study guide for test 2 hist 1301

Colonial Hierarchy

The social and political structure in the colonies, often characterized by an organized ranking of authority and class.

Mercantilism

An economic theory that trade generates wealth and is stimulated by the accumulation of profitable balances, which a government should encourage.

Stamp Act

A 1765 law imposing a direct tax on the colonies for printed materials, leading to widespread protests."

Boston Massacre

A confrontation in 1770 where British soldiers killed five colonists, escalating tensions leading to the American Revolution.

Declaration of Independence

The 1776 document declaring the American colonies independent from British rule, written primarily by Thomas Jefferson.

The Great Compromise (aka the Connecticut Compromise)

An agreement during the Constitutional Convention that established a bicameral legislature with proportional representation in the House and equal representation in the Senate.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the US Constitution, guaranteeing individual liberties and rights.

War of 1812

A conflict between the United States and Britain from 1812 to 1815, often over trade restrictions and impressment of American sailors.

Jacksonian Democracy

A political movement during the presidency of Andrew Jackson that emphasized greater democracy for the common man.

Nullification Crisis

A political showdown in the early 1830s between South Carolina and the federal government over the state's right to nullify federal laws.

Sons of Liberty

A secret society formed to oppose British policies and taxation in the American colonies, known for organizing protests.

Federalist Papers

A series of essays written to promote the ratification of the US Constitution, authored by Hamilton, Madison, and Jay.

Treaty of Paris

The agreement signed in 1783 that officially ended the American Revolutionary War and recognized American independence.

Treaty of Ghent

The 1814 treaty that ended the War of 1812 between the United States and Britain.

Impressment

The act of forcibly recruiting individuals into military service, which was a major grievance for the US leading to the War of 1812.

Election of 1800

A pivotal presidential election that resulted in Thomas Jefferson's victory and the first peaceful transfer of power between political parties in the US.

Pitt the Elder

A British statesman who played a significant role in the Seven Years' War, supporting the expansion of British territory in North America.

Virginia Plan

A proposal at the Constitutional Convention for a strong central government with a bicameral legislature based on population.

Fort Necessity

The site of a 1754 skirmish in the French and Indian War, led by George Washington, resulting in his surrender.

Last-to-Act Doctrine

The principle that the last legislative act of an assembly supersedes prior assemblies' decisions.