Chapter 6 Notes

Laissez-Faire

A theory promoting minimal government intervention in the economy, meaning 'leave it alone' in French.

Impressment

Forcing individuals into public service, especially into the navy.

Embargo

A government order stopping trade with other countries.

Industry

The production of goods by businesses and factories.

Interchangeable Parts

Standardized parts that can be replaced in manufactured products.

Mass Production

A method of producing goods quickly and cheaply in large quantities.

Cotton Gin

A machine that separates cotton fibers from their seeds.

Eli Whitney

Inventor of the cotton gin and interchangeable parts.

Electoral College

A system in which electors choose the president and vice president.

Louisiana Purchase

Land deal under Thomas Jefferson in which the U.S. bought territory from France, doubling its size.

Tecumseh

Shawnee leader who allied with the British and fought against U.S. settlers in the west.

Sacagawea

A Shoshone woman who guided Lewis and Clark on their expedition to the Pacific Ocean.

Steam Engine

A machine powered by coal-heated steam, allowing factories to be built away from water sources.

What was the significance of the Election of 1800?

Jefferson and Burr tied, and Hamilton convinced a congressman to break the tie in favor of Jefferson, leading to the creation of the 12th Amendment.

How did Thomas Jefferson's presidency approach economic policy?

He focused on limiting government intervention, promoting agriculture, and encouraging self-sufficiency.

Who were Meriwether Lewis and William Clark?

Explorers chosen to explore the territory acquired in the Louisiana Purchase.

What was the impact of the embargo imposed by the U.S.?

It backfired and hurt American merchants while aiming to block trade with Britain and France.

What was the role of Eli Whitney in the textile industry?

He invented interchangeable parts and the cotton gin, which sped up the cotton cleaning process.

How did cotton affect the Southern economy?

Cotton became highly profitable, increasing demand for enslaved labor.

What forms of resistance did enslaved individuals exhibit?

Breaking tools and equipment, though they faced harsh punishments for defiance.

What happened during Nat Turner's Rebellion?

Nat Turner and his followers attacked several Virginia plantation owners, leading to harsher conditions for enslaved people.