American Colonial History: Key Concepts and Events

What development brought 'corne' to the attention of botanists such as Gerard?

The Columbian Exchange.

What does Gerard's description of 'corne' reflect?

Assumptions about the superiority of European culture.

What motive for exploration does de las Casas criticize most directly?

Personal financial gain.

What was the most dramatic effect of the Columbian Exchange on the New World?

The destruction of up to 90 percent of the Native American population from diseases like smallpox.

What did the institution known as encomienda allow?

European governments to grant Indians' labor to colonists if they promised to Christianize them.

What motive for exploration does de las Casas likely think is the most justified?

Converting the natives to Christianity.

What was a result of tobacco cultivation in Jamestown?

The degradation of the soil.

What document does the excerpt from 1620 likely come from?

Mayflower Compact.

What did some religious dissenters like the Pilgrims believe in response to Anglicanism?

They believed the Anglican church could not be reformed and must be abandoned.

What do the policies stated in the Navigation Act of 1660 exemplify?

Mercantilism.

What accounts for the limited success of the Navigation Act in modifying colonial trading behavior?

Decades of the British government's relative indifference to colonial governance.

What had the most impact in shaping colonial resistance to the Navigation Act?

Political thought shaped by the Enlightenment.

How were Virginia and the Carolinas similar?

Both were economically dependent on the production of a cash crop.

What was the Fundamental Orders?

Considered the first Constitution written in British North America.

What best describes the British policy of 'salutary neglect'?

It allowed the colonies to develop their own political institutions and trade relationships.

What was the purpose of the Dominion of New England?

The Dominion of New England aimed to strengthen colonial defense, collect taxes efficiently, and establish direct control over the New England colonies, but it did not aim to end religious pluralism.

What was the major effect of the introduction of sugar to the New World?

It led to the forced migration of millions of Africans and the development of a race-based labor system.

What was the headright system?

The headright system granted land to individuals who paid for the passage of laborers to America, encouraging settlement and labor.

What was the immediate reason for Bacon's Rebellion?

The immediate reason for Bacon's Rebellion was Indian attacks on frontier settlements and the desire for more land.

Why did reliance on slave labor increase after 1680?

Reliance on slave labor increased due to higher wages in England reducing the number of emigrating servants and planters fearing the growing number of landless freemen.

What European approach to colonization is reflected in John Winthrop's arguments?

The approach reflects the justification for taking land from Native Americans based on the belief that the land was unutilized and could be claimed by Christians.

What was the main goal of Winthrop's excerpt?

The main goal was to justify the takeover of American Indian land.

How were North American colonial settlements characterized?

They tended to be economically, religiously, and ethnically diverse.

What impact did Whitefield have on religious culture in the 1700s?

Whitefield's impact suggests that religious culture among British North American colonists was shaped by trans-Atlantic exchanges.

What trend did Whitefield's open-air preaching contribute to?

It contributed to greater independence and diversity of thought among the colonists.

What development in the 1700s is exemplified by Whitefield's preaching?

It exemplifies an emphasis on emotion over reason in religious practice.

Which colonial region was characterized by religious homogeneity?

New England was characterized by religious homogeneity and the migration of family units.

What led to South Carolina becoming a slave-based economy?

South Carolina became a slave-based economy due to the cultivation of rice requiring large amounts of unskilled labor and the experience of enslaved Africans in rice production.

What were the Salem Witch Trials a result of?

The Salem Witch Trials ended when some of the most prominent citizens were accused of witchcraft.

What is significant about the Virginia House of Burgesses?

It was the first democratically elected legislative body in British North America.

What was the purpose of Franklin's Join or Die cartoon?

To show the need to attend the Albany Congress and unify the colonies.

What was a goal of Benjamin Franklin in 1754?

To achieve colonial unity and common defense against the French threat.

Which of the following was NOT a cause of the French and Indian War?

Native American attacks on the frontier.

What was a notable observation during the French and Indian War?

British officials were disturbed by the lukewarm support of many colonials.

How did the outcome of the French and Indian War affect Native Americans?

Native Americans lost a powerful diplomatic weapon—the ability to play off the rival European powers against one another.

How did British colonists emerge from the French and Indian War?

With increased confidence in their own military strength.

How did Britain shift its position on imperial regulations after the French and Indian War?

To alleviate its massive debt from the war.

What did France surrender in the peace arrangements that ended the French and Indian War?

All of its territorial claims to North America.

What did the Proclamation of 1763 prohibit?

Colonial settlement west of the Appalachian Mountains.

What was a consequence of the Proclamation of 1763?

American colonists moved west, defying the Proclamation.

What did Republican belief hold about the stability of society?

It depended on the virtue of its citizenry.

Under the mercantilist system, what right did the British government reserve regarding the American colonies?

To nullify any colonial legislation deemed detrimental to the mother country.

What was the purpose of the Stamp Act?

To raise revenue within the colonies for defending and securing British interests.

Why did the British Parliament pass the Stamp Act?

To raise money to support new military forces needed for colonial defense.

What was one response to the Stamp Act?

The widespread adoption of nonimportation agreements against British goods.

What did the colonial committees of correspondence do?

Kept opposition to the British alive, through exchange of letters.

Who was the first mortality in the Boston Massacre?

Crispus Attucks.

What was a reaction to the Boston Massacre?

