American History Lecture Flashcards

This set of flashcards is designed to help students review key concepts, events, and terms covered in their American history lecture notes, providing a tool for effective studying and exam preparation.

Pontiac's War

A war led by Chief Pontiac to resist British rule and establish Native independence after the Seven Years' War.

Proclamation of 1763

A decree by the British government that restricted colonial expansion west of the Appalachian Mountains to prevent conflicts with Native Americans.

Stamp Act (1765)

A law that imposed a tax on all paper documents in the colonies, angering many colonists.

Sons and Daughters of Liberty

Groups formed to resist British taxation and policies in the colonies through protests and other actions.

Vice-Admiralty Courts

British courts designed to try cases involving smuggling and tax evasion without juries.

Boston Tea Party

A protest against the Tea Act where colonists dumped British tea into Boston Harbor.

Coercive Acts

Also known as the Intolerable Acts; British laws enacted to punish Massachusetts for the Boston Tea Party.

First Continental Congress

A gathering of representatives from 12 of the 13 colonies to coordinate opposition to British policies.

Common Sense

A pamphlet by Thomas Paine advocating for American independence and a break from British rule.

Olive Branch Petition

A last attempt by the Second Continental Congress to avoid war with Britain by seeking peace.

Battle of Bunker Hill

A significant early battle in the Revolutionary War that demonstrated colonial resilience despite a British victory.

Second Continental Congress

The assembly of colonial representatives that managed the colonial war effort and moved towards independence.

Prohibitory Act

An act declaring all British subjects in the colonies as rebels, further escalating tensions.

Declaration of Independence

The document that formally stated the colonies' break from Britain and outlined the principles of individual rights.

Treaty of Paris (1783)

The treaty ending the American Revolutionary War, recognizing American independence and territorial gains.

Articles of Confederation

The first governing document of the United States, establishing a loose confederation of states with limited federal power.

Constitutional Convention

A gathering in 1787 to address weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation and draft the United States Constitution.

Great Compromise

The agreement to create a bicameral legislature, balancing representation between large and small states.

3/5 Compromise

An agreement during the Constitutional Convention counting slaves as three-fifths of a person for representation.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution, guaranteeing individual liberties and protections against government.

Federalists

Supporters of a strong central government and the Constitution, favoring its ratification.

Anti-Federalists

Opponents of the Constitution who feared a strong federal government and advocated for states' rights.

Hamilton's Financial Plan

A series of measures proposed by Alexander Hamilton to stabilize and improve the American economy.

Whiskey Rebellion

A violent tax protest in 1794 against the excise tax on whiskey, demonstrating federal authority.

Jay's Treaty

An agreement with Britain that sought to resolve issues lingering from the Revolutionary War and improve trade.

Election of 1800

A contentious presidential election where Thomas Jefferson defeated John Adams, leading to a shift in power.

Louisiana Purchase

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

Missouri Compromise

A legislative agreement that allowed Missouri to enter as a slave state while Maine entered as a free state.

Market Revolution

A transformation in the economy marked by increased production and shift from subsistence farming to market-oriented agriculture.

Telegraph

An innovation created by Samuel Morse that allowed for swift communication over long distances.

Industrial Revolution

A period of technological advancement transforming manufacturing processes and labor dynamics.

Urban Growth

The rapid increase in population and development of cities during the 19th century in America.

Jacksonian Democracy

A political movement aimed at expanding democracy and empowering the common man during the presidency of Andrew Jackson.

Panic of 1837

An economic crisis that resulted in widespread bank failures and unemployment, partly caused by over-speculation.

Voter Eligibility Changes

The transition from property-based voting qualifications to broader participation in elections.

American System

A plan proposed by Henry Clay for national economic development, including infrastructure improvements.

Democratic Party

A political party formed with an emphasis on agrarian interests and opposition to elite banking power.

Whig Party

A political party that emerged in opposition to Andrew Jackson, favoring a strong federal government and economic progress.

Guerilla Warfare

A form of irregular warfare using small, mobile forces to combat a larger traditional army.

Tea Act (1773)

Legislation that granted the British East India Company a monopoly on tea sales in the colonies, leading to colonial protests.

Enslaved People's Uprisings

Rebellions and revolts by enslaved individuals against their owners and systems of oppression.

Northern States vs. Southern States

The tension between states that opposed slavery and those that supported it, influencing political decisions.

Fabian Strategy

A military strategy of delay and attrition to outlast an opponent rather than seeking direct confrontation.

Jeffersonian Republicans

Political group led by Thomas Jefferson that emphasized agrarian democracy and states' rights.

Treaty of Alliance (1778)

An agreement between the United States and France to support each other in the Revolutionary War.

Sullivan Expedition

A military campaign aimed at destroying Native American towns and securing land for settlers.

Civil Liberties

Fundamental rights and freedoms protected by law from government infringement.

George Washington's Presidency

The period during which Washington set precedents for the federal government and navigated early political challenges.

Bicameral Legislature

A legislative body with two chambers, such as the U.S. Congress (Senate and House of Representatives).

Monarchical Concerns

Fears expressed by Anti-Federalists regarding the potential for the new government to resemble a monarchy.

Fugitive Slave Clause

A provision in the Constitution requiring the return of runaway slaves to their owners.

Civil War

A conflict fought in the United States from 1861 to 1865 over issues including slavery and states' rights.

Reconstruction Era

The period following the Civil War during which the Southern states were reorganized and reintegrated into the Union.