strange mixture of
blood which you will find in no other country”. Summarize Americans’ religious diversity in the
1700s to support Crevecoeur’s words.
D. 18th century settler Michel-Guillaume de Crevecoeur saw America as a “Strange mixture of
blood which you will find in no other country”. Summarize Americans’ ethnic and racial
diversity in the 1700s to support Crevecoeur’s words.
E. The Great Awakening (1730s-1740s)
1. Summarize the causes of the Great Awakening. Detail 2 major ideas the movement
and leaders stressed.
2. Summarize the effects of the Great Awakening
Chapter: “The Duel for America”
III. French Indian War-1754-63
A. Define and describe the period of Benign Neglect (first half of 1700s)
B. Provide 2 major causes for the French-Indian War (1754)
C. Albany Congress (1754)
D. Summarize examples and reasons for Britain’s early struggles and eventual success (175463)
E. Describe 2 major terms in the Treaty of Paris (1763).
F. Explain the relationship between Pontiac’s Rebellion (1763) and the Proclamation of 1763.
Include the colonists’ reaction
ESSAY: To what extent did the French-Indian War alter American colonists’ attitudes towards
Great Britain? OR
Cartoon: Provide a cartoon that shows an aspect of early 18th century colonial culture. Have a
caption that summarizes the activity emphasizing what it revealed about colonists’ values or daily
life. i.e. belief in education or Enlightenment; emphasis on religion or community.
THE REVOLUTION (1765-83)
Chapter: “The Road to Revolution”
I.
British Actions and Rule (1765-1770)
A. Mercantilism
1. Define the mercantilist system. Describe two positive aspects of mercantilism for
the colonies
2. Define the mercantilist system. Describe two restrictions mercantilism placed on
the colonies
B. The Stamp Tax (1765)
1. Causes for George Grenville instituting it
2. Colonial reactions and its impact on the Stamp Act
C. Townshend Acts (1767)
D. Boston Massacre (1770)
II. Organized Colonial Rebellion Begins (1770-75)
A. the Seditious Committees of Correspondence (1772)
B. Boston Tea Party (1773)
C. The Intolerable Acts (1774)
D. First Continental Congress (1774)
Chapter: “America Secedes From the Empire”
III. The Revolution Begins (1775-76)
A. In 1775-76, prior to the Declaration of Independence, describe two events and/or
developments that turned the colonial rebellion into a war for independence.
B. Second Continental Congress (1775)
C. Common Sense (1776): Key ideas and impact
D. The Declaration of Independence (Hmm? What year could it be?)
1. Major causes and purpose of the Declaration
2. Key ideas and omissions in the Declaration
IV. The War
A. Loyalists in America: Motives and demographics
B. Analyze the importance of George Washington as a leader early in the Revolution (17751777) include the crossing of the Delaware and Valley Forge
C. Saratoga (1777)
D. The importance of France
E. Yorktown (1781)
V. The Treaty of Paris (1783)
A. Explain France’s, Great Britain’s and the Americans negotiating stances. How did American
diplomats emerge “victorious”?
B. three key terms of the treaty
Essay: Analyze the political, diplomatic, and military reasons for the United States
victory in the Revolutionary War. Confine your answer to the period 1775–1783.
THE NATION BEGINS (1783-1800)
THE ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION (1781-89), THE PRESIDENCY OF GEORGE
WASHINGTON (1789-97) AND JOHN ADAMS (1796-1800)
Chapter: “The Confederation and the Constitution”
I. The Articles of Confederation (1777-87)
A. Summarize the amount of social change during the Articles period (Consider slavery, women
and church power in your answer)
B. Land Ordinance of 1785
C. What problems did the Northwest Ordinance solve? Explain how (1787)
D. How did the Confederation’s Constitution handicap the new government? (Provide 2
examples)
E. How did the Confederation’s Constitution reflect ideals from the Revolution? (Provide 2
examples)
F. How did the Articles government struggle in its foreign policy? (Give 2 examples)
II. The Constitution (1787-91)
A. How did the calling for a Constitutional Convention reflect the fears of the upper class
during the Articles era? Include Shay’s Rebellion (1786) in your answer
B. The Great Compromise (1787)
C. The 3/5ths Compromise (1787)
D. Provide 2 examples of conservative elements in the Constitution
E. Provide 2 examples of democratic elements in the Constitution
F. Anti-Federalists’ key complaints
G. The Federalist Papers’ (Hamilton’s, Madison’s and Jay’s) key arguments
Chapter: “Launching the New Ship of State”
III. Organizing the Government and the Debate over Government Power
A. How did Washington’s administration help organize the federal government? Include the
Judiciary Act of 1789
B. Bill of Rights added (1791)
C. Alexander Hamilton’s Financial Plan (1791)
1. The Debt: Need both sides’ logic and the outcome
2. Excise Taxes and Custom Duties
3. First Bank of the United States chartered (the B.U.S.)
D. Whiskey Rebellion (1794)
IV. Foreign Affairs
A. Washington’s Proclamation of Neutrality (1793)
B. Genet Affair (1793)
C. Jay Treaty (1794)
D. Pinckney Treaty (1795)
E. 2 major warnings in Washington’s Farewell Address (1797) (one was heeded, the other
ignored; one is in our book; the other needs to be researched)
V. Foreign Affairs Increase Political Disputes: John Adams Era
A. Election of 1796
B. XYZ Affair (1797)
C. Undeclared naval war (1798) and Navy Department created (1798)
VI. Wars of the French Revolution’s Impact on Domestic Affairs
A. Alien and Sedition Act and Naturalization Acts (1798)
B. Describe the Kentucky and Virginia resolutions; how did they affect future debates about
government power? (1798)
C. How did the Convention of 1800 demonstrate the Founders’ idea of disinterested leaders?
ESSAY: To what extent was George Washington’s presidency dominated by foreign affairs?
DIVISIONS DEEPEN, WAR ERUPTS AND GOOD FEELINGS (?) EMERGE
Jefferson(1800-1808): Madison (1808-1816); Monroe (1816-24)
Chapter: The Triumphs and Travails of Jeffersonian Democracy 1800-12
I. Federalist and Jeffersonian Political Disputes: Jefferson Era
A. Election of 1800
B. Judiciary Act of 1801
C. Marbury vs. Madison (1803)
II. Foreign Relations: Jefferson Tries to Avoid Conflict with France and England
A. Louisiana Purchase (1803) (Keep in mind that this item could also fit in expansion or political
debate.)
1. France’s situation and logic, plus America’s negotiations with the French
2. Describe how Jefferson’s beliefs argued for and against the Purchase
3. Describe 2 key effects of the Purchase: Consider politics, economics, government
power, sectionalism and transportation
4. Lewis and Clark’s Expedition (1804) and Zebulon Pike explore the west (1807)
B. What events challenged Jefferson’s belief in a small military? How did he respond?
C. Summarize the logic behind Jefferson’s Non-Importation Act (1806), Embargo Act (1808)
and Non-Intercourse Act (1809) policies. Overall how effective was his approach?
III. The War of 1812 Final Causes
A. Macon’s Bill No. 2 (1810)
B. What were the War Hawks’ desires and motives? Explain which ones was their real
focus(1811-12)
C. Explain how issues involving Native Americans impacted the start of the War of 1812.
Include Tecumseh’s Indian Unity Efforts, plus the Battles of Tippecanoe (1811) and Horseshoe
Bend (1814)
Chapter: The Second War for Independence and the Upsurge of Nationalism (1812-24)
IV. The War of 1812 and the Growth of Nationalism
A. Detail two turning point battles in the war (except Battle Of New Orleans)
B. Summarize New England’s political and economic reasons for largely opposing the war.
Include the Hartford Convention (1814); also look in end of The Triumphs and Travails of
Jeffersonian Democracy 1800-12 chapter
C. How did the conclusion of the War of 1812 impact American unity and nationalism? Include
the Treaty of Ghent (1814) and Battle of New Orleans (1815)
D. How did the conclusion of the War of 1812 impact American political unity? Include Tariff of
1816 and Second Bank of the United States chartered (1816)
E. What was the American System (1816-24)? What/Whose earlier political and economic ideas
did it reflect?
