Farrell American History Midterm

Native American relationships with European settlers

Initially characterized by curiosity and cooperation, but evolved into violence and forced displacement over land and resources.

Mother Country motivations for colonies

To gain economic benefits, access to resources, expand territory, and increase power and influence.

Ethnocentrism

Belief in the superiority of one's own culture, leading to the marginalization of Native Americans and African slaves.

Mercantilism

An economic theory emphasizing wealth accumulation through trade, where colonies provide raw materials and serve as markets for the Mother Country.

Jamestown vs Massachusetts Bay

Jamestown thrived on cash crops and slavery, while Massachusetts Bay had a diversified economy and a community-focused society.

Consequences of the French and Indian War

Led to British debt and taxation of American colonies, restrictions on westward expansion, and a growing desire for independence.

Political causes of the American Revolution

Taxation without representation, British control over colonial governments, and increased desire for self-governance.

The Enlightenment

An intellectual movement emphasizing reason and individual rights, influencing colonial political thought and the push for independence.

Direct vs. Indirect Representation

Direct representation allows citizens to vote on laws, while indirect representation involves electing officials to represent interests.

July 4, 1776

The day the Declaration of Independence was adopted, marking the formal break from British rule.

American colonies' strengths in Revolutionary War

Strong motivation for independence, effective guerrilla tactics, home-field advantage, leadership, and foreign support.

Mayflower Compact

The first governing document of Plymouth Colony, establishing a framework for self-government among the Pilgrims.

House of Burgesses

The first representative assembly in the American colonies, allowing settlers to elect representatives and make local laws.

John Locke's ideas

Philosophy on natural rights and social contracts, influencing American political thought and the Declaration of Independence.

Salutary Neglect

A British policy that allowed American colonies considerable freedom to govern themselves, fostering self-reliance and independence.

Thomas Jefferson

Principal author of the Declaration of Independence, emphasizing natural rights and the social contract.

Article of Confederation weaknesses

Weak central government, lack of unity among states, no executive or judicial branch, and military weakness.

U.S. Constitution advantages

Established a stronger central government with checks and balances, enabling effective governance and national stability.

Federalism

Division of power between national and state governments, balancing autonomy with national interests.

Separation of Powers

Division of government responsibilities to prevent concentration of power in one branch.

Checks and Balances

System that allows each government branch to limit the powers of others, ensuring accountability.

Majority Rule

The principle that the majority of an electorate should have the power to make decisions for the group.

Limited Government

The idea that government powers should be restricted to protect individual liberties.

Elastic Clause

Allows Congress to make laws necessary for executing its powers, leading to debates over federal authority.

The Great Compromise

Created a bicameral legislature balancing representation for populous and less-populous states.

3/5 Compromise

Agreement to count each enslaved person as three-fifths of a person for representation and taxation.

Electoral College

A system for electing the president, balancing interests of populous and less-populous states.

Bill of Rights purpose

Protect individual liberties and address Anti-Federalist concerns about government power.

Shays’ Rebellion significance

Highlighted weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and pushed for a stronger national government.

Whiskey Rebellion significance

Tested the U.S. government's ability to enforce laws and maintain order under the Constitution.

Civil War political changes

Preservation of the Union, abolition of slavery through the 13th Amendment, and civil rights amendments.

Crisis of the Constitution

Debates over representation, authority, and the balance of power led to significant compromises.

Political, economic, social changes post-Civil War

Reconstruction, industrial growth in the North, and ongoing racial discrimination in the South.

Jim Crow laws impact

Enforced racial segregation and discrimination, maintaining oppression of African Americans after the Civil War.

KKK purpose

To intimidate African Americans and suppress their political and social rights through violence.

Populist Party goals

Advocate for farmers and laborers, emphasize economic reforms like free silver and regulation of railroads.

Spoils System definition

Practice of rewarding political supporters with government jobs, leading to corruption and inefficiency.

Gilded Age definition

Era of rapid economic growth and wealth disparity, masked by superficial prosperity and corruption.

Key themes in Twelve Years a Slave and The Help

Racism, struggle for freedom, the role of allies, and giving voice to the oppressed.

Manifest Destiny impact

Reinforced belief in American expansion that contributed to territorial conflicts and treatment of Native Americans.

Ethnocentrism and Native American policies

Justified violent confrontations and forced assimilation policies like the Dawes Severalty Act.

Industrialization drivers in Gilded Age

Natural resources, technological advancements, railroads, labor supply, and minimal government regulation.

Consumer importance in big business

Consumers drive demand, influencing production and marketing strategies and overall economic success.

Dawes Act purpose

Aim to assimilate Native Americans by allotting them individual plots of land and promoting farming.

Homestead Act impact

Encouraged westward expansion by granting land to settlers while causing conflicts with Native Americans.

Railroad expansion significance

Facilitated settlement and economic growth in the West while contributing to Native American displacement.