APUSH ABC #2

Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA)

A key part of FDR’s New Deal, a US federal law enacted in 1933 to reduce agricultural production by paying farmers to cut back on crop area, with the aim of raising prices and enhancing farm income

American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO)

A federation of unions that advocates for workers' rights and labor interests.

Blacklist

A list of individuals or groups that are denied certain rights or privileges, often due to political reasons, such as being suspected of communist sympathies during the Red Scare.

This practice was particularly prevalent in the late 1940s and 1950s in the United States when the HUAC investigated Hollywood for alleged communist ties.

Black Codes

Discriminatory laws enacted by Southern states after the Civil War, primarily during the Presidential Reconstruction era, to restrict the rights and opportunities of newly freed African Americans.

Camp David Accords

Peace agreements between Israel and Egypt brokered by the US and Jimmy Carter in 1979, marking the first peace agreement between Israel and an Arab nation.

Civil Disobedience

The practice of intentionally violating laws or regulations to protest perceived injustices and demand change. It's a form of non-violent resistance, often employed to highlight moral issues and exert pressure on the government to enact reforms.

WEB Du Boise

Prominent Black intellectual and civil rights activist who advocated for immediate racial equality and played a key role in the founding of the NAACP and the Niagara Movement.

He is best known for his concept of the "Talented Tenth" and his critique of Booker T. Washington's accommodationist approach to racial equality.

Embargo

A government-imposed restriction on trade, either to or from a specific country or region. The most notable example in US history is the Embargo Act of 1807, passed by Congress as a response to British and French interference with American shipping during the Napoleonic Wars.

Emancipation Proclamation

Issued by President Lincoln in 1863, was a pivotal military and political act during the Civil War. While it didn't immediately free all enslaved people, it declared slaves in Confederate-held territory to be free.

This shifted the war's purpose to include the abolition of slavery and had significant diplomatic and morale consequences.

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)

A crucial New Deal program established in 1933 to restore public confidence in the banking system during the Great Depression.

The main function is to insure deposits in banks and savings associations, guaranteeing that depositors will not lose their money if a bank fails.

William Lloyd Garrison

A prominent figure in the abolitionist movement, known for his radical views and his newspaper, The Liberator, which advocated for the immediate abolition of slavery.

He was a strong advocate for civil rights, women's suffrage, and temperance, and his activism significantly impacted the pre-Civil War era.

Habeas corpus

A fundamental legal principle that protects individuals from unlawful detention. It ensures that anyone arrested can be brought before a court to determine if their detention is lawful, preventing arbitrary imprisonment.

Essentially, it's a safeguard against the government's power to imprison someone without legal justification.

Langston Hughes

A prominent figure of the Harlem Renaissance, he is known for his poetry, which often explored the rhythms and themes of jazz music, and for his work in depicting the lives and struggles of Black Americans, particularly those in Harlem.

His poems were deeply impactful, inspiring other writers and social activists, and he is often referred to as the "Poet Laureate of Harlem".

Independent Treasury

A system established in the 1840s, separated the federal government's funds from private banks, placing them in a dedicated Treasury Department and sub treasuries. This system aimed to stabilize the nation's financial system by preventing banks from using government funds for risky speculation, as had occurred during the Panic of 1837.

Imperialism

The late 19th and early 20th-century policy of extending a country's power and influence by acquiring territories, exerting political and economic control, and imposing its culture on other nations.

Key aspects include the expansion of European empires and, later, the United States and Japan, driven by economic, strategic, and ideological motives.

Inflation

A sustained increase in the general price level of goods and services in an economy, leading to a decline in the purchasing power of money. A significant factor in several historical periods, particularly the 1970s and the aftermath of the American Revolutionary War.

Jim Crow Laws

State and local laws in the southern United States that enforced racial segregation after Reconstruction, primarily between the 1870s and 1960s. These laws, established by white southerners, impacted almost every aspect of life, segregating public facilities, transportation, education, and more.

The Supreme Court's ruling in Plessy v. Ferguson, which established the "separate but equal" doctrine, provided the legal basis for these laws.

Jingoism

An extreme, chauvinistic (prejudiced) patriotism, often favoring an aggressive, warlike foreign policy. It's characterized by an intense national pride and a belief in one's country's superiority, which can lead to a desire for expansion and military action, often at the expense of others.

Andrew Jackson

Seventh President of the United States, serving from 1829 to 1837. He was known for his strong personality, his populist appeal, and his significant impact on American democracy and national policies. His presidency is often referred to as the "Era of the Common Man".

