american history

The names of the 2 officers who were sent to explore the territory of Louisiana after the Louisiana Purchase.

Meriwether Lewis and William Clark (Lewis and Clark)

What was the purpose of the Constitutional Convention?

to improve the Articles of Confederation in order to form a stronger national government.

What was the Virginia Plan: who created it and what did it do?

The Virginia Plan was created by James Madison. It would greatly enhance the powers of the central government, and dividing those powers between three branches: legislative (a two chamber congress), executive (a president), and judicial (a federal court system).

What was the New Jersey Plan?

The New Jersey Plan was a compromise plan to the Virginia plan where it focused on congressional representation - an idea that only representation in the lower chamber of Congress (the House of Representatives) would be based on population, whereas in the upper house (the Senate) each state would have equal representation of two members.

What was the Three Fifths Rule and why was it implemented?

The three-fifths rule is the rule that five slaves would be counted as three free men in terms of population.

what did federalists believe

strong and effective central government could successfully defend individual liberties. Typically a rich and wealthy merchants.

what did anti federalists believe

more power locally and within the states rather than the federal government. They believed a simpler and more locally based the government would be more responsive to its people.

What were the Federalist Papers and who wrote them?

The Federalist Papers were a collection of essays written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay that promoted the ratification of the United States Constitution and the viewpoint of the Federalists (only a strong and effective central government could successfully defend individual liberties.)

What are the Bill of Rights ?

A series of amendments issued to protect the rights of citizens and states by guaranteeing liberties and protecting individuals rights and liberty. This was issued to ease the Anti-Federalists who opposed a centralized government.

Who am I? I was America's 1st president who was unanimously elected by the electoral college of the time. I was presented with many issues post-revolutionary war which included government bankruptcy.

George Washington

Who am I? I am one of the Federalists who wrote The Federalist Papers and the Secretary of the Treasury during Washington's presidency who proposed a fiscal program to solve America's financial problems. I also proposed the Whiskey Tax which caused a revolt known as the Whiskey Rebellion.

Alexander Hamilton

What occurred in the election of 1796?

Federalists Leader: John Adams

What was the Whiskey Rebellion?

A revolt against the Whiskey Tax which was implemented to help pay the debts America owed. Washington sent 13,000 men to put down the mob. This was the first time the federal government used strong military force to impose its authority over American citizens.

What is Jay's Treaty and what was its purpose?

Jay's Treaty was a treaty made in 1794 between England and the U.S. in response to British warships seizing hundreds of American vessels and cargo ships. Limited trade relations were established where England agreed to give up its forts in the northwestern frontier, and a joint commission was set up to settle border disputes. The treaty sought to settle outstanding issues between the two countries that had been left unresolved since American independence and to maintain peace between the two nations and preserving U.S. neutrality.

What was the XYZ affair and what did it lead to?

A political incident which influenced French hatred in the United States in 1797 and 1798 after anonymous agents known as X, Y, and Z, disclosed information of how Charles Maurice de Talleyrand was responsible for seizing American ships and asking for bribes in a way to seek revenge from America for not helping out France against Britain during America's neutrality state.

Who am I? I am a corrupt French foreign minister who was involved with the seizing of American ships leading to the XYZ Affair.

Charles Maurice de Talleyrand

What was the Alien Act?

The Alien Act was an act that raised the residence requirement for citizenship, franchise, and voting from 5 to 14 years. It was created to reduce the amount of potential Republican voters. This act effectively robbed Republicans of votes from immigrant supporters.

What was the Sedition Act?

The Sedition act made it so possible to prosecute editors and politicians for sedition (criticizing the government in speech or print). Its purpose was to silence the attacks made by the Republican press made to President Adams and the Federalists. This act effectively weakened the Republican press..

What occurred during the election of 1800?

The alien and sedition acts broadened the Republicans support and weakened the Federalists causing Thomas Jefferson of the Democratic-Republican Party to win the presidency against John Adams of the Federalist Party.

