Chronological Sequencing of American History (Periods 1-5)

These flashcards cover key events, systems, and concepts from periods 1 through 5 of American history as outlined in the lecture notes.

Encomienda System

A labor system where Spanish colonists were granted land and the right to use Indigenous people as laborers in 1503. It was used to exploit the resources of the New World and often led to severe mistreatment and population decline of Indigenous peoples.

Asiento System

A system that authorized the Spanish to import African slaves to the Americas in 1518.

Valladolid Debate

A debate in 1550 over the rights and treatment of Indigenous peoples in the Americas.

Mayflower Compact

An agreement made by the Pilgrims in 1620 to govern themselves in the New World.

Bacon’s Rebellion

A 1676 uprising in Virginia against Governor Berkeley's administration, driven by settlers' frustrations.

Great Awakening

A religious revival in the colonies during the 1730s and 1740s that emphasized emotional preaching.

Albany Plan of Union

A proposal by Benjamin Franklin in 1754 aimed at uniting the colonies for trade and defense.

Treaty of Paris (1763)

The agreement that ended the French and Indian War, granting Britain significant territorial gains.

Intolerable Acts

A series of punitive measures by the British Parliament in 1774 in response to the Boston Tea Party.

Declaration of Independence

The document adopted in 1776 declaring the thirteen American colonies' independence from British rule.

Shays’ Rebellion

An armed uprising in 1786-1787, protesting economic injustices and lack of government response.

Whiskey Rebellion

A violent tax protest in the U.S. beginning in 1791 during George Washington's presidency.

Alien and Sedition Acts

Laws passed in 1798 that allowed the government to deport foreigners and prosecute critics.

Louisiana Purchase

The acquisition of French territory in 1803 that doubled the size of the United States.

Embargo Act (1807)

A law that prohibited American ships from trading in all foreign ports.

Hartford Convention

A series of meetings in 1814-1815 where New England Federalists discussed complaints about the War of 1812.

Battle of New Orleans

The final battle of the War of 1812, fought on January 8, 1815, after the Treaty of Ghent was signed.

Missouri Compromise

A 1820 agreement that allowed Missouri to enter as a slave state and Maine as a free state to maintain balance.

Corrupt Bargain (1824)

The alleged deal between John Quincy Adams and Henry Clay that denied Andrew Jackson the presidency.

Indian Removal Act

A law passed in 1830 that authorized the removal of Native Americans to lands west of the Mississippi River.

Nullification Crisis

The conflict during the 1830s between South Carolina and the federal government over tariff laws.

Mexican-American War

A conflict from 1846 to 1848 between the U.S. and Mexico stemming from westward expansion.

Compromise of 1850

A package of laws aimed at resolving territorial and slavery debates after the Mexican-American War.

Kansas-Nebraska Act

A 1854 law that allowed for popular sovereignty in determining slavery in Kansas and Nebraska.

Election of Lincoln

The 1860 election of Abraham Lincoln as President, leading to Southern secession.

Emancipation Proclamation

An executive order by President Lincoln in 1862 freeing slaves in the Confederate states.

Battle of Gettysburg

A pivotal battle in 1863 that marked a turning point in the Civil War with a Union victory.

Appomattox Courthouse

The site in Virginia where General Lee surrendered to General Grant in 1865, ending the Civil War.