APUSH 1st Semester Final Exam Nuggets

Native tribes of pre-Columbian North America

Groups including Great Plains, Southwest, Northwest, Eastern Seaboard, and Mississippi region tribes.

Las Casas v. Sepulveda debates

Discussions regarding the morality of Spanish colonization and the treatment of Native Americans.

Spanish settlement/native interactions

Examples include trade, conflict, and intermarriage between Spanish settlers and Native Americans.

Impact of horses on Native culture

Horses transformed hunting, warfare, and lifestyle for many Native American tribes.

Columbian Exchange

The exchange of goods, ideas, and diseases between the Old and New Worlds after Columbus's voyage.

Encomienda system

A labor system where Spanish landowners could exploit Native American labor.

European perceptions of natives

Generally seen as 'savages' or 'barbarians' by European colonizers.

Motives for English colonization

Economic gain, religious freedom, and expansion of territory.

Early trends in American servitude/slavery

Developed forms included Indentured Servitude, transitioning to African slavery.

Characteristics of northern/middle/southern colonies

Social, political, and economic structures varied by region: Northern colonies focused on industry, Middle colonies on diversity and agriculture, Southern colonies on plantation agriculture.

Separatists vs. Puritans

Separatists sought to break from the Church of England, while Puritans sought to purify it.

Bacon’s Rebellion

A revolt led by Nathaniel Bacon against the Virginia government, highlighting class tensions.

Results of the Great Awakening

Increased religious fervor, establishment of new denominations, and a push towards independence.

Reason for rapid population growth of 1700s

High birth rates and increased immigration contributed to population growth.

French and Indian War

A conflict between Britain and France in North America that altered territorial control.

Reason for the 1st Continental Congress

To address colonial grievances and organize resistance against British rule.

Common Sense

Pamphlet by Thomas Paine advocating for American independence.

Declaration of Independence

Document declaring American colonies free from British rule.

Mercantilism

Economic policy encouraging colonial trade for the benefit of the mother country.

Navigation laws

Regulations to control colonial trade and maintain favorable balance of trade.

Treaty of Paris

Agreement ending the American Revolutionary War and defining territorial boundaries.

Republican Motherhood

Ideology emphasizing women's role in raising virtuous citizens in a republic.

Federalists/anti-Federalists

Political factions supporting and opposing the ratification of the Constitution.

Hamilton/Jefferson political differences

Debates over federalism, the role of government, and economic policy.

Strengths and weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation

Weak central government led to issues managing trade and commerce.

Shays Rebellion

Armed uprising highlighting the weakening of the Articles of Confederation.

Northwest Ordinance

Legislation providing a method for admitting new states and outlining governance.

Constitutional Compromises

Agreements made during the Constitutional Convention to address representation and slavery.

Federalist Papers

A series of essays promoting the ratification of the Constitution.

Hamilton’s Financial Plan

Economic strategy to stabilize the U.S. economy and create a national bank.

Supporters of Hamilton's Financial Plan

Mainly Federalists and merchants who benefitted from a strong central government.

Opponents of Hamilton’s Financial Plan

Mainly Democratic-Republicans and agrarians who favored states’ rights.

Role of women in the early Republic

Focused on homemaking and education within republican ideology.

Alien and Sedition Acts

Laws aimed at limiting immigration and restricting free speech against the government.

The Marshall Court decisions

Series of landmark Supreme Court cases that strengthened federal power.

Marbury v. Madison

Established the principle of judicial review.

Jefferson’s foreign policies

Promoted trade while avoiding alliances and conflicts.

War of 1812

Conflict between the U.S. and Britain influenced by maritime issues.

“War Hawks”

Congressional leaders advocating for war against Britain during the War of 1812.

Hartford Convention

Meeting of Federalists to discuss grievances during the War of 1812.

“Era of Good Feelings” characteristics

Period of national unity and political peace after the War of 1812.

American System

Economic plan to strengthen the national economy through internal improvements.

Sectionalism/Missouri Compromise

Growing regional divisions over slavery addressed by the Missouri Compromise.

Monroe Doctrine

U.S. foreign policy warning European nations against colonization in the Americas.

Isolationism

Foreign policy avoiding entanglements in European conflicts.

Jacksonian Democracy characteristics

Expansion of suffrage and emphasis on the common man’s political power.

Tariff controversy

Southern fear of tariffs leading to increased cost of goods and economic hardship.

Market Revolution characteristics/results

Transformation in economy due to agriculture shifts and industrialization.

Gender differences in the nineteenth century

Distinct roles and societal expectations for men and women, with women often relegated to domestic spheres.

Jackson’s Native American policies

Indian Removal Act leading to forced relocation of Native groups.

Origins of the Whig Party

Formed in opposition to Andrew Jackson, comprised of anti-Jacksonian factions.

1840s & 1850s immigration trends

Significant influxes of Irish and German immigrants due to famine and political unrest.

2nd Great Awakening

Religious revival movement promoting social reform and individual piety.

Transcendentalism

Philosophical movement emphasizing nature, individuality, and self-reliance.

Abolitionist leaders of the 1830’s-50’s

Key figures advocating for the end of slavery and equal rights.

Impacts of the Cotton Gin

Accelerated cotton production and entrenched slavery in the South.

Southern slave society

Economy and social structure heavily reliant on plantation agriculture and slave labor.

Seneca Falls Convention

First women's rights convention aiming for gender equality and suffrage.

Manifest Destiny

Belief in the U.S. destined to expand across North America.

“American Progress” painting

Artwork symbolizing Manifest Destiny and westward expansion.

Political parties of the 1840s-50s

Democrats and Whigs; focused on slavery, expansion, and economic issues.

Civil War causes

Tensions over slavery, states’ rights, and sectional rivalries in the 1850s.

Situation of freedmen post-Civil War

Faced significant challenges like racism, economic instability, and the implementation of Black Codes.

Andrew Johnson’s Reconstruction Plan

More lenient approach compared to Lincoln's aimed at quickly restoring Southern states.

Black Codes

Laws enacted to restrict the rights of freedmen post-Civil War; significant for social control.

Evaluation of Reconstruction

Debate over its effectiveness in integrating freedmen and rebuilding the South.