Unit 3 Vocab 1763-1820

Question 1

The Sugar Act of 1764

Answer 1

Intended to replace the widely ignored Molasses Act of 1733 - had set duty so high (6 pence per gallon) it wasn’t profitable to trade, so colonial merchants smuggled or bribed officials instead. The Sugar Act lowered that to 3 pence per gallon so it was still profitable, and tightened customs enforcement

Question 2

Vice-admiralty Courts

Answer 2

Tribunals which governed the high seas and were run by British-appointed judges. Sugar Act forced merchants in violation to be tried by these courts, rather than the friendlier local ones

Question 3

Stamp Act of 1765

Answer 3

Was intended to cover part of the cost of keeping British troops in America - required a tax stamp on all printed items. Sparked first imperial crisis

Question 4

Virtual Representation

Answer 4

British politicians argued that the colonists had this in Parliament, in response to the Patriots arguments of no taxation without representation, since some of the colonists were transatlantic merchants and sugar planters. Basically, Britain said the colonies have virtual representation in Parliament, even though they have no representatives

Question 5

Quartering Act of 1765

Answer 5

At the request of General Thomas Gage - required colonial government to provide barracks and food for British soldiers - sparked constitutional debate on many issues, including the question of representative government

Question 6

Stamp Act Congress

Answer 6

Met in October 1765 in New York City - 9 assemblies sent delegates. Challenged constitutionality of the Stamp and Sugar Acts - most representatives wanted compromise not confrontation - humbly petitioned for repeal

Question 7

Sons of Liberty

Answer 7

Violent Patriot who took aggressive action against the British in Boston. Wealthy Patriots encouraged these mobs, which were generally led by poorer people

Question 8

English Common Law

Answer 8

Centuries-old body of legal rules and procedures that protected the lives and property of the monarchs subjects - American lawyers often called on these in legal cases

Question 9

Natural Rights

Answer 9

A development of John Locke, who claimed all individuals had these rights to life, liberty, and property - the government MUST work to protect them

Question 10

Declaratory Act of 1766

Answer 10

Explicitly reaffirmed Parliament’s absolute power over the colonies - issued in response to the repeal of the Stamp Act

Question 11

Townshend Act of 1767

Answer 11

Both fiscal and political goals - tax on colonial imports of paper, paint, glass, and tea - most profit from this went to the salaries of imperial officials in America. Intended to undermine the American political system

Question 12

Nonimportation movement

Answer 12

Response to the Townshend Acts, intended to reduce colonial imports, especially from Britain - women became crucial to this. Mobilized many Patriots, but also created fissures in colonial society as more people were subject to scrutiny and observation

Question 13

Committees of Correspondence

Answer 13

Originally set up by the Virginia House of Burgesses, spread among colonies quickly. Allowed Patriots to communicates with leaders in other colonies and share news about new threats to liberty - helped create unity

Question 14

Tea Act of May 1773

Answer 14

Provided financial relief for East Indian Tea Company - canceled import duties on this tea, so even with the Townshend tax it would still be the cheapest - radical Patriots accused Britain of bribing Americans with cheap tea

Question 15

Coercive Acts

Answer 15

Created in response to the Boston Tea Party - forced Massachusetts to pay for the lost tea and submit to imperial authority - branded as “Intolerable” in the colonies

Question 16

Continental Congress

Answer 16

In response to the Coercive Acts, Patriot leaders created a new continent-wide body. 12 mainland colonies sent representatives - all had different agenda, but eventually decided to demand repeal of Coercive Acts, stipulate that British control be limited to that of trade, and approved a program of economic retaliation if Britain didn’t compromise

Question 17

Continental Association

Answer 17

Established in 1774 to enforce a THIRD boycott of British goods - set up a network of rural communities to do its work. By 1770s, most northern yeomen felt personally threatened by the British

Question 18

Dunmore’s War

Answer 18

Both Virginia and Pennsylvania claimed land around Pittsburgh - in summer 1774, Lord Dunmore called out Virginia militia and led them against the Shawnee Indians, in defiance to colonial and royal government - seen as backcountry colonies’ Declaration of Independence

Question 19

Minutemen

Answer 19

Concord originally started this, but it quickly spread to other cities - defensive force trained to “Stand at a minutes warning in Case of alarm”

Question 20

Second Continental Congress

Answer 20

In May 1775, leaders gathered in Philadelphia - decided to raise a continental army and have George Washington lead it - despite fighting in Massachusetts, many Congressmen still hoped for reconciliation with Britain

