American History Flashcards

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts from early American history.

Revolution of 1800

The peaceful transfer of power from Federalists to Democratic-Republicans.

Judiciary Act of 1801

Law that created new judicial positions to ensure Federalist control.

Midnight judges

Judges appointed by Adams during the last hours of his presidency.

Marbury v. Madison

Case that established the principle of judicial review.

Judicial review

The power of the courts to declare laws unconstitutional.

Tripolitan War

Conflict with North African pirates that expanded the U.S. Navy.

Haitian Revolution

Successful slave revolt in Haiti that influenced American policy.

Louisiana Purchase

The acquisition of Louisiana territory from France, doubling the size of the U.S.

Lewis and Clark

Explorers tasked with mapping the newly acquired Louisiana Territory.

Impressment

The British practice of forcing American sailors into their navy.

Chesapeake affair

British attack on the USS Chesapeake, raising tensions with the U.S.

Embargo Act

Law that prohibited American ships from trading with foreign nations.

Non-Intercourse Act

Replaced the Embargo Act, lifting restrictions on trade except with Britain and France.

War Hawks

Young politicians who pushed for war against Britain.

Tecumseh

Native American leader who attempted to unite tribes against U.S. expansion.

War of 1812

Conflict between the U.S. and Britain, often referred to as the second war for independence.

Treaty of Ghent

The agreement that ended the War of 1812.

Battle of New Orleans

A decisive victory for the U.S. after the War of 1812 was technically over.

Hartford Convention

Meeting of Federalists opposing the war, leading to the party's decline.

American System

Economic plan promoting banking, tariffs, and transportation improvements.

Henry Clay

Political leader known as the 'Great Compromiser' for his role in multiple compromises.

Era of Good Feelings

Period of national unity and political harmony during Monroe's presidency.

Panic of 1819

A financial crisis caused by land speculation and economic downturn.

Trends in immigration

Significant waves of immigrants from Europe, particularly from Ireland and Germany.

Molly Maguires

Irish secret society involved in labor disputes in mining.

Tammany Hall

Corrupt political organization based in New York City.

Nativism

The policy of favoring native-born citizens over immigrants.

Cotton gin

A machine that revolutionized the production of cotton by efficiently separating cotton fibers from seeds.

Patent Office

A government office that issues patents for new inventions.

Limited liability

Legal concept that protects investors by limiting their losses to the amount they invested.

Commonwealth v. Hunt

Massachusetts Supreme Court case that declared labor unions legal.

Factory Girls

Women employed in factories, often under harsh conditions.

Cult of domesticity

Belief that women's roles should be confined to home and family.

Various inventions

Technological advancements including the reaper, revolver, telegraph, and rubber goods.

Transportation revolution

Improvements in transportation including canals, railroads, and roads.

Market revolution

Economic transformation where subsistence farming turned into a commercial economy.

Industrialization/Industrial Revolution

The period of rapid industrial growth and changes in manufacturing processes.

Tallmadge amendment

Failed proposal to ban slavery in Missouri.

Peculiar institution

A euphemism for slavery in the southern U.S.

Missouri Compromise

Compromise allowing Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a free state; established a line separating slave and free states.

McCulloch v. Maryland

Supreme Court case validating the power of Congress to create a National Bank.

Cohens v. Virginia

Case asserting the Supreme Court's authority over state laws.

Gibbons v. Ogden

Supreme Court ruling that the federal government held authority over interstate commerce.

Fletcher v. Peck

Case protecting property rights and limiting state control.

Dartmouth College v. Woodward

Established the principle that contracts cannot be easily altered by the state.

Adams-Onís Treaty

Treaty where Spain ceded Florida to the U.S.

Monroe Doctrine

Policy warning European nations to refrain from interfering in the Americas.

Corrupt bargain

Allegation that John Quincy Adams and Henry Clay conspired to influence the election of 1824.

Andrew Jackson

Seventh President of the U.S. known for his populist approach and strong leadership.

John Quincy Adams

The sixth President; known for his nationalist policies and post-presidency advocacy.

King Mob

A derogatory term for Andrew Jackson reflecting his populist style.

Spoils system

Practice of giving political offices to loyal supporters.

Tariff of Abominations

Highly controversial tariff that angered southern states.

South Carolina Exposition

A document denouncing the Tariff of Abominations and advocating for nullification.

Nullification

The concept that states can invalidate federal laws deemed unconstitutional.

Nullification Crisis

Conflict between South Carolina and the federal government over tariff laws.

Force Bill

Legislation allowing the federal government to use military force to collect tariffs.

Indian Removal Act

Law enabling the forced relocation of Native American tribes to western territories.

Worcester v. Georgia

Supreme Court case that recognized the rights of Native American nations.

Trail of Tears

The forced removal of Cherokee and other tribes from their homelands.

Black Hawk War

Conflict between U.S. forces and Native American tribes resisting removal.

Bank War

Political struggle between Jackson and supporters of the Second Bank of the United States.

Pet banks

State banks that received funds from the National Bank.

Specie Circular

Order requiring public land purchases to be paid for in gold or silver.

Panic of 1837

A financial crisis characterized by bank failures and economic depression.

Two-party system

Political system dominated by two major parties, the Whigs and Democrats.

Texas

Region that revolted from Mexico and later joined the United States.

Oregon

Territory claimed by several nations, ultimately acquired by the U.S.

Manifest Destiny

The 19th-century belief that Americans were destined to expand across the continent.

Fifty-Four Forty or Fight

Slogan advocating U.S. control over the entire Oregon Territory.

Spot resolutions

Proposals from Lincoln questioning the justification for the Mexican-American War.

Mexican War

Conflict between the U.S. and Mexico leading to significant territorial gains for the U.S.

Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo

Treaty that ended the Mexican-American War and ceded vast territories to the U.S.

Wilmot Proviso

Proposed amendment to ban slavery in any territory acquired from Mexico (never passed).