Kent State Shooting

(1970) Refers to the tragedy where the Ohio National Guard fired upon a crowd of student protesters at Kent State University, killing four and wounding nine. This occurred in response to President Nixon's decision to expand the Vietnam War into Cambodia.

The incident is a key event in understanding the student protest movement and the Vietnam War era.

Kansas Nebraska Act

1854, created two new territories: Kansas and Nebraska. It also introduced the principle of "popular sovereignty," which meant residents of each territory would decide whether to allow slavery when applying for statehood.

This act repealed the Missouri Compromise, which had prohibited slavery north of the 36°30' line, and reignited the debate over slavery’s expansion in the western territories.

Abraham Lincoln

16th U.S. President who issued the Emancipation Proclamation, and his efforts to preserve the Union and abolish slavery. He led the country through a period of immense conflict, ultimately achieving the Union's victory and laying the groundwork for post-war reconstruction.

Lend-Lease Act

1941, authorized the U.S. government to provide military aid to nations whose defense was deemed vital to U.S. security during World War II.

This act essentially allowed the U.S. to supply war materials, like weapons and supplies, to allies like Great Britain and later the Soviet Union, without the need for those nations to pay upfront, thus helping to support the Allied war effort while technically remaining neutral.

Lecomptom constitution

A controversial proposed constitution for the Kansas Territory, drafted by pro-slavery advocates in 1857. It was designed to ensure that Kansas would enter the Union as a slave state. The document included provisions protecting slavery and excluding free people of color from the bill of rights.

John L. Lewis

A prominent American labor leader, best known for his role in shaping the labor movement, particularly during the 1930s. He served as the president of the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) from 1920 to 1960 and was the founding president of the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) from 1935 to 1940.

Monroe Doctrine

1823, asserted that the United States would not interfere in European affairs and that European powers should not colonize or interfere in the affairs of any nation in the Western Hemisphere. It was a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy, signaling an emerging American sphere of influence and a commitment to non-intervention in European conflicts while also establishing the principle of non-interference in the Americas by European powers.

John Muir

A key figure in the environmental movement who advocated for the preservation of wilderness and natural landscapes, particularly the Sierra Nevada mountains. He's often referred to as the "Father of National Parks" due to his significant influence in establishing and protecting national parks like Sequoia, Mount Rainier, and Grand Canyon.

National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)

A civil rights organization formed in 1909 to combat racism and discrimination against African Americans. It played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement, particularly through legal challenges and advocacy, as well as earlier efforts to combat lynching and other forms of violence.

National Security Council (NSC)

A body established by the National Security Act of 1947. Its primary function is to advise the President on national security and foreign policies, integrating domestic, foreign, and military policies related to security. The NSC also coordinates these policies among various government agencies.

New Orleans

the Battle of New Orleans and the Louisiana Purchase. The battle, fought in 1815, resulted in a decisive U.S. victory, boosting national morale and making Andrew Jackson a war hero.

The city's strategic location at the mouth of the Mississippi River was also a key factor in the U.S. purchase of the Louisiana Territory in 1803, which doubled the size of the country.

Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)

An intergovernmental organization of primarily Middle Eastern countries that controls the global oil market by regulating production and prices. Essentially, it's a group of countries that jointly influence oil prices and production.

Oregon

It was a key component of Manifest Destiny, a period of westward expansion driven by the belief that the United States was destined to spread its influence and territory across the continent.

Oregon Trail was a major westward migration route that led settlers into the Oregon Country, contributing to its population and development.

Oregon Treaty of 1846 resolved the boundary dispute between the U.S. and Britain, establishing the border at the 49th parallel.

Platt Amendment

A clause added to the Cuban constitution in 1901, granting the United States the right to intervene in Cuban affairs, particularly in matters of debt and foreign policy, and to establish a naval base at Guantanamo Bay. It effectively limited Cuba's sovereignty despite its independence from Spain.

Proclamation Line of 1763

A boundary drawn by the British government along the Appalachian Mountains, prohibited colonists from settling west of the line. This line was established to limit conflict with Native American tribes and prevent westward expansion by colonists.

The Proclamation was a significant cause of resentment among colonists, as it was seen as a restriction on their westward movement and freedom of settlement, ultimately contributing to the growing tensions that led to the American Revolutio

Thomas Paine

A pivotal figure during the American Revolution, known for his influential pamphlet "Common Sense" (1776). Paine's work popularized the idea of independence, advocating for a government that reflects the will of the people rather than hereditary rule. He used clear and accessible language to reach a broad audience of colonists, sparking public debate and support for revolution.

