Praxis 5581: U.S. History till 1877

Praxis 5581

Which region was home to the Iroquois Confederacy?

Northeast

Type of dwelling was commonly used by Algonquian and Iroquoian peoples.

Longhouses

Native American life on the Great Plains

Nomadic (Sioux, Cheyenne, and Apache), skilled hunters

Pueblo peoples

• Lived in present-day Southwest United States.

• Built adobe villages.

5 important Native American cultural commonalities

1. Strong connection to the land

2. Oral traditions

3. Complex social structures

4. Spiritual beliefs

5. Art and crafts

European colonization objectives during the Age of Exploration

• Expanded traderoutes to Asia.

• Conquered new lands to expand their power.

• Spread Christianity.

Importance of Bering Land Bridge theory

Frozen bridge of land, enabling migration of people and animals. Without bridge it would have been challenging for humans to survive.

3 impacts of European colonization

1. Expanded tradethrough the Columbian Exchange.

2. Led to European colonizers murderingthousands of Native Americans to gain their land and spread their religion.

3. Spread of diseases.

How did the dynamics between European colonizers and Native Americans shape the course of early American history?

Cooperative trade alliances (e.g., French in Canada) to aggressive conquest and exploitation (e.g., Spanish in Central and South America). Profoundly altering the demographic and social landscapes.

Relationship between Native Americans and enslaved Africans in North America.

Conflict: Native American and African peoples were pitted against each other by European colonists, who sought to divide and conquer.

Cooperation: Native American and African peoples often shared experiences of oppression and exploitation under European colonial rule. Often formed alliances to resist common enemies.

Example of Native American and Enslaved people in North America

Creek War (1813), a conflict between the United States and the Creek Nation, many enslaved Africans living within Creek territory allied with the Native Americans against the Americans. The enslaved Africans, known as the Black Seminoles, sought refuge with the Creek and were often treated as equals.

Economic impacts of slavery

• Primary source of economic prosperity for European colonists in the Southern colonies.

• Enslaved Africans were forced to work on plantations, producing cash crops like tobacco, rice, and cotton.

• This labor enriched European plantation ownersbut perpetuated a cycle of poverty and inequality for enslaved Africans.

Cultural effects of slavery

• Enslaved Africans developed their own unique cultures, blending elements of their African heritage with the experiences of slavery.

• Cultural synthesisgave rise to new forms of music, dance, language, and religion.

• Institution of slavery also had a significant impact on European culture, as it led to the development of racist attitudes and beliefs.

Why was the Columbian Exchange significant in terms of transformation in Europe, Africa, and the Americas?

• Drastically altered ecosystems and agricultural practices worldwide through crops like potatoes, maize, and tomatoes.

• New diseases led to significant demographic decline.

How did religion impact European colonization?

• Spain and Portugal brought Catholicism to the Americas and set up missions to evangelize the people there.

• Indigenous people were forced to convert to avoid war and conflict.

How slavery played a role in European expansion.

1. Labor

2. Drove Economic Growth

3. Facilitated wealth and resources in Europe

How did the principles of mercantilism influence the economic policies and international relations of European nations during the Age of Exploration?

• Mercantilism led to the establishment of colonies as sources of raw materials and markets for finished goods, fostering a system where the colonies existed primarily for the benefit of the mother country.

Why were early explorers focused on finding the Northwest Passage?

Arctic provided a much shorter route to the lucrative markets of Asia, particularly for spices, silks, and other valuable goods. Allowed Europeans to control a faster and potentially safer route to Asia than going around Cape Horn.

How was Sir Francis Drakeinfluential in North American colonial development?

• Disrupted Spanish dominance.

• Explored and mapped Americas.

• Boosted English morale and ambitions.

How did Sir Walter Raleigh influence the establishment and motivations behind the founding of colonies in North America?

• New opportunities for wealth through the exploitation of natural resources and trade.

• Established the Roanoke Colony in present-day North Carolina.

• Strategic importance of colonies to challenge Spanish dominance.

Why was Sir Walter Raleigh focused on finding the mythical city of El Dorado?

Sought to enhance his status, wealth, and influence

Why was John Cabot a signficant historical figure in exploring the New World?

1. Led the first European expedition since the Vikings to land on the mainland of North America.

2. Voyages provided the basis for England’s claims to territories in North America.

3. Demonstrated the viability of a northern route across the Atlantic and encouraged further exploration and colonization efforts.

Why were the French coloniesin North America not as successful as the English and Spanish?

• disease

• weather

• conflict with native peoples or other European powers

Importance of Jamestown.

• Virginia colony’s first organized government.

