Untitled Deck Flashcards
What event marked the beginning of English dominance at sea?
The defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588 established England as a rising world power.
What led Henry VIII to break from the Catholic Church?
Henry VIII’s desire for a male heir and the Pope’s refusal to annul his marriage to Catherine of Aragon led to the establishment of the Church of England.
Why did Elizabeth I choose not to marry?
Elizabeth I believed marriage would give her husband power, threatening her rule and potentially dividing her kingdom.
What motivated English citizens to migrate to America?
Economic hardship, religious persecution, and the promise of land and a better life motivated English citizens to seek opportunities in America.
What was the first English colony and what happened to it?
Roanoke was the first English colony, established in 1585, but it mysteriously disappeared by 1590.
What was the first successful English colony in America?
Jamestown, established in 1607, was the first successful English colony due to its strategic location and tobacco cultivation.
What was the primary motivation for establishing Plymouth?
Plymouth was created for religious freedom, while Jamestown was primarily established for economic gain.
What cash crop made Jamestown successful?
Tobacco became the highly profitable cash crop that made Jamestown successful.
What was indentured servitude?
Indentured servitude was a system where individuals worked for a number of years in exchange for passage to America, food, and shelter.
When did slavery begin in the American colonies?
Slavery began in the American colonies in 1619 when a ship brought African slaves to Jamestown.
What was the significance of Bacon’s Rebellion?
Bacon’s Rebellion in 1676 highlighted the instability of relying on indentured servitude, leading to an increase in African slavery.
What were joint-stock companies?
Joint-stock companies were groups of businessmen who pooled resources to fund the establishment and operation of colonies.
Why was Georgia founded?
Georgia was founded to shelter and reform debtors and criminals, providing a second chance for those imprisoned for unpaid debts.
What is mercantilism?
Mercantilism is an economic theory encouraging nations to accumulate wealth through trade surpluses and control of colonies.
What is a cash crop?
A cash crop is a crop grown for sale and profit rather than for personal consumption.
What were the Salem Witchcraft Trials?
The Salem Witchcraft Trials in 1692 resulted in the execution of 20 people and ended when spectral evidence was discredited.
What is spectral evidence?
Spectral evidence was used in the Salem trials to accuse individuals of witchcraft based on claims of their spirits appearing to others.
What is mass hysteria?
Mass hysteria is a collective, irrational fear that spreads quickly through a group, leading to false accusations and panic.
What are modern examples of mass hysteria?
Modern examples include panic over public health issues like COVID-19 and the spread of conspiracy theories.
Who was Massasoit?
Massasoit was the Wampanoag chief who helped the Pilgrims survive their first winter and participated in the first Thanksgiving.
What was the difference between Massasoit’s reign and Metacomet’s War?
Massasoit’s reign was mostly peaceful, while Metacomet (King Philip) led a violent resistance during King Philip’s War.
What was the significance of John Peter Zenger’s trial?
Zenger’s trial in 1735 set a precedent for freedom of the press, arguing that truth should be a defense against libel.
Why did colonists use Irish labor instead of enslaved Africans?
Colonists sometimes used Irishmen as cheaper labor compared to enslaved Africans.
What is salutary neglect?
Salutary neglect refers to the British policy of loosely enforcing regulations in the American colonies.
What role did beaver pelts play in the French & Indian War?
The demand for beaver pelts in Europe contributed to the French & Indian War as both France and Britain sought control over fur trading regions.
What region was contested in the French & Indian War?
The Ohio River Valley was contested due to its population of fur-bearing animals.
What was the French & Indian War part of?
The French & Indian War was part of a larger series of conflicts known as the Seven Years’ War.
What does Status Quo Antebellum mean?
Status Quo Antebellum means restoring the situation to how it was before the conflict.
What was the Albany Plan?
The Albany Plan was a proposal for a unified colonial government to coordinate defense, conceived by Benjamin Franklin.
What was William Pitt’s contribution during the French & Indian War?
William Pitt increased military spending and focused on defeating France, leading to British victory.
What was the Treaty of Easton?
The Treaty of Easton (1763) ended hostilities between Britain and several Native American tribes after the French & Indian War.
What was Comte de Frontenac’s ‘La Petite Guerre’?
La Petite Guerre involved guerrilla warfare tactics used by French forces and Native American allies.
How did the French & Indian War affect colonists?
The war provided military experience but strained relations with England, leading to colonists’ anger over British treatment.
What were colonists’ feelings about representation in English government?
Colonists felt they were unfairly taxed and governed without adequate representation in Parliament.
What is virtual representation?
Virtual representation was the British argument that Parliament represented all British subjects, including colonists.
What is the difference between internal and external taxes?
Internal taxes are placed on goods within the colonies, while external taxes are placed on imports from outside the colonies.
