AP World History: Modern

Advanced Placement World History: Modern examining global developments from 1200 CE to present.

The Rise and Expansion of Empires (1200–1450)Transregional Interactions and Trade NetworksRevolutions and Transformations (1750–1900)
Imperialism and Its Global ImpactGlobal Conflicts and World WarsModern Globalization and Technological Change
Analyzing Primary and Secondary SourcesMaking Historical ArgumentsConnecting the Past to the Present
Mastering the DBQ (Document-Based Question)Effective Time Management on the Exam
The Rise and Expansi...Transregional Intera...Revolutions and Tran...Imperialism and Its ...Global Conflicts and...Modern Globalization...Analyzing Primary an...Making Historical Ar...Connecting the Past ...Mastering the DBQ (D...Effective Time Manag...
Practical Applications

Analyzing Primary and Secondary Sources

Unlocking the Past Through Sources

Historians build knowledge from primary sources (original documents) and secondary sources (interpretations). Learning to analyze both is key in AP World History.

How to Analyze Sources

  • Context: When and where was it created?
  • Purpose: Why was it made? For whom?
  • Bias: What perspective or agenda might the creator have?
  • Comparison: How does it relate to other sources?

Applying Source Analysis

This skill helps you write stronger essays and understand current events by spotting bias and context.

Use It in Real Life

Being able to analyze information critically is valuable in careers, citizenship, and daily life.

Examples

  • Reading a political speech and identifying the speaker’s motives.

  • Comparing newspaper articles to spot different interpretations of an event.

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Making Historical Arguments