Test Questions Flashcards
Name three inventions, who invented them and what effect they had.
The Cotton Gin- Invented by Eli Whitney. This device separated the seeds from the Cotton plant and made it much easier to harvest. Since it was so much easier to harvest cotton, much more of it was harvested and it became a major industry. More slaves were needed to pick the much needed Cotton.
Interchangeable Parts- invented by Eli Whitney. Not so much an invention but an idea. I asked mrs. Sobel and she said it counts It was the idea to make a lot of individual uniform pieces of a product, so that if one breaks it could just have one part replaced instead of the whole thing. It affected the way products (guns/muskets specifically) were manufactured and it was much easier to fix them.
The Clermont, or the North River Steamboat of Clermont- invented by Robert Fulton. This was the first steamboat in public service. His ship the Clermont sailed from New York City to Albany and back in 62 hours. A record at that time.
It was the first profitable venture in steam navigation. It was much faster and more practical than wagon travel so it was very profitable and many people used it as a source of transportation. Able to transport goods that would otherwise be not transportable.
Who were the Lowell Girls and what was a day in their lives like?
The Lowell Girls were young women who worked, spinning cotton into yarn at the Lowell factory in eastern Massachusetts. The girls worked 12 hour days in deafening noise, made by their machines. They received two to four dollars a week. 80 women worked in one room. Two male overseers would watch. The sound was awful and ‘frightening.’ The rooms were sweltering hot and windows were usually kept closed to keep the thread in good condition. These women worked 12-14 hours, and on average 73 hours a week.
What was the significance of the Erie Canal?
The Erie Canal or “Clinton’s Big Ditch” opened in October of 1825. It shortened travel time from the East to the West drastically. It decreased shipping costs by 90% and prompted the ‘first great western migration of American settlers.’ It was 363 miles long, forty feet wide, four feet deep, 18 aqueducts and 83 locks.
What was the Missouri Compromise?
The Missouri Compromise was a statute issued by Henry Clay. It prohibited slavery in the territory of the great plains, but permitted it in Missouri. James Tallmadge proposed that Missouri became a free state but was harshly rejected so it was arranged that Maine would be free, but MIssouri would remain a slave state. Compromise between the Northern and Southern states. Missouri was admitted as slave state. Maine was admitted as free state.
Why was the election of 1824 called “The Corrupt Bargain”?
The election of 1824 was a close one! There were two candidates, John Quincy Adams and Jackson. Jackson won the popular votes and Adams won the electoral votes, putting him in office. Jackson accused Adams of bribing Clay to vote for him and in exchange that he would be guaranteed a position in the government.
Information on the Election of 1828 (Adams Vs. Jackson):
This was the first ‘modern’ election. This was when mudslinging (insulting your opponents) was created, and when real campaigning started with rallies, and pins and buttons. When Jackson was elected, he established what people called the “spoil system.” This is when a politician is elected and when in office fires the current workers and replaces them with his friends and supporters.
Information about the Tariff of 1828 (Abominations)
A protective tariff was passed by the US congress in 1828. This was called the tariff of abominations by Southerners because it damaged their economy. The major goal of the tariff was to protect industries in the northern United States which were being driven out of business by low-priced imported goods. The South was harmed directly by having to pay higher prices on goods the region did not produce.
Information on the switch from a federal bank
Jackson was opposed to the idea of a federal bank and he vetoed the bill to reauthorize the federal bank. Because of this, any money kept in the federal bank was moved into the state banks. The state banks caused an economic contraction.
What was the Indian Removal Act? Include the Trail of Tears in your answer:
.The Indian Removal act was when the federal government paid the Natives to move westward. Jackson supported this movement. It was supposed to be peaceful, and have the Natives’ consent, however it was very forceful and the Natives were harshly mistreated. The Trail Of Tears was the trail that the Cherokee tribe walked on when they were forced by 7,000 troops to leave their land. 4,000 of them died and it was a brutal journey.
What was the Monroe Doctrine?
The Monroe Doctrine was an address given by President MOnroe, warning foreign countries not to form new colonies in the Americas. It promised that the US would not interfere in foreign affairs. It also stated that any interference with Latin America would be considered a hostile act towards the US. It still remains in effect today.
Why was James Monroe’s presidency called ‘The Era of Good Feelings?
After the War of 1812, (1817 to 1825 was the Era of Good Feelings) a feeling of nationality and pride spread through the U.S.. The federal party had collapsed and James Monroe worked hard and succeeded in ending its constant disputes with the Democratic-Republican Party so they were as one party.
