Cracking the AP U.S. History Exam: Units 4-6 Review Guide

Unit 4: The Early American Republic (1800-1848)

The early 19th century was a pivotal time in American history, marking the establishment of the country's political foundation, expansion of its territories, and the shaping of its identity. Key developments during this period include:

• Political Parties and Policies: The era saw the rise of the Democratic-Republicans and Federalists, who debated over America's relationship with Europe, federal government powers, and territorial expansion.
• Territorial Expansion: The Louisiana Purchase and negotiations for Florida marked significant territorial growth. The exploration by Lewis and Clark, along with Zebulon Pike, underlined the nation's manifest destiny ideology.
• Supreme Court's Role: Landmark cases like Marbury v. Madison established judicial review, cementing the Supreme Court's authority in American government.

Unit 5: The Civil War and Reconstruction (1844-1877)

This period was characterized by intense conflict over slavery, ultimately leading to the Civil War, followed by the challenging Reconstruction era. Highlights include:

• Manifest Destiny and Expansion: The belief in America's god-given right to expand westward led to conflicts with Native Americans and the Mexican-American War, adding vast territories to the Union.
• Slavery and Sectionalism: The divisive issue of slavery in new territories and states, underscored by the Dred Scott decision and the Kansas-Nebraska Act, exacerbated regional tensions.
• Civil War and Reconstruction: The election of Abraham Lincoln, secession of Southern states, and the subsequent Civil War reshaped the nation. Reconstruction efforts aimed to reintegrate Southern states and ensure rights for freed slaves faced significant opposition.

Unit 6: The Gilded Age (1865-1898)

Marking the rise of industrial capitalism, this era saw significant economic, social, and political transformations.

• Industrialization and Urbanization: Innovations like the Bessemer process and the expansion of the railroad network fueled industrial growth and urban development.
• Social Issues and Reform Movements: The period was marked by labor unrest, the rise of labor unions, and various social reform movements advocating for temperance, women's suffrage, and civil rights.
• Political Landscape: The era was characterized by political corruption, as seen in the actions of political machines like Tammany Hall, but also witnessed efforts to address these issues through reform legislation.

For a comprehensive review including detailed analysis of key events, court cases, and figures from Units 4-6, watch our complete guide on YouTube. This guide is designed to equip you with the knowledge and insights needed to excel on the AP U.S. History exam.