Who am I? I am one of America's presidents who was significantly known for the Louisiana Purchase. During my presidency, I focused on ensuring states had their rights and authority, as well as promoting the rights of citizens through the Bill of Rights which was very controversial as a slaveholder.

Thomas Jefferson

What is "Jeffersonian Democracy"? or the principals of Thomas Jefferson

The principles of Thomas Jefferson included the powers of the president and branches should be limited, promotion of state rights and authority, freedom of speech and the press, and emphasizing the rights situated in the Bill of Rights/Declaration of Independence.

What is the Louisiana Purchase?

The Louisiana Purchase was the acquisition of the Louisiana Land (the lands west of the Mississippi and the mouth of the river at New Orleans) by the United States from the French as the French needed money to fight Britain and had no use of the Louisiana land. The Louisiana Purchase significantly increased the land size of America.

Who am I? I am the Native American who Lewis and Clark encountered during their travel around Louisiana. My husband and I joined their expedition and helped with guiding and interpretation, allowing Lewis and Clark to make it to the Pacific.

Sacagawea

Who am I? I am a young Shawnee chief who is opposed to American expansion on Indigenous land and refused to sign any treaties and organized a resistance against white settlers. I also allied with the British to help preserve his resistance, which outraged Americans.

Tecumseh

Who am I? I am Tecumseh's brother and I wished to restore Indigenous pride and helped organize a resistance against white settlers. I told my followers that American bullets would bounce off their chest, but this didn't happen and led to my followers to discredit me.

Tenskwatata "The Prophet"

What is Impressment?

Occurred in 1802 - The British navy taking sailors from American ships and forcing them to join the British navy, violating American neutrality.

What was the Chesapeake Affair?

Occurred in 1807 - Named after an American warship called the Chesapeake; a naval battle between America and Britain after a British commander wanted to search the Chesapeake for British sailors, and Americans refused. The British vessel, the leopard fired at the Chesapeake and 3 Americans were killed, 18 were wounded and 4 were taken by the British.

What was the act made by Thomas Jefferson after the Chesapeake affair called and what did it do?

The Embargo act - which prohibited trade between America and Britain as Britain relied on American raw materials such as lumber and cotton. The act was issued in hopes that Britain would respect American neutrality rights, however it failed and led to an economic downfall in America.

What was the Nullification Crisis?

A political crisis which arose due to a conflict over a tariff introduced to encourage and protect manufacturing. Andrew Jackson's vice-president, John C. Calhoun, stated that states had the right to ignore federal laws they found unjustful, which was known as the principle of nullification. Andrew Jackson denounced the idea as treason, and Calhoun was forced to resign from his position.

What was the party that opposed Andrew Jackson called?

The Whigs

What is "Manifest Destiny"?

The powerful idea that America should expand to occupy the entire continent and that this expansion was divinely (God) ordained, justifiable, and inevitable.Wha

What is the Lone Star Republic?

The name used for Texas after it seceded from Mexico when citizens asked for its independence. The Lone Star Republic joined America and became the 28th state, and was admitted as a slave state in the Union.

What is the Mexican-American War?

A war that broke out between Mexico and America as America wanted to implement the Manifest Destiny ideology and claim the disputed land between Mexico and America. The United States won and was able to gain full title to Texas as well as gain California and New Mexico (present-day Arizona, Utah, Nevada, and Colorado).

What is the California Gold Rush?

A gold rush that began after the discovery of gold in California shortly after California joined the United States after the Mexican-American War. The California Gold Rush significantly boosted the state's population, and inflated the economy of food and necessities.

What is "Jacksonian Democracy?"

A movement dedicated to limiting the influence of elites and allowing the common man a clear voice in government.

What is the Missouri Compromise?

A compromise made to allow Missouri to enter the Union after the Union feared a balance disruption of 11 free states and 11 slave states. After Maine applied for statehood, the Union made a compromise that Maine would enter as a free state, and Missouri would enter as a slave state. In addition, no more slave states would be permitted north of the southern boundary of Missouri (applies to states acquired by the Lousisana Purchase).

