Exam Review Flashcards
Mercantilism
Mercantilism was an economic theory prevalent during the 16th to 18th centuries. It advocated for a nation’s economic power through the accumulation of wealth, primarily in the form of gold and silver. Mercantilist policies included government regulation of trade, colonization, and protectionism to boost exports and maintain a favorable balance of trade.
Manifest Destiny
Manifest Destiny was a belief prevalent in the 19th century among American settlers that the United States was destined to expand across the continent from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean. It was often accompanied by the notion of American cultural and political superiority and served as a justification for territorial expansion, including the acquisition of new territories and the displacement of Native American populations.
The Compromise of 1850
The Compromise of 1850 was a series of legislative measures passed by the U.S. Congress to address the issue of slavery and the balance of power between free and slave states. It included provisions such as the admission of California as a free state, the implementation of a more stringent Fugitive Slave Act, the establishment of territorial governments in the western territories, and the abolition of the slave trade in Washington, D.C.
This legislation admitted Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a non-slave state at the same time, so as not to upset the balance between slave and free states in the nation. It also outlawed slavery above the 36º 30’ latitude line in the remainder of the Louisiana Territory
Federalist vs. Non-Federalist
These terms refer to the political factions that emerged during the early years of the United States. The Federalists, led by figures such as Alexander Hamilton and John Adams, supported a strong central government and the ratification of the U.S. Constitution. Non-Federalists, also known as Anti-Federalists, were opposed to a strong central government and were concerned about the potential loss of individual liberties. They advocated for the inclusion of a Bill of Rights in the Constitution to protect individual rights.
Gettysburg Address
The Gettysburg Address is a famous speech delivered by President Abraham Lincoln during the American Civil War. It was given on November 19, 1863, at the dedication of the Soldiers’ National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The speech emphasized the principles of equality, liberty, and democracy, highlighting the sacrifices made by soldiers and their importance in preserving the Union and upholding the ideals of the Declaration of Independence.
Louisiana Purchase
The Louisiana Purchase refers to the acquisition of a vast territory by the United States from France in 1803. The purchase, orchestrated by President Thomas Jefferson, doubled the size of the United States and extended its boundaries westward. The territory acquired stretched from the Mississippi River to the Rocky Mountains, encompassing what is now 15 U.S. states.
Proclamation of 1763
The Proclamation of 1763 was an order issued by the British Crown following the end of the French and Indian War. It prohibited colonial settlement west of the Appalachian Mountains in an attempt to ease tensions with Native American tribes. The proclamation aimed to establish British control over western territories and prevent conflicts between settlers and Native Americans.
Battle of Bunker Hill
The Battle of Bunker Hill took place on June 17, 1775, during the early stages of the American Revolutionary War. It was fought on the outskirts of Boston, Massachusetts, between American colonial forces and the British Army. Although the British won the battle, the American resistance demonstrated their resolve and determination to fight for independence, boosting morale and inspiring further resistance.
Marbury v. Madison
Marbury v. Madison was a landmark Supreme Court case decided in 1803. It established the principle of judicial review, which grants the Supreme Court the power to interpret the Constitution and determine the constitutionality of laws. The case arose from a dispute over the appointment of federal judges, and Chief Justice John Marshall’s opinion
Kansas-Nebraska Act
The Kansas-Nebraska Act was a law passed by the U.S. Congress in 1854. It organized the territories of Kansas and Nebraska and allowed the residents of those territories to decide for themselves whether to allow slavery (popular sovereignty). The Act nullified the Missouri Compromise of 1820, which had prohibited slavery in that region. This led to a violent conflict between pro-slavery and anti-slavery forces in Kansas, known as “Bleeding Kansas,” and further intensified the tensions between the North and the South over the issue of slavery.
Boston Tea Party
The Boston Tea Party was a significant event that occurred on December 16, 1773, in Boston, Massachusetts, during the period leading up to the American Revolutionary War. In protest against the British Parliament’s Tea Act, which granted a monopoly to the British East India Company, a group of American colonists, disguised as Native Americans, boarded three British ships and dumped tea cargo into the Boston Harbor. This act of civil disobedience was a response to perceived unfair taxation without representation and played a role in escalating tensions between the American colonies and Britain.
Civil War
The American Civil War was a major armed conflict fought in the United States from 1861 to 1865. It was primarily a result of the divisions between the Northern states (Union) and the Southern states (Confederacy) over issues such as slavery, states’ rights, and the balance of power. The war ended with the Union’s victory, resulting in the abolition of slavery and the preservation of the United States as one nation.
Coercive Acts
The Coercive Acts, also known as the Intolerable Acts, were a series of punitive measures passed by the British Parliament in 1774 in response to the Boston Tea Party. These acts were intended to punish the American colonies, particularly Massachusetts, and assert British authority. The Coercive Acts included the Boston Port Act, which closed the port of Boston until the tea destroyed in the Boston Tea Party was paid for, as well as other measures aimed at restricting colonial self-governance.
