History of the United States I
Early Colonizations to 1877
Description of the Examination
The History of the United States I: Early Colonization to 1877 examination covers material that is usually taught in the first semester of a two-semester course in United States history. The examination covers the period of United States history from early European colonizations to the end of Reconstruction, with the majority of the questions on the period of 1790-1877. In the part covering the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, emphasis is placed on the English colonies.
The examination contains 120 questions to be answered in 90 minutes. Some of these are pretest questions that will not be scored. Any time candidates spend on tutorials and providing personal information is in addition to the actual testing time.
Knowledge and Skills Required
Questions on the History of the United States I examination require candidates to demonstrate one or more of the following abilities:
- Identification and description of historical phenomena
- Analysis and interpretation of historical phenomena
- Comparison and contrast of historical phenomena
The subject matter of the History of the United States I examination is drawn from the following topics. The percentages next to the main topics indicate the approximate percentages of exam questions on those topics.
Topical Specifications
| 35% | Political institutions and behavior and public policy |
| 25% | Social developments |
| 10% | Economic developments |
| 15% | Cultural and intellectual developments |
| 15% | Diplomacy and international relations |
Chronological Specifications
| 30% | 1500–1789 |
| 70% | 1790–1877 |
The following themes are reflected in a comprehensive introductory survey course:
- The nature of indigenous societies in North America
- The origins and nature of black slavery and resistance
- Immigration and the history of ethnic minorities
- Major movements and individual figures in the history of women and the family
- The development and character of colonial societies
- British relations with the Atlantic colonies of North America
- The changing role of religion in American society
- The content of the Constitution and its amendments, and their interpretation by the Supreme Court
- The development and expansion of participatory democracy
- The growth of and changes in political parties
- The changing role of government in American life
- The intellectual and political expressions of nationalism
- Major movements and individual figures in the history of American literature, art, and popular culture
- Abolitionism and reform movements
- Long-term democratic trends (immigration and internal migration)
- The motivations for and character of American expansionism
- The process of economic growth and development
- The causes and impacts of major wars in U.S. history
Study Resources
Most textbooks used in college-level United States history courses cover the topics in the outline given earlier, but the approaches to certain topics and the emphasis given to them may differ. To prepare for the History of the United States I exam, it is advisable to study one or more college textbooks, which can be found in most college bookstores. When selecting a textbook, check the table of contents against the "Knowledge and Skills Required" for this test.
Additional detail and differing interpretations can be gained by consulting readers and specialized historical studies. Pay attention to visual materials (pictures, maps, and charts) as you study.
In addition, many college faculty members post their course materials on their school websites, and there are a number of educational websites that contain useful resources organized by subject.
