AP US History has eight history themes. These themes help connect the events of the course together. The College Board also uses the themes to structure Long-Essay Questions and Document-Based Questions. Understanding the eight themes can give you a significant advantage in the course and on the AP US History exam.
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The Basics of History Themes
What is a History Theme?
It's important to understand what a historical theme is before we move forward. A theme is a recurring idea a history course explores. It's often an idea or concept that has developed or changed over a period of time. Themes help structure courses because they illuminate patterns between time periods. This helps us make sense of the story, rather than relying on just memorizing characters.
A metaphor may be helpful here. For example, the legendary composer John Williams wrote dozens of musical themes for the Star Wars series. Most of the main characters, like Yoda and Princess Leia have themes. These themes play when the characters are doing something important. They also play when something is happening that may affect those characters. These recurring themes help us understand the character's personality. They also help us understand how the characters are grow and change overtime.
History themes are similar. History courses emphasize different themes. Survey and introductory classes tend to cover several, broad themes. When we revisit these topics in a course, we can make sense of what events are important and why. We can consider how these aspects of human history change over time. They allow us to connect different people, time periods, and ideas together because they relate to a similar concept. As a result, you might realize that the current debate about how much power the executive branch and federal government have is as old as the country itself. Many historians feel this kind of understanding is more important than memorizing random dates.
This also helps people who are new to history understand the different ways of analyzing history. You may find political changes quite dull, but social or political movements fascinating. You can use this information to pursue your interests in future classes or on your own. As you take more advanced coursework, the history themes become more specific. For example, one of the last history classes I took in college was called "History of the American Family." We spent a lot of time talking about families, and things that impacted family life like immigration and gender roles. We spent less time talking about many topics that may seem like the bread and butter of a US History class. For example, we didn't talk about the Constitution or the battles of the Civil War.
Themes in AP US History
The Eight AP US History Themes
American and National Identity (NAT)
Identity explores a group's sense of who they are and what that means for the group's members. Groups often develop a shared set of values and expectations for it's members. This theme considers who is considered an American and what beliefs American have about this identity. It also considers the impact of identity on US government policies, including immigration, citizenship, and foreign policy. This theme also explores the long-standing belief of many Americans that America is an exceptional, or unique, country.
Work, Exchange, and Technology (WXT)
This theme covers all things related to economics. Economists study how people use scarce resources. This include natural resources, time, and the ability to work. AP US History emphasizes three aspects of economics. First, work considers what kinds of jobs are available to individuals. It also considers how job opportunities have shifted over time. Exchange examines trade. This includes buying and selling goods inside and outside of the country. Finally, technology considers how new inventions have reshaped the economy. This includes improved productivity and new job opportunities. It also considers negative effects, like increased workplace injuries and job losses from automation.
Geography and the Environment (GEO)
Geographers study the Earth's surface. AP US History emphasizes the importance of physical geography. This includes soil, climate, and other environmental features. The course also discusses the impact of land forms, including mountains, rivers, and oceans. This theme also discusses the impact of people and changes in the environment over time. Geography also influences other aspects of history, like the development of regional cultures and political conflicts.
Migration and Settlement (MIG)
Migration and settlement are two sides of the same coin. Migration occurs when one group of people moves to a new location during a specific period of time. Settlement occurs when a group of people decides to stay in a new location. These forces influence the people who move, the location they move to, and the location that they leave behind.
Politics and Power (PCE)
This theme explores all things government. The US government has significant national and global power, but the proper use of that power has been the subject of intense debates. Politics includes any attempts to influence the actions of a government. These theme explores how the Founding Fathers and elected officials shaped the US government. It also explores how activism and groups used diverse methods to gain power and influence.
America in the World (WOR)
The United States has interacted with other countries and nations throughout it's history. During the colonial period, global events shaped the formation of the United States. After independence, the United States' government gained influence over global events.
American and Regional Culture (ARC)
Social Structures (SOC)
People connect with other people and institutions. Institutions are organizations or traditions that serve a purpose in society. Social structures explain what connections are typical for group of people. They also describe rules and expectations for these relationships. Social structures also examine how these aspects of life impact other areas of history, including politics and economic systems. Gender roles, family relationships, hierarchies, and discrimination are all forms of social organization.
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