Quakers

Also known as the Religious Society of Friends, are a Christian group that emphasizes individual spiritual guidance and opposes war and slavery. They believe in the equality of all people, and they are known for their pacifism, which means they do not engage in violence. They played a significant role in the abolitionist movement and were early advocates for human rights.

William Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania, was one, and his colony was established based on Quaker principles of religious freedom and pacifism.

Ratification

The process by which the newly drafted U.S. Constitution was formally approved by the states, becoming the governing document of the nation. The Constitution's ratification required the approval of at least nine of the original thirteen states. This process was marked by significant debate and opposition, with the Anti-Federalists opposing the Constitution's ratification and the Federalists advocating for it.

Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) 1934

Created as part of FDR’s New Deal to regulate the stock market and protect investors. It’s mission is to oversee securities markets, enforce federal securities laws, and prevent fraud. It was formed in response to the Wall Street Crash of 1929, aiming to prevent future market collapses and restore investor confidence.

Dred Scott decision 1857

A landmark Supreme Court case that further fueled tensions leading to the Civil War. It ruled that enslaved people were not U.S. citizens, couldn't sue in federal court, and that Congress couldn't ban slavery in territories. The decision effectively invalidated the Missouri Compromise, a previous attempt to limit the expansion of slavery.

Elizabeth Cady Stanton

A prominent abolitionist, human rights activist, and a leading figure in the women's rights movement, particularly for women's suffrage. She is best known for her work alongside Susan B. Anthony to secure voting rights for women and for formulating the first organized demand for woman suffrage in the United States.

Spanish-American War

A conflict between the United States and Spain in 1898, resulting in the U.S. gaining territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines.

It marked the United States' emergence as a global power, ending Spain's colonial empire and leading to the U.S. acquiring territories in the Caribbean and Pacific. It also cemented the U.S. as a naval force and influenced subsequent U.S. foreign policy.

Tallmadge Amendment

Proposed by James Tallmadge Jr., was a failed attempt to prevent slavery in Missouri and set the stage for the Missouri Compromise. It proposed that Missouri be admitted to the Union as a free state, with no further importation of slaves, and that any children born to slaves in Missouri would be born free.

The amendment passed in the House, but failed in the Senate, leading to the compromise that ultimately admitted Missouri as a slave state while also admitting Maine as a free state and prohibiting slavery north of the 36°30′ parallel in the Louisiana Purchase.

William Tweed

Head of Tammany Hall, NYC's powerful democratic political machine in 1868. Between 1868 and 1869 he led the Tweed Reign, a group of corrupt politicians in defrauding the city.

Nat Turner

An enslaved African American who led a rebellion in Virginia in 1831. He believed he was divinely chosen to lead his people to freedom and led a revolt that resulted in the killing of about 60 white Virginians.

Sparked fear and further strengthened the institution of slavery in the South.

United Nations (UN)

An international organization formed in 1945 to promote peace and cooperation among nations. It replaced the League of Nations, which failed to prevent World War II. The UN's main headquarters are in New York City.

Formed after World War II to prevent future conflicts. To maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, and promote social progress, better living standards, and human rights.

Martin Van Buren

Eighth President of the United States (1837-1841) and a key figure in the development of the Democratic Party. He is known for his role in the Panic of 1837, his opposition to the annexation of Texas, and his presidency's focus on states' rights.

A prominent political strategist who helped organize the first statewide political machine and the first nationwide political party, the Jacksonian Democrats.

Booker T. Washington

African American educator and leader during the Progressive Era, advocating for vocational education and economic self-reliance for African Americans.

He is known for his "Atlanta Compromise" speech, where he urged African Americans to focus on acquiring skills and building a solid economic foundation before demanding full political and social equality.

Daniel Webster

American statesman, lawyer, and orator who served in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, and as Secretary of State. He was known for his eloquent speeches defending federal power, particularly against the doctrine of nullification and for his role in the Compromise of 1850.

War of 1812

A conflict between the United States and Great Britain primarily focused on trade, impressment, and British support for Native American resistance on the American frontier. It resulted in a stalemate, but fostered a sense of national identity and unity within the U.S

XYZ Affair

A diplomatic incident between French and United States diplomats that resulted in a limited, undeclared war known as the Quasi-War. U.S. and French negotiators restored peace with the Convention of 1800, also known as the Treaty of Mortefontaine.

The XYZ Affair involved French demands for bribes from American diplomats, leading to public outrage in the U.S. and a rise in anti-French sentiment.

John Peter Zenger

A German immigrant and printer who published The New York Weekly Journal. He was a key figure in the fight for freedom of the press in colonial America, especially known for his trial in 1735.