“Common Sense”
“Common Sense” was a pamphlet written by Thomas Paine and published in 1776. It was a persuasive and influential work that argued for American independence from Britain. Paine’s pamphlet denounced monarchy and argued for republican government and the natural rights of individuals. “Common Sense” played a significant role in shaping public opinion and rallying support for independence, helping to pave the way for the Declaration of Independence.
13th Amendment
The 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified in 1865. It abolished slavery and involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime. The amendment was a crucial step toward ensuring the freedom and civil rights of African Americans following the Civil War.
14th Amendment
The 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified in 1868. It granted equal protection under the law to all citizens and defined citizenship rights and privileges. The amendment addressed issues related to the civil rights of former slaves and aimed to protect their rights against state infringement. It has been instrumental in numerous legal cases and has played a significant role in advancing civil rights in the United States.
Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence is a document adopted by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, in Philadelphia. It formally declared the thirteen American colonies to be independent from British rule and outlined the colonists’ grievances against the King of Great Britain. The Declaration of Independence is considered a seminal document in American history, asserting fundamental principles of individual rights, government by consent of the governed, and the right to revolution.
Radical Reconstruction
Radical Reconstruction refers to the period following the American Civil War (1865-1877) when the federal government implemented significant social and political reforms in the South to address the aftermath of slavery and the Confederacy’s defeat. Radical Republicans, who held a more aggressive stance toward ensuring civil rights for African Americans, advocated for measures such as the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments, as well as the establishment of military rule in Southern states. This period witnessed the expansion of rights for African Americans and the political participation of formerly enslaved individuals.
Great Compromise
The Great Compromise, also known as the Connecticut Compromise, was a key agreement reached during the Constitutional Convention of 1787. It resolved the dispute between the states with regard to representation in the legislative branch of government. The compromise established a bicameral legislature with two houses: the House of Representatives, where representation is based on a state’s population, and the Senate, where each state has equal representation with two senators.
Compromise of 1877
The Compromise of 1877 was an informal agreement that resolved the disputed presidential election of 1876 between Republican candidate Rutherford B. Hayes and Democrat candidate Samuel Tilden. It marked the end of the Reconstruction era. The compromise involved the withdrawal of federal troops from the South, effectively ending the military occupation, and the installation of a Republican president in exchange for concessions to Southern Democrats, including the abandonment of further federal intervention in Southern affairs.
Three-fifths Compromise
The Three-fifths Compromise was an agreement reached during the Constitutional Convention of 1787 regarding the counting of enslaved individuals for purposes of representation and taxation. It stated that for the purposes of determining the population of a state, three-fifths of the enslaved population would be counted. This compromise disproportionately enhanced the political power of Southern states in the House of Representatives and the Electoral College, as enslaved individuals were counted without granting them any rights or representation.
Andrew Johnson
Andrew Johnson served as the 17th President of the United States, from 1865 to 1869. He assumed the presidency after the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. Johnson’s presidency was marked by conflicts with Congress over Reconstruction policies. He favored a more lenient approach toward the Southern states and clashed with Radical Republicans who sought to ensure civil rights for newly emancipated African Americans. Johnson’s impeachment proceedings in 1868 stemmed from these conflicts, although he was acquitted and completed his term.
Bill of Rights
The Bill of Rights refers to the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution, which were ratified in 1791. These amendments outline specific individual rights and liberties, such as freedom of speech, religion, and the press, the right to bear arms, protection against unreasonable searches and seizures, the right to a fair trial, and protection against cruel and unusual punishment. The Bill of Rights plays a fundamental role in safeguarding individual freedoms and is considered a cornerstone of American democracy.
Harlem Renaissance
The Harlem Renaissance was a cultural and intellectual movement that took place in the 1920s and 1930s in Harlem, New York City. It was a flourishing period of African American artistic expression, literature, music, theater, and visual arts. The Harlem Renaissance was characterized by a celebration of African American culture, identity, and heritage. Prominent figures associated with the movement include Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, Duke Ellington, and Jacob Lawrence.
Booker T.Washington
Booker T. Washington was an influential African American educator, author, and leader in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He was born into slavery but later became a leading voice for the rights and advancement of African Americans. Washington is best known for his philosophy of gradualism and accommodation, advocating for African Americans to focus on acquiring practical skills and economic self-sufficiency as a means of achieving racial progress. He played a significant role in the establishment of the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, a renowned educational institution for African Americans.
Paul Revere
Paul Revere was an American silversmith, engraver, and patriot who lived during the American Revolutionary War era. He is best known for his “midnight ride” on April 18, 1775, to warn the colonial militia of approaching British forces before the battles of Lexington and Concord. Revere’s ride became an iconic symbol of American independence and resistance against British rule.