What is the cotton gin and what effect did it have?

The cotton gin separated the many little seeds in a cotton boll from the actual cotton fibre.

Who am I? I am the author of the novel "Uncle Tom's Cabin" which displayed a sympathetic side of a slave which influenced many people to go anti-slavery.

Harriet Beecher Stowe

Who am I? I am an escaped slave who "conducted" the Underground Railroad and helped over 300 slaves become free.

Harriet Tubman

What is the Compromise of 1850?

The Compromise of 1850 was issued as California gained enough population to apply for statehood which would create an imbalance in the Senate. The Compromise of 1850 was implemented with a series of different rules which included California entering as a free state, states acquired from the Mexican-American War would choose whether they wanted to adapt slavery or not, and the included the Fugitive Slave Act.

What is the Fugitive Slave Act and what division did it cause?

The Fugitive Slave Act made it legal for former slaveholders to go after their free slaves and bring them back to the South, which would revoke their freedom and admit them as a slave once again. The act had also made it illegal to hide or help escaped slaves by imposing harsh penalties.

What is The Kansas-Nebraska Act?

The Kansas-Nebraska Act was issued to allow Kansas and Nebraska to enter the Union as a slave state which contradicted the Missouri Compromise as Kansas and Nebraska were considered north (insinuated the two states as free). So The Kansas-Nebraska Act followed the principle of popular sovereignty which allows states to choose whether they want to enter as a free or slave state. Eventually the two states entered as free.

What does the term "Bleeding Kansas" mean?

A term used to define Kansas' state during the Kansas-Nebraska Act as dozens of settlers were slaughtered and both sides (pro/anti slavery) terrorized each other.

Who am I? I am a slave who believed he was free as I exited the southern states with my master. I sued the Supreme Court in hopes to claim my freedom, but the Supreme Court denied my freedom as they did not recognize people of African descent as citizens, and I did not have the right to sue the court.

Dred Scott

Who am I? I am a poor Protestant craftsman and farmer who was against slavery and believed all races were equal. My sons and I actively participated in Bleeding Kansas and killed five southern settlers. I also raided the federal armoury in hopes to have southern slaves revolt, but this was poorly planned and executed, and I was convicted for murder and treason. I set a mindset for the South that northerners are willing to go to the extreme.

John Brown

Who am I? I am one of America's presidents who was known for leading the Civil War and wanted to abolish the spread of slavery within the new states that join the Union by admitting them as free, however did not oppose where slavery already took place (southern states).

Abraham Lincoln

What are the Confederate States of America?

The slave states which seceded from the Union before Lincoln took office. Included Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia

Who am I? I was President of the Confederate State of America during the secession period of the Union.

Jefferson Davis

Who am I? I was the Commander of the Confederate State of America during the secession period.

Robert E. Lee

Who am I? I was the Commander of the Union and general-in-chief of the Union forces. I led the Union Army to victory in the American Civil War in 1865. My initials are often referred to as unconditional surrender. I also was the president from 1869 to 1877.

Ulysses S. Grant

What is the Gettysburg Address?

A speech presented by Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War in the honour of the fallen/deceased soldiers who fought for their country. The speech was primarily war propaganda as the tone and use of pronouns seemed to influence others to fight for their country.

What is the Anaconda Plan?

The Anaconda Plan was a plan issued by the Union to limit Confederacy power by blocking Southern ports and seizing control of the Mississippi River. The Plan would slowly squeeze the South, starving it of resources and forcing Jefferson Davis' government to seek peace.

Who am I? I am a union general who helped train and reorganized the Union army.

George McClellan

Who am I? I am a Confederacy supporter who assassinated Abraham Lincoln by shooting him in the back of the head while he was at a play. A manhunt was issued for 12 days until I was tracked down and killed by Union soldiers.

John Wilkes Booth

What was the Emancipation Proclamation and who created it?

