2021 Live Review 4 | AP U.S. History | Period 5 (1844 – 1877)

Bill Pulaski welcomes viewers to the end of week one of the AP Live Daily Review for AP US History. He emphasizes the importance of engaging with the content and encourages viewers to watch recorded episodes. Pulaski addresses questions from the audience, discusses modifications to the program based on feedback, and previews topics for week two, including document-based questions (DBQs), short answer questions, data sets, and rubrics. He also provides a brief overview of the Civil War and Reconstruction period, highlighting the division between the North and South and the efforts to restore the Union.

The session focuses on the first steps of the DBQ process, beyond the initial 4-1-1 introduction. Pulaski discusses the importance of pre-writing and structuring papers effectively. He addresses common concerns such as spelling and grammar checks in the digital exam, emphasizing that essays are considered first drafts and style and mechanics are not graded. The instructor also covers the main body of the essay, the role of document citations, and the absence of a required concluding paragraph. Pulaski provides guidance on how to study and prepare for the exam, suggesting consistent study sessions and engaging with AP Classroom resources.

Pulaski delves into the concept of Manifest Destiny, exploring its political, social, and economic motivations. He discusses the Oregon Trail, the California Gold Rush, and the impact of westward migration on the environment and native populations. The economic transformation of the United States through wealth accumulation and environmental changes, such as hydraulic mining, is highlighted. The session also touches on the Mormon migration, the Homestead Act, and the Transcontinental Railroad, emphasizing their roles in shaping the nation's development.

The Mexican-American War is discussed in the context of its causes and consequences, including the pressures of slavery and the extension of American territory. Pulaski covers the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, the Wilmot Proviso, and the Compromise of 1850. He also addresses the tensions between the North and South over the issue of slavery, the rise of abolitionism, and the economic and social divergence between the two regions. The lecture concludes with a look at the Dred Scott decision and its implications for the nation.

This segment examines the waves of immigration to the United States, focusing on the push and pull factors that influenced migration. Pulaski discusses the Irish and German immigrants on the East Coast, the Chinese on the West Coast, and the internal migration of African Americans. He highlights the urban enclaves formed by these immigrants and the nativist pushback they faced. The lecture also touches on the economic and social contributions of immigrants and the challenges they faced in their new environment.

Pulaski explores the events leading up to the Civil War, including the Kansas-Nebraska Act, the Dred Scott decision, and John Brown's raid. He discusses the economic mobilization of both the North and South during the war and the significant battles that shaped its course. The lecture also covers the Emancipation Proclamation, the Gettysburg Address, and the total war strategy that led to the South's defeat. Reconstruction efforts and the passage of the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments are highlighted, along with the challenges faced during this period.

The focus shifts to the process of answering short answer questions (SAQs) and writing essays for the AP exam. Pulaski emphasizes the importance of understanding the format and requirements for both paper and digital exams. He provides tips on managing time and space, especially for digital test takers. The instructor also introduces the 4x4 relay method for pre-writing, which helps students generate relevant information quickly. Pulaski demonstrates how to create a thesis, context, and outline for an essay, using the causes of the Civil War as an example.

In the final segment, Pulaski discusses the process of sourcing in DBQs, explaining how to use documents to support an argument. He introduces the HIP (Historical Interpretation Process) strategy, focusing on the historical situation, audience, purpose, and point of view of each document. The instructor demonstrates how to integrate document analysis into the main body of an essay, using examples from the Civil War period. Pulaski emphasizes the importance of using documents to prove, demonstrate, or illustrate points related to the thesis, rather than simply describing their content.