Early American History Flashcards

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key historical terms, events, and concepts from European colonization through the Revolution of 1800 based on the lecture syllabus.

Spanish Colonial Imperative (1492-1607)

The driving force behind Spanish colonization of South America, defined as 'For God and Gold'.

Nat Bacon’s Rebellion (1676)

A 1676 uprising associated with political dissent and the frontier mentality in the early American colonies.

The Dominion of New England (1686-90)

A period of colonial governance from 1686 to 1690 representing political dissent and frontier issues in the early colonies.

Salem Witch Trials (1692)

A 1692 event reflecting political dissent and the frontier mentality in early American colonial history.

Age of Reason

The period during the Enlightenment (1690-1790) centered on scientific experimentation and observation.

John Locke’s Compact Theory (1690)

A foundational political theory established in 1690 during the Enlightenment.

The Great Awakening (1734-1754)

A religious revival movement led by Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield in New England that saw the emergence of 'New Lights' and an American elite.

French & Indian War (1754-1763)

A major conflict from 1754 to 1763 occurring near the end of the British Empire's period of 'benign neglect'.

Townsend Acts (1767)

British taxation measures enacted in 1767 that prompted an American boycott on the road to revolution.

Intolerable Acts (1774)

Coercive legislation passed in 1774 following the Boston Tea Party of 1773.

Commonwealth Theory vs. Parliamentary Supremacy

The competing political principles debated during the conflict between the American colonies and Great Britain leading up to the Revolution.

Saratoga (1777)

A decisive 1777 battle during the American War for Independence that secured the French Alliance.

Peace of Paris (1783)

The 1783 treaty that formally ended the American War for Independence.

Northwest Ordinance (1787)

A 1787 law enacted under the Articles of Confederation to address the western lands issue.

Shays’ Rebellion (1787)

A 1787 uprising triggered by economic problems under the Articles of Confederation.

Great Compromise

The agreement reached during the framing of the United States Constitution that reconciled the Virginia and New Jersey Plans.

Whiskey Rebellion (1794)

A 1794 uprising occurring during George Washington's presidency amid the development of the two-party system.

Alien and Sedition Acts (1798)

Laws passed in 1798 during the political rise of the two-party system in the United States.

Revolution of 1800

The political transfer of power marking the culmination of the development of the two-party system between 1790 and 1800.