U.S History Finals Study Guide

What was the earliest civilization in Mesoamerica?

The Olmec

What people group were the first Europeans to make contact with North America? Who was the most famous?

The Vikings were the first Europeans to make contact with North America, and Leif Erikson was the most famous

What was the impact of European diseases in the Americas?

Native Americans had no natural resistance to European diseases and often died as a result of exposure to them.

What was the transfer of goods that developed between Europe, Africa, and the Americas?

The Columbian Exchange was the transfer of plants, animals, and slaves between Europe, Africa, and the Americas, and it dramatically changed the world

How were the conquistadors able to defeat the Native American empires in Centra and South America?

Superior weapons, immunity to diseases, and alliances with Native American enemies were important advantages for the Spanish

What religious movement was happening in the 500s in Europe? Who was one of the famous reformers?

The Protestant Reformation caused people to question the power of the Catholic Church. Martin Luther was one of the most famous reformers.

What happened to the Native American population in the Americas that led plantation owners to look out for another work force?

Many Native Americans died after coming into contact with Europeans because they lacked immunity from disease. This contributed to the slave trade because enslaved Africans provided cheap labor, and they were already immune to European diseases.

Were French explorers in North America successful? Why or why not?

No- They did not discover a Northwest Passage. / Yes- They established many settlements

What was important to slaves in the Americas, and why?

Family and religion were the most important parts of slave culture. These things were not fully under the slaveholder's control (although families could be separated through being sold to another owner)

How did slavery affect African people groups in Africa and the Americas?

In Africa- The slave trade led to increased warfare among kingdoms and broke up many families
In America- Families were often broken apart when a family member was sold to another owner

Middle Passage

A voyage of slaves from Africa to the Americas

Renaissance

rebirth

African Diaspora

Enslaved Africans sent all across the New World

Plantation

A large farm that grew just one kind of crop

Northwest Passage

A water route through North America that would allow ships to sail from the Atlantic to the Pacific; never found

Leif Erikson

First known European to land on the North American continent

Christopher Columbus

Convinced that he could reach Asia by sailing west across the Atlantic Ocean

Christopher Columbus in the European Exploration of the Americas

Italian explorer, Saile for Spain, accidentally found the Bahama when looking for Asia

Henry Hudson

Sailed for the Dutch and English each time looking for the Northwest Passage

Ferdinand Magellan

Portuguese explorer, sailed for Spain, first person's crew to circumnavigate the world, was killed in a battle with Natives in the Philippines

Southern Colonies economy

Agriculture (cash crops)

New England Colonies economy

Trade, fishing, shipbuilding

Middle Colonies Economy

Staple crops, trade

What are some of the reasons colonists came to the southern colonies?

Some of the reasons colonists came to the southern colonies were to escape religious persecution, to farm, and to get a fresh start

What was the Mayflower Compact, and how did it influence later government?

The Mayflower Compact was one of the first attempts at self-government in the English colonies. The document influenced later governments in America by encouraging continued support of self-government

What was the relationship between religion and government in Massachusetts?

Religion was closely tied to government, ministers had a great deal of power, and only male church members could vote

What were town meetings, and why were they important?

In town meetings, people talked anout and decided on issues of local intrest, suchas paying for schools. These ere important because it allowed colonists to have a voice in making decesions that affacted them.

What were the Great Awakening and the Enlightenment, and how did the affect the colonies?

The Great Awakening was a religious movement that swept through the colonies in the 1730's and 1740's, and it changed colonial religion. The Enlightenment was a movement which took place during the 1700'sm and it spread the idea that reason and logic could improve society. Both movements have influenced colonists to demand more equality.

What types of taxes did England place on the colonies? How did the colonies feel about the taxes?

Some of the items England taxed in the colonies were sugar imports, paper items, glass, lead, and tea. Colonists had grown used to being independent and felt that the taxes imposed by England were unfair.

What was the Boston, Massacre, and what was its significance?

The Boston Massacre occurred when British soldiers fired into a crowd, killing five people. This was important because it further increased tensions between American colonists and the British government.

What was the Boston tea Party? What did England do in response, and what was their purpose?

The Boston Tea Party occurred when colonists disguised as Indians sneaked onto three tea-filled ships and dumped over 340 tea chests into the Boston Harbor. In response, England passed the Coercive Acts (or Intolerable Acts), which were meant to punish Boston.

What did the colonists' argument of "No Taxation without Representation" mean?

England could not tax the colonists without their permission (or without giving them a voice in the decisions that affected them).

Triangular Trade

System in which goods and slaves were traded among the Americas, Britain and Africa

Pilgrims

Wanted to separate from the Church of England. Separatists

Puritans

Wanted to purify, or reform, the Anglican Church. Reformists

George Washington

Commanded the Continental Army first president of the United States

Thomas Jefferson

Main author of the Declaration of Independence; signed the Declaration of Independence

Benjamin Franklin

Signed the Declaration of Independence; persuaded the French king to join the Patriots cause; had a key role in negotiating the Treaty of Paris of 1783

Patriots

Colonists who chose to fight for independence from Great Britain

Redcoats

British soldiers; named for the colour of their jackets

Loyalists

Colonists who chose to side with the British

What arguments were presented in Common Sense, and what was its significance?