F. How did the Erie Canal (1812-25) and Madison’s Bonus Bill (internal improvements) veto
(1817) reflect earlier Constitutional battles?
G. Panic of 1819
1. causes of the Panic
2. economic and political effects
H. Describe 2 reasons for the growth of the West after the War of 1812
V. The Marshall Court: For each case describe how the Marshall Court established the federal
government’s supremacy and the rules of capitalism
A. Fletcher vs. Peck (1809)
B. McCulloch vs. Maryland (1819)
C. Dartmouth vs. Woodward (1819)
D. Gibbons vs. Ogden (1824)
V. Post-War Foreign Affairs: An Emerging America Expands
A. How did Secretary of State John Quincy Adams help mend remaining tensions with Great
Britain? Include the Treaty of 1818 and Rush-Bagot Agreement (1817) *
B. How did General Andrew Jackson and Secretary of State John Quincy Adams aid acquiring
Florida? Include the First Seminole War (1817) and the Florida Purchase Treaty a.k.a AdamsOnis Treaty (1819)
D. Monroe Doctrine (1823):
1. Detail the causes of the doctrine and Britain’s role in its enactment
2. Briefly summarize the message and long term impact of the Doctrine
If you did an essay for the “Roots of the Revolution “ outline, then do the cartoon. If you did the
cartoon then do the essay.
ESSAY: To what extent did the presidencies of Jefferson and Madison reduce the tensions of the
1790s?
CARTOON: Read about the differences between the Federalist and Democratic-Republican
Parties. Create or find a political cartoon that depicts their different points of view. On the back
write a short summary that explains the cartoon.
The Jacksonian Era (1824-1841)
Chapter: “The Rise of Jacksonian Democracy”
I. The Rise of Andrew Jackson and Mass Politics
A. What were the results of the election of 1824 and how did they end the Era of Good Feelings?
B. Detail two problems that hampered John Quincy Adams’ presidency (1825-29)
C. Tariff of Abominations (1828)
1. political maneuvering with the tariff
2. Why did the South’s object to a high tariff, especially the 1828 one?
D. How did the Election of 1828 demonstrate a significant political shift in the U.S.?
II. Political, Philosophical and Personal Battles in the Jackson Era
A. Explain both critics and defenders views regarding Jackson’s use of the Spoils System (18291837)
B. the Peggy Eaton Affair (1829-30)
C. Veto of the Maysville Road Bill (1830)
D. Summarize each region’s views in the Webster-Hayne Debate (1830)
Chapter: “Jacksonian Democracy at Flood Tide (1830-1840)”
E. South Carolina Ordinance of Nullification (1832)
F. How was the Compromise Tariff and the Force Act (1833) a ”victory” for Henry Clay and a
defeat for Jackson?
III. Political, Philosophical and Personal Battles over the B.U.S.
A. Explain the motives and reasoning behind Jackson’s Veto of the Bill to Recharter the 2nd
B.U.S.
B. Explain Henry Clay’s political logic in rechartering the B.U.S. How did it affect the Election
of 1832?
C. Detail Jackson’s “Bank War”; Include the rise of “pet” and “wildcat” banks
D. Specie Circular (1837)
IV. Jacksonian Indian and Expansion Policies
A. How did the government and Americans display sympathy towards Native Americans?
Include Sequoyah and the efforts of the Cherokee nation (1800-32)
B. Indian Removal Act (1830)
C. Cherokee Nation (1828) vs. Georgia and Worcester vs. Georgia (1832)
D. How did the Indian Removal Act devastate Native Americans? Include 2 specific examples
E. Texas Issue
1. Causes for Texas War of Independence (1836)
2. Briefly summarize major events and outcome of the Texas War (1836)
V. Post-Jackson Politics
A. Identify 3 major factors affecting the Election of 1836
B. Panic of 1837
C. How did responses to the Panic of 1837 reflect the 2 parties different approaches to the
government? Include the Independent Treasury System
D. How did the Election of 1840 demonstrate a new era in American politics and campaigning?
E. the troubles of John Tyler(1841-45) Chapter: “Manifest Destiny and Its Legacy (1841-48)
F. Read about the differences between the Whig and Democratic Parties. Create or find a
political cartoon that depicts their different points of view. On the back write a short summary
that explains the cartoon.
G. Read about the differences between the Whig and Democratic Parties. Create or find a
political cartoon that depicts their different points of view. On the back write a short summary
that explains the cartoon.
ESSAY: What were the core beliefs of Jacksonians in the 1820s and 1830s? How consistent was
Andrew Jackson in following these beliefs?
Tension Arises as the Economy, Democracy and Territory Grow
Chapter: “Forging the National Economy, 1790-1860
I. Economic Expansion
A. Robert Fulton and the impact of the steamboat (1807)
B. Erie Canal opens (1825)
C. Summarize the impact of the McCormick reaper (1834) and the Deere plow (1837) on
agriculture
D. Summarize 2 important industrial inventions or innovations (1800-1850)
Chapter: “The Ferment of Reform and Culture, 1790-1860”
II. Reform Emerges
A. Second Great Awakening (1820s and 1830s):
1.How did the Second Great Awakening’s major ideas respond to religious and social
changes in the late 1700s and early 1800s?
2. ideas and impact of the Second Great Awakening
B. rise and plight of the Church of Latter Day Saints (Mormons) (1820s-1840s)
C. Transcendentalists (include major ideas, works and impact in answers) (1820s-1860s).
Examine Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau and Walt Whitman
III. Social Reformers (besides abolitionists)
A. How did the rise of democracy affect education in the first half of the 19th century? Include
Noah Webster and Horace Mann in your answer
B. Antebellum Reform (besides abolition and women’s suffrage)
1. What reasons led to the rise of reform movements in the 1820s and1830s?
2. Name the major reform efforts in the antebellum era. What characteristics did they
share? (Consider leaders, members, goals, “targets”, and methods)
C. What ideas of the era did Brook Farm and other Utopian experiments reflect (1830s and
1840s)?
D. Women’s Rights
1. Describe the cult of domesticity concept. What political and economic changes led to
the “cult of domesticity?
2. Gains for women; include Seneca Falls Conference (1848)
Chapter: “The South and the Slavery Controversy”
IV. Antebellum Southern Society
A. Explain the economic importance of cotton for the North and the South
B. Explain why the South’s social structure is often described as feudal.
C. Provide 2 examples of how bondage stripped slaves of their humanity. How did
attempt to maintain a semblance of their humanity?
V. The Radicalization of the Anti-Slavery Movement
slaves
A. How did abolitionists inspired by the 2nd Great Awakening like Theodore Weld and the Beecher
family differ from earlier anti-slavery groups like the American Colonization Society (founded
1817)?
B. ideas and impact of William Lloyd Garrison and his The Liberator publication (1831-1860s)
C. ideas and impact of Frederick Douglass (1845-1870s)
D. What events in the 1830s made the South feel under siege by the North/abolitionists?
E. Describe 2 actions the South took in response to the northern/abolitionist “attacks” of the 1820s1840s.
Sectional Rivalries Expand
Or
Slavery, Slavery, Slavery
Chapter: “Manifest Destiny and Its Legacy (1841-48)
I. Polk Presidency (not including Mexican War)
A. define the term “manifest destiny” (1845)
B. Why was Texas finally annexed? (1845)
C. Election of 1844
D. the debate over Oregon; include the Oregon Treaty (1846)
E. How did Polk’s policies continue the Whig-Democratic Parties divisions over the nation’s
economy? Include the Walker Tariff (1846) and the Independent Treasury (1840-46).
