AP U.S. History Quarter 1 Essay Packet
2014-2015
Directions: Please number and rewrite or retype each of the questions below then write a thesis sentence for each one. Below the thesis sentence write a vertical list of issues that you would discuss if this were an actual essay question. The vertical list should not exceed ten items composed of not more than 3 words. The first question will be done for you as an example.
1. The three major European colonizing agents in North America dealt with Native Americans in a similar fashion. Assess the validity of the previous statement.
Although the English, the French, and the Spanish decimated the native population with smallpox each had a different relationship with the native population ranging from subjugation to slaughter to friendly relations.
English: Iroquois
King Philip’s War
Pequot War
French: Fur Trade
Dependency
Spanish: Conquistadores
Missionaries
2. Discuss the impact of religion on colonial society up to the French and Indian War. Please consider New England, the Mid-Atlantic, and the Chesapeake colonies specifically.
3. By the eve of the Revolutionary War, slavery was an important part of American society. What economic, geographic and social factors were responsible?
4. Discuss the impact that the American Revolution had on American society. Be certain to address economics, women, and minority groups in your answer.
5. How did George Washington, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson contribute to the establishment of a stable government after the adoption of the Constitution?
6. Discuss the role of communication during the War of 1812.
7. Was the "Era of Good Feeling" a true representation of the times?
8. Was the “Corrupt Bargain” an accurate portrayal of the election of 1824?
9. In what ways were the Whigs similar to the Federalists?
10. To what extent was electoral reform in the first half of the 19th century more democratic?