Apush Period 1 And 2 Review Challenge Answer Key

APUSH Period 1 & 2 Review Challenge: Answer Key and Comprehensive Guide

This comprehensive guide serves as an answer key and in-depth review for the APUSH Periods 1 & 2 (1491-1800) material. We'll tackle key concepts, significant figures, and crucial events, providing context and analysis to help solidify your understanding. This isn't just a simple answer key; it's a deep dive designed to boost your APUSH score. Remember, effective studying involves understanding why answers are correct, not just memorizing facts.

Period 1: 1491-1607 – Before European Contact and Early Colonization

This period focuses on the diverse societies existing in North America before European arrival and the initial stages of European colonization. Understanding the contrasting societies and the initial interactions is crucial.

Key Concepts and Themes:

• Diverse Native American Societies: This isn't a monolithic group. Explore the differences between the Iroquois Confederacy (their political organization), the Pueblo peoples (their advanced agricultural techniques and architecture), and the nomadic tribes of the Great Plains (their adaptation to the environment). Understanding their unique cultures, social structures, and environmental adaptations is key.

• Columbian Exchange: This wasn't just an exchange of goods; it was a transformative event with devastating consequences for Native populations. Analyze the introduction of new diseases (smallpox, measles), the impact on agriculture (introduction of new crops), and the resulting demographic shifts. The exchange also brought new animals, plants, and ideas to both sides of the Atlantic.

• Spanish Colonization: Understand the motivations behind Spanish colonization (gold, God, glory), and the impact of their conquest on indigenous populations. Consider the encomienda system, the impact on the environment, and the establishment of missions. Key figures include Hernán Cortés and Francisco Pizarro.

• Early French and English Exploration: Compare and contrast the motivations and methods of these European powers. The French focused more on trade relationships (fur trade) and alliances with certain Native American groups, while the English aimed at establishing permanent settlements. Consider the roles of explorers like Jacques Cartier, Samuel de Champlain, and John Cabot.

Sample Challenge Questions & Answers (Period 1):

Q1: What was the primary cause of the drastic decline in the Native American population after European contact?

A1: The introduction of Old World diseases like smallpox, measles, and influenza, to which Native Americans had no immunity.

Q2: Describe the major differences between the Spanish and French approaches to colonization in North America.

A2: The Spanish focused on conquest, resource extraction (especially gold and silver), and the establishment of large-scale settlements and missions. They often employed brutal methods and exploited indigenous labor. The French, in contrast, focused on establishing trade relationships, particularly the fur trade, and formed alliances with specific Native American groups. Their settlements were generally smaller and less focused on territorial control.

Q3: How did the Columbian Exchange impact both the Americas and Europe?

A3: The Columbian Exchange had profound and lasting impacts on both continents. The Americas experienced a massive population decline due to disease, the introduction of new crops and livestock, and the disruption of existing social and economic structures. Europe benefitted from the introduction of new food crops (potatoes, tomatoes, corn), which led to population growth and economic expansion. However, it also led to the exploitation of resources and labor in the Americas.

Period 2: 1607-1754 – Settlement and the Creation of New Identities

This period encompasses the establishment of thirteen colonies, the development of distinct colonial identities, and growing tensions between Great Britain and the colonies.

Key Concepts and Themes:

• Thirteen Colonies: Understand the regional differences between New England, the Middle Colonies, and the Southern Colonies. Explore their varying economies (e.g., shipbuilding in New England, agriculture in the South), social structures, and religious compositions.

• Mercantilism and its Impact: This economic system shaped the relationship between Great Britain and its colonies. Analyze the Navigation Acts and their impact on colonial economies. How did they restrict colonial trade and foster resentment?

• Colonial Society: Examine the social hierarchy, the role of slavery, and the development of indentured servitude. Understand the lives of different groups within colonial society (e.g., enslaved Africans, indentured servants, wealthy planters, merchants).

• Religious Developments: Analyze the Great Awakening and its impact on colonial religious life and social structures. How did it challenge established religious authority? Consider the role of prominent figures like Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield.

• Early Conflicts with Native Americans: The interactions between colonists and Native Americans were often violent and complex. Explore King Philip's War and its consequences, the impact of colonial expansion on Native American lands and populations, and the differing strategies employed by Native American tribes to resist colonial encroachment.

Sample Challenge Questions & Answers (Period 2):

Q1: Explain the significance of the Navigation Acts in shaping the relationship between Great Britain and its American colonies.

A1: The Navigation Acts were a series of laws passed by the British Parliament to regulate colonial trade. These acts restricted colonial trade to British ships and enforced the requirement that certain goods be shipped to Great Britain before being sent elsewhere. While designed to benefit Britain's economy through mercantilism, these acts led to growing resentment and resistance among the colonists who felt their economic freedom was being stifled. This resentment would later contribute to the growing tensions that would eventually lead to the American Revolution.

Q2: Compare and contrast the economies of the New England, Middle, and Southern colonies.

A2: The New England colonies relied heavily on fishing, shipbuilding, and commerce. Their economies were more diverse than those of the other regions. The Middle Colonies had a more diverse economy, with a mix of agriculture, trade, and manufacturing. Wheat and other grain crops were important. The Southern colonies were largely agricultural, with large-scale plantations producing cash crops such as tobacco, rice, and indigo. Slavery was prevalent in these colonies, shaping their social structure and economy significantly.

Q3: How did the Great Awakening impact colonial society?

A3: The Great Awakening, a religious revival in the 1730s and 1740s, challenged the established religious order and led to the rise of new denominations. It also fostered a sense of religious individualism and emotionalism, weakening the power of traditional religious institutions. The increased religious fervor had significant social consequences, contributing to a greater sense of unity among colonists, despite their differing backgrounds, and provided a framework for social reform movements.

Q4: Describe the impact of King Philip's War on the relationship between colonists and Native Americans.

A4: King Philip's War (1675-1678) was a devastating conflict between New England colonists and the Wampanoag tribe, led by Metacom (King Philip). The war resulted in significant losses of life on both sides and left a legacy of deep distrust and animosity. The war weakened Native American resistance in New England and allowed for further colonial expansion. It demonstrated the brutal realities of colonial expansion and the high cost of conflict between settlers and Indigenous peoples.

Integrating Period 1 & 2: Connecting the Dots

The seemingly disparate events of these two periods are interconnected. Understanding these connections is crucial for a strong APUSH score. For example:

• The Columbian Exchange laid the groundwork for the economies of the thirteen colonies. The introduction of new crops and the exploitation of resources in the Americas directly impacted the development of plantation economies in the Southern colonies.

• The interactions between Europeans and Native Americans in Period 1 set the stage for the conflicts in Period 2. The displacement of indigenous populations and the competition over land resources fueled ongoing tensions and conflicts.

• The development of colonial societies reflected the complex legacies of both European colonization and existing indigenous populations. The diverse populations, social hierarchies, and economic systems of the thirteen colonies were shaped by both their European origins and their interactions with Native American societies.

By focusing on these connections and the overarching themes, you'll develop a more comprehensive understanding of the APUSH content and improve your ability to analyze historical events and their significance. Remember to practice analyzing primary and secondary sources, understanding historical context, and constructing well-supported arguments—these are key skills for success on the APUSH exam. This in-depth review should empower you to tackle the challenges and confidently approach the APUSH exam. Good luck!