AP U.S History Book 2: The Rise of the Great Nation
The AP U.S. History Orange Module, “The Rise of the Great Nation,” thoroughly explores the foundational years that shaped the United States. Covering key historical periods and significant figures, it traces the roots of American exceptionalism from the colonial era, examining settler motivations, interactions with indigenous peoples, and the American Revolution’s ideological origins.
Beginning with the colonial era, the module investigates the roots of American exceptionalism, examining the diverse motivations of settlers, the interactions between European colonizers and indigenous peoples, and the emergence of distinct regional identities. The journey through the American Revolution unfolds, highlighting the ideological underpinnings of independence, the challenges faced by the fledgling nation, and the establishment of the United States Constitution.
The module scrutinizes the early republic, analyzing the presidencies of Washington, Adams, and Jefferson, as well as the tensions between federalists and anti-federalists. It also explores the transformative Market Revolution, including industrialization’s rise and its social and economic impacts.
The antebellum era is a central focus, investigating slavery, sectionalism, and the compromises that attempted to maintain the balance between slave and free states. This leads to the Civil War, and the module examines its consequences, including Reconstruction efforts and the struggle for civil rights.
Throughout, students engage with primary sources, develop critical thinking skills, and draw connections between historical events and contemporary issues. By the module’s end, students will have a profound understanding of the forces that propelled the United States from an experiment in self-governance to a global power.
Course Features
- Lectures 14
- Quizzes 4
- Duration 50 hours
- Skill level Intermediate
- Language English
- Students 165
- Assessments Yes
Curriculum
- 4 Sections
- 14 Lessons
- 52 Weeks
- Chapter 1: The Jeffersonian Revolution 1800 - 1816The birth of The United States of America after winning their independence from Britain. The New Nation fluctuates between lack of institutions, conflicts of interests and prosperity, expansion, and stability.3
- Chapter 2: Nationalism and Expansion of The New Nation 1816 - 1850After the 1812 War Victory, The United States of America emerged as a strong nation that can defend itself. On the other hand, U.S will turn to its domestic affairs such as Expansion.5
- Chapter 3: Expansion, Destruction, and Reconstruction 1850 - 1875This period was marked by dramatic territorial growth, escalating sectional tensions, and the ultimate breakdown of national unity in the Civil War. Following the devastation, the Reconstruction era sought to rebuild the South and redefine freedom and citizenship in the United States—an effort filled with both bold progress and deep resistance.5
- Chapter 4: Industrial Age and Imperialism 1875 - 1899This chapter explores the transformative period following Reconstruction, marked by rapid industrialization, urban growth, and technological innovation. The rise of powerful industrial tycoons reshaped the economy, while harsh labor conditions gave birth to new labor movements. Simultaneously, America expanded its global presence through imperialist ventures, asserting influence over territories abroad. These developments laid the foundation for the modern United States and reflected a growing tension between democratic ideals and economic power.5
