overview
The History of the United States II: From 1865 to the present exam contains material that is typically taught in the second semester of a two-semester course in United States history. The test covers the period of United States history from the end of the Civil War to the present, with most questions from the 20th century.
Around 120 questions are to be answered in the exam in 90 minutes. Some of these are pretest questions that will not be scored.
Knowledge and skills are required
History of the United States II exam questions require test takers to demonstrate one or more of the following skills.
- Identify and describe historical events
- Analysis and interpretation of historical events
- Compare and contrast historical events
The content of the History of the United States II exam is drawn from the following topics. The percentages next to the main topics indicate the approximate percentage of exam questions in that topic
Topical specifications
- 30% Political institutions and public policy
- 30% Social development
- 10% Economic development
- 20% Cultural and intellectual development
- 10% Diplomacy and International Relations
Chronological specification
- 30% 1865-1914
- 70% 1915-Present
The following are among the specific examined topics:
- Effects of the Civil War and Reconstruction on the South
- Motivation and character of American expansionism and imperialism
- Legal history, including constitutional amendments and major Supreme Court cases
- The Role of Environment in United States History
- American political parties, movements, and the development of realignment
- The changing role of the federal government in the economy and American life
- Intellectual and political expressions of liberalism and conservatism
- Long-term population trends
- The process of economic growth and development, including periods of depression and recession
- Changing occupational structure, nature of work and labor organization
- History of immigration and racial and ethnic minorities
- Urbanization and Industrialization
- The causes and effects of major wars in United States history, diplomacy, and world engagement
- Major movements and individual figures in the history of American art and culture
- Trends in Women’s and Family History
- Trends in education, science, and technology and their impact on United States society
- Civil rights movement, women’s rights movement, protest movement, and expansion of individual rights and civil liberties
Score information
ACE Recommendations for United States History II: 1865 to the Present
| Credit-granting score | 50 |
| semester hours | 3 |
Note: Each institution reserves the right to set its own credit-granting policies, which may differ from those of the American Council on Education (ACE). Contact your college to find out the score required for credit and the number of credit hours awarded.
