The one thing you need to know about this question:

Section II of the AP Exam includes three Long Essay Question (LEQ) prompts. You will choose to write about just one of these. 

The formatting of prompts varies somewhat between the AP Histories, though the rubric does not. In AP World History, the prompt includes a sentence that orients the writer to the time, place, and theme of the prompt topic, while prompts in AP US History and AP European History typically do not. However, the rubrics and scoring guidelines are the same for all Histories.


Your answer should include the following:

We will break down each of these aspects in the next section. For now, the gist is that you need to write an essay that answers the prompt, using evidence. You will need to structure and develop your essay using one of the course reasoning skills.

Many of the skills you need to write a successful LEQ essay are the same skills you will use on the DBQ. In fact, some of the rubric points are identical, so you can use a lot of the same strategies on both writing tasks!

You will have three choices of prompts for your LEQ. All three prompts will focus on the same reasoning skills, but the time periods will differ in each prompt. Prompt topics may span across time periods specified in the course outline, and the time period breakdowns for each prompt are as follows:


Writing time on the AP Exam includes both the Document Based Question (DBQ) and the (LEQ), but it is suggested that you spend 40 minutes completing the LEQ. You will need to plan and write your essay in that time. 

The LEQ is scored on a rubric out of six points, and is weighted at 15% of your overall exam score. We’ll break down the rubric next.

The LEQ is scored on a six point rubric, and each point can be earned independently. That means you can miss a point on something and still earn other points with the great parts of your essay. 

Note: all of the examples in this section will be for this prompt from AP World History: Modern. You could use similar language, structure, or skills to write samples for prompts in AP US History or AP European History.

Let’s break down each rubric component...

 The thesis is a brief statement that introduces your argument or claim, and can be supported with evidence and analysis. This is where you 

 This is the only element in the essay that has a required location. The thesis needs to be in your 

 of your essay. It can be more than one sentence, but all of the sentences that make up your thesis must be consecutive in order to count.

 The most important part of your thesis is the 

, which is your answer to the prompt. The description the College-Board gives is that it should be “historically defensible,” which really means that your evidence must be plausible. On the LEQ, your thesis needs to be related topic of the prompt.

 Translation: address why or how something happened - think of this as the “because” to the implied “how/why” of the prompt. This sets up the framework for the body of your essay, since you can use the reasoning from your thesis to structure your body paragraph topics later.

The claim and reasoning are the required elements of the thesis. And if that’s all you can do, you’re in good shape to earn the point. 

Going above-and-beyond to create a more complex thesis can help you in the long run, so it’s worth your time to try. One way to build in complexity to your thesis is to think about a 

that is relevant to your response. If you are using one of the course reasoning process to structure your essay (and you should!) think about using that framework for your thesis too.


This counter-claim or alternate viewpoint can look like an “although” or “however” phrase in your thesis.

Powers in both land-based and maritime empires had to adapt their rule to accommodate diverse populations. However, in this era land-based empires were more focused on direct political control, while the maritime empires were more based on trade and economic development.

This thesis works because it clearly addresses the prompt (comparing land and maritime empires). It starts by addressing a similarity, and then specifies a clear difference with a line of reasoning to clarify the actions of the land vs. maritime empires.

 Contextualization is a brief statement that lays out the broader historical background relevant to the prompt. 

There are a lot of good metaphors out there for contextualization, including the “previously on…” at the beginning of some TV shows, or the 

Both of these examples serve the same function: they give important information about what has happened off-screen that the audience needs to know to understand what is about to happen on-screen.

In your essay, contextualization is the same. You give your reader information about what else has happened, or is happening, in history that will help them understand the specific topic and argument you are about to make.

 There is no specific requirement for where contextualization must appear in your essay. The easiest place to include it, however, is in your 

. Use context to get your reader acquainted with the time, place, and theme of your essay, then transition into your thesis.

 Good contextualization doesn’t have to be long, and it doesn’t have to go into a ton of detail, but it does need to do a few very specific things.

Your contextualization needs to refer to events, developments and/or processes outside the time and place of the prompt. It could address something that occurred in an earlier era in the same region as the topic of the prompt, or it could address something happening at the same time as the prompt, but in a different place. Briefly describe this outside information.

