Unit 3 Vocab 1763-1820 Flashcards
The Sugar Act of 1764
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
Vice-admiralty Courts
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
Stamp Act of 1765
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
Virtual Representation
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
Quartering Act of 1765
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
Stamp Act Congress
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
Sons of Liberty
Violent Patriot who took aggressive action against the British in Boston. Wealthy Patriots encouraged these mobs, which were generally led by poorer people
English Common Law
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
Natural Rights
A development of John Locke, who claimed all individuals had these rights to life, liberty, and property - the government MUST work to protect them
Declaratory Act of 1766
Explicitly reaffirmed Parliament’s absolute power over the colonies - issued in response to the repeal of the Stamp Act
Townshend Act of 1767
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
Nonimportation movement
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
Committees of Correspondence
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
Tea Act of May 1773
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
Coercive Acts
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
Continental Congress
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
Continental Association
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
Dunmore’s War
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
Minutemen
Concord originally started this, but it quickly spread to other cities - defensive force trained to “Stand at a minutes warning in Case of alarm”
Second Continental Congress
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
Declaration of Independence
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
Popular Sovereignty
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
Battle of Long Island (1776)
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
Battle of Saratoga
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
Valley Forge
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
Philipsburg Proclamation
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
Battle of Yorktown (1781)
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
Currency Tax
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
Treaty of Paris of 1783
Treaty that ended the war - Great Britain recognized American independence and relinquished land claims south of Great Lakes and east of Mississippi River
Pennsylvania Constitution of 1776
Granted all taxpaying men the right to vote and hold office - also created a unicameral (one-house) legislature that had complete power
Mixed Government
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)
Articles of Confederation
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
Northwest Ordinance of 1787
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
Shay’s Rebellion
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
Virginia Plan
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
New Jersey Plan
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
Federalists
Nationalists who supposed the Constitution - launched a coordinated campaign in pamphlets and newspapers to explain and justify their views
Antifederalists
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”
Federalist No. 10
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
Judiciary Act of 1789
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
Bill of Rights
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
Report on Public Credit
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
Bank of the United States
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
Report on Manufactures
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
Proclamation of Neutrality
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
French Revolution
From 1789-1799, a revolt in France against monarchy - abolished feudalism and established a constitutional monarchy. It was very controversial in America
Jacobins
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
Whiskey Rebellion
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
Jay’s Treaty
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
Haitian Revolution
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
XYZ Affair
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
Naturalization, Alien, and Sedition Acts
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
Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions
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
Treaty of Greenville
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
Marbury v. Madison (1803)
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
Louisiana Purchase
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
Embargo Act of 1807
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
Battle of Tippecanoe
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
Treaty of Ghent
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
McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)
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
Adams-Onís Treaty
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
Monroe Doctrine
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
“Neomercantilism”
A system of government assisted economic development. Became prevalent in early 19th century, especially in northeast - and the system worked
Panic of 1819
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
Commonwealth System
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
Sentimentalism
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)
Companionate Marriages
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
Demographic Transition
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
Republican Motherhood
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
Manumission
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
Herrenvolk Republic
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
American Colonization Society
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
Missouri Compromise
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)
Established Church
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
“Voluntarism”
The funding of churches by their members - was welcomed because it allowed the laity to control the clergy, while supporting self-governance
“Unchurched”
The huge numbers of Americans who were not religious - active attempts were made to convert these people during the Second Great Awakening
Second Great Awakening
A decades-long series of revival where Americans adopted new religious principles. This made the US a genuinely Christian society