What were British and American views on Writs of Assistance?
The British viewed writs of assistance as necessary for controlling smuggling, while colonists saw them as violations of rights.
What were the Quartering Acts?
The Quartering Acts required colonists to house and supply British soldiers, contributing to resentment towards Britain.
What is the chronological order of key events leading to the American Revolution?
- Salutary Neglect 2. French & Indian War 3. Proclamation of 1763 4. Sugar Act of 1764 5. Stamp Act of 1765 6. Declaratory Act of 1766 7. Townshend Acts of 1767 8. Boston Massacre (1770) 9. Tea Act of 1773 10. Boston Tea Party (1773) 11. The Coercive Acts (1774)
Who were some leaders of colonial resistance?
Prominent leaders included Samuel Adams, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Paul Revere.
What was the Olive Branch Petition?
The Olive Branch Petition was sent to King George III in 1775, asking for peace and resolution to the conflict.
How did King George III respond to the Olive Branch Petition?
King George III declared the colonies in rebellion and refused to negotiate.
What were some colonial protests against English policies?
Colonists protested through boycotts, tarring and feathering, and hanging in effigy.
What was the Boston Massacre?
The Boston Massacre in 1770 involved British soldiers killing five colonists, which fueled anti-British sentiment.
What actions did the 2nd Continental Congress take?
The 2nd Continental Congress created the Continental Army, appointed George Washington as commander, and issued the Declaration of Independence.
How did Thomas Paine inspire rebels?
Thomas Paine inspired rebels with writings like Common Sense and The Crisis.
Who wrote the Declaration of Independence and why was it needed?
The Declaration of Independence was primarily written by Thomas Jefferson to formally declare independence from Britain.
Why is the American Revolution considered a world war and a civil war?
It involved multiple nations supporting America against Britain and divided colonists into Patriots and Loyalists.
What were the advantages of the Americans and British in the war?
American advantages included home-field advantage and foreign aid, while British advantages included a professional army and greater resources.
What was the significance of the Olive Branch Petition?
The Olive Branch Petition was a final attempt to reconcile with Britain, but it was met with refusal.
Which foreign countries supported America during the Revolution?
France, Spain, and the Netherlands provided military and financial support to America.
What is a Pyrrhic Victory?
A Pyrrhic Victory is a victory that comes at such a great cost that it is nearly equivalent to defeat.
What is a War of Attrition?
A War of Attrition is a strategy where one side attempts to wear down the other through constant attacks.
What does hubris mean in the context of the revolution?
Hubris refers to excessive pride or arrogance, particularly seen in the British underestimating American resolve.
What was the significance of the Battle of Lexington & Concord?
These battles marked the beginning of armed conflict between Britain and the colonies.
What was the outcome of the Battle of Bunker Hill?
The Battle of Bunker Hill was a costly British victory that proved colonists could stand up to the British army.
What was the significance of the Battle of Trenton?
The Battle of Trenton was a pivotal victory that boosted American morale.
Why was the Battle of Saratoga a turning point?
The American victory at Saratoga convinced France to formally ally with the colonies.
What was the Battle of Bunker Hill?
A costly British victory that proved the colonists could stand up to the British army. It was one of the first major battles of the war.
What was the significance of the Battle of Trenton?
A pivotal victory for the Continental Army on December 26, 1776, where Washington crossed the Delaware River and surprised the Hessian forces, boosting American morale.
What was the turning point in the American Revolution?
The Battle of Saratoga, where the American victory convinced France to formally ally with the colonies, providing crucial military and financial support.
What was the final major battle of the American Revolution?
The Battle of Yorktown, where British General Cornwallis surrendered to Washington’s forces, effectively ending the war.
What treaty ended the American Revolution?
The Treaty of Paris (1783) ended the war.
What were the three most important points of the Treaty of Paris?
- Recognition of the 13 colonies as free and sovereign states. 2. Establishment of boundaries between the United States and British North America (including Canada). 3. Granting perpetual access to the Mississippi River for both Great Britain and the United States.
What were the major differences between the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution?
The Articles created a weak central government with no executive branch, no power to tax, and no ability to regulate commerce between states, giving most power to the states. The Constitution established a stronger federal government with three branches (executive, legislative, judicial), gave the government power to tax, regulate commerce, and maintain a standing army.
Who was Daniel Shays?
A former soldier and farmer who led a rebellion in 1786 against economic injustices and the lack of government response to debtors’ problems.
What did Shays’ Rebellion highlight?
The weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, as the federal government had no power to intervene or maintain order, leading to calls for a stronger central government.
What is the sequence of governments of the American colonies?
- The 2nd Continental Congress 2. The Articles of Confederation 3. The U.S. Constitution
Which state did not attend the Constitutional Convention?
Rhode Island did not attend the Constitutional Convention.