Then, connect it to your thesis/argument. The language from the College Board is that contextualization must be “relevant to the prompt,” and in practical terms this means you have to show the connection. A transition sentence or phrase is useful here (plus, this is why contextualization makes the most sense in the introduction!)

Also, contextualization needs to be multiple consecutive sentences, so it’s all one argument (not sprinkled around in a paragraph). The introduction is the best place for contextualization, but not the only place. 

Basically, choose a connected topic that “sets the stage” for your thesis, and briefly describe it in a couple sentences. Then, make a clear connection to the argument of your thesis from that outside information.

In the period 1450-1750, both European and Asian powers expanded their reach and created large empires across the world. In Asia, the trend was toward large, land-based empires which were controlled from a central capital city. Europeans built empires that stretched across oceans included territories in the Americas, Africa, and Asia.

This contextualization works by addressing the time period of the prompt and establishing basic definitions for empire-building and the types of empires (land and maritimes.) These definitions will be valuable context for seeing the comparisons developed in the thesis and body paragraphs of this essay.

 For this point, the focus is simply about having evidence. Evidence is the historical detail you include in your writing. The specific facts and examples that prove your argument. In the LEQ, your evidence comes your knowledge of history. 

Evidence goes in your body paragraphs. In fact, the bulk of your body paragraphs will be made up of evidence and supporting analysis or commentary that connects that evidence to other evidence and/or to the argument you are making.

 Good evidence is specific, accurate, and relevant to the prompt. For this point, simply including multiple pieces of quality evidence is enough. If you’re a numbers person, a good starting point is to aim for two pieces of quality evidence in each body paragraph and go up from there.

In order for your evidence to count for this point, it needs to be really specific. Using 

 is a great strategy here to know that you are writing specific evidence. If you can’t remember a specific vocabulary term, describe what you mean in plain language with as much detail as possible.

Though the Ottoman Sultans were Muslims, they ruled over a population that included fellow Muslims, Christians, and Jews.

This evidence works because it includes specific and relevant details, namely the religions of both the Ottoman rulers and the diverse population they ruled over.

Evidence: Supports an Argument with Evidence

In addition to having evidence, this point is about using that evidence to support an argument in response to the prompt. Basically, connect your evidence back to your topic sentence and/or thesis.

Long Essay Question (LEQ)

Thinking about taking AP European History? Image Courtesy of 

Wondering if you should take AP European History? If you're unsure, think about the difficulty and worth of the course in terms of your own priorities and interests. Get started by thinking about your prior experience, probable workload, and future plans.

Need some extra support in AP Euro this year? Check out 

 to find everything that you need for success! 

If you're on the fence about taking AP Euro, you should familiarize yourself with the general course to gain a little more insight about what you could learn. The course covers over 550 years of European history in 9 units and focuses on developing historical thinking skills.

Take a look at the course and exam structures:

The difficulty of the course material is subjective and you won't get the same answer from everyone. However, if AP Euro is your first AP history course (or your first AP course 

), you might find the experience to be especially difficult. Even if you're a seasoned AP history student, you might encounter a learning curve as this course will explore familiar material from a different perspective as well as new material altogether.

As you dive into over 550 years of historical content, you might feel overwhelmed by the prospect of remembering 

. Don't worry! As you learn more about European history, you'll be able to identify connections and themes, which are the 

 important takeaways from the course in preparation for the AP exam. 

You might also struggle with the format of the exam questions, especially if you haven't encountered the style in the past. The questions test your historical thinking skills, which can take a long time to develop. AP Euro is a journey and practice makes perfect!

Like any history course, the workload won't be the lightest. In order to learn centuries of historical content, develop historical thinking skills, and prepare for the AP exam in under a year, the course must be fast-paced. Of course, a "heavy" workload is subjective and dependent on many factors (other courses, extracurricular activities, etc.), so think about your responsibilities over the next year. 

 questions to former AP Euro students at your school to get a sense of the teacher and their own course structure. How many textbook chapters will you read per week? How often will you have a test? How many DBQs will you write? Every teacher is different and some might value a certain aspect of the course over others, such as content, projects, or practice exams. Step out of your comfort zone, but don't take on an unrealistic workload. 

There are a few courses that can significantly decrease the difficulty of AP Euro, specifically AP World History and AP US History. 