II. The Mexican War (1846-48)
A. Describe 3 factors that raised tensions between the U.S. and Mexico
B. Explain how Polk and the U.S. could be blamed for instigating the war.
C. detail two major military events (1846-48)
D. Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo: terms and note its impact on the U.S. (1848)
III. The Politics of Slavery and Expansion (1820-48)
A. Missouri Compromise (1820) (see The Second War for Independence and the Upsurge of
Nationalism (1812-24) chapter
Chapter: Renewing the Sectional Struggle (1848-54)
B. Wilmot Proviso (1846)
C. Free Soil Party’s viewpoint on slavery and economics (1848)
D. Election of 1848
IV. Political Bonds Dissolve over Expansion and Slavery (1848-54)
A. the California Gold Rush (1849) impact on the slavery debate
B. Compromise of 1850
1. causes of the debate
2. proposals from Clay, Calhoun and Webster (7th of March Speech)
3. the compromise and reactions
C. Election of 1852
D. Describe why attempts to expand abroad in the 1850s failed
E. Explain the impact of the railroad in expansion debates, include the Gadsden Purchase (1853)
F. Explain the issues, motives and causes involved in creating the Kansas-Nebraska Act (1854)
G. Explain the Kansas-Nebraska Act’s impact on sectionalism and politics (1854)
Chapter: “Drifting Towards Disunion” 1854-61
V. Passion and Violence Unleashed
A. Uncle Tom’s Cabin published (1852)
B. Bleeding Kansas (1856-61)
1. violence in the Kansas Civil War
2. LeCompton Constitution
C. the caning of Senator Charles Sumner (1856)
D. Election of 1856
E.. Dred Scott decision (1857)
F. Panic of 1857
F. the Lincoln-Douglas Illinois Senate debates (1858)
1. Lincoln’s House Divided Speech*
2. Douglas’ Freeport Doctrine
F. John Brown and Harper’s Ferry (1859)
ESSAY: Analyze the impact of the breakup of the Whig and Democratic parties in
causing the Civil War.
Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War (1861-1865)
Chapter: “Drifting Towards Disunion” 1854-61
I. Final Blows and Last Attempts at Unity
A. Election of 1860
B. Crittenden Compromise (1860)
C. South Carolina and Southern Secession (1861)
Girding for War: The North and the South: 1861-65
II. The War: Key Concerns and Strategies
A. Fort Sumter (1861)
B. Explain the importance and influence of the Border States
C. “King Cotton” diplomacy
D. Explain what events and attitudes affected Great Britain’s decision to remain officially neutral.
III. Homefront Government
A. Describe 2 problems that hindered the Confederate government
B. For suspension of habeas corpus and martial law in Maryland and Missouri
explain Lincoln’s logic and its implications for Presidential power.
**C. For ex parte Merryman (1861)and ex parte Milligan (1866) explain the decisions’
implications for Presidential power.
D. New York City Draft Riots (1863)
IV. Economics: How did each of the following constitute a Republican philosophical victory in their
(and earlier the Whigs) long-time economic debate with the Democrats?
A. Morrill Tariff (1861)
B. Legal Tender Act (greenbacks) (1862) And National Banking Act (1863)
C. Homestead Act (1862): Explain entire debate and why it finally passed
The Furnace of the Civil War: 1861-1865
For Battles: Be very brief on the actual fighting and strategy. Put your emphasis on how
the battle altered momentum, strategies and/or public opinion.
V. The War (1861-63)
A. Early Eastern Battles
1. First Bull Run (1861)
2. George McClellan’s tactics in the Peninsula Campaign (1861-62)
B. Explain issues and impact of the North’s blockade
C. Impact of Ulysses Grant’s role in Kentucky and Tennessee including Shiloh (1861-62)**
D. Antietam (1862)
E. Emancipation Proclamation (1863)
1. Examine the causes, clauses and Lincoln’s logic
2. effects of and reactions to the Proclamation
F. Gettysburg (1863)
G. Vicksburg (1863)
VII. Slavery and Politics
A. Copperhead Democrats
B. Election of 1864
VIII. Final Events
A. Sherman’s March to the Sea (explain tactics)
B. Wilderness Campaign (1864)
C. Appomattox Courthouse (1865)
D. Lincoln’s Assassination (1865)
Essay: “A good part for ending slavery belongs to the slaves and former slaves
themselves.”
Assess this statement with specific reference to three of the following:
Compromise of 1850
abolition groups
The Emancipation Proclamation
Thirteenth Amendment
Reconstruction Era and the Plight of the Freedmen
Chapter: The Ordeal of Reconstruction: 1865-1877
A. Politics of Reconstruction (1865-1877)
1. Andrew Johnson’s views vs. the Radical Republicans’ views
2. Freedmen’s Bureau (1865)
3. Black Codes passed (1865)
4.Civil Rights Bill of 1866 and the Fourteenth Amendment (1866-68)
5. mid-term Congressional elections of 1866
6. Military Reconstruction Act (1867)
7. Tenure of Office Act (1867)
8. Impeachment and Trial of Andrew Johnson (1867)
B. Support for reconstruction Weakens Grant-Hayes (1868-77)
1. Election of 1868 (Politics in the Gilded Age
Chapter)
2. Motives and controversies over the Fifteenth
Amendment passage (1870)
3. Effects of black suffrage
4. Southern governments- Describe the situation by
including these terms, carpetbaggers, scalawags
and redeemer governments.
5. Ku Klux Klan- reasons for organizing and impact
(1865-71)
6. **Explain the overall effect of the Supreme Court
and Congress on the new rights granted to blacks
during Radical Reconstruction.
Consider some of the following: Amnesty Act
(1872) Colfax Massacre (1872), Cruikshank vs.
U.S. (1876), Civil Rights Act of 1875 and
Supreme Court cases of 1883 and the
Slaughterhouse cases

6. Election of 1876 (Politics in the Gilded Age
Chapter)
C. Black Issues after Reconstruction (1880s-1910s)
1. Sharecropper system (Politics in the Gilded Age
Chapter)
2. Jim Crow laws (1880s) (Politics in the Gilded Age
Chapter)
3. Plessy vs. Ferguson (1896) (Politics in the
Gilded Age Chapter)
4. Southern voting restrictions (1880s and 1890s)
(Politics in the Gilded Age Chapter)
Some information for the following in Chapter:
America Moves to the City, but more needed
5. Summarize Booker T. Washington’s approach to
blacks’ situation; Include his Atlanta
Compromise Speech (1895) and his
autobiography Up From Slavery (1901) **
6.Explain W.E.B. DuBois differences in ideas from
Booker T.Washington**
7. Niagara Movement (1905) and the founding of
the NAACP (1909)
ESSAY: To what extent was the period from 1860-1877 a revolution?
The Gilded Age: Spectacular Growth and Gluttony
Grant through McKinley (1869-1901)
I. Government
A. scars of the Civil War and scandals weaken the presidency
1. Tweed Ring’s power and fall in New York (1860s)
2. Black Friday (1869)
3. Credit Mobilier Scandal (1872)
4. Explain the Civil War and Gilded Age issues in the Election of 1872. You should still
include election basics.
5. Panic of 1873
6. Summarize the logic and interests of “Cheap money and “hard money” advocates.
7. Which group won the money battle in the 1870s and why?
B. Political Parties and the Forgotten Presidents (186-1892)
1.Summarize the main attributes of the Republican Party in the Gilded Age. Consider
main party platform, leaders, factions and core supporters
2. Summarize the main attributes of the Democratic Party in the Gilded Age. Consider
main party platform, leaders, factions and core supporters
3. Describe who were the “heroes” and “villains” involved in the Anti-Chinese debate of
the 1870s and 1880s.
