APUSH Vocab Semester 1

John Winthrop

First Governor of Massachusetts Bay Colony; led Puritan expansion and envisioned a 'city upon a hill.'

George Whitefield

English evangelist known for his charismatic sermons promoting Methodism.

Jonathon Edwards

Congregationalist preacher in Massachusetts, renowned for his tense sermons aimed at youth.

William Bradford

Governor of Plymouth, known for his role in the Puritan movement in America.

John Calvin

Key figure in the Protestant Reformation who established Calvinism; puritans are Calvinists.

Roger Williams

Leader of the Puritan Rebellion, advocating for religious toleration and separation of church and state.

Civil Disobedience

Philosophy advocated by Henry David Thoreau, suggesting the act of breaking laws as a form of protest.

Federalist Papers

Collection of essays written to encourage ratification of the U.S. Constitution, authored by Hamilton, Madison, and Jay.

Marbury v. Madison

Supreme Court case confirming the Court's power of judicial review.

Missouri Compromise

Agreement admitting Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a free state; established a boundary for slavery.

Seneca Falls Convention

First women's rights convention organized by notable activists, advocating for equality and abolition.

Ostend Manifesto

A document stating the U.S. intention to acquire Cuba, causing controversy and wrath among anti-slavery supporters.

Dred Scott Ruling

Supreme Court ruling stating that African Americans were not citizens and could not sue.

15th Amendment

Amendment that granted voting rights to African American men, though states found ways to undermine it.

John C. Calhoun

Senator who championed the nullification doctrine, advocating for states' rights.

Bacon’s Rebellion

Rebellion in Virginia emphasizing colonial frustrations with the government, leading to significant social tensions.

Articles of Confederation

The first constitution of the United States, characterized by a weak central government and lack of national currency.

15th Amendment

Constitutional amendment that ensured voting rights regardless of race.

Credit Mobilier Scandal

Corruption scandal involving the Union Pacific Railroad and congressional bribery.

Harrison's Election of 1840

The election that saw Harrison ironically die shortly after taking office, leading to a shift in Whig power.

Jackson’s Response to Marshall's Decision

A famous quote asserting his refusal to enforce the Supreme Court's decision on Native American lands.

Compromise of 1850

A set of laws aimed at easing tensions over slavery, including accepting California as a free state and enforcing the Fugitive Slave Law.

Black Suffrage Amendment

The 15th Amendment that confirmed the voting rights of Black Americans.

Homestead Act

Legislation providing 160 acres of free land to settlers, encouraging westward expansion.