Question 21

Declaration of Independence

Answer 21

On July 4th, 1776, Congress approved this document. Thomas Jefferson was the main author, and it claimed America’s independence from Great Britain - sparked celebrations in the colonies and around the world

Question 22

Popular Sovereignty

Answer 22

The idea that the principle of ultimate power resides in the hands of the electorate - Thomas Jefferson established this, individual liberty, and republican government as the definition values of the new nation with the Declaration of Independence

Question 23

Battle of Long Island (1776)

Answer 23

General William Howe was ordered to capture New York City - isolate Patriots in New England. He defeated the Continental Army in August 1776 at this battle, forcing their retreat to Manhattan Island

Question 24

Battle of Saratoga

Answer 24

Lord George Germain planned a 3-prong attack to isolate New England. However, Howe disobeyed these plans, choosing to attack Philadelphia instead - contributed to Burgoyne’s defeat at Saratoga. Burgoyne fought wars in the lazy European style, and by the end of summer his army was stuck near Saratoga, in dire need of food (Patriots had been raiding his supply lines and using hit-and-run tactics). The Patriots then swarmed his army, eventually forcing surrender in October 177. It was the turning point of the war

Question 25

Valley Forge

Answer 25

Where Washington decided to camp in winter of 1777. Horrible conditions, many died of sickness or starvation. Lowest point of the whole war, and fears reached their peak here

Question 26

Philipsburg Proclamation

Answer 26

Created by Great Britain in 1779, it declared that any slave who deserted a rebel master would receive freedom, protection, and land - Britain recruited slaves to fight for them

Question 27

Battle of Yorktown (1781)

Answer 27

British General Cornwallis was moving easily through Virginia, but as he fought with an American force Washington had a plan. He feigned an attack on New York, while secretly marching an army to Virginia. The French simultaneously took control of the Chesapeake Bay. By the time the British found out, Cornwallis was surrounded. He surrendered at Yorktown in October 1781, ending the war

Question 28

Currency Tax

Answer 28

The rampant inflation of Continental bills created a hidden “tax” - currency literally devalued in people’s pockets as states printed huge quantities. It was this tax that ultimately financed American victory

Question 29

Treaty of Paris of 1783

Answer 29

Treaty that ended the war - Great Britain recognized American independence and relinquished land claims south of Great Lakes and east of Mississippi River

Question 30

Pennsylvania Constitution of 1776

Answer 30

Granted all taxpaying men the right to vote and hold office - also created a unicameral (one-house) legislature that had complete power

Question 31

Mixed Government

Answer 31

The idea of a sharing of power between different government branches, a system of checks and balances - advocated by John Adams in his Thoughts on Government (1776)

Question 32

Articles of Confederation

Answer 32

The original structure of government, approved in November 1777. Created a loose union, where all states had 1 vote. Important flaws were that the states remained sovereign, and the national government couldn’t impose taxes

Question 33

Northwest Ordinance of 1787

Answer 33

Created territories which would eventually become Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin. Established how to achieve statehood, how to divide land for sale, and that the government would sell that land to raise money

Question 34

Shay’s Rebellion

Answer 34

Revolt against taxes imposed by unresponsive governments - Massachusetts legislature increased taxes fivefold to pay off war bonds. Although the rebellion failed, is showed how many middle class Americans felt that American oppressors had replaced British tyrants

Question 35

Virginia Plan

Answer 35

Scheme for powerful national government by James Madison - replaced state sovereignty with national authority, called for government to be established by the people, and proposed a 3-tier election system. Based representation on population - didn’t appeal to smaller states. This plan was proposed during the Philadelphia Convention

Question 36

New Jersey Plan

Answer 36

Preserved states control of their own laws, and gave each state only 1 vote. Created by William Paterson at the Philadelphia Convention, and appealed to smaller states

Question 37

Federalists

Answer 37

Nationalists who supposed the Constitution - launched a coordinated campaign in pamphlets and newspapers to explain and justify their views

Question 38

Antifederalists

Answer 38

Opponents of the Constitution, had diverse backgrounds and motives. Some feared state governments would lose power, some feared the lack of a declaration of rights, and some feared governments would be run by the wealthy only. Most wanted to keep states small republics tied together for trade and defense - not the “United States” but “States United”

Question 39

Federalist No. 10

Answer 39

One of the essays written by James Madison, John Jay, and Alexander Hamilton. Argued that a larger state would better protect republican liberties. A free society should welcome all factions but keep one from becoming dominant, which is best achieved in a large republic

Question 40

Judiciary Act of 1789

Answer 40

Intended to create strong national institutions - created by Federalists. Established a federal district court in each state, 3 circuit courts, and the Supreme court with the final say - also ensured that FEDERAL judges got the final say in interpreting the Constitution

