Chapter 6

American Revolution

A conflict (1775-1783) that led to the independence of the thirteen American colonies from British rule.

National Identity

The sense of belonging to a nation, which was lacking in early America due to regional loyalties and diversity.

Localism vs

The tension between regional interests and a unified national identity in early America.

Liberty vs

The conflict between the desire for personal freedom and the need for governmental authority to maintain order.

Polyglot Nation

A nation characterized by multiple languages and cultures, as seen in early America.

Republican Motherhood

The idea that women played a crucial role in raising children to be virtuous citizens in a republic.

Articles of Confederation

The first governing document of the United States, creating a loose confederation of states with limited central authority.

Northwest Ordinance

Legislation that established a framework for governing the Northwest Territory and provided a method for admitting new states.

Shay's Rebellion

An armed uprising in 1786 by farmers in Massachusetts protesting economic injustices, highlighting weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation.

Constitutional Convention

A gathering in 1787 where delegates drafted the U.S. Constitution, addressing the inadequacies of the Articles of Confederation.

Virginia Plan

A proposal for a strong central government with a bicameral legislature based on population, introduced by James Madison.

Great Compromise

An agreement that created a bicameral legislature, balancing representation between populous and less populous states.

Three-Fifths Compromise

An agreement that counted slaves as three-fifths of a person for representation purposes in Congress.

Federalists vs

The two opposing groups during the ratification debate, with Federalists supporting a strong central government and Anti-Federalists advocating for states' rights.

The Federalist Papers

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

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution, added to appease Anti-Federalist concerns about individual liberties.

Hamilton's Financial Plan

A proposal to stabilize the U.S. economy through federal assumption of state debts and the establishment of a national bank.

XYZ Affair

A diplomatic incident in 1797 that heightened tensions between the U.S. and France, leading to the Quasi-War.

Alien and Sedition Acts

Laws passed in 1798 aimed at suppressing dissent and limiting the rights of immigrants, viewed as a threat to free government.

Election of 1800

A pivotal election that marked the peaceful transfer of power from Federalists to Democratic-Republicans, highlighting the resilience of American democracy.