4 Key Time Periods for AP World History: Modern
AP Exams Spring 2021 The Princeton Review
Hi, folks! I’m Rob Franek, Editor-in-Chief at The Princeton Review, and today we’re tackling the AP
World History: Modern exam!
The College Board divides world history into 4 distinct time periods, starting from about
800 years ago until the present day. So, today we’re going to take a look at each
period and discuss the key concepts you should focus on to prepare for the
exam! But first, some advice that applies across all the time periods on the exam.
Here it is – Focus on the BIG Picture: In a nutshell, the AP World History:
Modern exam is testing your ability to make connections between different
societies over different periods of time. For any given period of time,
you should be able to explain who did what and how what they did affected the rest of
the world. In other words, focus on the big picture! And as you do, keep in mind that the
College Board is assessing your ability to think critically about 6 key themes. Those are:
Humans and the Environment Cultural Developments and Interactions
Governance Economic Systems
Social Interactions and Organization Technology and Innovation
As you work your way through the time periods, look out for these recurring themes!
Keeping a big-picture perspective in mind as you study will help you contextualize the
historical events and developments that you’ll be tested on. OK, without further ado, folks:
Time Period #1 – Regional and Interregional Interactions (c. 1200 to c. 1450): There’s so much
to cover during this 250-year period, so let’s break it down into a few key concepts. First, you
should have an understanding of the world’s major religions: Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism,
Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism. Aim to focus not only on the theological or philosophical
basis of each belief system, but also on the impact those belief systems had on social,
political, cultural, and military developments.
Next, you’ll need to have a firm understanding of the developments within each region of the world,
including the Middle East, Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. And again, folks, you need
to understand more than just the events that occurred within each region (remember, think big
picture!). You’ll want to grasp how each region interacted with and affected others.
Study up on trade networks such as the Silk Road, as well the intentional expansion of religion
through methods like missionary work or religious warfare. You should also review notable global
travelers like XuanZang and Marco Polo, along with major technological innovations coming from China
and the Islamic World, such as paper currency, surgical instruments, and the magnetic compass.
This brings us to: Time Period #2 –
Global Interactions and the Rise of Europe (c. 1450 to c. 1750): In this time period,
global interaction increased significantly, and Europe emerged as a major player.
The exam will assess you on your understanding of the interactions among regions and cultures,
particularly in relation to Europe. Accordingly, my friends, you should spend a good chunk of time
studying major European developments from this period, including changes in European
thought and expression during four key cultural movements: the Renaissance,
the Protestant Reformation, the Scientific Revolution, and the Enlightenment.
You’ll also need to know about European exploration and expansion. Advances in
map-making and ship-building led to increased sea travel and Europeans’ discovery of the New World,
which in turn, helped give rise to the Encomienda System, the African Slave Trade, the Columbian
Exchange, and the Commercial Revolution. And, finally, be sure to study European rivalries,
technological innovations, and changes to the role that women played during this time.
Next up:
Time Period #3 – Industrialization and Global Integration (c. 1750 to c. 1900):
A lot took place between 1750 to 1900—from Napoleon’s
attempt to conquer Europe, to the United States’ ascension to world-power status!
Let’s focus on a few key concepts you’ll need to understand from this time period:
First, there’s the American Revolution and the French Revolution. You should focus on the causes
and consequences for each, and you should also be familiar with other independence movements in
Haiti, Brazil, Mexico, and across Latin America. And of course, as you’re studying,
look for the connections between all these events—remember the big picture!
And, of course, we absolutely cannot forget about the Industrial Revolution—the single biggest event
of the time period—that affected everything from political and economic developments,
to technological advancements, to European imperialism in Africa and Asia, to the inclusion
of women and children in the workforce. You’ll need to take a deep dive into this historic
period and fully understand how industrialization affected both daily life and global relations.
And now for our final time period:
Time Period #4 World Wars and Globalization (c. 1900 to Present): From 1900 onward,
you’ll want to focus on the major global events and wars that took place during the twentieth
century. You’ll want to understand the causes and sequence of events leading to World War I,
including the murder of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and the formation of key alliances—the Allies and
the Central Powers. You should also understand the end result of the war as seen in the
Treaty of Versailles and the creation of a joint council of nations called the League of Nations.
Likewise, you should be familiar with the causes and consequences of War World II.
Familiairize yourself with Stalin’s Five-Year Plans, the Great Depression,
the emergence of facist parties, and finally, the rise of Hitler and the Nazi Party.
There are key pacts you should be aware of, too, including the Nazi-Soviet Pact,
the Anti-Comintern Pact and the Tripartite Pact.
The development of the atomic bomb—a.k.a. the Manhattan Project—and the detonations
over Hiroshima and Nagasaki are also important for you to understand.
The consequences of World War II brought enormous global changes, including awareness about
the Holocaust, the creation of international organizations like the United Nations,
and the start of the Cold War. And speaking of the Cold War, study up on the power struggle that
emerged between the United Stated and the Soviet Union after World War II, as well as the ways in
which the Cold War and communism affected China, Korea, Vietnam, Cuba, and European countries.
There were also several independence movements and developments in Asia and Africa during
this period, including the rise and fall of apartheid. Familiarize yourself with these events.
And, lastly, spend some time focusing on recents
events and developments in world history since the 1980s. Review the rise of the Taliban and
terrorists networks like Al Qaeda, recent terrorist attacks, specifically 9/11,
as well as notable global health crises, from AIDS to cholera. The exam will even
cover events and technological advancements from the 21st century, such as the computer,
internet, and social media. So, be sure to know all about our most recent history too!
We hope you’ve enjoyed today’s video! ! If you’re planning to take the AP World History:
Modern exam, leave us a comment and let us know how your AP preparation is going. And,
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