4. How did the Election of 1880 continue elements of the Civil War and Gilded Age?
You should still include election basics.
5. Pendleton Act (1883)
6. Briefly describe the similar issues that dominated the Elections of l884 and 1888?
What issues did both parties and candidates fail to address? You should still include
election basics.
II. The Industrial Era
A. Railroads
1. financing and deals to build the First Transcontinental Railroad (1862-69)
2. physical construction of the First Transcontinental Railroad (1862-69)
3. Provide two, (not a big list), examples of the railroads economic impact in the Gilded
Age
4. Provide two examples , (not a big list), of social changes occurring from the growth of
railroads during the Gilded Age
5. Describe the methods and power of railroad /titans/barons like Cornelius Vanderbilt
and Jay Gould
6. Interstate Commerce Act (1887)
B. Big Business’ Birth and Growth: Titans of Industry or Robber Barons?
1. Besides the railroads describe two other reasons for the growth of industry in the
Gilded Age
2. John D. Rockefeller and Standard Oil: Describe growth, tactics and extent of power
(1870s-1911)
3. Andrew Carnegie and Homestead Steel: Describe growth, tactics and extent of power
(1870s-1901)
4. How did the new rich/titans/barons/plutocrats try to justify their wealth? Fully describe
two arguments. (not a big list),
5. Sherman Anti-trust Act (1890)
C. Define the goals of New South reformers
D. Labor: Slow Change for the Workingman
1. Explain the difference between the workplace prior to the Civil War and during the
Industrial era
2. What issues prompted the formation of unions in the 1860s and 1870s?
3. Knights of Labor’s rise and fall (1869-mid1880s)
4. Great Railroad Strikes of 1877
5. American Federation of Labor (1886 onward): Reasons for success
6. Haymarket Square Riot (1886)
7. Homestead Strike (1892) Chapter: The Revolt of the Debtor (1889-1900)
8. Pullman Strike (1894) Chapter: The Revolt of the Debtor (1889-1900)
Essay: “Although the economic growth of the U.S. between 1860 and 1900 has been attributed
to a governmental policy of laissez-faire, it was in fact encouraged and sustained by direct
government intervention.” Assess the validity of this statement.
Western Growth: Dust, Death and Debt
Chapter: The Great West and the Agricultural Revolution
I. Indian Issues
A. How were the reasons for conflict with the Indians similar to earlier periods?
B. Why did the U.S. government’s reservation policy for coexisting with the Indians fail?
C. Describe two Indian leaders and/or tribes who managed to hold off whites’ advancement for a
short time.
D. Provide two reasons for whites’ victory over Indians. Name two major wars as examples.
E. Indian “Reform” Efforts
1. Helen Hunt Jackson: A Century of Dishonor (1881) and Ramona (1884)
2. Dawes Act (1887)
3. “Battle” of Wounded Knee (1890)
II. Settling the West
A. Explain what altered mining from frontier individuals to big business.
B. Explain what altered mining from frontier individuals to big business.
C. Homestead Act (1862)
D. What factors helped the early settlers “tame” the land?
E. Frederick Jackson Turner’s frontier thesis
III. Troubles for the Farmers
A. Describe two effects of the mechanization of agriculture
B. Explain two reasons for farmers’ debt
C. Early Agriculture and Western Protests
1. Patrons of Husbandry (The Grange): important goals and actions (1867)
2. How did the railroads dominate farmers’ lives? Explain the Grange and Farmers’ Alliance
attempts to reduce railroads’ power.
3. Munn vs. Illinois (1877) and Wabash vs. Illinois (1886)
4. Interstate Commerce Act (1887) (Do not need to do again, but understand how it
relates to farmers’ and the West’s issues)
Chapter: The Revolt of the Debtor (1889-1900)
IV. Populist Protests: Conservative throwbacks or Progressive forerunners?
A. How did Speaker Thomas Reed and the Billion Dollar Congress satisfy key Republican constituents
during Benjamin Harrison’s presidency? (1888-92)
B. The Silver Debate Begins
1. Explain miners and farmers desire to coin silver. Include the Bland-Allison law of 1878 in
your response
2. Sherman Silver Purchase Act (1890)
3. McKinley Tariff
4. Populist Party (1890s)
a. major platform ideas
b. explain the changing role race played in the Populist Party in the 1890s
C. Panic of 1893:
1. Election of 1892
2. detail causes and effects of the Panic
3. Reactions
a. Sherman Silver Purchase Act repealed (1893)
b. Jacob Coxey’s March on Washington (1893)
c. J.P. Morgan Deal
4. Wilson-Gorman Tariff (1894)
D. Election of 1896: Populism at High Tide
1. Summarize the views and key interest groups of William McKinley and Mark Hanna
2. William Jennings Bryan and the “Cross of Gold Speech” (1896)
3. Explain the new and ruthless campaign tactics in the Election of 1896
4. Analyze the significance of the Election of 1896’s results
5. What policies were Republicans able to solidify after the Election of 1896?
ESSAY: To what extent were the Populists of the late 1800s a liberal movement?
THE URBAN EXPERIENCE IN AMERICA
I.
City Structures
A. the work of Louis Sullivan (1880’s)
B. Brooklyn Bridge (1883)
C. the growth of Macy’s and Marshall Field’s (late 1800’s)
II.
Urban Problems (late 1800’s)
A. Causes for population growth and impact
B. “solutions” to housing the new masses
III.
Immigration (1880-1921)
A. The “New Immigrants”: Reasons for immigrating and differences from earlier groups
B. Detail immigrants’ attempts to adjust to America
C. For what reasons did Americans try to curb immigration in the 1870s and 1880s? Cite
key laws put into place.
Early Reformers (1880’s & 1890’s): Precursors to the Progressives
A. Explain the Protestant “social gospel”
B. Jane Addams and Hull House (1889)
C. Lillian Wald and Florence Kelley (late 1800s)
D. The status of women
1. women’s rights: explain the ideas and goals of these reformers
a. Charlotte Perkins Gilman
b. Carrie Chapman Catt
E. Literary Exposes
1. The Nation (1865) and McClure’s Magazine (1893)
2. the influence of Henry George’s Progress and Poverty
3. the appeal of Edward Bellamy’s Looking Backward
F. Religion in the Cities
1. Explain the reasons for the popularity of:
a. the sermons of Dwight Moody and Billy Sunday
b. the ideas of Mary Baker Eddy
IV.
V.
American Culture
A. Why is Mark Twain often called the first American novelist?
B. the “yellow press” (1890s)
ESSAY: Explain how three of the following changed American cities between 1865-1900
architecture
immigrants
popular culture
transportation
THE PROGRESSIVES (1901-1921)
The Age of Active Government and Presidents
Chapter: Progressivism and the Republican Roosevelt (1901-12)
I.
Roots of the Progressives
A. Muckraker writings: Describe 2 major social issues and name key authors and/or works
B. Muckraker writings: Describe 2 major economic issues and name key authors and/or
works
II.
Political Reforms and Events: Focus on what the questions ask
A. Describe 2 Progressives reforms to increase the “people’s” political power, particularly at
the state level
B. How did the concept of “city-management” experts challenge existing municipal/city
government?
C. How did state leaders like Hiram Johnson and Robert La Follette challenge the existing
political system?
D. 17th Amendment (1913): Explain reasons for law. Think back to Gilded Age outlines
III.
Labor Reform
A. Theodore Roosevelt’s Role
1. The Square Deal : Explain its overall philosophy and goals (1901-08)
2. The Anthracite Coal Strike (1902): why was the strike a major shift in labor
relations?
