The American Experience 1

Vocabulary terms and definitions covering United States history, the American Dream, and social development as presented in the lecture transcript.

Superpower

A term for the USA characterizing its position as have the world's largest economy and possessing the world's most powerful military.

American War of Independence

The conflict between 1775 and 1783 where 13 British colonies fought for their independence against the Kingdom of Great Britain.

Thomas Jefferson

The American statesman who wrote the Declaration of Independence in 1776.

Declaration of Independence

A document written in 1776 announcing that the 13 British colonies at war with Britain were no longer under British rule.

Constitution of the United States

The legal framework adopted five years after the American War of Independence ended.

New World

The term used by European migrants when leaving behind their homelands to start a new life in America.

The American Dream

The idea that anybody in America can achieve success, happiness and prosperity regardless of circumstances at birth or place in society, as long as they work hard.

Upward economic mobility

The ability of an individual to improve their economic status, which many immigrants currently feel is lacking.

Abraham Lincoln

The US President who advocated the abolition of slavery and led the North in a bloody civil war against the South.

13th constitutional amendment

The specific amendment by which slavery was abolished in the United States.

Civil rights movement

A mid-20th century movement that faced antagonistic attitudes and sought to address lingering racist sentiments in the country.

1964 Civil Rights Act

Legislation passed to implement necessary social reform and address racial and class-based divisions.