Key Events and Figures in Early American History

Gabriel's Rebellion

Slave uprising in Virginia led by Gabriel Prosser.

Gabriel Prosser

Leader of the Virginia slave uprising.

Lancastrian system

Education method with one teacher for many students.

Francis Asbury

Spread Methodism throughout American colonies in 18th century.

Denmark Vesey

Planned slave rebellion in Charleston, hanged before execution.

Virginia's Statute of Religious Liberty

Established principle of religious freedom and church-state separation.

Samuel Slater

Introduced mechanized textile production to the US.

Eli Whitney

Invented cotton gin, increasing cotton production significantly.

Robert Fulton

Designed first commercially successful steamboat, Clermont.

Lowell/Waltham system

Employed young women in factories under strict conditions.

Parson Weems

Wrote fictionalized biography of George Washington.

Gilbert Stuart

Painter of idealized image of George Washington.

Universalism

Belief that all souls will eventually be saved.

Deism

Emphasizes reason and observation of the natural world.

Enlightenment

Influenced political thought and modern democratic ideas.

Second Great Awakening

Religious revival influencing social reforms like abolition.

Primogeniture

Eldest son inherits majority of family property.

Entail

Restricts inheritance of land to specific heirs.

Industrial Revolution

Economic transformation from agrarian to industrialized economies.

Mass production

Produces large quantities using standardized components.

Interchangeable parts

Manufacturing concept allowing for replaceable components.

Division of labor

Breaking down production into smaller tasks.

Erie Canal

Facilitated westward expansion and reduced transportation costs.

National Road

First major federally funded highway in the US.