If you're one of the many students who take AP World or APUSH before AP Euro, you already have prior knowledge of history as well as strong historical reasoning skills. While you'll be focusing on 

 history during this course, the experience that you gained through AP World or APUSH can provide contextualization to events in AP Euro. There is some overlap, so pay attention!

The exam structures for AP World, APUSH, and AP Euro are identical as well, meaning that there will likely be less of a learning curve. The exam will feel familiar, starting with the multiple-choice section and ending with the free-response section. The content might be different, but the rubrics are the same! Refresh your memory of the free-response rubrics at the beginning of the year and they will feel like muscle memory again.

If AP Euro will be your first AP history course, don't worry! Prior experience isn't necessary to succeed in the course and knowing the format of the exam can only get you so far. Focus on building your knowledge of the course and developing strong historical reasoning skills. Remember to familiarize yourself with the exam structure and rubrics throughout the year, but don't make it everything.

🤔 What Do AP Euro Students Have to Say?

"Depending on how much you like history, I'd say AP Euro is generally a 7/10 difficulty. You definitely need to learn to write SAQs, LEQs, and DBQs well, since the multiple choice section part of the test is a bit more challenging due to the little amount of time given to answer, but overall it's a great class. The material itself is not hard, it's applying it to your answers and learning how to phrase details accordingly that challenges the student." - Graciela Batlle

If you're passionate about European history, you should definitely take the AP course! When you're interested in the subject, learning the content and associated skills become so much more enjoyable. While you may choose not to pursue history in the future, there's no harm in taking a course for fun! The knowledge that you'll gain from the experience will be useful for a lifetime!

The College Board's AP Exam Score to College Credit Policies

The opportunity to earn college credit is a major bonus to taking any AP exam. Depending on the college that you attend, a passing score on the AP Euro exam can earn you introductory European history course credits. If you're planning to pursue a major related to history, these credits can be especially helpful in enabling you to take more advanced courses earlier. If you're planning to pursue an unrelated major, these credits can fulfill various elective requirements. Check out credit policies at colleges that you're considering in order to plan your future!

Considering a potential career in history? Keep in mind that AP Euro is only a small look into the field of history, so don't make a final career decision based on a single course. However, high school courses provide an amazing opportunity to explore different fields, get a sense of your options, and learn something new about yourself! If you have any interest in a future history career, AP Euro can be a great preview.

"It was very rewarding, especially as my first AP class. I learned how to write well and it put me on track for more difficult college history classes." - Molly Kilian

"I have been able to gain a greater understanding of historical events and how it has shaped the world we live in. The subject matter taught in AP Euro also ventures into several other studies such as art history, English literature, scientific thought, philosophy, and much more." - Anonymous

Considering whether to take an AP course can be difficult! Hopefully, you have gained a better understanding of the difficulty and worth of AP Euro. Remember to consider your own goals in this choice. Regardless of your final decision, the Fiveable community is here to support you! 

Is AP European History Hard? Is AP European History Worth Taking?

The first section on the AP European History exam consists of multiple-choice questions. This section makes up 40% of your exam score, which means that learning how to conquer this style of question is crucial. You should familiarize yourself with the exam format and the questions that you're likely to see on the exam.

If you're looking to review content that will help you on this section, take a look at Fiveable's resources. Fiveable has a 

collection of live streams, study guides, trivia, and more

The College Board's Description of the Exam

The first type of question that you'll encounter on the AP European History exam is the classic multiple-choice question (MCQ). However, these MCQs aren't traditional; instead, they are 

. Stimulus-based MCQs require developed historical knowledge, but also the ability to interpret and analyze historical documents. You'll be provided with a source, which could take the form of a text, image, chart, or map, and asked to answer 3–4 questions based on that source.

You'll have 55 minutes to answer 55 questions, which works out to around a minute per question. Remember to account for the time that it takes to read and work with each source. It is important to be careful, yet efficient when analyzing the source and questions to ensure that you properly understand the material. Beware of the time limit.

You can only earn points; you can't lose points. This scoring system means that there is no penalty for guessing. Remember to answer 

 question. You might guess correctly and earn a point that you would have missed if you hadn't answered!

If you do the math, you'll find that you have around 1 minute to answer 1 question. Don't get caught up in the precise timing. 