A proclamation declared during the Civil War which freed any slaves within the states in the Confederacy. Border states slaves which helped the Union were not free. The proclamation was deemed as a military necessity in order to cause riots and rebellions against the confederacy states and to limit their power. The Emancipation Proclamation turned the course of the Civil War from being a war for reunion to a war for the rights of slaves.

What is the 13th Amendment (simple terms)

The amendment that formally abolished slavery in the United States. One of three amendments passed during the Reconstruction era.

What is the 14th Amendment (simple terms)

The amendment that granted citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the United States—including former enslaved people—and guaranteed all citizens "equal protection of the laws". One of three amendments passed during the Reconstruction era

What is the 15th Amendment (simple terms)

The amendment that granted African American men the right to vote. One of three amendments passed during the Reconstruction era.

Who were the "War Hawks" and what did they believe?

A group of young Republican politicians who demanded war with Britain. They were angered by Britain's lack of respect for the United States and they advocated expansion of the United States to incorporate Canada.

Presidential Reconstruction vs Radical Reconstruction

Presidential Reconstruction was led by President Andrew Johnson through the influence of Abraham Lincoln and focused on a reconstruction of southern state governments and the abolishment of slavery

What occurred in the election of 1876?

Rutherford B. Hayes wins the election against Samuel Tilden after the Democrats placed an offer that they would accept Hayes as president if federal troops are removed from the South which would end reconstruction, and the Republicans agreed.

What is the Monroe Doctrine?

A policy placed against Europeans by President James Monroe which prohibited their colonization in the Western Hemisphere and if they do so, the United States would view it as an act of hostility.

Who am I? I am the person who took over for President after Lincoln's assassination. I am known for my almost impeachment because I fought the Radical Republicans and was accused of breaking the law

Andrew Johnson

What are the causes of the war of 1812?

-Continued to disregard American neutrality (The Chesapeake Affair, Impressment from the British)

Names of the battles of the war of 1812? (review what happened in each)

Battle of Detroit, Raid on York, The Raid on York, Battle of Washington D.C., Battle of Baltimore, Battle of New Orleans

What was the name of the treaty that ended the War of 1812?

Treaty of Ghent: The nations agreed to stop fighting each other, to restore old boundaries, and to put off problems for future settlement.

Causes of the American Civil War? (review in depth each)

Indirect: States' Rights, Economic Differences, Westward Expansion, Slaveholders vs Abolitionists, Lincoln's Election (Direct)

Battles of the American Civil War (review in depth each)

Battle of Bull Run, Battle of Antietam, Battle of Gettysburg

-House of representatives (bigger population the more seats you had)

-Senate (bigger population, more representatives in senate.)

It was implemented because southern states wanted their slaves to be included in calculating their populations to increase the voices of their states in the new government, but didn't want slaves counted in calculating the taxes their citizens had to pay (taxation based on population).

Republicans (aka Democratic-Republicans) Leader: Thomas Jefferson

-The candidate with the highest number of votes in the electoral college would become President and the runner-up, Vice-President. Federalist John Adams won the presidency and Republican Thomas Jefferson became Vice President.

-The election of 1796 clearly demonstrated the divisions between Federalists and Republicans.

******"the common man" his political vision excluded many; women, black Americans, and Native Americans were all denied a voice.

This machine encouraged the large-scale cultivation of cotton which required a large and productive labour force that only slaves could supply.

The growth of the cotton economy had a direct impact on the spread of slavery in America:

Slave pop'n (1790): 700,000

Slave pop'n (1860): 4 million

-----> Created more of a division between the North and the South as the North did not approve nor wanted to amend to the act and refused to help the southern slaveholders retrieve their slaves.

Louisiana, Texas, Virginia, Arkansas, North Carolina, Tennessee

Radical Reconstruction was led by Radical Republicans to ensure that Black people in America gained their rights as citizens.

-British support for Native American resistance to Western expansion (Helping Tecumseh and The Prophet)