Arguments- citizens (not kings and queens) should make laws, economic freedom, right to military self-defence against abuse of government power (tyranny)
Significance- Very popular and bold, understandable to the common person

How did American colonists both seek peace and move toward war during the early days of the Revolution?

Attempts at peace- Declaration of Rights, asked king to address problems, Olive Branch Petition
Movements towards war- militias, boycotted goods, created army

Which nations allied with the American colonists during the Revolution and what were their contributions?

Allies- France and Spain
Contributions- Supplies, ammunition, money, soldiers, ships

What happened at Valley Forge?

Harsh winter weather; lack of supplies, adequate shelter, clothing, and food; illness; around 2,000 soldiers died; soldiers drilled under Baron von Steuben; no battle occurred there

What three main ideas did the Declaration of Independence express? What was the authors purpose in writing the document? Who was underrepresented/ not represented?

Three main ideas- people possess unalienable rights, including "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness," the king had violated colonists' rights by passing unfair laws; the king had broken the social contract with the colonists
Purpose- formally announced the colonists break from Great Britain
Underrepresented/ Not represented- women, Native Americans, and enslaved Africans

War at Sea

Patriots went after the British supply base on Nassau, and focused on seizing British supply ships; colonists greatly aided by French navy; American naval force was small but effective

Warin the West

Both Patriots and British tried to enlist Native Americans to fight for them, and the British were more successful at this; George Rogers Clark's many actions undermined British support in the West

War in the South

brutal; Americans fought against each other more than the North; British destroyed crops, farm animals, and other property; Partiots used guerilla warfare, disrupting British communicaion and supply lines

What was the Trety of Paris of 1783? As a result, how was land divided (between countries) in North America?

Peace agreement between Great Britain and the United States; Britain recognized the independence of the United States;Americas borders were set

Popular sovreignty

The idea that political authority belongs to the people

Federalism

The sharing of power between a central government and the states that make up a country

Antifederalists

People who opposed the Constitution; George Mason, Patrick Henry

Federalists

Supporters of the Constitution; James Madison, George Washington, Alexander Hamilton

Separation of Powers

Government powers are divided between different branches

Majority rule

The idea that the greatest number of people in a society can make policies for everyone

Loose construction

The federal government can take reasonable actions that the Constitution does not specifically forbid

Strict Construction

The federal government should only do what the Constitution specifically says it can do

Treaty of Greenville

Gave the United States claim to most Indian lands in the Northwest Territory

Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions

Supported the idea that states could challenge the federal government

What were the Articles of Confederation? What were its strengths? What were its weaknesses?

The Articles of Confederation was the national constitution for the first U.S. government. Congress was the only branch of the national government, but its powers were limited.
Strength - national government was limited
Weaknesses - states could refuse requests from Congress, no president or national court system

What were the Federalist Papers, and why were they important?

The Federalist Papers were anonymously written essays supporting the Constitution. The authors tried to reassure Americans that the new federal government would not overpower the states

What is the composition of the Legislative branch and what are its functions/ responsibilities

Composition- Congress (Senate and House of Representatives)
Functions/ Responsibilities- writes laws, declares wars, can override an executive veto

What is the composition of the Executive branch and what are its functions/ responsibilities?

Composition- President and departments that help run the governments
Functions/ Responsibilities- Commands armed forces, appoints judges, can veto bills

What is the composition of the Judicial branch and what are its functions/ responsibilities?

Composition- Supreme Court (highest court, led by chief justice of the U.S.) and all the national courts
Functions/ Responsibilities- Interprets the Constitution and other laws, punishes criminals, settles disputes between states

What are checks and balances? Why are they important?

Checks and balances keep any branch of government from becoming too powerful by allowing other branches to prevent actions.

Who was the first U.S. president, and why was he important as the first U.S. president?

George Wahington was the first U.S. president. Washington was seen as an honest leader and a hero of the Revolution. He helped set many precedents for the U.S.

What economic problem did the young nation face; how did Alexander Hamilton propose to solve it?

The U.S. had a large national debt. Hamilton's economic plan was:

1. Deal with the Debt (take on the foreign and domestic debt by replacing creditors' old, low-value bonds with new, interest-bearing bonds / take over most of the states' $25 million Revolutionary War debts - which the South did not like because they had few war debts)
2. Gain Revenue (pass a tariff to bring in money and help American manufacturers)
3. Stabilize the Banking System (create a national bank / create a national mint)

What was the first capital of the U.S.? Why did it move?