• First permanent English colony in Americas.

What 3 strategies and policiesdid Jamestown implement to overcome its labor shortages?

1. Adopted the system of indentured servitude, where individuals from England would sign contracts to work for a certain number of years in exchange for passage to the New World, food, and shelter.

2. Created headright system which granted land to settlers for each person they brought to the colony.

3. Brought in enslavedAfricans in 1619.

What was the significance of the Virginia House of Burgessesin the development of democratic governance in colonial America?

• Established in 1619.

• Pioneered representative government in colonial America, setting a precedent for elected legislative assemblies.

• Promoted local autonomy, legislative practices, and civic participation, influencing the development of American democracy and fostering early resistance to British rule.

How did New France’s unique governance structure and economic activities shape its role in the broader context of colonial North America?

• Operated under centralized royal control through appointed officials (intendants), shaping its social and economic dynamics distinctively.

• The colony’s reliance on fur trade and alliances with indigenous groups like the Huron and Algonquin influenced settlement patterns, cultural interactions, and its strategic importance in early North American colonization.

What were the key factors contributing to the rise and decline of New Netherland as a Dutch colonial entity in North America?

• Strategic location for trade, particularly in fur and other natural resources.

• Conflicts with neighboring English colonies weakened Dutch control.

How did New Sweden’s establishment and interactions with indigenous peoples and neighboring European colonies contribute to the broader colonial landscape of North America?

• Established trade relationships with local Native American tribes which facilitated economic growth and cultural exchange.

• Conflict with neighboring Dutch and English colonies over territorial claims and trade routes.

Why did the Pilgrims come to America?

Group of Protestant separatists in England wanted to escape religious persecution.

How did the Pilgrims come to America?

• On a cargo ship called the Mayflower in 1620.

• Planned on settling in the former Virginia colony, but bad storms pushed them north to present-day Massachusetts.

What was Plymouth colony known for?

• First self-governing colony in America.

• Created the Mayflower Compact to establish a set of governing rules.

Historical significance of Thanksgiving.

• Meal shared between Europeans and Native Americans in 1621 to honor the friendship between the 2 groups.

• It symbolizes early cooperation between European settlers and Native Americans, particularly the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag tribe.

The New England Coloniesand why they were established.

• Massachusetts Bay Colony - Founded by Puritans escaping religious persecution in England. They developed a theocracy where the government was ruled by religious leaders.

• Rhode Island and Connecticut - Founded by dissenters of the Puritans because they were too strict like oppression of women and limited voting rights.

• New Hampshire - Founded by overflow of colonists in MA and as a fishing and trading hub.

The Southern Colonies

• Virginia and the Carolinas

• Maryland

• Georgia

Virginia and the Carolinas

Founded by the British Empire to make a profit for England. The Carolinas split because North focused on meat and provision production and South focused on using slaves to grow cash crops on plantations.

Maryland

Founded by Catholics from England to pursue their religion freely.

Georgia

Founded by poor people in England to get out of debt and start a new life.

The Middle Colonies

• New York

• New Jersey

• Pennsylvania

• Delaware

Why were the Middle Coloniessignificant in terms of early colonial history?

• Notable for their diverse population and high degree of religious tolerance.

• Known as the “breadbasket” colonies due to their fertile land and successful agriculture.

The Headright System in the Virginia Colony and its impact on the economy.

• Each colonist was given fifty acres of land to create a plantation.

• Created a significant class divide between wealthy landowners and poor servants, leading to social issues that persisted for over 200 years.

Why was the Maryland Toleration Act of 1649 an important aspect of American history?

• One of the first laws to explicitly guarantee religious freedom to all Christians, allowing them to practice their faith without fear of persecution.

• Set an important precedent for the inclusion of religious tolerance in American law.

What factors in Massachusetts caused the Salem Witch Trials to happen?

Religious extremism, social unrest, political instability, and environmental hardships.

What key elements in Massachusetts caused the Salem Witch Trials to happen?

Puritan beliefs, fear of the devil, and the use of questionable evidence led to mass hysteria and unjust accusations.

How did the First Great Awakening contribute to the origins of the American Revolution?

• Encouraged people to question authority and rely on their personal beliefs, which later influenced how colonists viewed British rule.

• Brought colonists together across different backgrounds and regions, fostering a shared identity and unity.

Why did Montesquieu believe a system of checks and balances would safeguard individual liberties?

• Prevent any one branch of government from becoming too powerful.

• Argued for the separation of powers into three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial.

• Each branch would have the ability to check and limit the powers of the others, ensuring that no single entity could dominate or abuse its authority.