How often are members of the House of Representatives elected?
Members are elected every 2 years.
What are the qualifications for the House of Representatives?
At least 25 years old, a 7-year citizen, and must reside in the state they represent.
How is the number of representatives each state gets determined?
The number of representatives each state gets is determined by population.
What specific powers does the House have?
The House has the sole power to initiate revenue bills (taxation and spending) and can impeach federal officials.
How many senators does each state have?
Each state has 2 senators.
What are the qualifications for senators?
At least 30 years old, a 9-year citizen, and must reside in the state they represent.
What is the term length for senators?
Senators serve 6-year terms.
Who is the President of the Senate?
The Vice President is the President of the Senate.
Who presides over the Senate in the Vice President’s absence?
The President pro tempore (usually the senior member of the majority party) presides over the Senate.
What specific powers does the Senate have?
The Senate has the power to ratify treaties, confirm presidential appointments, and try impeached officials.
What are the qualifications for the president?
At least 35 years old, a natural-born citizen, and must have lived in the U.S. for 14 years.
What is the term length for the president?
The term of office is 4 years, with a maximum of 2 terms.
How does a bill become a law?
A bill is introduced in either the House or Senate, passed by both houses, and then sent to the President to be signed into law or vetoed. If vetoed, Congress can override the veto with a two-thirds majority.
Where must bills raising revenue begin?
Bills that deal with raising revenue must begin in the House of Representatives.
What are the main responsibilities of Congress?
Make laws, declare war, and control federal spending.
What are federal, state, and concurrent powers?
Federal powers are granted to the federal government (e.g., coin money, regulate interstate commerce). State powers are reserved for the states (e.g., regulate education, conduct elections). Concurrent powers are shared by both the federal and state governments (e.g., tax, establish courts).
What are the three branches of government?
Legislative branch (Congress) makes laws, Executive branch (President) enforces laws, Judicial branch (Supreme Court) interprets laws.
How can the Constitution be amended?
The Constitution can be amended by a two-thirds majority in both houses of Congress and ratification by three-fourths of the states.
What is the Elastic Clause?
The Elastic Clause allows Congress to make laws that are ‘necessary and proper’ to carry out its powers, even if those laws are not explicitly stated in the Constitution.
What is gerrymandering?
Gerrymandering is the manipulation of electoral district boundaries to favor a particular political party or group.
What were the compromises of the Constitution?
The Great Compromise established a bicameral legislature with the House of Representatives (based on population) and the Senate (equal representation for each state). The 3/5ths Compromise counted three-fifths of a state’s slave population for both representation and taxation purposes. The Electoral College is a system where electors, based on state representation in Congress, vote for the President and Vice President.
What are some important amendments to know?
Bill of Rights (1st-10th), 12th Amendment (changed presidential election), 13th-15th Amendments (abolished slavery and granted voting rights), 18th and 21st Amendments (prohibition and its repeal), 15th, 19th, and 26th Amendments (expanded voting rights), 22nd Amendment (limits presidents to two terms), 27th Amendment (prevents Congress from giving itself immediate pay raises).
What were Washington’s precedents?
- Going by ‘Mr. President’ 2. Not wearing his military uniform 3. Two-term limit 4. Only President to physically lead the army as commander.
Why did political parties form?
Federalists, led by Alexander Hamilton, supported a strong central government, a national bank, and a loose interpretation of the Constitution. Democratic-Republicans, led by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, favored a weaker central government, more power for the states, and a strict interpretation of the Constitution.
What was Hamilton’s financial plan?
- Importance of assuming all debts: To establish credit, unite the country, and build trust with domestic and foreign creditors. 2. Hamilton’s plan would pay for: a. Assume all debts, b. Assumption of foreign debt, c. Assumption of state debt, d. Assumption of private bond debt.
How would Hamilton’s plan pay for the debt?
- Create a Bank of the United States, 2. Issue new bonds, 3. Put a tariff on foreign goods, 4. Put a tax on whiskey, leading to the Whiskey Rebellion.
Why was the election of 1800 called the ‘Revolution of 1800’?
It marked the first peaceful transfer of power between political parties in U.S. history, with Thomas Jefferson defeating incumbent John Adams.
What was the significance of Marbury v. Madison?
In Marbury v. Madison (1803), the Supreme Court established judicial review, the principle that the Supreme Court has the authority to declare acts of Congress and the executive branch unconstitutional.
What was the Louisiana Purchase?
The acquisition of land from France in 1803 that doubled the size of the U.S. Jefferson justified the purchase as a treaty power despite his strict interpretation of the Constitution.
What were the Barbary Pirates?
Groups of North African pirates who demanded tribute from countries to avoid attacks on their ships. Jefferson led a naval expedition that defeated them, establishing U.S. naval power.