B. The Supreme Court and Labor (1900-20)
1. Lochner vs. New York (1905)
2. Muller vs. Oregon (1908)
3. Keating-Owen Act (1916) * and Hammer vs. Dagenhart
C. Triangle Shirtwaist Fire (1911)
D. The Radicals
1. Eugene Debs and the Socialist Party: detail major ideas and public’s view of
the Socialists (1900-1921)*
2. “Big Bill” Haywood and the I.W.W. (the Wobblies): detail the major ideas and
public’s view of the union (1900-1921)*
IV. Social Reforms
C. Consumerism and Public Health
1. Upton Sinclair’s The Jungle (1906)
2. What brought about the Meat Inspection and Pure Food and Drug Act (1906)?
Why would it be considered a landmark law?
D. Prohibition
1. Describe the main methods and arguments of the Prohibition Party, Frances
Willard and Carrie Nation
2. 18th Amendment (1919): Why did it finally pass? (Look in WWI section too)
V. T.R. and the “Taming” of the Trusts
A. Explain the motives for Teddy Roosevelt’s “trust-busting”
B. Railroads
1. What long-time problems did the Elkins Act (1903), Hepburn Act (1906) and the
Mann-Elkins Act (1909) address? Why were they more effective than past
government efforts?
C. The Supreme Court: Whom did the court “protect”? How much did they follow a Progressive
agenda? Big Business?
1. Northern Securities Case (1904)
2. Standard Oil case (1911)
D. Explain 2 different versions of what caused the Panic of 1907
VI. Conservation
A. Assess the government’s land management efforts prior to T.R.
B. Briefly describe two non-governmental forces promoting conservation
C. Newlands Act (1902)
VII. Taft vs. T.R (1908-1912)
Focus on how the events played a role in Taft’s rise and fall, T.R.’s reappearance and Wilson’s
triumph
A. election of 1908
B. Ballinger-Pinchot controversy (1910)
C. U.S. Steel case (1911) *
D. Payne-Aldrich Tariff (1909)
VIII. Wilson Era Domestic (1912-20)
A. election of 1912
1. Explain the level of progressiveness of the 4 major candidates. Include
Roosevelt’s New Nationalism and Wilson’s New Freedom
2. Analyze key moments in the 1912 campaign to explain the results
B. The Triple Wall of Privilege (For each entry comment on what earlier group(s) raised these
issues
1.16th Amendment (1913)
2. Underwood Tariff (1913)
3. Pujo Committee vs. Nelson Aldrich (1910s)
4. Federal Reserve Act (1913)
5. Clayton Anti-trust (1914)
6. Explain the Federal Trade Commission’s role in reducing trusts’ power (1914)
ESSAY: How did the Progressive movement’s goal and actions reflect the concerns of the rising
middle class at the turn of the 20th century?
I.
AMERICAN FOREIGN POLICY (1865-1915)
Imperialism’s Causes and Philosophies
A. Give 2 examples of how big business’ needs caused imperialism
B. Describe Anglo-Saxon “superiority’s” effect on imperialism
C. Alfred Thayer Mahan’s The Influence of Sea Power Upon History (1890)
II. Foreign Policy pre-McKinley (1896)
A. Alaskan Purchase (1867)
B. “Big Sister” Policy (late 1880’s)
C. Venezuelan Boundary Dispute (1895)
D. Hawaii (1890-98): Key reasons for desiring, rejecting and acquiring
III. Spanish-American War (1898)
A. American war fever
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
IV.
1. How did the uprising in Cuba and Spain’s reaction lead to Americans’ desire
for war with Spain? Clearly describe 2 factors
2. the De Lome letter
3. the Maine incident
Explain the factors affecting McKinley’s dilemma over declaring war
Teller Amendment (1898)
The War
1. Summarize the role of the navy in the Philippines
2. Summarize the action in Cuba and Puerto Rico
The Treaty of Paris (1898)
1. McKinley’s Views
2. Anti-imperialism: Leaders and reasons for their objections
3. Final Passage of the treaty in the Senate; explain the politics involved
Post-War Events: The Fate of the New Territories and People
1. Foraker Act (1900)
2. Insular Cases (1901)
3. Platt Amendment (1901)
4. War in the Philippines (1899-“1901”)
China
A. Open Door Policy (1899)
B. Boxer Rebellion (1900)
V. The Foreign Policy of Theodore Roosevelt
A. The Roosevelt Corollary
1. Venezuelan Debt Dispute (1902)
2. Roosevelt Corollary (1904)
3. Santo Domingo Debt Dispute (1905)
B. Panama Canal: For treaties examine countries/groups’ motives and reactions to Roosevelt’s
policies
1. Describe efforts prior to Roosevelt and the need for the canal
2. Hay-Pauncefote Treaty (1901)
3. Hay-Herran Treaty (1903)
4. Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty (1904)
5. Detail key problems in physically constructing the Canal
B. Japan
1. Russo-Japanese War and the Portsmouth Conference (1904-06):
2. Gentleman’s Agreement (1907)
3. The Great White Fleet (1908)
4. Root-Takahira (1908)
C. William Howard Taft’s Dollar Diplomacy (1909-13)
1. Describe the policy with examples
2. Lodge (Henry Cabot) Corollary (1909-1913)
ESSAY: Discuss whether or not the U.S. foreign policy from 1890-1914 was principally guided by
economic motives.
WORLD WAR ONE and WOODROW WILSON’S IDEALISM
I.
Mexico
A. Define Moral Diplomacy
B. Explain how events in Mexico challenged Wilson’s new policy. Include at
least 2 examples
II.
The U.S. enters World War One (1914-1918)
A. Outbreak of war in Europe: Briefly summarize major causes (look for –isms) for
European powers going to war
B. Reasons for U.S. Proclamation of Neutrality (1914)
C. Difficulties of Neutrality
1. The Lusitania and the Arabic (1915)
2. Sussex Pledge (1916)
3. Election of 1916
D. Entry in the War
1. Explain Germany’s reasons for unlimited submarine warfare and
U.S. reaction (1917)
2. Zimmerman Telegram(1917)
3. Describe Wilson’s appeals to get the public behind the war
III.
The Homefront
A. Preparing for War
1. Selective Service Act (1917)
2. War Industries Board (1918)
3. Food Administration (1918)
B. Social Changes: Analyze the War’s effect on:
1. Analyze the war’s impact on two social groups
2. Civil Liberties: Discuss American values debates here, particularly
security vs. freedom
1. The efforts of George Creel
2. Espionage Act (1917) and Sedition Act (1918)
3. Schenck vs. U.S. (1919) * and Abrams vs. U.S. (1919) *
IV.
End of the War and the Treaty of Versailles controversy (1918-21)
A. Assess and summarize the military impact of U.S. troops
B. 14 Points: Summarize Wilson’s overall goals (about 5)
C. The Treaty of Versailles (1919): Need to use a good European textbook
for these entries.
1. Major terms in the treaty include German and non-German terms
2. What ideas survived from the 14 Points? Why did more not make
the Treaty?
3. What nations were upset over the Treaty? Why?
D. Summarize U.S. opposition to the Treaty (include key leaders)
1. isolationists vs. Wilson
2. The Lodge Reservations
3. Final fate of the Treaty in the U.S.
ESSAY: President Wilson’s Moral Diplomacy began as an alternative to the foreign policy of the
United States, particularly Theodore Roosevelt. Considering President Wilson’s actions during
WWI assess how much his foreign policy truly differed from his predecessors.
THE ROARING TWENTIES
Conservative Backlash and Cultural Upheaval
I.
II.
III.
1920s Foreign Policy: What goals of Wilson were involved? How did they fare in an age
of “isolationism”?
