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AP® European History Teaching Resource: Period 2: c. 1648 to c. 1815

Period 2: c. 1648 to c. 1815

For this period, images and primary source documents are organized by each of the four Key Concepts of the Outline, demonstrating:

  • different models of political sovereignty and their effect on relationships among states and between states and individuals;
  • the expansion of a European commerce and accelerated growth of a worldwide financial network;
  • the popularization and dissemination of the Scientific Revolution;
  • the effect of demographic, environmental, and technological changes on everyday life.

AP® European History Curriculum Framework

Key Concepts reproduced in this guide are from: The College Board. "AP® European History Course and Exam Description, Including Curriculum Framework, 2017." https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/pdf/ap-european-history-course-and-exam-description.pdf?course=ap-european-history

Advanced Placement® and AP® are trademarks registered and/or owned by the College Board, which was not involved in the production of, and does not endorse, this website. 

Image Groups for this period

Key Concept 2.1 — Different models of political sovereignty affected the relationship among states and between states and individuals.

Establishment of Absolute Monarchies

Challenges to Absolutism

Diplomacy & War After 1648

Effects of the French Revolution

Napoleon & European Nationalism

Key Concept 2.2 — The expansion of European commerce accelerated the growth of a worldwide economic network.

Global Implications of Market Economy

Challenges to Absolutism & Mercantilism

Commercial Rivalries Impact Diplomacy

Changes Made by Worldwide Economic Network

Key Concept 2.3 — The spread of Scientific Revolution concepts and practices and the Enlightenment’s application of these concepts and practices to political, social, and ethical issues led to an increased but not unchallenged emphasis on reason in European culture.

Impact of Rational & Empirical Thought

Ways Enlightenment Ideas Spread

Natural Religion & Demands for Tolerance

Changes in the Arts

Key Concept 2.4 — The experiences of everyday life were shaped by demographic, environmental, medical, and technological changes.

Balance Between Population & Food Supply

Cities, Migration, & Urban Life

Consumer Revolution & Leisure Activities

Family and Private Life