Take the time to understand the source and its meaning, which will cut into the "minute per question," but will ultimately save you time in the end as you'll have the context necessary to answer each question. As you gain more experience in the section, you'll learn what system works best for you.

Remember that you don't have to go in the order of the questions. Address the questions that you might feel the most comfortable answering first. This strategy allows you to answer the most questions in the least amount of time. 

Then, you can go back and spend time working through the more difficult questions. If this technique doesn't work for you, that's okay as there are always alternatives! Sometimes, following the order of the questions can be helpful to staying on track and organized.

3. Look at Source Information and Questions

The information in the source, such as author, location, and date, can often be incredibly helpful. While you might want to get to the real source, remember to look at the straightforward content first! 

A text might use complex language and a cartoon might have a convoluted message, but the basic details are typically easy to understand. You might even be able to answer a question solely based on the context of the source!

If you look at the questions before diving into the source, you're able to look for the specific and relevant information that can help you select the correct answer. If you read the source before the associated questions, you might have to look back at the source multiple times before finding the necessary information. The described strategy can help to minimize that problem and cut down on wasted time!

You've probably encountered a question that you don't know how to answer in your high school journey. You'll likely feel lost on a few questions on the AP exam, given the pressure of the time limit, and that's okay. 

The important thing is to know when to move on to the next question. There is no need to spend all of your time on 1 question, especially when you could have answered 5 other questions in the same amount of time. Maximize the number of points that you could earn!

While it may seem strange, guessing can often be a good strategy. Of course, you shouldn't guess on 

 question, but if you have 10 questions left to answer in 3 minutes, it might help you. Think about it: if you randomly answer those last questions, there's a chance that a few of those answers are correct. If you left those blank, there is no possibility to earn any points for those questions. Develop a strategy!

 to record your answers. When you take the real AP exam, you'll be given a typical multiple-choice answer sheet. The circles that you fill in on the answer sheet are the ones that count!

You'll see an answer sheet similar to the one above on the AP exam. Image Courtesy of The College Board

Try to answer this sample question with your newfound knowledge!

The College Board's Sample Exam Questions in the CED (pg. 241–248)

Unfortunately, publicly-accessible practice exams for the MCQ section of the AP exam are limited. You'll have the most success if you ask your teacher, if possible, for more resources that they have permission to use. 

AP Classroom provides many realistic practice MCQs, if you're looking for official resources. Many textbooks and prep books create their own practice MCQs, but there is no way to validate the accuracy of those questions.

Don't feel discouraged if you struggle with the MCQ format that is used on the AP exam. Remember that practice makes perfect, especially when you're consistent. As you work through more real examples, you'll begin to understand how to appropriately tackle different questions. 

Familiarize yourself with a variety of styles, and don't get comfortable with only one style. You've got this and good luck!

AP European History Multiple Choice Help (MCQ) 

Thinking about self-studying AP European History? If the course isn't available at your school or if you're homeschooled, self-studying is the perfect alternative!

It's important to understand what comes with self-studying to adequately prepare yourself for the process. Consider what you would like to get out of self-studying the course.

Fiveable is here to help you get the most out of your experience and overcome any challenges you may face!

⚖️ Weighing the Pros and Cons of Self-Studying

Can take AP exam if you're homeschooled or if the AP class isn't available at your school

Can learn content that you might not have otherwise

Might be difficult to create your own course structure and follow it, especially if you have a busy schedule

Might be difficult to find someone familiar with the subject to provide feedback

Might be challenging to stay motivated, especially if history isn't your favorite

Might not be worth self-studying, depending on your future plans

📜 The College Board's Course and Exam Description (CED)

AP European History Course and Exam Description

The College Board's CED is the core document used by teachers to structure their own classes, but it can be overwhelming on page 1 of 285. As a student, you might have trouble understanding the technical language of the CED at first, but don't let that discourage you!

If you have the time toward the beginning of the self-studying process, browse through the CED, and find the sections that will help you the most. Alternatively, you could use the CED to ensure that you covered all the required content prior to reviewing for the exam.

Use the CED to learn about the typical structure of the course and the expected structure of the exam, which are outlined below to get you started.

This layout provides an overview of each unit and its topics. Reference this chart to plan your next steps.