A. The Election of 1920
B. Washington Disarmament Conferences includes 4, 5 and 9 Power Treaties (1921-22)
C. Dawes Plan (1924)
D. Kellogg-Briand Pact (1928)
Fear of Radicalism: Isolationism Begins
A. The Red Scare
1. Describe two reasons why Americans feared communism in the early 1920’s
2. The Palmer Raids (1919)
B. Immigration Issues and Nativism Returns
1. Explain the reasons for the Ku Klux Klan’s resurgence
2. Summarize the use of quotas and the logic behind them in the Immigration Acts
of 1921 (Dillingham Immigration Act), 1924 (Johnson-Reed Act) and 1929
(Natl. Origins Immigration Act)
3. Sacco and Vanzetti Case (1921-1927)
4. Election of 1928: Detail election. Explain why it is this in the nativism and
immigration section?
Morality Battles: Traditionalists vs. Modernists
A. Prohibition
1. Impact of the 18th Amendment (1919)
2. Effect of organized crime
B. Scopes Trial (1925)
C. Women
1. Detail freedoms and familiar restrictions for women in the “New Morality”
2. Controversy over Margaret Sanger’s work *
D. African-Americans: How did these events signal small growth for blacks?
1. Explain the Harlem Renaissance’s major artists’ ideas and the period’s
significance
2. Marcus Garvey’s Movement
E. Culture
1. Describe 2 examples of writers’ disillusionment with America
2. How was Charles Lindbergh both a traditional and modern hero? (1927)
III. Big Business Reasserts Itself
A. 1920’s Politics: return to a pre-Progressive Outlook
1. Sum up tariff policy in the early 1920s
2. policies of Andrew Mellon
3. Teapot Dome Scandal (1924)
4. Election of 1924
B. Henry Ford and the Automobile
1. Detail 2 major innovations involved in Ford’s success
2. Economic impact of the automobile
IV. Farmers’ Struggles
A. Capper-Volstead Act (1922)
B. fate of the McNary-Haugen Farm Bill (1924)
ESSAY: Analyze the reasons for the conservatives’ reemergence in the 1920s
THE GREAT DEPRESSION and THE NEW DEAL
I. Causes of the Great Depression
A. Summarize causes for the Stock Market Crash (1929)
B. Summarize domestic causes of the Depression
II. Hoover’s Reaction to the Depression
A. Young Plan (1929) and Moratorium on War Debts (1930)
B. Agricultural Marketing Act (1929)
C. Hawley-Smoot Tariff (1930)
D. Reconstruction Finance Corporation (1932)
E. Norris-LaGuardia Anti-Injunction Act (1932)
F. Bonus Army March (1932)
(Note Sections III-VI mostly covers 1933 and 1934 when the New Deal focused on Relief and
Recovery. The last sections mainly cover 1935 onward where FDR dealt with more long lasting
Reform and encountered some opposition
III. The New Deal Begins
A. Election of 1932
B. the role and impact of Eleanor Roosevelt
C. Explain the term the First Hundred Days
D. Main reasons and purpose for repeal of Prohibition (Amendment 21 in 1933)
IV. Currency, Banking and Stock Market Reform
A. Major goal of National Bank Holiday (1933)
B. Major goal of FDR’s monetary policy: Look at London Conference and Gold Repeal
Resolution (1933) to help you
C. Glass-Steagall Banking Act (1933)
D. Securities and Exchange Act (1934)
V. Employment: Suggestions: Look for groups targeted, power of federal government, criticism
and/or effectiveness
A. National Industrial Recovery Act (1933)
B. Civilian Conservation Corps (1933)
C. Federal Emergency Relief Act (1933)
D. Civilian Works Administration (1933)
E. Public Works Administration (1933)
F. Works Progress Administration (1935)
Farming and Rural Areas: : Look for long-term problems targeted, power of federal government,
criticism and/or effectiveness
A. Describe the Dust Bowl’s impact (1930s)
B. Agricultural Adjustment Act (1933
1. Butler vs. U.S. (1936)
C. Tennessee Valley Authority (1933)
D. Frazier-Lemke Farm Mortgage Act (1934)
E. Summarize 2 of F.D.R.’s conservation efforts
VII. Industry
A. Federal Communications Act (1934)*- What new business activities
did it regulate? Why?
B. Reciprocal Tariff Act (1934): Explain the law and FDR’s and
Secretary of State Cordell Hull’s logic
C. Schechter vs. U.S. (1935)
D. Public Utilities Holding Act (1935): What relatively new industries did
it regulate? Why?
VIII. Labor Unions
A. Wagner Act (1935)
B. United Auto Workers Strike (1937)
C. How did the C.I.O.’s formation (1935) and split from the A.F.L. reflect
long-time labor divisions
D. Fair Labor Standards Act (1938): Use your knowledge of labor’s longtime goals to explain its landmark status
IX. Social Welfare: Consider government’s reach and power, reason for
policies, critics and/or political impact
A. Home Owners Loan Corporation (1933)
B. Federal Housing Authority (1934) and
U. S. Housing Authority (1937)
C. Francis Townsend’s Plan (1934)
D. Social Security Act (1935): Explain why a historic and revolutionary
law
E. Marian Anderson’s Lincoln Memorial Concert (1939) *
X. Politics, Critics and Setbacks for FDR
A. Congressional elections of 1934
B. Huey Long’s Criticism and Ideas
C. Father Charles Coughlin
D. Schechter vs. U.S. (1935)
E. U.S. vs. Butler (1936)
F. Election of 1936
G. Court Packing Plan (1937)
H. Roosevelt Recession (1937-38)
I. Keynesian Economics: Define philosophy and explain its use
WORLD WAR TWO
I. U.S. “Reaction” to Foreign Threats (1931-39)
A. Stimson Doctrine (1931) (Hoover administration)
B. Good Neighbor policy: describe the policy with examples (1933-36)
C. U.S. Recognizes the Soviet Union (1933); explain 2 reasons for FDR’s
decision and controversy
D. Independence Act for the Philippines (1934)
E. Neutrality Acts of 1935, 1936 and 1937: Why issued?
F. Quarantine Speech (1937)
II. World War II Begins and American “Neutrality” (for battles in WWII
before Pearl Harbor explain how they affected U.S.’ policy, or their impact on
the war’s momentum)
A. Munich Conference including the appeasement policy (1938)
B. Invasion of Poland (1939)
C. Cash and Carry Neutrality Act (1939)
D. The Fall of France (1940)
E. Destroyer for Bases Exchange (1940)
F. Election of 1940
G. Four Freedoms Address (1941)
H. Lend-Lease Act (1941)
I. Nazi invasion of the U.S.S.R. (1941)
J. Atlantic Charter (1941)
K. Pearl Harbor (1941)
III. The Homefront: Building a War Machine
A. In 1940 describe 2 specific U.S. war preparations made in response to
the fall of France
B. Provide 2 examples of government’s attempt to ensure war materials.
Name specific government agencies where needed.
C. Provide 2 examples of government’s attempt to ensure a strong
homefront economy for the public. Name specific government agencies
where needed.