How did Enlightenment ideals spread in the 13 colonies?

• Books, pamphlets, and newspapers containing Enlightenment ideas, such as John Locke’s writings on natural rights and social contracts, were widely circulated among the colonists.

• Promoted in colonial colleges, such as Harvard and Yale, where students studied philosophy and political theory.

• Intellectual clubs and societies, such as the American Philosophical Society, provided forums for discussion and debate, helping to disseminate Enlightenment ideas about reason, science, and government.

How did the French and Indian War alter the balance of power among European powers in North America?

• War shifted territorial control in North America from France to Britain.

• Strained relations between British colonists and Native American tribes, contributing to future conflicts and resentment.

The 5 Acts from the British Empire that led up to the American Revolution.

• Proclamation of 1763

• The Stamp Act

• The Townshend Acts

• The Coercive Acts

• The Quartering Act

In what ways did the Boston Massacre influence the political and social dynamics that led to the American Revolution?

• Unified and intensified colonial opposition to British rule, portraying the British as brutal oppressors.

• Led to the formation of Committees of Correspondence, promoting coordinated resistance and spreading revolutionary ideas.

In what ways did the Boston Tea Party contribute to the onset of the American Revolution?

• Direct defiance against British authority and the Tea Act of 1773 galvanized colonial resistance and unity against unjust laws.

• Britain enacted the Coercive (Intolerable) Acts in 1774 as punishment.

• Harsh measures further alienated colonists, making reconciliation difficult.

How did the First Continental Congress play a role in starting the American Revolution?

• Convened in 1774, it brought together representatives from twelve of the thirteen colonies to address the Intolerable Actsimposed by Britain.

• The Congress endorsed a boycott of British goods, drafted a declaration of colonial rights, and agreed to form local militias, laying the groundwork for armed resistance.

3 ways African Americans impacted the Revolutionary War.

1. Many enslaved Africans were forced to fight for the British or the Americans, often in exchange for promises of freedom.

2. Some enslaved Africans escaped to British lines, hoping to gain freedom.

3. There were a few black regiments that fought for the Americans, most notably the First Rhode Island Regiment.

2 ways women impacted the Revolutionary War.

1. Maintained households, farms, and businesses while men were at war, provided medical care, and supported wounded soldiers.

2. Contributed to the Patriot cause through espionage, public protests, and, in some cases, disguised military service.

Impact of foreign forces during Revolutionary War.

• France provided the Continental Army with essential supplies, weapons, naval support, and significant financial aid, playing a crucial role in the American victory.

• Hessian mercenaries fought alongside the British soldiers during several key battles.

Role of Native Americans during Revolutionary War.

Some tribes formed alliances with the colonists, gaining advantages and protecting their interests, while also establishing diplomatic relations.

How did the American Revolution culminate in the colonies achieving their independence?

• Culminated in the colonies achieving their independence through a combination of military victories, strategic alliances, and growing political unity.

• Key battles, such as the Siege of Yorktown in 1781, where British forces surrendered to the American and French armies, marked the turning point in the war.

• The revolutionaries’ alliance with Franceprovided critical military and financial support, tipping the balance in their favor.

• The Continental Congress helped unify the colonies under a common cause, ultimately leading to the Treaty of Paris in 1783, where Britain formally recognized the independence of the United States.

Significance of Battle of Lexington and Concord.

(1775)

• Marked beginning of major conflict between colonists and British forces.

• Inspired colonists to take up arms and fightthe British accross the American colonies.

What event led to France decide to begin supporting the American colonists?

Battle of Saratoga

(1777)

What significant legacy did the Declaration of Independenceleave behind?

Laid out foundational principles of individual rights and self-governance, serving as a beacon for democratic movements globally.

How did the Articles of Confederation shape early American government and its relationship with individual states?

• Established a weak central government with limited authority, emphasizing state sovereignty over national unity.

• Led to difficulties in enforcing laws, regulating trade, and coordinating collective action among the states, highlighting the need for a stronger federal framework.

How did the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 influence the development of American territorial expansion and land policy?

• Provided a framework for governing territories and admitting new states, ensuring orderly expansion westward.

• Facilitated organized settlement and development in the Ohio Valley by establishing it as part of the Northwest Territory and providing a process for statehood, including for Ohio.

• Its prohibition of slavery and emphasis on education and infrastructure shaped the region’s social and economic growth, setting it apart from slaveholding areas and promoting its integration into the United States.

3 key provisions of the Northwest Ordinance of 1787.

