ID #3 - Ch. 5 & 6 Flashcards
Common Sense (1776)
A pamphlet published by Thomas Paine in January 1776 in which he used John Locke’s philosophy of natural rights to express that the citizens of the colonies had a responsibility to rebel against the oppression of Britain and that it would go against common sense to permit the injustices to continue. Members of the Second Continental Congress were very interested in Paine’s arguments, and so they integrated them into their deliberations in Philadelphia
Battle of Saratoga (1777)
A battle fought by Generals Benedict Arnold, and Horation Gates in October 1777; the most important battle in the American Revolution. By cutting off the British charge on New England and securing the surrender of British General Burgoyne’s army, the American forces convinced the French of America’s military viability. The French had been waiting for proof of an American success before they entered the war on behalf of the revolutionaries.
Franco-American Alliance (1778)
The Franco-American alliance of 1778 was an alliance between the Americans and the French. This alliance allowed for three conditions for the Americans. First, the French recognized the colonies as a sovereign nation. Second, it had France declare war on England, and lastly, America received financial aid, along with supplies and leadership from the French. This alliance was able to lead the Americans to victory after the Battle of Saratoga (1777).
Treaty of Paris (1783)
A peace settlement signed in 1783 that ended the American Revolution. The treaty recognized the United States as a country, a boundary that stretched west to the Mississippit River, and the preservation of American fishing rights in Newfoundland. The Americans promised to repay debts to British merchants and agreed no to punish Loyalists who remained in the United States.
Manumissions (18th Century)
A part of the social revolution in the 18th century (1700’s), Manumissions was the act of a slave owner emancipating their slaves, or freeing their slaves. Came to be when the population of slaves to nonslaves in Virginia was bigger. Opposed by the Southern states, Manumissions were seen as the right thing to do by the Norther states. This disagreement in views would cause tension about the aboliton of slavery between the North and the South.
Tories (18th Century)
A name used to describe colonists who supported the British. Also known as Loyalists. Generally had ties to English wealth, and trade. Composed 20-30% of the population in the colonies. They did not support the growing sentiment for American Independence.
Abigail Adams (1776)
The wife of John Adams. Abigail Adams brought up the issue of woman’s equal rights. Wrote in a letter in 1776 to “…remember the ladies and be more generious and favorable to them than your ancestors.” Her early ideas for woman’s rights were partly influenced for the overall want of equality and liberty as seen through the Declaration of Independence.
State Constitutions (18th Century)
State constitutions set up individual frameworks for each state to limit/outline their own government. A good majority of states had their own constitutions. A trend among the constitutions included a limited executive/legislative branch. Soon, a movement for a stronger executive branch would cause conflict when the issue of state rights vs. national government would arise in the near future.
Land Ordinance (1785)
An ordinance passed in 1785, the Land Ordinance required new townships to set aside a parcel of land for public education and guaranteed that the sale of public lands would be used to settle the national debt. Applied especially to Western lands, and new settlement.
Northwest Ordinance (1787)
An ordinance which established guidelines for attaining statehood, proposing that territores with at least 60,000 people could apply for statehood. The ordinance also banned slavery north of the Ohio River, guaranteering future free states in the Midwest.
Shay’s Rebellion (1786)
An uprising fought by Daniel Shays and a band of Massachusetts farmers during the summer of 1786, in which the rebels demanded restitution, no imprisonment for unpaid debts, and tax relief. When the mob seized the state arsenal in January 1787, the Massachusetts militia stepped in and stopped the uprising. This rebellion highlights the need for a new constitution.
The Great Compromise
Also known as the Connecticut Plan, this proposal was made by Roger Sherman which stated: “The proportion of suffrage in the first banch (HOR) should be according to the respective numbers of free inhabitants and that in the second branch (Senate), each State should have one vote and no more.” This meant that large states were satisfied by the House of Representatives, made up of members that reflected the population of individual states. Small states were appeased by the Senate, made up of membership that was equal regardless of state population, they each have two representatives. Issues must past through the House and the Senate to be considered for further inspection.
Federalists (North)
A name given to those in favor of the Constitution and a strong central government. Federalists were usually norther merchants with close ties with British trade networks.
Anti-Federalists (South)
The name given to those who opposed the Constitution and favored strong states’ rights. Anti-Federalists usually came from small souther farms or western homesteads. They believed that the constitution would weaken the states, give power to the “money men” instead of the people, and increase taxes. Above all, the believed that ratification of the constitution would undermine liberty for the individual. They however, considered the constitution on the premise that a Bill of Rights would be passed to protect natural rights of the people. Their presence show’s that the constitution wasn’t accepted by all and that the power of a state vs. national government was unsure.
Hamilton’s Economic Plan
Alexander Hamilton, a Federalist, propsed an economic plan that would establish a national bank, issue tariffs, and establish the first financial system in America. His system favored the wealthy, becuase the plan focused around the idea of a funded debt program that issued new bonds, when old ones were paid off. Creating a continuous national debt. Even though Jefferson opposed the bank, he kept it when he became president, showing how necessary the bank actually was. Washington DC placed on the Potomac. Issue of bank and tariffs split the parties. Hamilton established the first financial system in America: it would be greatly changed in the future, but for now it gave the federal government much power and set a precedent for the future.