IV. Civil Liberties and Politics
A. Summarize key changes and issues facing blacks, and government’s
response during WWII
B. Summarize key changes and issues facing women, and government’s
role during WWII
C. Internment of Japanese-Americans, include Supreme Court case (1942)
D. Summarize key changes and issues facing Latinos (mainly MexicanAmericans), and government’s role during WWII (include Zoot Suit Riots
in Los Angeles (1943-45)*
V. The War in the Pacific
A. Summarize why the U.S. struggled in early1942 and key defeats suffered
B. Describe two turning point victories for the U.S. in 1942
C. Explain the strategy of “island hopping/leapfrogging”
VI. The War in Europe
A. How did Britain and the USSR hold off the Germans in 1941 & 1942?
B. Describe the controversy over the Second Front.
C. The North African invasion: Operation Torch (1942-43)
D. Casablanca Conference (1943)
D. Italian Campaign 1943-45: Summarize highlights and difficulties
E. Teheran Conference (1943)
F. Explain D-Day’s enormous impact (June 1944)
G. Battle of the Bulge (1944-45)
VII. End of the War
A. Election of 1944
B. FDR’s Death
C. Detail battles at Iwo Jima and Okinawa and explain their impact of on
U.S. strategy (1945)
D. Manhattan Project (1942-45)
E. Potsdam Conference (1945)
F. Detail three reasons for using the atomic bomb on Hiroshima and
Nagasaki (August 1945)
G. Nuremberg Trials (1945-46)
ESSAY: Describe and account for FDR’s foreign policy before entering WWII
HARRY S. TRUMAN and the POST-WWII WORLD (1945-53)
I. Organizing the Post-WWII World Order: Wilson’s Goals Finally Achieved?
A. Summarize the major debates and terms in the founding of the United Nations (look at
Dumbarton Oaks (1944) and San Francisco Conferences (1945))
B. Summarize the goals of the newly created World Bank and I.M.F. (1944)
C. State of Israel founded and U.S. role (1948)
II. Post-WWII Domestic Affairs (1945-53)
A. Serviceman’s Readjustment Act (G.I. Bill) (1944)
B. Describe the two most significant reasons for the post-war economic boom
C. Describe the two most significant reasons for the enormous growth of the suburbs
D. Define the Baby Boom (1945-65) and its impact (edit wisely)
E. Election of 1946
F. Explain 2 reasons for the backlash against labor include the Taft-Hartley Act (1947)
G. Election of 1948
H. Amendment 22 (focus on causes)
III. The Cold War Begins: Include how each act or policy involved a shift from U.S.’ tradition
and/or attempted to avoid errors from before WWII.
A. Yalta Conference (1945)- focus on role in leading to the Cold War
B. Describe two reasons for the Soviet’s suspicions of the U.S. and the West as WWII ended
C. Define the term Iron Curtain
D George F. Kennan’s containment policy (1947
E. Truman Doctrine (1947)
F. Marshall Plan (1947)
G. Berlin Blockade (1948): describe event and explain the significance of Truman’s and the
U.S.’ response
H. N.A.T.O forms (1949)
IV. Cold War: U.S. Policies and Government Reorganization: Include how each act or policy
involved a shift from U.S.’ tradition.
A. National Security Act (1947)
B. Selective Service Act (1948)
C. Point Four Plan (1949)
D. NSC-68 issued (1950)
V. The Cold War at Home: McCarthyism and the Red Scare
A. Truman orders the Loyalty Probe (1947)
B. The Alger Hiss Case (1948) *
C. Soviets develop the A & H Bombs (1948-54)
D. McCarthyism Arises (1950-53): What were his tactics? Why was he successful and useful to
the Republican Party?
E. The Rosenberg Case (1951-53) *
F. McCarran Internal Security Act (1951)
G. McCarthy’s Downfall (1953-54): What actions and people put an end to McCarthyism?
VI. The Cold War in Asia
A. Describe the U.S.’ post-WWII reforms in Japan
B. Communists victory in China (1949): Detail effect on the Cold War’s power balance and U.S.
policy
C. Explain the Truman Administration’s defense of their China policy (look at Dean Acheson’s
“White Paper” on China) (1949)
D. Korean War begins: Explain the causes and reactions (1950)
E. Describe two key military events in the Korean War (1950-53)
F. President Truman takes on the steel mills (1952)
G. Truman fires General MacArthur (1951)
H. Korean War ends (1953)
ESSAY: “Truman was slow to react to the threat of communism, but when he did, he
overreacted.” Assess the validity of this statement.
THE EISENHOWER YEARS: Calm Before the Storm?
I. Civil Rights (1945-61): For the entries concentrate on how these actions symbolically or
concretely achieved Civil Rights goals. Also, how did the events bring increased attention and
involvement in the Civil Rights Movement?
A. Jackie Robinson breaks baseball’s color line (1947)
B. “To Secure These Rights” issued by the President’s Commission on Civil Rights (1947)
C. Truman desegregates the Army (1948)
D. Brown vs. Board of Education (1954)
E. Emmett Till murdered in Mississippi (1955) *
F. Montgomery Bus Boycott (1955-56)
G. Little Rock, Arkansas high school integration (1957)
H. Civil Right Act of 1957: Why was it historic, yet also disappointment to reformers?
I. Sit-ins begin in Greensboro, NC and throughout the South (1960-61)
J. S.N.C.C. founded (1960-61): Explain their membership, key method and goals
II. The Eisenhower Years at Home
A. Election of 1952
B. Explain Eisenhower’s “moderate Republicanism”; provide 2 examples to explain the label
C. Federal Highway Act (1956)
D. Election of 1956
E. Congress investigates organized crime and labor unions (1957-59)
F. Dr. Benjamin Spock’s The Common Sense of Baby and Child Care (1945)
G. Elvis Presley’s first recordings and appearance on Ed Sullivan (1954-56): Why were Elvis
and other early rockers seen as a threat?
H. Explain the major ideas and influence of the Beatniks; include 2-3 key artists and their works
III. Eisenhower and the Cold War
A. Eisenhower and Secretary of State John Foster Dulles’ Foreign Policies:
1. roll-back policy
2. massive retaliation
3. brinkmanship
B. Cold War Hot Spots (non-USSR): several of these events contain multiple twists and turns in
their “story”. Clearly present the different motives and effects.
1. Indochina situation 1945-54 including Dien Bien Phu
2. Geneva Conference for Vietnam (1955)
3. domino theory and its relation to S.E.A.T.O.’s founding
4. Iranian coup (1953)
5. Suez Canal crisis (1956)
6. The C.I.A., United Fruit Company and the Guatemalan coup (1954)
C. Disputes with the Soviet Union
1. Summarize 2 reasons why improved relations with the USSR seemed possible 1952-55
2. Hungarian revolt (1956)
3. Sputnik launched (1957)
4. U-2 incident (1960)
5. Eisenhower’s Farewell Address; explain his Military Industrial Complex commentary
(1961)
ESSAY: To what extent did President Eisenhower’s administration follow their announced
foreign policies?
THE 1960s: HOPE, CHAOS and DISILLUSIONMENT
John F. Kennedy’s and Lyndon Johnson’s Presidencies
I. The Kennedy Mystique and Domestic Affairs
A. Election of 1960
B. Describe JFK’s New Frontier goals and the political difficulties he faced to achieve the
domestic part of his agenda
C. the Space Race: 1961-1963 Major U.S. highlights and astronauts
II. Cold War (non-Vietnam)
A. Describe JFK’s “flexible response” policy
B. Berlin Wall erected (1961)
C. End of colonialism in the Congo and the CIA’s role (1961) *
D. Latin America
1. Alliance for Progress (1961)
2. Summarize reasons for the Cuban Revolution and its impact on the U.S. (late 1950s)
3. Bay of Pigs (1961)
4. Cuban Missile Crisis (1962)
5. Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (1963)
III. Civil Rights (1961-63): describe events, pressure on JFK to act and significance
A. Freedom Riders led by C.O.R.E. (1961)
B. James Meredith enters the University of Mississippi (1962)
C. “Bull” Connor and violence in Birmingham (1961-63)
D. March on Washington (1963)
IV. Lyndon Johnson and the Great Society (1964-66)
A. Impact of JFK’s assassination (1963), including how it affected LBJ’s presidency
B. Civil Rights Act of 1964
C. Election of 1964
D. Civil Rights: voting issue
1. Describe 2 examples of activism to obtain voting rights (1961-65)
2. Voting Rights Act of 1965
E. War on Poverty
1. The Other America (1962) and poverty in Appalachia
2. Office of Economic Opportunity (1964) including the Job Corps
F. Medicare (1965)
G. Summarize the Great Society’s efforts in education and immigration
V. The Radicalization and Frustrations of the Civil Rights Movement: Be careful when explaining
violence issue
A. Describe the ideas and role of Malcolm X (late 1950’s to 1965)
B. How did Malcolm X influence the Black Power movement of the late 1960’s?
C. Watts (1965), Detroit (1967), Newark (1967) and other northern cities race riots: Explain
causes and public’s reaction
D. Stokely Carmichael and SNCC reject Dr. King: Why and How? (1966)
E. Black Panthers: Ideas, leaders, accomplishments and white reaction (1966-70)
VI. Vietnam (1961-68)
A. Ngo Dinh Diem overthrown (1963)
B. Gulf of Tonkin resolution (1964)
C. Military tactics
1. Give 2 examples to explain how the U.S. attempted to use superior technology to
defeat the Viet Cong and North Vietnam.