Question 41

Bill of Rights

Answer 41

First 10 amendments to the Constitution - safeguard fundamental personal rights, mandated legal procedures, and addressed issue of federalism - balance of power between states and national government

Question 42

Report on Public Credit

Answer 42

A report to Congress by Alexander Hamilton in 1790 - asked Congress to redeem at face value the $55 million in Confederation securities. This would give the US good credit, needed to secure loans from Dutch and British financiers, but it was controversial because it would give enormous profits to speculators

Question 43

Bank of the United States

Answer 43

A proposal by Alexander Hamilton in 1790 - proposed to create a national bank jointly owned by private stockholders and the national government. He argued it would provide stability to the American economy - got a 20 year charter from Congress

Question 44

Report on Manufactures

Answer 44

Another report by Hamilton in 1791 - urged the expansion of American manufacturing. He didn’t support the idea of high protective tariffs to raise money, but rather moderate revenue tariffs - this idea worked brilliantly. As trade increased, customs revenue rose and paid down the national debt - it was a strikingly modern and successful system

Question 45

Proclamation of Neutrality

Answer 45

Issued in 193 by President Washington - authorizing US trade with all belligerent nations in European war, allowed merchants to claim a right to pass through British naval blockades. US profited enormously

Question 46

French Revolution

Answer 46

From 1789-1799, a revolt in France against monarchy - abolished feudalism and established a constitutional monarchy. It was very controversial in America

Question 47

Jacobins

Answer 47

The leaders of the French Revolution - radical democrats, created the First French Republic. They closed Christian churches, promoted rational religion, and executed King Louis XVI plus 3,000 aristocrats

Question 48

Whiskey Rebellion

Answer 48

1794, Pennsylvania farmers protested Hamilton’s tax on whiskey - had cut profits making it not profitable to trade anymore. George Washington raised a militia and dispersed them, but Congress later lowered tax in response

Question 49

Jay’s Treaty

Answer 49

Controversial treaty that accepted Britain’s right to stop neutral ships (the opposite of what Jay was sent to Britain to do), but allowed Americans to submit claims for illegal seizures and mandated removal of British troops from Northwest Territory - seen as pro-British, but Washington still signed it

Question 50

Haitian Revolution

Answer 50

A revolt against the rules of Saint-Dominique - massive slave uprising against the elite planters that aimed to abolish slavery it was led by Toussaint L’Ouverture. In 1803, the rebellion was successful - Saint-Dominique became the first independent black republic, Haiti

Question 51

XYZ Affair

Answer 51

French foreign minister Talleyrand demanded bribes in order for Americans to see French officials - John Adams declared that Talleyrand’s agents, whom he called X, Y, and Z, had insulted American honor. Congress cut off trade with France in 1798 in response

Question 52

Naturalization, Alien, and Sedition Acts

Answer 52

Created by Adams and the Federalist government in 1798 to limit individual rights in response to the Republican attacks on Federalists. Naturalization Act lengthened requirement for citizenship from 5 to 14 years, Alien Act authorized the deportation of foreigners, and the Sedition Act prohibited publication of insults against the president or congress - people were confused since this was seen as violating their right to freedom of speech

Question 53

Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions

Answer 53

Proclamation issued by the Virginia and Kentucky legislatures, declared Alien and Sedition Acts to be void - set forth a states’ right to interpretation of the Constitution

Question 54

Treaty of Greenville

Answer 54

Compromise caused by continuing native resistance to white migration - acknowledged Indian ownership of land, but in return for various payments the Western Confederacy was forced to cede most of the Ohio. Natives were also forced to accept American sovereignty

Question 55

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

Answer 55

Marbury was one of Adams “midnight appointees”, but Madison refused to grant his appointment - Marbury sued Madison in response. In this case, Marshall declared that only the Supreme Court held the power of Constitutional review - the court said Marbury had the right to judicial appointment, but they couldn’t enforce it. In declaring this, Marshall gave the courts the power of judicial review

Question 56

Louisiana Purchase

Answer 56

By 1807, French invasion of Haiti was faltering due to black resistance and disease, and Napoleon feared American invasion of Louisiana (he had signed a secret treaty with Spain to acquire it). He offered to sell all of Louisiana to the US for $15 million to avoid this

Question 57

Embargo Act of 1807

Answer 57

Passed by Jefferson, it prohibited American ships from leaving port until Britain and France stopped restricting US trade - overestimated European reliance on American shipping, and underestimated the resistance merchants would mount. Weakened the entire US economy

