Introduction

Rather than memorizing isolated facts and dates, successful APUSH students understand the major historical themes that connect American history. The College Board organizes the curriculum around six key themes that appear throughout all historical periods. Understanding these themes helps you see patterns, make connections, and answer questions more effectively. This guide explores each theme and shows how it appears throughout American history.

Theme 1: American Identity and Diversity

This theme explores how Americans have defined themselves and how diversity has shaped American identity.

Key Questions:

• Who is considered "American"?
• How have different groups contributed to American identity?
• How has the concept of American identity changed over time?

Examples Throughout History:

• Colonial Period: English colonists established settlements with distinct identities
• Revolutionary Era: Colonists developed a new American identity separate from Britain
• 19th Century: Debates over slavery and westward expansion shaped American identity
• 20th Century: Immigration, civil rights movements, and multiculturalism redefined American identity

Theme 2: Politics and Power

This theme examines how political systems have developed, how power has been distributed, and how citizens have participated in government.

Key Questions:

• How has political power been distributed and contested?
• What role have citizens played in government?
• How have political institutions evolved?

Examples Throughout History:

• Colonial Period: Development of representative government
• Revolutionary Era: Creation of the Constitution and federal system
• 19th Century: Expansion of voting rights and political parties
• 20th Century: Progressive reforms, New Deal, and civil rights legislation

Theme 3: Work, Exchange, and Technology

This theme explores economic systems, labor, trade, and technological innovation.

Key Questions:

• How have economic systems changed?
• What role has technology played in economic development?
• How have labor and workers been treated?

Examples Throughout History:

• Colonial Period: Mercantilism and slavery-based economy
• 19th Century: Industrial Revolution and factory system
• Gilded Age: Rise of corporations and labor movements
• 20th Century: Mass production, consumer economy, and technological revolution

Theme 4: Culture and Society

This theme examines how Americans have lived, what they valued, and how society has been organized.

Key Questions:

• What values and beliefs have shaped American society?
• How have social structures and hierarchies changed?
• What role has culture played in American life?

Examples Throughout History:

• Colonial Period: Puritan values and social hierarchy
• 19th Century: Romanticism, transcendentalism, and reform movements
• 1920s: Jazz Age and cultural modernism
• 1960s: Counterculture and social movements

Theme 5: Migration and Settlement

This theme explores why people moved, where they settled, and how settlement patterns shaped America.

Key Questions:

• Why have people migrated to and within America?
• How has settlement shaped American development?
• What has been the impact of migration on different groups?

Examples Throughout History:

• Pre-Columbian: Native American migration and settlement
• Colonial Period: European colonization and settlement
• 19th Century: Westward expansion and Manifest Destiny
• 20th Century: Immigration waves and Great Migration of African Americans

Theme 6: America in the World

This theme examines America's relationship with other nations and its role in global affairs.

Key Questions:

• How has America's role in the world changed?
• What has driven American foreign policy?
• How have global events affected America?

Examples Throughout History:

• Colonial Period: European colonization and trade
• 19th Century: Isolationism and westward expansion
• Early 20th Century: Imperialism and World War I
• Late 20th Century: Cold War and global superpower status

How to Use These Themes in Your Studying

1. Organize Your Notes by Theme

Rather than organizing notes by time period, try organizing by theme. This helps you see how themes evolve over time.

2. Make Theme Timelines

Create timelines for each theme showing how it manifests in different historical periods. For example, trace "Politics and Power" from colonial representative government through modern democracy.

3. Use Themes in Essays

When writing essays, reference relevant themes. This shows deeper historical understanding and helps organize your arguments.

4. Connect Events to Themes

When studying an event, ask: "Which themes does this event relate to?" This helps you understand the event's significance.

Theme Connections Across Periods

Example: The Industrial Revolution (1800s)

• Work, Exchange, Technology: Factory system and new technology
• Migration and Settlement: Rural to urban migration
• Culture and Society: New social classes and values
• Politics and Power: Labor movements and government regulation
• American Identity: Shift from agrarian to industrial identity
• America in the World: American industrial competition globally

Conclusion

Understanding the six key historical themes is crucial for APUSH success. Rather than memorizing isolated facts, focus on how events relate to these broader themes. This approach helps you see patterns, make connections, and understand American history more deeply. When you encounter exam questions, think about which themes are relevant. This will help you answer questions more effectively and write stronger essays. Use our APUSH calculator to track your progress as you prepare for the exam.