7 Essential Concepts For Apush Period 3 Review

The American frontier has long been a symbol of freedom, exploration, and the quintessential American spirit. For Advanced Placement United States History (APUSH) students, Period 3, which spans from 1800 to 1848, is a critical era that laid the groundwork for the country's westward expansion. As students prepare for the APUSH exam, it's essential to grasp the key concepts that defined this period. In this article, we'll delve into seven crucial ideas that will help you ace your APUSH Period 3 review.

1. Westward Expansion and Manifest Destiny

Westward expansion was a defining feature of Period 3. The Louisiana Purchase of 1803, which added over 828,000 square miles to the United States, marked the beginning of a long process of expansion that would continue throughout the 19th century. The concept of Manifest Destiny, which emerged in the 1840s, posited that the United States had a divine right to expand its territory across North America.

To understand the significance of westward expansion, consider the following key events:

• The Lewis and Clark Expedition (1804-1806)
• The Adams-Onís Treaty (1819)
• The Texas Annexation (1845)
• The Mexican-American War (1846-1848)

Key Terms:

• Manifest Destiny
• Louisiana Purchase
• Adams-Onís Treaty
• Texas Annexation
• Mexican-American War

2. The Market Revolution and Economic Growth

During Period 3, the United States underwent significant economic changes, often referred to as the Market Revolution. This transformation saw the country shift from a primarily agrarian economy to one that was more industrialized and market-driven.

Key factors that contributed to this revolution include:

• Improvements in transportation (e.g., canals, railroads)
• Advances in technology (e.g., steam power, textile machinery)
• The growth of cities and urban centers

Key Terms:

• Market Revolution
• Industrialization
• Transportation Revolution
• Technological innovations

3. The Second Great Awakening and Social Reform

The Second Great Awakening, which occurred from the 1790s to the 1840s, was a period of significant religious revival in the United States. This movement had far-reaching consequences, contributing to the development of various social reform movements, including:

• Abolitionism
• Women's rights
• Temperance
• Education reform

Key figures associated with the Second Great Awakening include:

• Charles Finney
• Jonathan Edwards
• Harriet Beecher Stowe

Key Terms:

• Second Great Awakening
• Abolitionism
• Women's rights
• Temperance
• Education reform

4. The Jacksonian Era and Democracy

The presidency of Andrew Jackson (1829-1837) marked a significant turning point in American politics. Jackson's populist appeal and commitment to expanding democracy led to the rise of the Democratic Party.

Key features of the Jacksonian Era include:

• The expansion of suffrage (voting rights)
• The growth of the Democratic Party
• The controversy surrounding the Bank of the United States
• The forced relocation of Native American tribes (Indian Removal Act)

Key Terms:

• Jacksonian Era
• Democracy
• Suffrage
• Democratic Party
• Indian Removal Act

5. The Mexican-American War and Sectionalism

The Mexican-American War (1846-1848) was a significant conflict that resulted in the United States gaining control of a substantial amount of new territory. However, this expansion also exacerbated sectional tensions between the North and South.

Key issues surrounding the Mexican-American War include:

• The debate over the Wilmot Proviso (an attempt to ban slavery in new territories)
• The role of the war in contributing to the growing tensions leading up to the Civil War

Key Terms:

• Mexican-American War
• Sectionalism
• Wilmot Proviso
• Slavery

6. The Women's Rights Movement and Seneca Falls

In 1848, the first women's rights convention was held in Seneca Falls, New York. This event marked a pivotal moment in the women's rights movement, which would continue to gain momentum throughout the 19th century.

Key figures associated with the women's rights movement include:

• Elizabeth Cady Stanton
• Susan B. Anthony
• Lucretia Mott

Key Terms:

• Women's rights movement
• Seneca Falls Convention
• Elizabeth Cady Stanton
• Susan B. Anthony

7. The Impact of Immigration and Urbanization

During Period 3, the United States experienced significant immigration and urbanization. These changes had far-reaching consequences, contributing to the growth of cities and the development of new social, economic, and cultural patterns.

Key factors that contributed to immigration and urbanization include:

• The Irish Potato Famine (1845-1852)
• The growth of industry and manufacturing
• The expansion of transportation networks

Key Terms:

• Immigration
• Urbanization
• Irish Potato Famine
• Industrialization

As you prepare for the APUSH exam, make sure to review these seven essential concepts from Period 3. By understanding the key events, themes, and figures that defined this era, you'll be well-equipped to tackle the exam and demonstrate your knowledge of American history.

Now, we'd love to hear from you! What do you think is the most important concept from Period 3? Share your thoughts in the comments below!