What happened at the Battle of New Orleans?
The battle took place after the Treaty of Ghent had been signed, but the news had not reached American forces in time. General Andrew Jackson’s forces defeated the British.
How did Lucky Luciano help the U.S. in WWII?
Lucky Luciano cooperated with the government to ensure the safety of American shipping routes in the Mediterranean, undermining Axis powers.
What was the Monroe Doctrine?
The Monroe Doctrine (1823) warned European powers against interfering in the Western Hemisphere, asserting that any attempt to colonize would be viewed as an act of aggression toward the U.S.
What happened in the election of 1824?
None of the candidates secured a majority in the Electoral College, leading to John Quincy Adams being elected president after a deal with Henry Clay, called the ‘Corrupt Bargain’ by Jackson’s supporters.
What was the Nullification Crisis?
A conflict between South Carolina and the federal government over tariffs, where South Carolina declared it could nullify federal laws. Jefferson’s earlier writings influenced this doctrine.
What was Jackson’s Indian policy?
Jackson viewed Native Americans as obstacles to U.S. expansion and signed the Indian Removal Act, leading to the forced relocation of thousands of Native Americans.
What Supreme Court case ruled in favor of the Cherokees?
Worcester v. Georgia (1832) ruled in favor of the Cherokee, affirming their sovereignty, but Jackson ignored the ruling.
What was William Henry Harrison’s campaign slogan?
His slogan was ‘Tippecanoe and Tyler Too,’ referring to his military victory at the Battle of Tippecanoe.
What did the Cherokee affirm regarding their sovereignty?
The Cherokee affirmed their sovereignty and stated that Georgia’s laws did not apply to them.
What was William Henry Harrison’s one claim to fame according to his campaign slogan?
William Henry Harrison’s campaign slogan, ‘Tippecanoe and Tyler Too,’ referred to his military victory at the Battle of Tippecanoe (1811) against Native American forces led by Tecumseh’s confederacy.
This battle became a key part of his appeal in the election of 1840.
What does William Pitt’s quote about France reflect?
‘I would have been content to bring France to her knees; now I will not rest until I have laid her on her back.’
Pitt’s statement reflects his aggressive stance against France during the Seven Years’ War.
What did Comte de Vergennes say about France’s colonies after the Seven Years’ War?
‘They stand no longer in need of her protection…’
Vergennes suggests that after France had defended its colonies, those colonies would now have to share in the financial burden of the war.
What does John Adams emphasize in his quote about preserving life?
‘If I can be but the instrument of preserving one life…’
Adams emphasizes the moral duty to protect lives, even if it meant facing public disapproval.
What does the American soldier’s statement reflect?
‘We have always governed ourselves.’
This reflects the American colonists’ long-standing belief in self-governance and independence.
What does Samuel Johnson argue about protection and obedience?
‘He that accepts protection stipulates obedience.’
Johnson argues that by accepting protection from a government, one also agrees to obey its laws.
What was William Pitt’s stance on British taxation of the American colonies?
‘It is my opinion that this kingdom has no right to lay a tax upon the colonists…’
Pitt argues that the colonies should not be taxed without representation.
What did General Gage say about the state of affairs between Britain and the American colonies?
‘Affairs here are worse than even the time of the Stamp Act…’
Gage acknowledges that the tensions and military costs of suppressing the American rebellion are escalating.
What does the American Loyalist’s quote suggest about governance?
‘They call me a brainless Tory…’
The Loyalist argues that the American Revolution could lead to chaos and oppression by local leaders.
What does King George III mean by ‘The die is now cast’?
‘The die is now cast; the colonists must either submit or triumph.’
George III acknowledges the finality of the situation with the American colonies.
What is the significance of Thomas Jefferson’s quote in the Declaration of Independence?
‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.’
This asserts the inherent equality of all people, laying the philosophical foundation for American independence.
What does Thomas Paine’s quote in The American Crisis convey?
‘These are the times that try men’s souls…’
Paine acknowledges the difficult nature of the war against Britain, encouraging perseverance.
What does the unknown quote about America and French aid imply?
‘To say that America, with some French aid, defeated England is like saying ‘Daddy and I killed the bear.’
It downplays France’s role in the American victory, emphasizing that the true credit belongs to America.
What does Patrick Henry declare in his famous speech?
‘Give me Liberty or give me death.’
Henry emphasizes his willingness to fight and die for freedom.
What does the quote about not shooting until seeing the whites of their eyes signify?
‘Don’t shoot until you see the whites of their eyes.’
This reflects the order to conserve ammunition and wait for the right moment to fire during battle.
What concern does George Washington express about the Articles of Confederation?
‘We have probably had too good an opinion of human nature in forming our confederation.’
Washington acknowledges the weaknesses of the Articles and the unrealistic expectations of human nature.
