APUSH Terms

Columbian Exchange

The widespread transfer of plants, animals, culture, human populations, technology, disease, and ideas between the Americas and the Old World following Christopher Columbus's voyages.

Maize Culture

The agricultural practice centered around growing maize, which became a staple crop in many Native American societies in the Southwest and played a crucial role in their culture and economy.

Ecomienda System

A labor system instituted by the Spanish crown in the Americas, granting colonists the right to demand tribute and forced labor from Indigenous peoples in exchange for protection and religious instruction.

Great Plain Culture

Refers to the lifestyle and traditions of Native American tribes living in the Great Plains region, primarily characterized by nomadic bison hunting and reliance on the horse after its introduction by Europeans.

Atlantic Slave Trade

The forced transportation of millions of enslaved Africans to the Americas from the 16th to the 19th centuries, primarily to work on plantations. This trade was a key component of the triangular trade, connecting Europe, Africa, and the Americas.

Mercantilism

An economic theory that emphasizes the role of government in regulating the economy and promoting national power through the accumulation of wealth, particularly gold and silver, by maximizing exports and minimizing imports. Colonies did not like it.

Aztecs

A Mesoamerican civilization known for its rich culture, large empire, and advanced agricultural practices, as well as for their contributions to art, architecture, and the calendar system.

Protestant Reformation

A religious movement in the 16th century that sought to reform the practices and beliefs of the Roman Catholic Church, leading to the establishment of various Protestant denominations. Lead to movement out west.

Pueblo Revolt

A 1680 uprising by Pueblo people against Spanish colonization in present-day New Mexico, motivated by religious, economic, and political grievances, which temporarily drove the Spanish out.

Bacon’s Rebellion

A 1676 revolt in Virginia led by Nathaniel Bacon against Governor William Berkeley's administration, primarily over issues of colonial expansion and taxation, resulting in increased tensions between settlers and Native Americans.

Metacom’s War

A conflict from 1675 to 1678 between New England colonists and Native American tribes led by Metacom (King Philip), primarily driven by territorial disputes and resistance to colonial encroachment.

New England/Middle Atlantic/Southern Colonies

The three major regions of British North America, characterized by distinct economic, social, and political structures, including the New England colonies known for their Puritanical society and farming, the Middle Atlantic colonies with diverse cultures and economies(tobacco), and the Southern colonies with plantation agriculture(sugar) and reliance on slave labor.

First Great Awakening

A series of religious revivals in the American colonies during the early 18th century, emphasizing personal faith and emotional engagement over formal religious practices, leading to increased denominational diversity and challenging traditional authority.

Enlightenment

An intellectual movement in the 17th and 18th centuries that emphasized reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority, influencing political thought and fostering ideas about democracy and human rights.

Protestant Evangelism

A branch of Christianity that emphasizes the necessity of personal faith and the preaching of the Gospel, which flourished during the First Great Awakening and influenced various social movements.

Navigation Acts

A series of laws enacted by the English Parliament in the 17th century that regulated colonial trade to benefit England's economy, requiring certain goods to be exclusively shipped to England or English colonies.

Glorious Revolution

The overthrow of King James II of England in 1688, which resulted in the ascension of William and Mary to the throne and established a constitutional monarchy, significantly changing the balance of power in England.

Stono Rebellion

A 1739 slave uprising in South Carolina that led to stricter slave codes and increased tensions between enslaved people and white colonists.

War of Austrian Succession

A conflict (1740-1748) in which various European powers, including Austria, Great Britain, and France, vied for control of territories in Europe, sparked by the disputed inheritance of the Austrian throne.

Seven Year’s War

A global conflict (1756-1763) involving major European powers, primarily Great Britain and France, over colonial territories and trade routes, ultimately reshaping the geopolitical landscape.

Albany Congress

A convening in 1754 of representatives from seven American colonies to discuss colonial unity and defense against French expansion in North America.

John Winthrop

A leading figure in the founding of the Massachusetts Bay Colony and its first governor, known for his vision of a "city upon a hill" as a model of Puritan society.

Proclamation of 1763

A royal decree issued by King George III that prohibited American colonists from settling west of the Appalachian Mountains, aimed at stabilizing relations with Native Americans.

Salutary Neglect

The British policy of allowing American colonists to govern themselves and trade with minimal interference, which contributed to the growth of self-governance in the colonies.

