AP European HistoryAP
European developments, 1450 to present.
Overview
AP European History surveys European developments from c. 1450 to the present through four periods.
Why it matters
Strengthens historical reasoning and source analysis within a European context.
Skills you’ll build
- Argumentation
- Causation
- Continuity & change
- Comparison
Topic Breakdown (Units)
Period 1: c. 1450–1648
- Renaissance & exploration
- Reformations
- State building
Period 2: 1648–1815
- Scientific Revolution
- Enlightenment
- Revolutionary era
Period 3: 1815–1914
- Industrialization
- Nationalism
- Imperialism
Period 4: 1914–Present
- World wars
- Cold War
- European integration
Lessons & Notes
Period 1: c. 1450–1648
Cultural and religious transformation with emerging states.
- humanism
- absolutism
Period 2: 1648–1815
Ideas reshape politics and society.
- natural rights
- balanced government
Period 3: 1815–1914
Economic change and competing ideologies.
- liberalism
- Marxism
Period 4: 1914–Present
Conflict, reconstruction, and cooperation.
- total war
- EU