This section breaks down every part of the exam and what knowledge is being tested. Take the time to work through all of the information and understand the format.

🗓️ Creating an Effective Study Schedule

If you're self-studying, one of the best resources that you can create for yourself is a study schedule. This study schedule will look different for every student, but make sure that you define a 

 structure that includes all of the information you'll need for convenience.

If you take the time to create a high-quality study schedule before you begin self-studying, you can save a lot of time in the long run. You'll minimize confusion and feel less overwhelmed!

The CED will be very helpful during this step of self-studying! You can determine how long you should focus on certain concepts and build a sense of familiarity with the course. Remember to account for your classes and activities, breaks, and review time before the exam. Find what works for you and make the study schedule your own!

👉 Best AP European History Textbooks and Prep Books by Thomasina Lester [link]

To have a comprehensive and structured source of content, look into textbooks and prep books. Textbooks can be incredibly expensive, but they serve as a good option if you can find one for a fair price or if your school can provide one. A good alternative is a prep book, as they are more affordable and cover the most important information of the course.

 if you're a fan of written content! Our study guides follow the CED and are easy to read.

look under the "Example Textbook List" tab from the College Board

Here are a few of the most popular prep books:

The Princeton Review: Cracking the AP European History Exam

REA's Crash Course for AP European History

Videos are a great alternative to lectures or explanations provided by a teacher! Youtube is the best website to visit for these resources, but you'll need to find the ones that work for you.

Fiveable offers live streams that are perfect for self-studiers! Tune in to learn something new or review a certain topic. Check the 

Here are a few student favorites to get you started:

Watch movies and TV shows or read historical books to have fun 

 study the content! While you shouldn't self-study using 

 these resources, they can mix things up and help you remember certain events.

Here are a few recommendations that you might enjoy:

Released Free-Response Questions and Scoring Guidelines

Take advantage of the free-response questions that the College Board releases every year! They are accompanied by samples and scoring, which makes it easy to see what the exam readers want to identify in your work.

Answer the released free-response questions yourself, rather than reviewing sample answers. 

 Respond to the problems in testing conditions (timed with no resources) and use the scoring guidelines to reflect on your work.

Fiveable Community: AP Euro Practice Prompts

One of the most important parts of any AP course, but especially history courses, is the ability to gain feedback from other students and teachers. While the term "self-studying" implies working alone, don’t devalue the potential of collective knowledge.

Try to find an AP World History or AP US History teacher at your school who is willing to review your free-response questions (same rubrics across courses). If you can find a teacher who has knowledge of European history, their feedback will be even better! If you're homeschooled, look into homeschooling groups or reach out to teachers at your local school who may be able to help out.

If you don't have access to teachers in your area who are able to help you in self-studying, look to the internet! Fiveable has an amazing community of students and teachers who are ready to help you. Reddit is also a great place to find fellow students, try checking out subreddits like 

Information From the College Board Regarding the Exam for Independent Learners

Make sure that you know the process in place to register and take the exam at the end of the school year. Contact the AP coordinator at your school to discuss the exam details, including ordering the exam and determining the exam location. If you're homeschooled, you should contact schools in your area for more information about their exam policies. Start this search early in the school year to ensure that you meet any deadlines.

Taking the leap to self-study for an AP exam, especially a content-heavy subject like a history course, is already an accomplishment! You have already shown that you have a special amount of drive and dedication. Work hard and take breaks. Remember that you are capable of success!

AP European History Self-Study and Homeschool

Feel scholarly as you answer free-response questions in AP European History! Image Courtesy of 

If you've heard of the AP European History exam, you've likely caught a few comments about the free-response questions. This section is particularly unique as it includes the document-based question and the long-essay question, which are signatures within the AP history courses.

The FRQ section is, arguably, the most important section of the exam. The section spans 1 hour and 40 minutes and represents 40% of your exam score, which means that learning how to tackle this exam format is crucial.

Here are some important facts, helpful tips and tricks, and practice questions to get you prepared for the FRQ section!

After you complete the first section of the exam (multiple-choice and short-answer), you'll encounter the free-response question (FRQ) section. This section consists of 2 questions: the document-based question (DBQ) and the long-essay question (LEQ). The DBQ accounts for 25% of your exam score and the LEQ accounts for 15% of your exam score. You'll have a total of 1 hour and 40 minutes to complete both questions. The College Board recommends that you spend 60 minutes on the DBQ and 40 minutes on the LEQ. However, these suggestions are not firm and you can determine the pace that works best for you.