Sugar/Stamp/Intolerable/Townshend/ Acts

The Sugar Act (1764) was a revenue-raising act that taxed sugar and molasses imported into the American colonies, aimed at reducing smuggling and increasing tax revenue for Britain. The Stamp Act (1765) required colonists to purchase special stamped paper for legal documents, newspapers, and other publications, sparking widespread protests and the rallying cry of 'no taxation without representation.' The Intolerable Acts, or Coercive Acts (1774), comprised a series of punitive measures, including closing Boston Harbor and revoking Massachusetts' charter, in response to the Boston Tea Party. These acts united the colonies against British rule, fostering growing resentment and ultimately leading to the American Revolution.

First/Second Continental Congress

The First and Second Continental Congresses were gatherings of colonial delegates that convened in 1774 and 1775, respectively. They aimed to address colonial grievances and coordinate resistance against British policies, ultimately leading to the American Revolution.

Thomas Paine (Common Sense)

A pamphlet published in 1776 that argued for American independence from Britain, advocating for a republican form of government and influencing public opinion.

Republican Motherhood

The ideological belief that women had a role in teaching their children the values of republicanism and civic virtue, emphasizing women's importance in shaping future citizens.

Articles of Confederation

The first constitution of the United States, ratified in 1781, which established a weak central government and ultimately failed to address the nation's financial and political issues, leading to its replacement by the U.S. Constitution.

Northwest Ordinance

A law passed in 1787 that established a government for the Northwest Territory, outlining a method for admitting new states to the Union and ensuring the protection of civil liberties.

Shay’s Rebellion

A 1786 uprising in Massachusetts led by farmers protesting economic injustices, high taxes, and lack of government response, highlighting the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

Constitutional Convention

A meeting held in Philadelphia in 1787 to address the problems of the Articles of Confederation, leading to the drafting of a new U.S. Constitution.

The Great Compromise

An agreement reached during the Constitutional Convention that created a bicameral legislature, balancing representation between populous and less populous states.

Virginia + New Jersey Plans

Two proposals for structuring the legislative branch of the U.S. government during the Constitutional Convention; the Virginia Plan favored larger states with representation based on population, while the New Jersey Plan aimed to protect the interests of smaller states with equal representation.

Federalist/Anti-Federalists

Opposing groups debating the ratification of the U.S. Constitution, with Federalists supporting a stronger central government and Anti-Federalists advocating for states' rights and individual liberties.

Alexander Hamilton

A Founding Father and key advocate for a strong federal government, he played a crucial role in the drafting of the Constitution and was the first Secretary of the Treasury.

James Madison (Switched)

A Founding Father and key figure in the drafting of the U.S. Constitution, often referred to as the "Father of the Constitution." He also contributed to the Federalist Papers and served as the fourth President of the United States. Later became a supporter for states’ rights

Federalist Number 10

An essay written by James Madison arguing against the dangers of factionalism and advocating for a large republic to control these factions.

John Adams

John Adams (1735-1826) was the second President of the U.S., a Founding Father, and a key advocate for American independence, contributing to the Declaration of Independence and serving as the first Vice President. He supported a strong federal government and helped establish the U.S. navy.

Thomas Jefferson

A Founding Father and the principal author of the Declaration of Independence, he served as the third President of the United States and advocated for individual rights and religious freedom.

Democratic-Republicans

A political party founded by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison in the early 19th century, advocating for agrarian interests, states' rights, and strict interpretation of the Constitution.

Cotton Gin

A machine invented by Eli Whitney in 1793 that efficiently separated cotton fibers from their seeds, revolutionizing the cotton industry and increasing the demand for slave labor in the American South.

Judiciary Act of 1789

A law that established the federal judiciary system, creating the Supreme Court and lower courts, and defining their jurisdiction and powers.

Hamilton’s Report on Public Credit

A proposal by Alexander Hamilton in 1790 that outlined the federal government's plan to assume state debts and establish a national bank to stabilize and improve the nation's credit.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the United States Constitution, guaranteeing essential rights and freedoms to individuals and limiting government power.

1st Bank of the U.S.

The first federally chartered bank in the United States, established in 1791 to stabilize the nation's economy and issue currency.

Proclamation of Neutrality

A declaration by President George Washington in 1793, stating that the United States would remain neutral in foreign conflicts, particularly the wars in Europe, to avoid entanglement.

Whiskey Rebellion

A violent tax protest in 1794 against the excise tax on whiskey, which challenged federal authority and ended with a government crackdown.

Hatian Revolution

A successful anti-colonial insurrection that took place from 1791 to 1804 in Saint-Domingue, leading to the establishment of Haiti as the first independent Black-led republic.

