Key Historical Terms and Events

Flashcards covering key terms and events in early American history, particularly related to government, society, and reform movements.

Revolution of 1800

The presidential election where Thomas Jefferson defeated John Adams, marking the first peaceful transfer of power between political parties in the U.S.

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

A landmark Supreme Court case that established the principle of judicial review, allowing the Court to declare laws unconstitutional.

Embargo Act (1807)

Legislation that prohibited exports from the U.S., meant to pressure Britain and France during the Napoleonic Wars, but resulted in economic turmoil.

'War Hawks'

Congressional advocates for war in the 1790s-1810s, particularly those who promoted the War of 1812.

'Midnight Judges'

Judges commissioned by Jefferson in the last hours of his presidency, which led to the Marbury v. Madison case.

Louisiana Purchase (1803)

Acquisition of territory from France that doubled the size of the U.S. and raised constitutional questions about federal power.

Macon's Bill No. 2 (1809)

Legislation that allowed for trade with Britain and France under conditions, leading to economic recovery.

Tecumseh's War

Conflict led by Shawnee leader Tecumseh to unite Native American tribes against U.S. expansion.

War of 1812

A conflict between the U.S. and Britain driven by issues like impressment of American sailors and support for Native American attacks.

Hartford Convention

A meeting of New England Federalists to discuss their grievances concerning the War of 1812, leading to the decline of the Federalist Party.

'American System'

Economic plan proposed by Henry Clay to unify the nation through a national bank, tariffs, and internal improvements.

Treaty of Ghent

The treaty that ended the War of 1812, restoring pre-war boundaries but not addressing key issues like impressment.

Rush-Bagot Agreement

An agreement between the U.S. and Britain to demilitarize the Great Lakes.

'Era of Good Feelings'

A period of political unity and national purpose following the War of 1812, characterized by the decline of the Federalist Party.

Missouri Compromise (1820)

Legislation that admitted Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a free state to maintain the balance between free and slave states.

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

A Supreme Court case affirming federal supremacy over states and validating the use of implied powers.

Monroe Doctrine (1824)

A U.S. policy opposing European colonization in the Western Hemisphere.

Know Nothings

A nativist political party that emerged in the 1840s, opposing immigration and promoting American nationalism.

Eli Whitney

Inventor of the cotton gin, which revolutionized cotton production and had unintentional consequences for slavery.

Lowell Mills

Textile mills in Massachusetts known for employing young women and increasing their economic independence.

Erie Canal

A canal that connected the Hudson River with Lake Erie, promoting transportation and economic growth in New York.

'Cult of Domesticity'

The belief that women should adhere to roles as homemakers and moral guardians, emerging during the market revolution.

'Spoils System'

The practice of political patronage where elected officials appoint supporters to government positions.

'Tariff of Abominations'

The 1828 tariff that raised duties on imported goods, leading to discontent in the South.

Webster-Hayne Debate (1830)

A series of Senate debates over the issue of state nullification of federal laws.

'Old' Immigration

The wave of immigration that began in the 1840s, primarily from Ireland and Germany.

Samuel Slater

Known as the father of the factory system in America for introducing textile technology from Britain.

Samuel Morse

Inventor of the electric telegraph, revolutionizing long-distance communication.

Robert Fulton

Inventor of the steamboat, significantly improving transportation by water.

'Market Revolution'

The rapid economic change characterized by the growth of factories and a shift toward a cash-based economy.

'Corrupt Bargain'

Refers to the alleged deal in the 1824 election between John Quincy Adams and Henry Clay that denied Andrew Jackson the presidency.

'Kitchen Cabinet'

Informal advisors to President Jackson, who replaced many official cabinet members.

'Nullification Crisis'

A confrontation between South Carolina and the federal government, resulting from disputes over tariff laws.

Force Bill (1833)

Legislation allowing President Jackson to use military force to enforce federal tariffs.

Cherokee Nation v. Georgia (1831)

A Supreme Court case where the Cherokee sought recognition as a sovereign nation.

Trail of Tears (1830)

The forced relocation of Native Americans from their homelands, leading to significant suffering and loss of life.

Whig Party

Political party formed in opposition to President Jackson; supported a strong federal government.

Second Party System

Political era marking the rise of the Democratic and Whig parties in the 1830s and 1840s.