The College Board's AP Euro DBQ + LEQ Rubrics

 to succeeding in the FRQ section. These FRQs aren't asking for your typical essay that you write in English class. Instead, you have to demonstrate your historical reasoning skills! The exam readers are looking for specific elements within your writing that show that you're able to 

 based on the prompt. Remember to attempt every rubric point!

📢If you'd like to explore the DBQ rubric with the help of an experienced student, watch 

! Want a similar live stream for the LEQ rubric? Watch 

Live LEQ Scoring with AP Readers by Kristopher Clancy

This tip might seem obvious, but it's easy to skim over the prompt to read the documents or jump into writing. 

 If you misread the prompt, your following argument, no matter how strong, won't be relevant. Responding to the prompt in the context of the incorrect time period is also an easy mistake to make! Prevent it by focusing on the prompt for a little longer than you might think. If you struggle to interpret the prompt, look at the 

 used and the time period to get a sense of the situation.

 response that you would proudly submit to your English teacher. Instead, focus on showing off your ability to craft a strong, nuanced argument based on historical knowledge and reasoning! Write every sentence with a 

. If a sentence doesn't strengthen your argument in an attempt to earn a rubric point, you might want to consider going in a different direction. It can be difficult to maintain that balance, so keep practicing!

One of the most helpful skills to learn for the exam is 

. Because nothing is preventing you from spending the entire 1 hour and 40 minutes on the DBQ, it's important to budget your time. During your practice sessions, you should keep an eye on the clock and get a sense of your natural timing. Then, you can adjust to fit the time limitations on the exam. Some might want to strictly abide by the 60/40 rule and others might want to dedicate more time to one FRQ. Find what works for you and produces the best results!

🕵️ 5. Don't Get Caught Up in the Details

Think of your DBQ and LEQ as a rough draft, especially given the time limit. Don't worry too much about perfect spelling and grammar, as long as any errors don't prevent your exam reader from understanding your writing and argument. If you can't remember if Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses in 1517 or 1518, that's okay! As long as you're not off by multiple time periods, you're demonstrating your understanding of the historical timeline and specific events/dates/figures. These details aren't necessary to pass your exam (or even to earn a 5). Don't fret if you can't remember a detail or realize that you were a little off in something you wrote. 

Take a look at various prompts from the past few years to gain a sense of the questions asked on the exam. For example, the 2016 DBQ (as seen above) is a particularly specific prompt. Be prepared for anything! If you're struggling to answer the prompt, 

Here are few questions you could ask yourself when examining the prompt:

What is traditional conservatism? What is a new kind of conservatism?

What was happening in 19th century Europe?

If you can answer just one of those questions, you can develop a solid argument. You also have the documents to help you gain a little more context!

For light practice, look at a prompt and its documents and develop an outline of a DBQ. For heavy practice, fully answer a prompt in exam-like conditions and score yourself using the guidelines. Do what feels most beneficial to you at the time!

Take a look at a few LEQ prompts over the past few years to become more familiar with the type of questions asked on the exam. The 2018 LEQ (as seen above) is a fairly typical style of question to see. The LEQ can be difficult to master as you must rely, almost entirely, on your own knowledge. As you prepare for the LEQ, remember to review how different time periods 

You should practice your LEQ skills by answering 

 prompts. If you're short on time, you can practice by outlining your initial thoughts, which is a process that can be especially helpful on the exam. An alternative is to answer a prompt in exam-like conditions and score yourself using the guidelines, which can help you become more comfortable with the real exam format.

FRQs are released every year by the College Board, which means that you have an abundance of resources for practice! The College Board also releases scoring guidelines, samples, and commentary, making it easy to score yourself and become familiar with the scoring process. As tempting as it may be, you should try not to look at the scoring guidelines or samples before you attempt the prompt yourself. You won't have that sort of help on the exam!

In the beginning, you might have trouble understanding and meeting the expectations of the FRQs. However, you'll become more successful and confident with time! Remember that 

 practice makes perfect. Use the available prompt archive to your advantage. As you become more familiar with the format and style, the prompts become 

much more manageable. Remember to review the course content to build a strong foundation. Good luck in your AP Euro journey!