British soldiers were provoked by a jeering crowd.

What did the First Continental Congress organize in 1774?

A complete boycott of British goods.

What advantage did Britain have at the beginning of the War for Independence?

Superior national wealth and naval power.

Why did some Indian nations join the British during the Revolutionary War?

They believed that a British victory would restrain American expansion into the West.

What did Thomas Paine argue about government officials?

They should derive their authority from popular consent.

What was the significance of Paine's Common Sense?

It convinced many Americans to fight for an independent and republican America, separate from Britain.

Which ideology influenced Thomas Paine's arguments?

The Enlightenment.

What was one purpose of the Declaration of Independence?

To explain to the rest of the world why the colonies had revolted.

What did the Declaration of Independence argue?

Royal tyranny justified revolt.

What did the Declaration of Independence catalog?

The tyrannical actions of King George III.

What did the Declaration of Independence accuse the British of?

Violating the natural rights of the Americans.

Who wrote the quote about the Congress applying to his Majesty for a redress of grievances?

Joseph Calloway

What type of individual is the quote most likely from?

Loyalist

Who were the Americans that continued to support the crown after independence was declared?

Older generation, from New England, affiliated with the Anglican church, very wealthy

How did George Washington help restore confidence in America's military in late 1776 and early 1777?

By defeating the Hessians at Trenton and the British at Princeton

Why was the Battle of Saratoga a key victory for the Americans?

It brought the colonists much-needed aid and a formal alliance with France

What were women encouraged to do during the Revolutionary Era?

Participate in boycotts, follow husbands on military campaigns, be literate, help fundraise

What did the Articles of Confederation leave Congress unable to do?

Enforce a tax-collection program

What did the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 prohibit?

Slavery in the Old Northwest

What did Shays' Rebellion convince many Americans of?

The need for a stronger central government

What was the central debate regarding the Articles of Confederation?

Reconciling states' rights with a strong national government

What did the 'large-state plan' propose at the Constitutional Convention?

Basing representation in Congress on population

How was the president of the United States to be elected under the Constitution?

By a majority vote of the Electoral College

At the time the Constitution was written, which position was elected directly by the people?

House of Representatives

What compromises were worked out regarding congressional representation?

The Great Compromise and the 3/5th Compromise

What was a major concern for those who opposed the new Constitution?

The absence of a bill of rights

What does Federalist No. 10 suggest about the size of society?

A larger society is less likely to have a majority that can oppress others

What did the speaker in the excerpt from the Federal Constitution call for?

Amendments to the Federal Constitution

What did the Federalists argue during the ratification debate?

It was possible to extend a republican form of government over a large territory.

What apprehension did the author of Source 2 reflect?

The potential development of a tyrannical government.

Who favored trade with France in Alexander Hamilton's financial program?

The wealthier class.

Which of the following was NOT part of Hamilton's economic program?

Paying only domestic debts but not foreign debts.

Match Hamilton's positions on public policy:

A-1, 5, 6, 7—B-2, 3, 4, 8.

What was the result of opposition by Jefferson and Madison to Hamilton's financial plan?

A relocation of the nation's capitol to secure congressional approval.

What concerns did Washington express in his Farewell Address?

Foreign influence is a baneful foe of republican government.

What was the main concern expressed by Washington regarding foreign nations?

To have with them as little political connection as possible.

What did Washington warn against in his Farewell Address?

The dangers of permanent foreign alliances.

What did the Virginia Resolution protest against?

The Alien and Sedition Acts.

What enduring controversy does Madison's response to the Alien and Sedition Acts reflect?

Debates about the application of the Bill of Rights to the states.

What was the main purpose of the Alien and Sedition Acts?

To silence and punish critics of the Federalists.

How did Madison's stance on the Alien and Sedition Acts differ from his earlier views?

He initially advocated a strong Federal government but later protested against abuses.

How did the government's response to the Whiskey Rebellion differ from Shays' Rebellion?

The Federal government was more powerful and therefore able to subdue the Whiskey Rebellion.

Election of 1800

The first election where the press played a major role, marking a smooth transition between rival political parties and increasing faith in the democratic system.

Impact of the Embargo of 1807

The embargo led to significant political costs for the Republican party, including increased sectionalism and a decline in Jefferson's power.

Henry James's Assertion

The assertion that the embargo would 'shake the Union itself' is supported by increased sectionalism in the nation's economic and political foundations.

Debates Reflected in the Conflict

The conflict best reflects ongoing debates about the rightful scope of federal authority.

Negative Response to the Embargo

The embargo created a negative response due to the growth of the United States' involvement in the international market economy.

John Marshall's Role

As chief justice, John Marshall strengthened the judicial branch by asserting the doctrine of judicial review of congressional legislation.

Reasons for Louisiana Purchase

Napoleon sold Louisiana due to preoccupation with a slave revolt in Haiti and to prevent America from aligning with the British.

War Hawks' Justifications

The only argument not put forward by the War Hawks was the British impressment policies being an affront to American nationalism.

Support for the War of 1812

Once begun, the War of 1812 was strongly supported by the West and South.

Battle of New Orleans

The Battle of New Orleans increased nationalism as British troops were defeated by Andrew Jackson's soldiers.

Results of the War of 1812

The War of 1812 resulted in the end of the Federalist Party as a major force in US politics.