AP Discussion Questions—Unit 1

  1. Discuss the Spanish, French, Dutch, and English ventures in the New World. (ch. 1)
  1. Describe the impact of Europeans on Native American cultures and the impact of native cultures on Europeans. Then explain why it was or was not a good thing that European culture prevailed. (ch. 1)
  1. What factors helped to facilitate European voyages of exploration? (ch. 1)
  1. Compare and contrast the 17th century founding and development of Jamestown with the 17th century founding and development of Plymouth. (ch. 2-3)
  1. Compare and contrast the ways in which tobacco and sugar affected the social and economic development of colonial America (ch. 2)
  1. Compare and contrast the relationship between English settlers in the Chesapeake & Native Americans with that of English settlers in New England & Native Americans (ch. 2-3)
  1. Assess the democratic characteristics that developed in the English colonies. (ch. 2-5)
  1. Define the three types of colonies. Make a chart of the thirteen colonies. Include the date of the founding of each, the major purpose for each being founded, and the type of colony each was (this is a larger question which will require a bit more work) (ch. 2-3)
  1. Compare and contrast the New England, Middle, and Southern colonies in terms of: Family Structure, Economy, and Religion.. (ch. 2-5)
  1. What were the major beliefs of the Puritans? To what extent do you consider them to be religious fanatics? (ch. 3)
  1. Discuss the Quaker movement in terms of its religious and political importance. (ch. 3)
  1. Discuss the extent to which there was religious toleration in the colonies. You might want to consider the importance of Anne Hutchinson and Roger Williams to religious development in America as well as the Maryland Act of Toleration (ch. 3)
  1. What was the Dominion of New England? Why was it set up? (ch. 3)
  1. Explain the causes and effects of Bacon’s Rebellion. (ch. 4)
  1. Explain what led to the increased demand for slaves in the colonies. (ch. 4)
  1. Explain the complex social structure that developed in the South during the 17th and 18th centuries.
  1. What groups comprised the European immigrants and where did they settle? (ch. 5)
  1. What was mercantilism? What did the “mother country” hope to accomplish through it? How did it help and hurt the colonies? (ch. 5)
  1. What was the Great Awakening? Explain the impact of the Great Awakening on America in the 1700s. (ch. 5)
  1. Some historians speak of an emerging “American Mind” in the 18thcentury which would include a political, cultural, and philosophical identity that was developing apart from Britain. What were the components of this “American Mind” or national character that was emerging in the 18th century? (ch. 5)

AP Discussion Questions—Unit 2

  1. What were the causes of the French and Indian War (consider this a lengthy question)? (ch. 6)
  1. What was the Albany Plan of Union? Why did it fail? (ch. 6)
  1. Identify the reasons for the British victory in the French and Indian War (should have several). (ch. 6)
  1. Explain the effects of the French and Indian War. To what extent did it help cause the American Revolution? (ch. 6)
  1. What was the Proclamation of 1763? How was it viewed by America and how was it viewed by England? What caused this difference in perception? (ch. 6)