XYZ Affair

A diplomatic incident in 1797 involving a confrontation between the United States and France, where American diplomats were demanded bribes by French agents, leading to an undeclared naval conflict.

Alien & Sedition Acts

Laws passed in 1798 that increased the residency requirement for citizenship and allowed the president to deport immigrants deemed dangerous. The Sedition Act specifically made it a crime to criticize the government or publish false information about it, raising significant concerns about free speech.

Virginia - Kentucky Resolutions

Political statements drafted by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison in 1798, arguing that states have the right to nullify federal laws they believe violate the Constitution.

Treaty of Greenville

A 1795 agreement between the United States and several Native American tribes in the Northwest Territory, which established territorial boundaries and ceded land to the U.S. in exchange for peace and compensation.

Marshall Court

A period of Supreme Court history under Chief Justice John Marshall from 1801 to 1835, characterized by landmark decisions that strengthened the power of the federal government and affirmed the principles of federalism.

Mardbury vs. Madison & McCulloch vs. Maryland

Marbury v. Madison (1803) established judicial review, enabling the Supreme Court to declare laws unconstitutional. William Marbury sought a writ of mandamus for his commission, but Chief Justice John Marshall ruled that the relevant section of the Judiciary Act was unconstitutional. McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) affirmed Congress's implied powers under the necessary and proper clause and ruled that states could not tax the federal bank, reinforcing federal supremacy over state laws.These landmark Supreme Court cases reinforced the power of federal government.

Embargo Act of 1807

A law enacted by the United States that prohibited American ships from trading in all foreign ports, aimed at protecting U.S. interests and pressuring Britain and France during the Napoleonic Wars.

War of 1812

A conflict between the United States and Great Britain from 1812 to 1815, driven by issues such as trade restrictions, impressment of American sailors, and territorial expansion. The war ended with the Treaty of Ghent and fostered a sense of national unity.

Treaty of Ghent

The agreement that officially ended the War of 1812, restoring pre-war territorial boundaries and resolving some of the issues that had led to the conflict.

Monroe Doctrine

A United States policy established in 1823 that warned European nations against further colonization or interference in the Americas, asserting that any attempt to do so would be viewed as an act of aggression.

Market Revolution

A significant transformation in the American economy during the early 19th century, driven by advancements in transportation, communication, and manufacturing, which led to increased production and a shift towards a market-driven economy.

Panic of 1819

The first major economic crisis in the United States, occurring after the War of 1812, characterized by a sudden collapse of the economy marked by bank failures, unemployment, and foreclosures.

2nd Great Awakening

A religious revival movement in the early 19th century that emphasized individual piety and social reform, strengthening various religious denominations and promoting moral causes such as abolition and women's rights. Moral Free Agency

Participatory Democracy

A political system where citizens have the right and opportunity to engage actively in the political process, often emphasizing grassroots involvement and direct action.

Transportation/Agricultural Revolutions

Refers to the significant changes in farming and transport methods in the 19th century, which improved agricultural productivity and efficiency in the movement of goods.

Erie Canal

A man-made waterway completed in 1825, connecting the Hudson River to Lake Erie, which greatly facilitated trade and transportation in New York and the Midwest.

Waltham - Lowell System

A labor system that emerged in the early 19th century, which employed young women in textile mills under strict supervision and regulations, promoting the idea of a young female workforce.

Gradual Empacipation + manumission

A policy that aimed to end slavery incrementally, allowing for the gradual release of enslaved individuals over time rather than immediate abolition. This approach often involved granting freedom to enslaved people born after a certain date or after fulfilling specific conditions.

American System

An economic plan aimed at strengthening the U.S. economy through a national bank, tariffs, and internal improvements such as transportation infrastructure.

Market Revolution

The rapid expansion of the marketplace in the 19th century, characterized by innovations in transportation and communication that transformed the economy and social fabric. This revolution led to increased commercialization and the growth of a wage labor force, shifting the United States towards a more market-oriented economy.

Self Made Man

A 19th-century ideal wherein individuals attain success and wealth through their own efforts and resilience, emphasizing the value of personal initiative and hard work.

“Positive Good”

The belief that slavery was beneficial for both enslaved individuals and Southern society, arguing that it provided economic stability and social order in the South.

Artisan Republicanism

An ideology in the early 19th century that emphasized the role of skilled laborers and artisans in the economy, celebrating their independence and self-reliance while advocating for their rights and interests in a rapidly changing market. Declined curing Industrial Revoultion

Self made man/ labor theory of value

An economic theory that argues the value of a product is determined by the labor required to produce it, highlighting the significance of individual effort in achieving prosperity.

