Grade 8 Social Studies - Exploration and Early American History

A compilation of the key vocabulary terms and definitions from the Social Studies lecture notes focusing on exploration, colonization, American Revolution, Constitution, and the early Republic.

Reasons for exploration

Wealth, religion, expand empires, claim territory, new trade routes.

Spain

Claimed Florida, Texas, and California; built missions in these territories.

France

Claimed land in New World primarily for profit from fur trading.

Colonization

The act of establishing permanent settlements in a new area.

New England colonies

Known for rocky soil, cold climate, fishing, lumber, and shipbuilding; founded for religious freedom.

Religious toleration

The acceptance of different religious beliefs; Roger Williams founded Rhode Island for this reason.

Massachusetts

New England colony founded by Puritans/Pilgrims for religious freedom; Boston is its major port city.

Middle colonies

Characterized by rich farmland and moderate climate; grew oats, wheat, grain, and raised livestock.

Quakers

The first anti-slavery group, prominent in Pennsylvania.

Southern colonies

Known for fertile soil and cash crops; relied on slave labor provided by the Transatlantic Slave Trade.

Maryland

Founded for Catholics seeking religious freedom.

Growth of representative/self-government

Informed by distance from Britain and key documents like the Mayflower Compact.

Mercantilism

Economic policy where the British controlled colonial trade, angering colonists.

Proclamation of 1763

Law forbidding colonists from moving west of the Appalachian Mountains.

Consent of the governed

The principle that the British needed colonists' permission to tax them.

Intolerable Acts

British response to the Boston Tea Party, prompting the First Continental Congress.

Declaration of Independence

Document chiefly authored by Thomas Jefferson listing grievances against King George III.

Unalienable rights

Rights inherent to every person from birth: life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness.

Saratoga

Turning point of the Revolutionary War when France supported the American cause.

Yorktown

Last major battle of the American Revolution, leading to British defeat and U.S. independence.

Articles of Confederation

The first government of the U.S.; weak due to fears of power abuse.

Northwest Ordinance

Law outlining the process for admitting new states to the U.S.

Great Compromise

Determined representation for large and small states in Congress.

Three-Fifths Compromise

Agreement on how slaves would be counted for representation and taxation.

Federalist

Supporters of the Constitution advocating for a strong central government.

Anti-Federalist

Opponents of the Constitution wanting more power for state governments.

Checks and balances

System ensuring no one branch of government becomes too powerful.

Citizen responsibilities

Duties citizens have, including jury service and voting.

1st Amendment

Protects freedoms of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition.

4th Amendment

Protects against unreasonable searches and seizures.

6th Amendment

Guarantees the right to a fair trial by jury.

8th Amendment

Prohibits cruel and unusual punishment and excessive bail.

10th Amendment

States rights not allocated to the federal government.

Hamilton's Financial Plan

Policy designed to stabilize the new economy through various measures.

Farewell Address

Washington's warning against permanent foreign alliances and political parties.

Federalist Party

Political group promoting a stronger federal government and an industrial economy.

Democratic-Republican Party

Political group favoring weaker federal government and an agricultural economy.

Marbury v. Madison

Court case establishing the principle of judicial review.

Gibbons v. Ogden

Court ruling that established federal authority over interstate trade.

Louisiana Purchase

1803 acquisition that doubled U.S. territory.

Causes of War of 1812

British impressment of U.S. sailors among other issues.

Monroe Doctrine

Policy opposing European colonization in the Western Hemisphere.

Jacksonian Democracy

Expansion of voting rights under Andrew Jackson's influence.

Nullification Crisis

Controversy regarding states' rights to nullify federal laws.

Worcester v. Georgia

Supreme Court case favoring Native land rights; ignored by President Jackson.

What were the goals of the Virginia Company, and how did they influence the early colonization of Jamestown?

The Virginia Company aimed to establish a profitable colony through tobacco cultivation and resource extraction, which set the stage for economic exploitation and conflict with Native Americans.

How did the concept of ' salutary neglect ' impact the American colonies prior to the Revolutionary War?

Salutary neglect allowed colonies to operate with a degree of autonomy, fostering self-governance and resentment towards British control when reforms were imposed.

What were the implications of the Stamp Act on colonial relations with Britain?

The Stamp Act incited widespread protests and the formation of the Sons of Liberty, leading to greater unity among colonies against British taxation.

How did the Albany Plan of Union reflect early attempts at colonial cooperation?

The Albany Plan aimed to create a unified colonial government for defense and trade, but was ultimately rejected, showcasing the challenges of unity.

What role did the Boston Massacre play in escalating tensions between Britain and the colonies?

The Boston Massacre was used as propaganda by colonial leaders to galvanize anti-British sentiment and unify the colonies against British rule.

How did the Enlightenment influence Revolutionary leaders' views on government and rights?

Enlightenment thinkers emphasized natural rights and social contracts, which informed the revolutionary ideology advocating for liberty and representative governance.

What were the main arguments presented in the Declaration of Independence regarding the justification for revolution?

The Declaration argued that government must protect unalienable rights, and that failure to do so justified revolution against oppressive rule.

How did the Treaty of Paris 1783 shape the territorial boundaries of the United States?

The treaty recognized U.S. independence and granted significant territorial claims, extending west to the Mississippi River.

What were the main weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation that led to its eventual replacement?

Lack of centralized power, inability to levy taxes, and difficulty in amending laws created inefficiency and instability, prompting the Constitutional Convention.

How did the Federalist and Anti-Federalist debates shape the ratification process of the Constitution?

Federalists advocated for a strong central government, while Anti-Federalists demanded a Bill of Rights, resulting in a compromise that facilitated ratification.

In what ways did the War of 1812 reaffirm American sovereignty and national identity?

The war served as a test of U.S. independence and fostered national pride through military successes and a sense of American unity against British interference.

How did the Missouri Compromise attempt to address tensions between free and slave states?

The compromise admitted Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a free state, establishing a geographic line to balance future admissions.

What were the implications of the Supreme Court decision in McCulloch v. Maryland for federalism?

The decision affirmed federal supremacy over state laws and established the necessary and proper clause to expand federal powers.

How did the rise of mass media in the late 19th century influence public opinion and politics?

Mass media, including newspapers and magazines, shaped public discourse, facilitated political campaigns, and played a pivotal role in social movements.

What were the effects of the New Deal on the role of the federal government in the economy?

The New Deal expanded government intervention in the economy, establishing social safety nets and regulatory agencies to stabilize economic conditions.

How did the Cold War influence American foreign policy and military strategy?

The Cold War led to a policy of containment, increased military spending, and the establishment of numerous alliances such as NATO.

What were the causes and effects of the Civil Rights Act of 1964?

The Civil Rights Act aimed to end discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, leading to significant advancements in civil rights.

How did the Vietnam War factor into the evolution of anti-war movements in the U.S.?

The Vietnam War spurred widespread protests and dissent, leading to a generational divide and increasing skepticism of government policies.

What were the socio-political impacts of the Watergate scandal on American governance?

The Watergate scandal eroded public trust in government, led to greater scrutiny of political leaders, and prompted reforms in campaign finance and transparency.

How did globalization in the late 20th century impact U.S. labor markets and economic policies?

Globalization increased competition, outsourced jobs, and necessitated adjustment of economic policies to address inequality and