2. Briefly describe the Viet Cong’s major method to hold off the U.S.
D. Tet Offensive (1968)
E. Anti-war elements: Explain major groups/leaders and why the movement grew
F. LBJ pulls out of the 1968 presidential race
G. Describe the drama involved in the Democratic presidential nominee race; include their 1968
convention in Chicago
H. Election of 1968 (general election)
VII. Social Reform and Upheaval: Suggestions- look for similar goals and/or methods to other
movements either as predecessors or successors to the better known protests. Or how they
challenged conservative/traditional “middle class” American values.
A. Students for a Democratic Society (1962): Describe major objectives
B. Free Speech Movement on college campuses (starts 1964)
C. The Feminine Mystique (1963)
D. National Organization for Women starts (1965)
E. Explain the artistic and/or social impact of the Beatles (1964-70)
F. Define the term counterculture. Describe two events or people who represent it *
G. Describe the goals and methods of Cesar Chavez and the Chicano movement
ESSAY: To what extent was the Civil Rights Movement’s success a result of the federal
government?
NIXON and the 1970s: THE ERA of CYNICISM EMERGES
I. Vietnam
A. Describe Nixon’s exit strategy for the U.S. in Vietnam. Include Vietnamization and explain
what he meant by “peace with honor.” (1969)
B. Nixon Doctrine (1969)
C. Nixon’s Silent Majority Speech (1969)
D. Explain actions and tactics that caused many American to question the morality of the U.S.
effort in Vietnam
E. U.S. bombs (1969) and invades Cambodia (1970)
F. protests at Kent State and Jackson State Universities (1970)
G. Pentagon Papers and U.S. vs. New York Times (1971)
H. Amendment 26 passed (1971)
I. What was the détente policy? How did it fit with Nixon’s Vietnam policies? (1969-79)
J. Nixon visits China (1972)
K. Causes and impact Peace treaty (1973)
L. the War Powers Act (1973)
M. Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia (early 1970s)
N. The War ends 1975: Give some sense of its impact on the U.S.’ status and/or Americans’
mindset
II. Nixon’s Foreign Policy (other than USSR, China and Vietnam)
A. The Chilean Revolution (1972-73): Detail U.S. role and position *
B. Six Day War (1967): Concentrate on how it altered the situation in the Middle East* (have a
Global Studies flashback to help you; also it obviously occurred during LBJ’s presidency)
C. Yom Kippur War and the Arab Oil Embargo (1973)
III. Economic Affairs (1969-81)
A. Explain possible reasons for the drop in productivity
B. Explain possible reasons inflation in the early 1970’s
C. Nixon’s New Federalism
D. New Economic Program (1971)
IV. Social Movements and Upheaval continue
A. Moon Landing (1969)
B. Stonewall Riot (1969)*
C. Silent Spring (1962)
D. Summarize environmental reform in the early 1970s
E. Griswold vs. Connecticut (1965) and Roe vs. Wade (1973)
F. the battle over the Equal Rights Amendment (1972-83)
G. American Indian Movement (A.I.M.): What were their overall objectives? Name earlier
groups these ideas matched. Look at Wounded Knee Incident (1973) to help response
V. Politics: Democracy Receives Its Greatest Test
A.break-in of Daniel Ellsberg’s psychiatrist (1971)*
B. Election of 1972
C. Reasons for the Watergate break-in (1972)
D. Nixon’s White House tapes controversy (1973)
E. Spiro Agnew’s resignation (1973)
F. Saturday Night Massacre (1973)
G. Nixon’s resignation (1974): understand most significant effects
VI. The Ford Interlude
A. Why did Nixon choose Ford to replace Spiro Agnew?
B. Ford pardons Nixon (1974)
C. Ford’s WIN policy (1974)
D. The Helsinki Accords (1975) (Ford’s presidency)
ESSAY: Explain the impact of politics on LBJ’s and Richard Nixon’s decisions regarding the
Vietnam War.
THE REAGAN REVOLUTION (1980-92)
I.THE CARTER PRESIDENCY (1976-80)
A. Election of 1976
B. Economy
1. Summarize the energy crisis in the Carter years
2. major economic problems and policies for Carter
C. Foreign Affairs
1. Carter Doctrine for Human Rights
2. Camp David Accords (1978)
3. Islamic Revolution in Iran (1979)
4. Hostage crisis in Iran (1979-81)
5. Soviets invade Afghanistan (1979)
6. U.S. Cedes Panama Canal to Panama * (1979)
II. The Conservative Movement Grows
A. Bakke vs. California (1978)
B. Explain the reasons for the resurgence of Christian fundamentalism in the late 1970s. Include
key leaders and issues promoted
REAGAN ERA BEGINS
C. Election of 1980
III. Economics
A. Define “supply side economics”
B. 1981 budget battles
C. Discuss the economic situation in Reagan’s first term
D. Election of 1984
E. Summarize economic troubles in Reagan’s second term
IV. Cultural Battles
A. James Watt and the EPA (1981-84)
B. How did Ronald Reagan reshape the Supreme Court? (1981-early 1990s); Include crucial
nominees; 4 altogether
C. Robert Bork’s nomination battle (1987)
V. Cold War
A. Latin America
1. U.S. role in Central American civil wars including Nicaragua
2. invasion of Grenada
B. Middle East
1. Lebanon (1982-83)
2. Libyan air strikes (1986)
3. Iran-Iraq War (1980-88)
C. USSR and Eastern Europe
1. Solidarity Movement in Poland (1981)
2. Star Wars/S.D.I. plans
3. glasnost and perestroika
4. Impact of Reykjavik and other summit meetings (1985)
D. Iran-Contra Scandal (1985-88)
VI. George H.W. Bush (1988-1992)
A. Domestic
1. Election of 1988
2. Webster vs. Reproductive Health Services (1989) and Casey vs. Planned Parenthood
(1992)
3. nomination of Clarence Thomas to the Supreme Court (1991)
4. recession 1991-92 and Bush’s response
B. Cold War Ends
1. Berlin Wall falls (1989)
2. Soviet Union collapses (1991)
C. Persian Gulf War (1991)
E. Clinton Era (1992-2000)
1. election of 1992
2. Yugoslavian Civil War (1990s) and U.S. response
3. Republican Victory in 1994 elections and the Contract with America
4. late 1990s economic boom
5. impeachment of Bill Clinton (1998)
6. election of 2000
Essays
1. For modern conservatives Ronald Reagan has served as a role model. To what extent did
his domestic actions fit this image?
2.
To what extent did Ronald Reagan’s overall foreign policy actions and goals differ from
earlier presidents’ Cold War policies? Compare to at least 2 previous presidents