US History 1 Honors Midterm Review Guide

Colonization

The establishment of control over the indigenous people of an area.

Christopher Columbus

Italian explorer credited with discovering America while sailing under the Spanish flag.

Columbian Exchange

The trading of goods, diseases, and crops between the Old and New World.

Middle Passage

The sea journey undertaken by slave ships from West Africa to the Americas.

Jamestown

The first permanent English settlement in the New World.

Plymouth

The first European settlement in New England, established by Pilgrims.

Mayflower Compact

A document that set up the government for the Plymouth Colony.

Virginia House of Burgesses

The first legislative assembly in the American colonies, established in Virginia.

Bacon’s Rebellion

An armed rebellion conducted by Nathaniel Bacon against Virginia Governor William Berkley.

The French and Indian War

A conflict fought between Britain, France, and Native Americans over territory in North America.

Proclamation of 1763

An act forbidding colonists to settle west of the Appalachian Mountains.

Declaration of Independence

The document declaring the United States' independence from Britain, adopted on July 4, 1776.

Federalism

A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units.

Shays’ Rebellion

An armed uprising in Massachusetts opposing increased taxes and debt.

Three-Fifths Compromise

An agreement counting three out of every five slaves as part of the population for representation.

Anti-Federalists

Individuals who opposed the ratification of the Constitution.

Federalist Papers

A series of essays advocating for the ratification of the Constitution written by Hamilton, Madison, and Jay.

Judicial Review

The power of courts to assess whether a law is in compliance with the Constitution.

The Great Lakes

A group of five lakes (Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, and Superior) located in North America.

The Electoral College

A body that elects the President and Vice President of the United States every four years.

The Bill of Rights

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

Guerilla Warfare

A form of irregular warfare in which small groups use ambush tactics.

Olive Branch Petition

A final attempt by American colonists to avoid war with Britain by pledging loyalty.

Battle of Saratoga

The turning point of the American Revolution, leading to French support for the colonists.