U.S. History Exam Review Flashcards

These flashcards are designed to help you review key concepts and events in U.S. history in preparation for your exam.

What motivated European exploration in the 15th century?

Population rebound post-Black Plague, political unification, desire for trade routes to Asia, and control of trade routes by Muslims.

Who was Prince Henry the Navigator?

A Portuguese prince who sought a passage to Asia and established a trading post empire along the African coast.

What was the Columbian Exchange?

The process of transferring plants, animals, people, etc. between the Old World and the New World.

What was the encomienda system?

A Spanish labor system that allowed colonizers to demand labor from indigenous people.

What major revolt took place in 1680?

The Pueblo Revolt against Spanish colonization and forced Christian conversion.

What was the significance of the Albany Plan of Union?

It was an early proposal to create a unified government among the American colonies, ultimately rejected but laid the foundation for later efforts.

What was the outcome of the French & Indian War?

Britain gained control over French territories in North America, leading to increased colonial resentment and the Proclamation Line of 1763.

What was the Declaratory Act of 1766?

An act asserting Britain's right to govern the colonies and make laws binding them.

What were the Townshend Acts?

A series of laws imposing taxes on imported goods, leading to colonial protests and boycotts.

What was the significance of the Boston Tea Party?

A protest against British taxation where colonists dumped tea into Boston Harbor, escalating tensions leading to the American Revolution.

What was the purpose of the Continental Congress?

To coordinate colonial resistance against British policies and assert colonial rights.

What did Thomas Paine argue in 'Common Sense'?

He advocated for American independence from Britain and the formation of a self-governing republic.

How did the American Revolutionary War start?

It began with conflicts like the Battles of Lexington and Concord in 1775, leading to full-scale war.

What was the social impact of the Revolutionary War on women?

Women took on expanded roles during the war and sought more rights post-war; the idea of republican motherhood emerged.

What was the significance of the Articles of Confederation?

The first governing document of the US, establishing a weak federal government that led to issues prompting the Constitutional Convention.

What was Shay's Rebellion?

A 1786 uprising by Massachusetts farmers protesting economic injustices and the lack of government intervention.

What was the Great Compromise?

An agreement during the Constitutional Convention that created a bicameral legislature with proportional representation in the House and equal representation in the Senate.

What principle did the Federalists advocate?

A strong national government with a centralized authority, supporting the Constitution.

What was the significance of Marbury v. Madison (1803)?

Established the principle of judicial review, allowing the Supreme Court to declare laws unconstitutional.

What was the purpose of the Lewis and Clark expedition?

To explore the newly acquired Louisiana Territory and establish relations with Native American tribes.

What were the causes of the War of 1812?

Impressment of American sailors, trade restrictions, and British support for Native American resistance against American expansion.

What was the Monroe Doctrine?

A policy asserting that European powers should not interfere in the affairs of the Americas.

What was the significance of the Second Great Awakening?

A religious revival that promoted social reforms, including abolitionism and women's rights.

What role did the Freedmen's Bureau play after the Civil War?

It aided newly freed African Americans by providing food, education, and assistance in finding labor.

What was the impact of the Emancipation Proclamation?

It declared the freedom of slaves in Confederate states, redefined the war as a fight against slavery.

What were the effects of the Reconstruction era?

Attempted to integrate formerly enslaved people into society, but faced backlash leading to Jim Crow laws and segregation.

What was the significance of the Dred Scott decision?

Ruled that African Americans could not be citizens and that Congress could not prohibit slavery in the territories.

What was the outcome of the Spanish-American War?

The US emerged as a global power, acquiring territories like Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines.

What was the cause of the Great Depression?

Overproduction, stock market crash, and banking failures leading to widespread economic hardship.

What were the key components of FDR's New Deal?

Relief, recovery, and reform programs aimed at addressing the Great Depression, including Social Security and banking reforms.