AP European History Units

Key Takeaways

• AP European History has 9 units.

• Each unit examines big ideas in politics, culture, and society.

• Knowing how the units are set up helps you answer exam questions better.

• Units 1–5 cover older history, and Units 6–9 cover more modern times.

• Any unit can show up on the AP exam in various kinds of questions.

Introduction: How the AP Euro Course Is Structured

If you’re getting ready for the AP European History exam, it helps to know how the course is organized. The (opens in a new tab)College Board (opens in a new tab) breaks the course into 9 units. It starts with the Renaissance and ends with modern Europe.

Each unit connects to big themes and historical thinking skills. You’ll practice analyzing evidence, comparing time periods, and explaining causes and effects.

In this guide, we'll walk you through all 9 units. This way, you’ll know what to expect, what to focus on, and how everything fits together.

Overview of the 9 AP European History Units

Unit 1: Renaissance and Exploration (c. 1450–1648)

The story starts with the Renaissance. It was a time when people started thinking differently about art, science, and the world. Humanism focused on human potential rather than just religion.

The printing press spread new ideas faster. There were strong rulers called New Monarchs who began to build powerful nation-states.

The Age of Exploration followed. Europeans discovered new trade routes and continents, beginning global trade and colonization.

Main ideas: cultural change, new technology, and the rise of strong governments.

Unit 2: Age of Reformation (c. 1450–1648)

This unit focuses on religious change. In 1517, Martin Luther challenged the Catholic Church, starting the Protestant Reformation.

Different Protestant churches formed, and the Catholic Church responded with its own Counter-Reformation.

These changes led to religious wars across Europe, such as the Thirty Years’ War. Politics, society, and daily life were all affected by these conflicts.

Main ideas: religious reform, political division, and social change.

Unit 3: Absolutism and Constitutionalism (c. 1648–1815)

After years of war, European countries developed new ideas about government.

Some monarchs, like Louis XIV of France, took complete control. This was called absolutism. England moved toward constitutional government, where Parliament shared power with the king.

Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke and Montesquieu talked about new ideas. These included rights, freedom, and the separation of powers.

Main ideas: power, government structure, and political theory.

Unit 4: Scientific, Philosophical, and Political Developments (c. 1648–1815)

The Scientific Revolution changed how people viewed the world. Scientists such as Galileo and Newton used experiments and math to explain nature.

These new ways of thinking inspired the Enlightenment. Philosophers used reason to study society and government.

Some rulers and the Church tried to control new ideas. They fought Enlightenment values like reason, progress, and individual rights. But they couldn't keep them from spreading.

Main ideas: science, reason, and freedom of thought.

Unit 5: Conflict, Crisis, and Reaction in the Late 18th Century (c. 1648–1815)

The French Revolution completely changed France and influenced the rest of Europe.

The revolution began with a financial crisis. It soon grew into a movement for liberty and equality.

Kings were overthrown, rights were declared, and Napoleon Bonaparte eventually rose to power. Napoleon spread revolutionary ideas across Europe, leading to both progress and backlash.

Main ideas: revolution, equality, and political change.

Unit 6: Industrialization and Its Effects (c. 1815–1914)

The Industrial Revolution reshaped everyday life.

Factories, machines, and steam power led to faster production. Cities grew quickly as people moved in for jobs. But working conditions were often harsh.

This period saw new social classes and movements for workers’ rights. This included trade unions and socialist parties.

Main ideas: technology, economy, and social change.

Unit 7: 19th-Century Perspectives and Political Developments (c. 1815–1914)

The 1800s were all about nationalism and political change.

Countries like Germany and Italy united into powerful nation-states. Political ideas like liberalism, socialism, and conservatism competed for influence.

European powers expanded overseas during the Age of Imperialism. They claimed territories in Africa and Asia.

Main ideas: nationalism, political ideas, and empire-building.

Unit 8: 20th-Century Global Conflicts (c. 1914–present)

The 20th century brought two massive wars and huge changes.

World War I destroyed empires and reshaped Europe. The Russian Revolution led to the first communist government.

Between the wars, economic problems and political chaos led to fascism and Nazism.

World War II was even worse. It led to the Holocaust and the division of Europe into democratic and communist regions.

Main ideas: war, revolution, and totalitarianism.

Unit 9: Cold War and Contemporary Europe (c. 1914–present)

After WWII, Europe was split by the Cold War between the U.S. and the Soviet Union.

Western Europe built closer economic and political ties, leading to the European Union. Eastern Europe remained under communist control until the late 1980. That ended when the Berlin Wall fell and the Soviet Union collapsed.

In recent years, Europe has dealt with new issues. These include immigration, globalization, and economic inequality.

Main ideas: cooperation, modern identity, and global challenges.

How the AP Exam Tests These Units

There are several different types of questions on the AP European History exam. The College Board uses different question types to determine your level of comprehension. They offer past exam questions (opens in a new tab)to help you know what to expect.

MCQs and SAQs

The multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and short-answer questions (SAQs) cover all 9 units.  You may be asked to compare different time periods.  You may be asked to compare the religious conflicts in the 1500s to the political conflicts in the 1900s.

The key is knowing themes and patterns, not just memorizing facts. Understanding connections helps you answer more quickly and accurately.

LEQ and DBQ Essays

These parts test your writing and analysis skills.

DBQs (Document-based questions) usually cover topics with lots of documents. Examples might be the French Revolution or Industrialization.

LEQs (Long Essay Questions) ask you to explain change over time or compare causes and effects. To do well, practice connecting multiple units in one essay.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many units are in AP European History?

There are 9 units, covering from about 1450 to the present day.

Which AP Euro unit is the hardest?

Many students say Units 8 and 9. This is because they cover the 20th century, which saw many wars and political movements.

What time periods does AP Euro cover?

AP European History covers from about 1450 to the present. It starts with the Renaissance and ends with contemporary Europe.

Do all 9 units appear on the exam?

Yes. Any unit can appear, so it’s important to be prepared. 

Final Thoughts

Learning how the AP European History course is organized gives you a head start. Each unit builds on the one before it, showing how Europe changed over hundreds of years.

Study one unit at a time, but always look for links between them. These connections are what the exam looks for.

Start early. Review regularly. And check out tools like Save My Exams’ AP study resources for study guides, exam-style questions and more. 

The more you understand the big picture, the easier it will be to handle whatever the AP Euro exam throws your way.

Resources

College Board: AP European History Course 

College Board AP European History Past Exam Questions (opens in a new tab)

College Board Practice Exam (opens in a new tab)