Gang-labor system

A method of labor organization used on plantations that involved groups of enslaved people working together under a supervisor, maximizing output for cash crops such as cotton and sugar.

Middle Class

A socio-economic group that emerged in the 19th century, characterized by professionals and business people who valued education, hard work, and a stable home life. The middle class played a significant role in shaping American culture and values.

Louisiana Purchase

A land acquisition from France in 1803 that doubled the size of the United States, significantly expanding its territory and paving the way for westward expansion.

Missouri Compromise 1820

A legislative agreement that aimed to maintain the balance between free and slave states by admitting Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a free state, while prohibiting slavery in the remaining territories north of the 36°30′ parallel.

Cotton Complex

The economic system centered around cotton production in the Southern United States, which was integral to the economy and heavily reliant on slave labor.

African Methodist Episcopal church

A historically significant African American denomination founded in the early 19th century, emphasizing both religious and social justice.

David Walker’s Appeal

A significant pamphlet published in 1829 advocating for the immediate emancipation of enslaved people and urging African Americans to resist oppression. Walker emphasized the need for unity among black individuals and urged them to take action against their enslavers.

Andrew Jackson

The seventh President of the United States, known for his populist approach and policies, including the Indian Removal Act and his opposition to the Bank of the United States.

Tariff of Abominations

A sectional conflict during the presidency of Andrew Jackson, where South Carolina declared federal tariffs null and void, leading to tensions between state and federal authority.

Nullification

A legal theory asserting that states have the right to invalidate any federal law deemed unconstitutional, notable for its role in the Nullification Crisis during Andrew Jackson's presidency.

Removal of 2nd BOA

The decision to dismantle the Second Bank of the United States, influenced by Andrew Jackson's belief in limiting federal power and opposition to centralized banking, ultimately led to economic instability.

Spoils system

A practice where political leaders appoint supporters and allies to government positions, often leading to patronage over merit, popularized during Andrew Jackson's presidency.

Gag Rule

A rule passed in Congress that prevented debate or consideration of anti-slavery petitions, reflecting the contentious nature of slavery in American politics.

Indian Remvoal Act of 1830

Legislation that authorized the forced relocation of Native American tribes from their ancestral homelands to designated territories west of the Mississippi River, notably impacting tribes like the Cherokee.

Trail of Tears

The forced removal of the Cherokee Nation and other tribes from their lands, resulting in a devastating journey to Oklahoma, marked by suffering and high mortality rates.

Worcester vs. Georgia

A landmark Supreme Court case in 1832 that ruled the state of Georgia could not impose its laws within Cherokee territory, affirming tribal sovereignty.

2nd Party System

The political party system in the United States from the 1820s to the 1850s characterized by the rivalry between the Democratic Party and the Whig Party, shaping national politics and issues.

Whigs

A political party formed in the 1830s, opposing the Democratic Party and advocating for a strong legislative branch and modernization. They supported economic protectionism, infrastructure development, and reforms.

Henry Clay

A prominent American statesman and politician known for his role in formulating the Missouri Compromise and his efforts to promote national unity through policies like the American System.

Seneca Falls Convention

The first women's rights convention held in 1848 in Seneca Falls, New York, where activists gathered to discuss the social, civil, and religious rights of women, leading to the Declaration of Sentiments. Emma Willardand Elizabeth Cady Stanton were key figures and organized the event.

Horace Mann

Two important reformers in the 19th century, particularly known for their work in education reform and mental health advocacy, respectively.

Dorthea Dix

A social reformer and advocate for the mentally ill, known for her work in improving conditions in asylums and for the establishment of mental health care reforms in the United States.

Mormons

Religious group founded in the early 19th century by Joseph Smith, noted for their migration to Utah and unique beliefs including the Book of Mormon.

Emerson

An influential American transcendentalist writer and philosopher, known for his essays on individuality, nature, and self-reliance.

Nat Turner’s Rebellion

A slave uprising that took place in Virginia in 1831, led by Nat Turner, which aimed to end slavery and resulted in heightened tensions and reprisals against enslaved people.

War of 1812

A conflict fought between the United States and Great Britain from 1812 to 1815, primarily over maritime rights(impressment) and territorial expansion, which ultimately ended in a stalemate but fostered American nationalism.

U.S. mexican War

A conflict between the United States and Mexico from 1846 to 1848, primarily driven by U.S. territorial expansion and the annexation of Texas, resulting in significant land gains for the U.S. The war resulted in the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which ceded large areas of present-day Southwestern United States to the U.S.