Question 58

Battle of Tippecanoe

Answer 58

Shawnee war chief Tecumseh questioned the legitimacy of the Western Confederacy ceding most of the Ohio to the US, and began to mobilize Indian people for war against America. When he went south to recruit, governor Henry Harrison attacked Prophetstown (Tecumseh’s holy village) - his militia traded heavy casualties with the natives, but eventually they destroyed the holy village in the Battle of Tippecanoe

Question 59

Treaty of Ghent

Answer 59

End of the War of 1812, signed on Christmas Eve 1814 - retained prewar borders of the US. They went back to the way it was before the war

Question 60

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

Answer 60

Asserted national power over states once again - occurred when Maryland legislature imposed a tax on notes issued by the Second Bank of the US (they wanted people to use their notes instead), but the Second Bank refused to pay. To counter the arguments of the Jeffersonian Republicans, Marshall declared that the Bank was constitutional because it was “necessary and proper”, and that Maryland couldn’t tax it. He reasserted national authority

Question 61

Adams-Onís Treaty

Answer 61

Treaty Between Spain and the US by John Quincy Adams in 1819 - Spain ceded Florida to the Us, but America accepted Spain’s claim to Texas and compromised over the western boundary of the new state Louisiana

Question 62

Monroe Doctrine

Answer 62

Monroe warned European powers to keep their hands off the newly independent republics in the Americas - they were “not subject to further colonization”. In return, the US promised to not interfere in the international affairs of Europe - he asserted America’s diplomatic leadership in the Western Hemisphere, and won international acceptance of its boundaries

Question 63

“Neomercantilism”

Answer 63

A system of government assisted economic development. Became prevalent in early 19th century, especially in northeast - and the system worked

Question 64

Panic of 1819

Answer 64

financial crisis which was caused by many things - dubious banking policies were a contributor, but the 30% drop in world agriculture prices after the Napoleonic Wars and the sharp increase in American consumption of European goods also played a role. Gave Americans a taste of the booms and busts of a business cycle

Question 65

Commonwealth System

Answer 65

A system where states funneled aid to private corporations, whose projects would improve public welfare, like roads and banks. By 1820, many states had adopted this

Question 66

Sentimentalism

Answer 66

Originated in Europe as a part of the Romantic Movement, and after 1800 spread quickly through America. It focused on “feeling” an appreciation of God, nature, and other humans. Emphasized deeply felt emotions - pervaded many aspects of society (e.g. Revivalist preachers)

Question 67

Companionate Marriages

Answer 67

An idea influenced by sentimentalism, it said that marriages should be “Contracted from motives of affection, rather than of interest” - young people looked for a relationship based on intimacy

Question 68

Demographic Transition

Answer 68

A sharp decline in birth rate beginning around the 1790s - people married later and bore fewer children. Fathers wanted to be able to provide adequate inheritance, and mothers didn’t want to spend all of adulthood raising children

Question 69

Republican Motherhood

Answer 69

The idea that women should care for children and raise them to be “virtuous republican citizens”. Gave women greater responsibility over family welfare, but discouraged involvement in public life

Question 70

Manumission

Answer 70

he name for an act that allowed owners to free their slaves - Virginia passed one in 1782, and 10,000 slaves won their freedom following it. The slaves usually had to bargain for their freedom

Question 71

Herrenvolk Republic

Answer 71

A “master race” republic, in which one race has all the liberties and rights. The South tried to create one of these in 1800, where they restricted individual liberty and legal equality to whites

Question 72

American Colonization Society

Answer 72

A society founded by whites, which argued for emancipation, but said slaves had to be resettled or else there would be chaos. Most blacks opposed this, as they either saw themselves as Americans (those who were free), or wanted to be Americans (those who were slaves) - only about 6,000 were successfully resettled

Question 73

Missouri Compromise

Answer 73

A series of political agreements devised by Henry Clay to end the debate over Missouri. It allowed Maine to enter s free in 1820, and Missouri to enter as slave in 1821 - set precedent for future state admission (1 slave state for every free)

Question 74

Established Church

Answer 74

The old order where there was ONE church that received financial support from the government and was recommended (or enforced) - crumbled in the face of religious freedom, which made all churches equal and gave support to none

Question 75

“Voluntarism”

Answer 75

The funding of churches by their members - was welcomed because it allowed the laity to control the clergy, while supporting self-governance

Question 76

“Unchurched”

Answer 76

The huge numbers of Americans who were not religious - active attempts were made to convert these people during the Second Great Awakening

Question 77

Second Great Awakening

Answer 77

A decades-long series of revival where Americans adopted new religious principles. This made the US a genuinely Christian society