AP U.S. History

Flagship Academic - AP U.S. History (part of Advanced Placement)

Colonial FoundationsThe American RevolutionCivil War and Reconstruction
Industrialization and UrbanizationThe Great Depression and New DealCivil Rights Movements
Connecting Past to PresentCritical Thinking with Primary SourcesDebate and Civic Engagement
Mastering Multiple ChoiceWriting Strong EssaysTime Management on the Exam
Colonial FoundationsThe American Revolut...Civil War and Recons...Industrialization an...The Great Depression...Civil Rights Movemen...Connecting Past to P...Critical Thinking wi...Debate and Civic Eng...Mastering Multiple C...Writing Strong Essay...Time Management on t...
Practical Applications

Critical Thinking with Primary Sources

Digging into Documents

Historians use primary sources—letters, speeches, photos—to piece together the past. Learning to analyze these sources sharpens your critical thinking.

How to Analyze

  • Ask: Who created this? Why?
  • Look for bias and perspective.
  • Connect to what was happening at the time.

Skill for Life

These skills help you evaluate news, arguments, and information in any field.

Examples

  • Reading George Washington’s letters to understand his leadership

  • Comparing newspaper articles from different eras for bias

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Debate and Civic Engagement