Boston Massacre
The Boston Massacre occurred on March 5, 1770, in Boston, Massachusetts. It was a confrontation between British soldiers and a mob of colonists, which resulted in the soldiers opening fire and killing five colonists. The event further fueled anti-British sentiments and increased tensions leading up to the American Revolutionary War.
War of 1812
The War of 1812 was a conflict between the United States and Great Britain that took place from 1812 to 1815. The war arose primarily from trade disputes, British impressment of American sailors, and conflicts over territorial expansion. It had significant military engagements such as the burning of Washington, D.C., and the defense of Baltimore that inspired the writing of the U.S. national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
Battle of New Orleans
The Battle of New Orleans was the final major battle of the War of 1812, fought between British forces and American troops led by General Andrew Jackson. The battle took place on January 8, 1815, and resulted in a decisive American victory. Although the battle took place after the signing of the Treaty of Ghent, which ended the war, the news of the victory elevated American morale and had a significant impact on the perception of the war’s outcome.
Wilmot Proviso
The Wilmot Proviso was a proposed amendment to a Congressional appropriations bill in 1846. It sought to ban slavery in any territory acquired from Mexico as a result of the Mexican-American War. The proviso intensified the debate over the expansion of slavery in the United States, reflecting the growing tensions between the Northern and Southern states.
Fugitive Slave Act
The Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 was a law passed by the U.S. Congress as part of the Compromise of 1850. It required the return of escaped slaves to their owners, even in states where slavery was abolished. The act significantly strengthened the power of slaveholders and angered abolitionists, contributing to the growing divide between the North and South over the issue of slavery.
Join or Die
“Join or Die” is a political cartoon created by Benjamin Franklin and published in 1754. It depicted a segmented snake symbolizing the American colonies and aimed to encourage unity among the colonies during the French and Indian War. The cartoon remains a symbol of the importance of colonial unity in the face of common threats.
Dred Scot
Dred Scott was an enslaved African American man who was at the center of a landmark U.S. Supreme Court case, Dred Scott v. Sandford, in 1857. Scott sued for his freedom, arguing that his time spent in free territories should have made him legally free. However, the Supreme Court ruled against Scott, stating that enslaved individuals were property and could not become citizens of the United States. The decision further deepened the sectional divide over slavery and was seen as a significant factor leading to the Civil War.
Sons of Liberty
The Sons of Liberty was a secret organization formed by American colonists in the years leading up to the American Revolution. They were opposed to British taxation policies and played a crucial role in organizing and executing protests against acts such as the Stamp Act and the Townshend Acts. The Sons of Liberty used tactics such as boycotts, demonstrations, and acts of civil disobedience to resist British authority and promote colonial rights.
Causes of the Civil War
The causes of the American Civil War, which took place from 1861 to 1865, were multifaceted. The primary cause was the issue of slavery and the growing division between the Northern states, where slavery was largely abolished, and the Southern states, where it was deeply entrenched. Other contributing factors included economic differences, political disagreements over states’ rights and the balance of power, and the concept of secession, whereby some Southern states sought to leave the Union. The election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860 further intensified tensions, ultimately leading to the secession of Southern states and the outbreak of war.
Coercive Acts
The Coercive Acts, also known as the Intolerable Acts, were a series of punitive measures passed by the British Parliament in 1774 in response to the Boston Tea Party. The acts were intended to punish the people of Massachusetts and assert British authority over the colonies. They included the Boston Port Act, which closed the port of Boston until the destroyed tea was paid for, as well as other measures aimed at restricting colonial self-governance.
Battle of Gettysburg
The Battle of Gettysburg was a major engagement fought during the American Civil War in July 1863. It took place in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and is considered one of the most significant battles of the war. The battle resulted in a Union victory and marked a turning point in the war, halting General Robert E. Lee’s second invasion of the North. The battle led to heavy casualties on both sides and is often remembered as a critical moment in the fight against slavery and for the preservation of the Union.
Thomas Paine
Thomas Paine was an influential political philosopher and writer during the American Revolutionary period. He is best known for his pamphlet “Common Sense,” published in 1776, which advocated for American independence from British rule and had a significant impact on rallying support for the Revolutionary cause. Paine’s writings, including “The Crisis” series, which began with the famous line “These are the times that try men’s souls,” played a crucial role in shaping public opinion and inspiring patriotism during the war.
Reconstruction Period
The Reconstruction Period refers to the time immediately following the American Civil War (1865-1877). It was a period of rebuilding and reshaping the United States, particularly the Southern states that had seceded and the emancipation and integration of formerly enslaved African Americans. Reconstruction aimed to address the social, economic, and political issues resulting from the war, including the rights of newly freed African Americans. It involved efforts to establish new governments in the South, protect civil rights through constitutional amendments, and foster economic development.
Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence is a document adopted by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. It formally declared the thirteen American colonies to be independent from British rule. The Declaration of Independence outlined the colonists’ grievances against the King of Great Britain and asserted fundamental principles of individual rights, government by consent of the governed, and the right to revolution. It served as a foundational document for the United States and its ideals.