Nat Turner's Rebellion

A violent slave uprising in Virginia in 1831, prompting greater repression of enslaved people.

Bank Bill (1832)

Legislation proposed by Henry Clay for the renewal of the national bank, vetoed by Jackson.

Panic of 1837

A financial crisis leading to economic depression triggered by the failure of state banks.

Stono Rebellion

A slave uprising in South Carolina in 1739, leading to stricter slave codes.

King Cotton

A phrase highlighting the dominance of cotton production and its economic significance to the South.

'Necessary Evil'

Justification of slavery by proponents who argued it was essential for the economy.

'Positive Good'

Argument by some southerners that slavery was beneficial for both enslaved people and society.

Benevolent Paternalism

The belief that slave owners were benevolent caretakers of their enslaved laborers.

American Colonization Society (1830)

An organization that advocated for the resettlement of freed African Americans to Africa.

The Liberator

An abolitionist newspaper founded by William Lloyd Garrison advocating for immediate emancipation.

'Gag Rule' (1836-1844)

A rule that prevented discussion of slavery in Congress, reflecting intense sectional tensions.

Virginia Statute of Religious Freedom (1786)

Legislation that established the separation of church and state in Virginia.

Second Great Awakening

A religious revival movement in the early 19th century that emphasized individualism and personal faith.

'Burned-over District'

Regions in upstate New York known for intense religious revivalism and the emergence of new religious movements.

Oneida Community

A religious and social commune founded in the 19th century emphasizing complex marriage and communal living.

Mormonism

A religious movement founded by Joseph Smith, emphasizing a unique interpretation of Christianity.

'Postmillennialism'

The belief that Christ will return after a 'golden age' of Christianity.

Perfectionism

A belief that society could achieve moral perfection through reform movements.

Temperance

A social movement aimed at reducing the consumption of alcohol.

Dorothea Dix

A reformer who advocated for the humane treatment of the mentally ill.

Horace Mann

An education reformer known for promoting universal public education.

Noah Webster

An educational reformer known for the American dictionary and advocating for public education.

Seneca Falls Convention

The first women's rights convention held in 1848, where the Declaration of Sentiments was produced.

Transcendentalism

A philosophical movement that emphasized intuition and the inherent goodness of people and nature.

Declaration of Sentiments

A document from the Seneca Falls Convention that outlined the rights women should be entitled to.

Aroostook War (1838-1839)

A conflict between the U.S. and Britain over the northern boundary of Maine.

Webster-Ashburton Treaty (1842)

An agreement that resolved several border issues between the U.S. and British North America.

Manifest Destiny

The 19th-century doctrine that the expansion of the U.S. throughout the American continents was justified and inevitable.

54-40 or Fight!

A slogan used during the 1844 presidential campaign advocating for U.S. expansion into the Pacific Northwest.

'Slave Power'

The belief that slave owners wielded significant power and influence over the federal government.

Ostend Manifesto

A document advocating for the U.S. to acquire Cuba through annexation, reflecting the desire for expansion.

'Dark Horse'

A candidate who unexpectedly gains popularity, such as James K. Polk in the 1844 election.

Annexation of Texas (1845)

The incorporation of Texas into the U.S., leading to increased tensions with Mexico.

Wilmot Proviso

An unsuccessful proposal to ban slavery in territory acquired from Mexico.

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

The 1848 treaty that ended the Mexican-American War and ceded significant territory to the U.S.

'Spot Resolutions'

Lincoln's questioning of the justification for the Mexican-American War, demanding to know the precise location of the alleged attack.

Mexican Cession

The territory ceded to the U.S. by Mexico in 1848, including present-day California, Nevada, Utah, and parts of Arizona.

Free Soil Party

A political party that opposed the expansion of slavery into the western territories.

'Popular Sovereignty'

The principle that the people living in a territory should decide whether it would be free or slave state.

Compromise of 1850

A series of laws aimed at resolving disputes over the status of territories acquired from Mexico.

Fugitive Slave Law

A law requiring the return of escaped slaves to their masters, generating significant opposition in the North.

Uncle Tom's Cabin

A novel by Harriet Beecher Stowe that depicted the realities of slavery and galvanized anti-slavery sentiments.

Ableman v. Booth

A Supreme Court case ruling that federal law takes precedence over state law regarding the Fugitive Slave Act.