1. The abolition of slavery in the Northwest Territory.

2. The right to a trial by jury of peers.

3. The right to freedom of religion.

3 ways the Great Compromisereconciled the interests of large and small states in the formation of the U.S. Congress.

1. Created a Congress with two chambers: the Senate, with equal representation for each state, and the House of Representatives, based on population.

2. Ensured small states had equal power in the Senate, with each state receiving two senators.

3. Addressed large states’ concerns by basing House representation on population size, promoting fairness in legislative decisions.

What did the Virginia Plan propose?

Bicameral government with proportional representation.

What did the New Jersey Plan propose?

• One legislative body with equal representation.

• Federal taxation based on population.

How did the Founding Fathers reconcile the ideals of liberty and equality with the institution of slavery during the formation of the United States?

• Largely avoided the issue in foundational documents like the Constitution, focusing on uniting the colonies.

• Included compromises, such as the Three-Fifths Compromise, to gain support from Southern states that relied on slavery.

• Some, like Thomas Jefferson, expressed moral opposition to slavery but continued to own slaves, reflecting the deep contradictions of the era.

Controversy surrounding the Louisiana Purchase.

Opposition due to the expansion of presidential power and unconstitutional purchase.

What historical, political, and social factors contributed to the emergence and solidification of the two-party system in the United States?

• Debates between Federalists and Anti-Federalists over the Constitution in the late 18th century laid the groundwork for the two-party system, with these factions evolving into the first political parties—Federalists and Democratic-Republicans.

• Winner-takes-all electoral system and single-member districts encouraged the formation of two dominant parties, as third parties struggled to gain traction in a system where only the top candidates win representation.

• Regional, economic, and ideological divides, such as those between the North and South or between agrarian and industrial interests, fueled competition between parties, reinforcing the two-party structure as each major party sought to represent distinct segments of the population.

Significance of the Common Sense pamphlet.

Helped popularize the idea of independence among Americans.

Who wrote the Common Sense Pamphlet?

Thomas Paine

Primary purpose of the Bill of Rights.

Protect individual liberties and rights from infringementby the government.

Why was the Bill of Rights added to the U.S. Constitution?

A compromise between Federalists and Anti-Federalists during the ratification process.

Important key rights guaranteed by the Bill of Rights.

• Freedom of speech, religion, press, and assembly

• The right to bear arms

• The right to be protected from unreasonable searches and seizures

• The right to a fair trial

• The right to be free from cruel and unusual punishment

Importance of the Oregon Trail

• Key route for westward expansion in the United States during the 19th century, enabling thousands of settlers to migrate and establish new communities in the Pacific Northwest.

• Played a crucial role in shaping the American frontier, helping to solidify U.S. claims to Oregon Territory and promoting economic development through agriculture and tr

4 Causes of Early Industrialization in the United States.

1. Abundant natural resources: coal, iron, and timber

2. Technological advancements: the cotton gin, steam engine, and interchangeable parts

3. Transportation improvements: canals, railroads, and steamships

4. Government policies: protective tariffs and land grants

How did the United States change during the antebellum period?

• Shift from an agrarian economy to a more industrialized one.

• Growing wealth gapbetween the North and South contributed to social tensions, particularly over the issue of slavery.

• Religious denominations grewduring this time, with various Protestant sects and Catholic churches gaining followers.

4 consequences of early American industrialization.

1. Economic Growth: fueled by increased production, expanded markets, and new job opportunities

2. Urbanization: cities grew rapidly, leading to social and cultural changes

3. Social Inequality: gap between the wealthy industrialists and the working class widened

4. Immigration: The demand for labor attracted millions of immigrants from Europe

Why was the Monroe Doctrine (1823) significant?

• Declared that the Western Hemisphere was off-limits to European colonization.

• Aimed to protect the newly independent nations of Latin America and assert U.S. dominance in the region.

• Became a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy in the 19th century.

What were the major challenges faced by the federal government as a result of westward expansion in the 19th century?

• Governance and Infrastructure

• Deciding how to balance free and slave states

• Native American Relations and Sectional Tensions

How did challenges faced by the federal government during the Antebellum Period contribute to the outbreak of the Civil War?

• The expansion of the United States into new territories led to debates over slavery.

• The Missouri Compromisetemporarily balanced free and slave states, but the Kansas-Nebraska Act repealed it, sparking violence and further dividing the nation.

• The Dred Scott decision supported existence of slavery, and Lincoln’s election opposed its expansion, leading to Southern states seceding and the Civil War.

How did Westward Expansionimpact American society?

• New economic opportunities and cheap or free land due to the Donation Land Claim Act of 1850.

• Journey was often arduous and many settlers died.

