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Welcome to the world of Advanced Placement (AP) European History. Whether you are, or
have been, enrolled in an AP European History course at your school or are preparing on
your own, this guide will help you to move smoothly and confidently from your individual
starting point through a five-step process that will bring you to the level of preparation
you desire. Along the way, you will be evaluating your current level of preparation, evaluat-
ing your learning strategies, reading widely, analyzing primary documents, taking practice
multiple-choice tests, and writing practice essays. As you go, you will be developing the
strategies and confidence you need to score a 5 on the AP European History Exam.
The five-step process is described in detail in the Introduction. Here, I simply want to
urge you to enter into your preparation with enthusiasm. The intricate story of European
history is dramatic, fascinating, and extremely relevant to the world in which you live. The
information, understanding, and skills that you will learn by working through this guide
will help you to do well on the AP European History Exam, but they will also help you to
excel in college and to become a well-informed, critically thinking human being.
As you begin, it is important that you not think of this guide as some large book to “get
through.” This guide is a tool and, like many tools, it can be used in a number of different
ways. You can follow it through from beginning to end, or you can jump around, using
the information and exercises contained in it in any way that suits you best. So take some
time to familiarize yourself with the contents of this guide; get a feel for how it “works.”
Then, when you are ready, read Chapters 1 and 2; they will help you to choose the mode
of preparation that is right for you.
Good luck, and enjoy your journey!PREFACE
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