American History & Government: Key Events, Figures, and Concepts

Who was the first U.S. president?

George Washington

What was the first direct tax Britain imposed on the American colonies?

Stamp Act

Who believed in the importance of virtue for a republican society?

Thomas Jefferson

What significant purchase did Jefferson make in 1803?

Louisiana Purchase

What was the impact of Whitney's cotton gin?

Increased cotton production and profitability

What was the purpose of the Erie Canal completed in 1825?

To improve transportation and trade

What does 'Manifest Destiny' refer to?

The belief that the expansion of the U.S. across the American continents was justified

What was the significance of the War of 1812?

It affirmed American independence and nationalism

What did Alexis de Tocqueville discuss in 'Democracy in America'?

The dangers of unlimited power and the tyranny of the majority

What was the role of women during the industrial boom?

Women stayed home while men worked in manufacturing

What was the 'No taxation without representation' slogan about?

Colonial opposition to British taxes without political representation

What did John Winthrop mean by 'city on a hill'?

A model of Christian charity and a Puritan example for others

What was the significance of the Second Great Awakening?

It led to a surge in religious fervor and social reform movements

What was the outcome of the Kansas-Nebraska Act?

It allowed territories to decide on slavery, leading to conflict

What was the main argument of Thomas Paine's 'Common Sense'?

Colonists should govern themselves and seek independence from Britain

What was the impact of the cotton gin on slavery?

Increased demand for slave labor due to higher cotton production

What did the Articles of Confederation establish?

The first governing document of the United States

What was the significance of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad?

It was one of the first railroads in the U.S., enhancing transportation

What did the term 'agrarian republic' refer to?

A society based on farming and land ownership

What was the main idea behind mercantilism?

To increase national wealth through trade regulation

What did the term 'encomienda' refer to?

A grant of land and indigenous labor to Spanish colonists