AP United States History (Period 5) Assignments
- Instructor
- Dr. Mike Castillo '00
- Term
- 2013-2014 School Year
- Department
- Social Science
- Location
- Rm. 403
- Description
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A year long course of in-depth study into economic, cultural, political a social influences which have shaped the United States. The course is designed to provide students with the appropriate interest and ability, the opportunity to undertake an intense and critical investigation of American institutions from the Colonial Era to the present.
Files
Upcoming Assignments
No upcoming assignments.
Past Assignments
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FINAL PROJECT:
Consider the historical arguments made by the movies "The Right Stuff" and "Good Night, and Good Luck." After analyzing each of these movies as historical sources, describe and explain the extent to which each movie articulates an "American" point of view. In responding make sure to include specific examples and pieces of evidence from the movie. Mere summaries will be given minimal points. (600 words min.)
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Final Exam:
- Free-Response Topic from Unit 11
- Multiple-Choice cumulative (refer to study guide posted to course website)
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- Describe and explain the significant events and phenomena of the 1950’s “Red Scare.” What circumstances marked the end of this period of American history?
- What did the Supreme Court decide unanimously in the Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka case? On what grounds did it reach this decision? How did the court somewhat weaken the decision in 1955?
- How can you describe President Eisenhower’s record on civil rights for African-Americans? Include his response to Brown v. Board of Education, his actions in Little Rock, and his connection to the Civil Rights Act of 1957 and 1960.
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- Describe and explain the circumstances that led to the outbreak of War in Europe. (Reference the collapse of the Treaty of Versailles, the rise of the Nazi party, and the policy of appeasement).
- Describe and explain the circumstances that led to American entry into WWII (beyond the Pearl Harbor attack).
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- In what ways does FDR allude to the principles of Democracy?
- How does FDR define the causes of the Great Depression?
- According to FDR, what are the ways in which the American people can overcome the depression?
- What were the major strategies of FDR’s “New Deal?”
- To what extent did the “New Deal” draw criticism?
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What is the difference between social/economic equality of outcome and equality of opportunity?
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What concept presents a more accurate representation of modern American reality (equality of outcome or opportunity)?
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What concept should be reflected in modern America?
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- In what ways did Lincoln act as a decisive and bold president during the first half of the war? In what ways did he extend the executive powers of the presidency?
- After the defeat of at the first battle of Bull Run, what significant military events occurred both in the east and west? Who were the major players in this history and what side emerged from these early years with more momentum, the Union or the Confederacy?
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- What were the circumstances surrounding the development of the Compromise of 1850? Why was a compromise needed?
- What were the main provisions of the Compromise of 1850?
- How did the Kansas-Nebraska Act initiate the collapse of the Second Party System?
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- What were the dominant issues in national politics in the 1840s?
- Why did Texas declare independence from Mexico in 1836, and why were many Americans reluctant to accept it as a new state in the Union?
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- How did economic policies after the War of 1812 reflect the nationalism of the period?
- What characterized the Era of Good Feelings?
- What were the various issues that promoted sectionalism?
- How did the Supreme Court under John Marshall strengthen the federal government and the national economy?
- What were the main diplomatic achievements of these years?
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Unit 2 - Identifications 6
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Unit 2 - Identifications 5
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- What were the major terms and provisions of the Treaty of Paris?
- What were the achievements of the Confederation Government?
- What were the shortcomings of the Articles of Confederation?
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Unit 2 - Identifications 4
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American Revolution: Focus Questions
- Prior to the formation of the Continental Congress, what methods of communication existed to tie the various colonies together?
- In what ways did the “Intolerable Acts” serve as a catalyst for the formation of the First Continental Congress?
- What were the significant accomplishments and/or objectives of the First Continental Congress?
- How did the colonists respond to the actions of the First Continental Congress?
- Why was the Second Continental Congress convened?
- How did military conflicts affect the colonial attitude towards the British?
- How did the official communication between colonial leaders and King George change over the course of these four years?
- What factors contributed to an increase in the popular support of the cause for independence?
- What were the circumstances surrounding the colonies’ official break from Great Britain?
- In what ways is the Declaration of Independence a complex document that is both innovative and shortsighted?
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Unit 2 - Identifications 3
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Unit 2 - Identifications 2
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Unit 2 - Identifications 1
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Unit 1 - IDs 4: Due Friday, August 23
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Reading Quiz - Tindall: 79-91
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Unit 1 - IDs 3: Due Tuesday, August 20
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Focus Questions:
Why did the first English colony, at Jamestown, experience hardhips in its first decade?
How important was religion as a motivation for colonization?
Why did the first English colony, at Jamestown, experience hardhips in its first decade?
How important was religion as a motivation for colonization?
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Reading Quiz: Friday, August 15
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Unit 1 - Identifications 2: Due Thursday, August 15