New York City was the first capital of the U.S. It had a large, growing population and a bustling economy. It moved as part of the agreement with Southerners to accept Alexander Hamilton's debt plan.

Jefferson v. Hamilton

Hamilton wanted to promote manufacturing and business, pass higher tariffs so Americans would buy U.S. goods, and have a national bank. Jefferson wanted a more agricultural economy, lower tariffs, and was against a national bank. Hamilton believed in a strong federal government and didn't trust the masses, whereas Jefferson wanted to protect the power of the states and believed in the average citizen's ability to make good decisions for the nation.

What challenges were faced by the young U.S.?

Challenges facing the U.S. included remaining neutral and not going to war with other nations, dealing with Native Americans in the Northwest Territory, rebellion from citizens over the issue of taxation, economic problems, and growing political conflict.

How did Washington respond to conflicts between France and Great Britain?

Washington presented the Neutrality Proclamation, which stated the United States would not take sides with any European countries that were at war.

What were some important aspects of Wahington's Farewell Adresss?

Wahington warned the nation about the dangers of foreign ties, political division, and public debt.

Why was the election of 1796 different from the previous election?

Before the election of 1796, two political parties emerged, so this was the first time more than one candidate ran for president.

Federalist Party v. Democratic-Republican Party

The Federalist party wanted a strong federal government and a supported industry and trade. The Democratic-Republican Party wanted to limit the government's power.

What are the strengths of the U.S. Constitution? Who does it represent?

The U.S. Constitution represents the people of the U.S. Its strengths are; national government hold most power, there are three branches of government, there is a firm system of checks and balances.

Why was it important that all states ratified the Constitution?

Even though only nine states needed to pass the Constitution, it was important for national unity that all states ratify it.

What are the first 10 amendments of the Constitution called, and why were they passed?

The Bill of Rights are the first 10 amendments to the Constitution, and they were intended to protect citizen's rights. Several states ratified the Constitution only after they were promised a bill protecting individual rights would be added to it.

Subject/Purpose of the First amendment

Freedom of religion, freedom of the press, freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, freedom to petition the government

Subject/purpose of the Second amendment

The right to keep and bear arms

Subject/Purpose of the Ninth amendment

Allows courts and Congress to decide other basic rights of citizens (not already listed in the Constitution)

Subject/Purpose of the Thirteenth ammendment

Abolished slavery

Subject/Purpose of the Nineteenth ammendment

Women given the right to vote

From the Fifth Amendment what is "double jeopardy"

If a person is found not guilty in a criminal trial, he or she cannot be tried again for the same crime

What was the significance about the election in 1800?

It was the first peaceful transfer of power from one U.S. political party to another

Who were the candidates of the Federalist Party?

John Adams, Charles C. Pinckney

Who were the candidates of the Democratic-Republicans Party?

Thomas Jefferson, Aaron Burr

What did the Federalists stand for?

Rule by wealthy class; strong federal government; emphasis on manufacturing; loose interpretation of Constitution; British alliance

What did the Democratic-Republicans stand for?

Rule by the people; strong state governments; emphasis on agriculture; strict interpretation of the Constitution; French alliance

What political ideas did Jefferson express in his inaugural address?

The will of a majority, limited government, and the protection of civil liberties

How did Jefferson and Congress put Democratic-Republican ideas into practice?

Lowered military spending, reduced the size of the army, allowed the Alien and Sedition Acts to expire, and eliminated domestic taxes

What happened as a result of James Madison's refusal to deliver William Marbury's appointment papers?

Marbury asked the Supreme Court to order Madison to deliver the appointment papers, which resulted in Marbury v. Madison

Explain the Supreme Court's ruling in Marbury v. Madison

Chief Justice John Marshall noted that the Constitution gave the Supreme Court authority to hear only certain types of cases, and a case like Marbury's was not one of them. Therefore, the law that Marbury's case depended upon was unconstitutional

How does the power of the judicial review strengthen the role of the judicial branch?

It gives the Supreme Court power to declare an act of Congress unconstitutional

Why was the Mississippi River important to Americans?

Settlers used the Mississippi River to move their products to eastern markets and to receive manufactured goods

What led to the Louisiana Purchase?

The U.S. wanted to buy New Orleans from France, but the French minister instead offered to sell all of Louisiana. French leader Napoleon Bonaparte needed money for the military supplies to fight Great Britain, and he also hoped that a larger U.S. would challenge British power.

What was significant about the Louisiana Purchase?

The Louisiana Purchase was significant because it roughly doubled the size of the U.S., provided many natural resources, and led to the Lewis and Clark expedition.

What was the Corps of Discovery?

A group of people who explored the Louisiana Purchase

Who were the leaders of the Corps of Discovery?

Meriwether Lewis and William Clark

What were the challenges the Corps of Discovery faced?

swarms of gnats, flies, and mosquitoes while sleeping; difficult weather; uncertainty about encountering Native Americans