AP European History Free Response Help - FRQ/LEQ

One of the most popular study sites used by AP students is Quizlet and for good reason! Quizlet combines the classic flashcard studying method with unique, fun games to learn vocabulary. However, the number of resources provided by Quizlet can make it challenging to find the best decks for each AP European History unit.

For that reason, here are the most comprehensive Quizlet decks for effective studying! Vocabulary is critical for understanding different historical events, figures, structures, and concepts.

Treat the included unit overviews as contextualization to describe the broader processes of what is happening in that unit!

 Tune in to a live stream for more review! 

Renaissance and Exploration (1450–⁠1648)

Live Stream: Italian Renaissance by Steven Kucklick

Unit 1 revolves around the Renaissance as well as European exploration from the mid-15th century to the mid-17th century, which shaped the political, economic, and intellectual identities of the region. During this time period, significant technological (navigation, cartography, military) advancements led to overseas colonies and empires. This presence on the world stage led to the development of trade networks as well as rivalries.

AP Euro – Unit 1: Renaissance and Exploration (1450-1648) by C. Pierce

Unit 2 explores the numerous reform movements that occurred from the mid-15th century to the mid- 17th century, including the Protestant Reformation and the Catholic Reformation. This unit also examines societal and artistic developments during this time period, specifically established hierarchies, the role of women, and mannerism and Baroque art.

AP Euro Unit 2, AP Euro – Reformation in Europe by Mr. Goode

Absolutism and Constitutionalism (1648–⁠1815)

Live Stream: Absolutism vs Constitutionalism Review by Kris Clancy

Unit 3 examines the political structures of absolutism and constitutionalism, exploring different historical events and figures that influenced these ideas. This unit also addresses economic developments during this time period, including the Agricultural Revolution and mercantilism.

AP European History Exam Prep 2020-21🇪🇺

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Study by Unit

Unit 1﻿

Renaissance and Exploration﻿

Unit 2﻿

Age of Reformation﻿

Unit 3﻿

Absolutism and Constitutionalism﻿

Unit 4﻿

Scientific, Philosophical, and Political Developments﻿

Unit 5﻿

Conflict, Crisis, and Reaction in the Late 18th Century﻿

Unit 6﻿

Industrialization and Its Effects﻿

Unit 7﻿

19th-Century Perspectives and Political Developments﻿

Unit 8﻿

20th-Century Global Conflicts﻿

Unit 9﻿

Cold War and Contemporary Europe﻿

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Thematic Guides﻿

Document Based Questions (DBQ)﻿

Short Answer Questions (SAQ)﻿

Long Essay Questions (LEQ)﻿

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Robby May﻿

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Melissa Longnecker﻿

Andrew Fultz﻿

Kris Clancy﻿

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Darin Roodman﻿

Steven Kucklick﻿

Tejas Bhartiya﻿

Jed Quiaoit﻿

Annika Tekumulla﻿

Christine Lin﻿

Jillian Holbrook﻿

Sharii Liang﻿

John Le﻿

Catherine Brown﻿

Izzy Amelia﻿

Perla Alvarez﻿

Charly Castillo﻿

Thomasina Lester﻿

Erin Chady﻿

Paul Sargent﻿

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Unit 1

Renaissance and Exploration

Unit 2

Age of Reformation

Unit 3

Absolutism and Constitutionalism

Unit 4

Scientific, Philosophical, and Political Developments

Unit 5

Conflict, Crisis, and Reaction in the Late 18th Century

Unit 6

Industrialization and Its Effects

Unit 7

19th-Century Perspectives and Political Developments

Unit 8

20th-Century Global Conflicts

Unit 9

Cold War and Contemporary Europe

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Melissa Longnecker

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Kris Clancy

Liam Machlin

Cathy Keller

Darin Roodman

Steven Kucklick

Tejas Bhartiya

Jed Quiaoit

Annika Tekumulla

Christine Lin

Jillian Holbrook

Sharii Liang

John Le

Catherine Brown

Izzy Amelia

Perla Alvarez

Charly Castillo

Thomasina Lester

Erin Chady

Paul Sargent