AP U.S. History Review: Key Vocabulary and Concepts

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts from a lecture on early American history, focusing on colonization, revolution, and the formation of national identity.

Columbian Exchange

A major ecological and cultural interchange that drastically transformed both the New and Old Worlds through the exchange of crops, animals, and diseases.

Encomienda System

A labor system introduced during Spanish colonization that exploited Native American populations before shifting to African slavery due to high mortality rates among Indigenous peoples.

Casta System

A racially hierarchical social order in colonial America that created layers of status based on ancestry.

Economic Motivations for Exploration

Europe's increased desire for trade stemmed from a quest for wealth and the development of stronger centralized governments, driving exploration and conquest.

Diverse Colonial Strategies

Reflected respective early modern economic systems, with Spanish focused on wealth extraction, French embracing trade alliances, and British combining profit-seeking with settlement.

Impact of Cash Crops

Led to economic growth in the colonies and cemented the brutal system of chattel slavery.

Indigenous Alliances and Resistance

Complex relationships between colonies and Indigenous people, characterized by both alliances and violent confrontations.

Triangular Trade

Marked significant integration of the colonies into a global market economy which reinforced inhumane aspects of colonial wealth accumulation.

Enlightenment and Republican Ideals

Introduced radical ideas about governance and individual rights that increasingly resonated with colonists, sowing seeds of political thought against British oppression.

The Great Awakening

A religious revival that significantly influenced American identity, emphasizing egalitarianism and challenging established hierarchies.

Taxation Without Representation

British government's attempts to tax the colonies ignited widespread protests and increased calls for representation.

Declaration of Independence

Influenced by Enlightenment thought, marked a significant milestone in American history and set the stage for revolution.

Articles of Confederation

First governing document that proved ineffective, necessitating a new Constitution to correct its weaknesses.

Jefferson’s Moral Dilemma and Strict Constructionism

Jefferson’s opposition to Federalist policies was challenged by his actions during the Louisiana Purchase, highlighting the complexities of constitutional interpretations.

Judicial Review

Established by Marbury v. Madison, underscores the power of the Supreme Court.

Market Revolution

Advances in transportation and technology linked Northern industries with Southern agriculture, setting the stage for economic interdependence.

Monroe Doctrine

U.S. asserts itself as a dominant force in the Western Hemisphere, asserting a sphere of influence free from European intrusions.

Manifest Destiny

Americans believed they were destined to expand across the continent, leading to westward migrations.

Abolitionist Movement

Key figures like Frederick Douglass and Harriet Beecher Stowe highlighted the moral imperative to end slavery.

Reconstruction Era

Intended to rebuild the South and establish rights for freed slaves, but ultimately failed due to systemic racism and violent backlash.

The Gilded Age

Witnessed rapid economic growth and innovations marking a sharp transition in American industry.

Frederick Jackson Turner’s Frontier Thesis

Turner’s declaration of the frontier’s closure led to a shift in American identity and imperialistic ambitions.

Spanish-American War

Fueled by yellow journalism and nationalism, resulting in the acquisition of territories like Puerto Rico and the Philippines.

Progressive Era Reforms

The rise of muckrakers and the passage of critical legislation aimed at combating corruption and monopolies.

The Post-WWII Economic Boom

The GI Bill contributed significantly to homeownership and education for veterans.

Reaganomics

Reagan’s economic policies, portrayed supply-side economics as a pathway to growth and prosperity.

Obama’s Affordable Care Act

This landmark legislation reflects ongoing debates around healthcare, government roles, and social equity.