USH Midterm Study Guide

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to American history, focusing on significant events, influential figures, and foundational documents.

Samuel Adams

A key figure in American history known for his role in organizing resistance against British taxation and helping to ignite the American Revolution.

Stamp Act of 1765

A British law imposing a direct tax on the colonies, requiring printed materials to have a tax stamp.

Boston Massacre

An incident in 1770 where British soldiers killed five colonists, serving as a catalyst for the American Revolution.

Boston Tea Party

A protest by colonists in 1773 against British taxation in which they dumped tea into Boston Harbor.

First Continental Congress

A meeting of colonial delegates in 1774 to discuss responses to British policies and organize resistance.

Shot heard round the world

The phrase describing the first gunfire which sparked the American Revolutionary War at Lexington and Concord.

Paul Revere's Ride

A midnight ride in April 1775 to warn colonial militia of the approaching British forces.

Battle of Bunker Hill

A significant early battle in the Revolutionary War fought in 1775, demonstrating colonial resolve despite British victory.

Common Sense

A pamphlet written by Thomas Paine advocating for independence from Britain, influencing public opinion.

Declaration of Independence

The document adopted on July 4, 1776, declaring the American colonies independent from British rule.

Articles of Confederation

The first constitution of the United States, establishing a weak national government and later replaced by the Constitution.

Northwest Ordinance

A 1787 legislation that created a framework for governance in the Northwest Territory and provided for the admission of new states.

Constitutional Convention

A 1787 meeting of delegates to address the weak Articles of Confederation, resulting in the U.S. Constitution.

Federalism

The division of power between national and state governments, characterized by Federalists supporting a strong central government.

Whiskey Rebellion

A 1794 uprising in Pennsylvania against a federal excise tax on whiskey, testing the power of the federal government.

XYZ Affair

A diplomatic incident in 1797 between the United States and France that led to an undeclared war.

Great Awakening

A religious revival in the 18th century that emphasized individual piety and a personal relationship with God.

Enlightenment

An intellectual movement emphasizing reason and individualism rather than tradition; influential in shaping revolutionary thought.

Triangular Trade

A historical trade system between the Americas, Europe, and Africa that benefited economies through the exchange of goods and enslaved people.