• Thousands of Native Americans were displaced because of some using the concept of Manifest Destiny with force.

How did the annexation of Texas in 1845 influence the political and economic landscape of the United States?

• Significantly expanded U.S. territory, intensifying the debate over the expansion of slavery and contributing to tensions that eventually led to the Civil War.

• Provided the U.S. with vast new lands for agriculture and settlement, boosting westward expansion and the growth of the American economy.

3 causes of the Mexican-American War.

• Mexico refused to acknowledge Texas as an independent state or its border that Texas claimed after the annex.

• The Wilmot Proviso, which proposed that all land gained from Mexico would be slave-free.

• Manifest Destiny.

What were the key political and territorial outcomes of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgothat ended the Mexican-American War in 1848?

• California became independent and later a state.

• Ceding of additional land from Mexico to the United States, which would become seven states.

• Acceptance of the Rio Grande as the borderbetween the two countries.

How was the Compromise of 1850 a cause of the American Civil War?

• Attempted to address the contentious issue of slavery’s expansion by allowing popular sovereignty in new territories, intensifying sectional tensions.

• Highlighted deepening divisions between North and South over issues such as the Fugitive Slave Act, which increased northern resistance to federal enforcement of slavery laws.

How did the Lewis and Clark expedition of 1804-1806contribute to expanding American knowledge and influence in the newly acquired Louisiana Territory?

• Mapped previously uncharted territory, providing crucial geographical information that facilitated future westward expansion and settlement.

• Established diplomatic relations with numerous Native American tribes, paving the way for future trade and negotiation that helped integrate the region into the expanding United States.

What were the long-term diplomatic and cultural impacts of the Lewis and Clark expedition on Native American tribes encountered during their journey?

• Led to increased contact and tradebetween Native American tribes and Euro-American settlers, altering traditional tribal economies and social structures.

• Laid the groundwork for subsequent U.S. policies and treaties that sought to control Native American lands and assimilate tribes into American society, leading to significant cultural changes and conflicts over land rights.

How did the War of 1812 impact the United States’ national identity and its standing in international relations during the early 19th century?

• Solidified American independence and identity by demonstrating the nation’s ability to defend itself against British aggression.

• Led to increased nationalism and pridein American achievements, while also contributing to a renewed sense of unity and patriotism among its citizens.

What were the long-term consequences of the Indian Removal Act of 1830?

Resulted in forced relocation of Native American tribeswest of the Mississippi River, leading to loss of traditional lands, cultural disruption, and profound intergenerational trauma among Native peoples.

How did the Trail of Tears (1838-1839) reflect broader U.S. policies towards Native American tribes in the 19th century?

Reflected broader U.S. policies of forced removal and assimilation aimed at displacing Native American tribes from their ancestral lands to make way for westward expansion and settlement.

How did sectionalism impact the United States prior to the Civil War?

• Deepened divisionsbetween regions over issues such as slavery, economic policies, and states’ rights.

• Contributed to political polarization and culminating in the Civil War.

How did the Dred Scott v. Sandford decision of 1857 influence the debate over slavery and the authority of the federal government in the United States?

• Denied African Americans citizenship.

• Upheld the legality of slavery in all territories, exacerbating tensions and intensifying the national debate over states’ rights versus federal authority.

How did the Gettysburg Address redefine the purpose of the American Civil War and influence the nation’s perception of democracy and equality?

By emphasizing national unity and equality, transforming it into a struggle for human rights and democracy.

4 causes of the American Civil War.

1. Issue of slavery.

2. Disagreements over states vs. federal rights.

3. Economic issues.

4. Abraham Lincoln elected president in 1860.

2 important consequences of the American Civil War.

1. Abolition of slavery.

2. Strengthening of federal authority over the states.

How did the 13th Amendment fundamentally alter the social and economic landscape of the United States?

Fundamentally altered the social and economic landscape of the United States by abolishing slavery, thereby freeing millions of enslaved individuals and reshaping labor systems and social hierarchies.

How did the 14th Amendmenttransform the legal and civil rights framework in the United States?

Transformed the legal and civil rights framework in the United States by granting citizenship and equal protection under the law to all persons born or naturalized in the country, fundamentally altering the scope of individual rights and state authority.

How did the 15th Amendment advance the pursuit of equality and democracy in post-Civil War America?

Prohibited the denial of voting rights based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude, marking a significant step towards enfranchisement for African American men.

How did the ongoing Westward Expansion following the Civil War influence society?

Promoted economic growth, shaped cultural diversity, and accelerated the displacement of Native American tribes from their lands.