Introduction: Why Comparing Periods Matters in APUSH
One of the toughest skills in AP U.S. History (APUSH) is the ability to compare and contrast time periods. Whether you’re writing a Long Essay Question (LEQ), Document-Based Question (DBQ), or Short Answer Question (SAQ), the College Board wants to see that you can identify similarities and differences across eras.
This isn’t about memorizing dates. It’s about connecting themes, continuities, and changes over time.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- Why comparison skills are essential for APUSH.
- Step-by-step strategies for comparing periods.
- Examples of common comparisons tested on the exam.
- How RevisionDojo’s APUSH resources give you practice with thematic connections.
Step 1: Understand the Historical Periods
APUSH divides U.S. history into nine periods (1491–present). You must recognize each period’s defining features:
- Period 1 (1491–1607): Pre-Columbian societies, early European exploration.
- Period 2 (1607–1754): Colonization and regional differences.
- Period 3 (1754–1800): Revolution and the new republic.
- Period 4 (1800–1848): Market Revolution, democracy, reform.
- Period 5 (1844–1877): Sectionalism, Civil War, Reconstruction.
- Period 6 (1865–1898): Industrialization, Gilded Age, immigration.
- Period 7 (1890–1945): Progressivism, WWI, Great Depression, WWII.
- Period 8 (1945–1980): Cold War, Civil Rights, liberal vs conservative.
- Period 9 (1980–present): Reagan era, globalization, post–Cold War.
RevisionDojo’s APUSH period outlines condense each era into key bullet points for quick review.
Step 2: Learn the Key APUSH Themes
The College Board emphasizes themes that cut across periods. These include:
- Politics and Power (POL): How power is distributed and contested.
- Work, Exchange, Technology (WXT): Economic systems and trade.
- America in the World (WOR): Foreign policy and global relations.
- Culture and Society (CUL): Religion, gender, social norms.
- Geography and Environment (GEO): Migration, land use, climate impact.
- Migration and Settlement (MIG): Population movements.
- Identity (ID): National, regional, cultural identity.
When you compare periods, you’re almost always comparing across one of these themes.
RevisionDojo’s thematic study sheets show how themes connect across multiple periods.
Step 3: The Compare/Contrast Formula
When answering APUSH comparison questions, use a structured approach:
- Identify the topic/theme. Example: labor systems, foreign policy.
- Write a thesis statement. Must include one similarity AND one difference.
- Organize body paragraphs:
- Paragraph 1: Similarities.
- Paragraph 2: Differences.
- Paragraph 3: Historical reasoning (cause/effect, continuity/change).
RevisionDojo’s essay templates train students to plug in comparisons quickly under timed conditions.
Step 4: Commonly Tested Comparisons
Here are comparisons APUSH students often face:
- Colonial Regions (Period 2): New England vs Chesapeake colonies.
- Revolution vs Civil War (Period 3 vs Period 5): Struggles over liberty and federal power.
- Industrialization (Period 6 vs Period 7): Gilded Age vs Progressive Era reforms.
- World Wars vs Cold War (Period 7 vs Period 8): Role of U.S. in global conflicts.
- Civil Rights (Period 5, Period 8, Period 9): Reconstruction vs 1960s Civil Rights vs modern equality movements.
RevisionDojo’s practice questions focus on these high-frequency comparisons.
Step 5: Example LEQ Thesis
Prompt: Compare the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s–1960s to the Reconstruction era (1865–1877).
Thesis Example:
“While both Reconstruction and the Civil Rights Movement sought to expand political and social rights for African Americans, Reconstruction was undermined by systemic racism and federal withdrawal of support, whereas the Civil Rights Movement achieved more lasting legislative success through landmark acts such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Voting Rights Act of 1965.”
This thesis works because it addresses both similarities and differences while being specific.
RevisionDojo provides sample thesis statements and sentence starters to help students practice.
Step 6: Example SAQ Answer
Prompt: Identify one similarity and one difference between the U.S. economy during the Market Revolution (1800–1848) and the Gilded Age (1865–1898).
Sample Answer:
- Similarity: Both periods saw rapid industrial growth and expansion of transportation networks.
- Difference: The Market Revolution emphasized small-scale, regional markets, while the Gilded Age saw the rise of large corporations and national monopolies.
This level of detail is exactly what earns points on SAQs.
Step 7: Practice Continuity and Change Over Time (CCOT)
Sometimes the exam frames comparison as continuity vs change. Example:
- Compare U.S. foreign policy in the late 1800s to the Cold War era.
Here’s how to structure it:
- Identify one major continuity (U.S. expansionism).
- Identify one major change (ideological battle of capitalism vs communism).
RevisionDojo’s CCOT practice sheets train students to build arguments across multiple periods.
Step 8: Common Mistakes Students Make
- Writing vague theses like “they were similar and different.”
- Forgetting to include BOTH similarities and differences.
- Ignoring historical reasoning (cause/effect, continuity/change).
- Listing facts without analysis.
RevisionDojo’s guided essay reviews help students avoid these traps.
Step 9: Study Routine for Comparison Mastery
- Daily (10 minutes): Practice one thesis statement comparing periods.
- Weekly (30 minutes): Write a timed SAQ or mini-essay.
- Monthly: Do a full DBQ or LEQ with RevisionDojo’s graded practice packs.
Step 10: The RevisionDojo Advantage
RevisionDojo helps students master comparisons by offering:
- Essay templates for LEQs and DBQs.
- Practice prompts with sample high-scoring answers.
- Period summary sheets that emphasize thematic links.
- Timed drills to simulate exam conditions.
Check out RevisionDojo’s APUSH Comparison Guide for deeper practice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Do I need to know all 9 APUSH periods in detail for comparisons?
A: Yes, but focus on the “big picture” themes and major turning points.
Q: How many similarities and differences should I include in an essay?
A: At least one of each, but ideally two of each for stronger essays.
Q: Will I be penalized for writing too much context?
A: No, but keep it focused. Only include context that supports your thesis.
Q: How do I avoid mixing up periods?
A: Practice with timelines and thematic charts — RevisionDojo has printable versions.
Q: How does RevisionDojo help with comparison essays?
A: With step-by-step essay practice, sample theses, and thematic worksheets.
Final Thoughts
Comparing and contrasting time periods is one of the core skills of APUSH. To succeed:
- Learn the defining features of each period.
- Connect them using APUSH themes.
- Write structured thesis statements.
- Practice with SAQs, LEQs, and DBQs.
With RevisionDojo’s structured practice materials, thematic guides, and essay templates, you’ll build the ability to compare periods quickly and effectively — and score higher on the 2025 APUSH exam.
