APUSH Periods 1-5

Maize Culture

An agriculture practice that became widespread among Native Americans in North America before European contact.

Cabeza De Vaca

A Spanish explorer known for his accounts of the New World, particularly reflecting on Native American cultures.

Economic Development

The process by which a culture diversifies its economy, often through improved agriculture and trade.

Caste System

A hierarchical structure within societies, notably seen in Spanish settlements where slaves had designated social statuses.

Encomienda System

A labor system instituted by the Spanish crown that allowed colonists to demand tribute and forced labor from Native Americans.

European Isolationism

A trend among European nations to withdraw from interacting with or influencing Native cultures.

Atlantic Economy

Economic exchanges that developed between Europe, Africa, and the Americas starting in the 16th century.

Cultural Misunderstandings

Misinterpretations between different cultures, often leading to exploitation or conflict.

Slave Labor

Labor performed by individuals who are legally considered property and forced to work without compensation.

Religious Toleration

Policies allowing the practice of various religions; present in some of the British colonies but not universally applied.

Louisiana Purchase

A land deal between the United States and France in 1803 that doubled the size of the U.S.

Market Revolution

The transition from a subsistence economy to a market-oriented economy in the early 19th century.

Second Great Awakening

A religious revival movement in the early 19th century in America that led to social reform movements.

Manifest Destiny

The 19th-century doctrine that the expansion of the U.S. throughout the American continents was both justified and inevitable.

Sharecropping

An agricultural system in which landowners allow tenants to use the land in exchange for a share of the crops produced.

Dred Scott Decision

A Supreme Court ruling of 1857 that stated African Americans could not be American citizens and rejected the legal standing of free states.

Radical Republicans

A faction of American politicians in the 1860s and 1870s who sought to ensure civil rights for African Americans.

Seneca Falls Convention

The first women's rights convention held in 1848 that marked the beginning of the women's suffrage movement in the U.S.

Reconstruction Amendments

The 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments to the Constitution, aimed at establishing rights for former enslaved people.

Iroquois Confederacy

A historically powerful group of Native American tribes in the northeastern United States that formed a political alliance.

Natural Rights

The concept that individuals are inherently entitled to certain rights, often cited by American colonists against British rule.

American Identity

The shared sense of nationality and cultural identity that developed among the colonies in response to British policies.

Political Autonomy

The state of having self-governing powers and independence from external control.

Social Movements

Collective efforts aimed at promoting or resisting change in society, often rooted in cultural or political issues.

French and Indian War

A conflict between the British and French empires (1754-1763) that significantly altered British colonial policy in America.

Agricultural Practices

Methods of farming and cultivation, influenced by environment and available resources.

Nationalism

A strong sense of pride and loyalty to one's nation, often elevated in response to external conflicts.

Cultural Exchange

The process by which different cultures share ideas, products, and customs.

Conflict Resolution

The methods and processes involved in facilitating a peaceful ending to a disagreement.

Women's Rights Movement

A social movement aimed at extending civil rights and legal protections to women.

Political Divisions

Differences in political opinions and ideologies that can lead to conflict within a society.

Caste System

A hierarchy in which individuals are classified into different social statuses, including racial and economic classes.

Public Opinion

The collective preferences and attitudes of citizens concerning matters of government and public policy.

Legislative Authority

The power or authority vested in a legislative body, such as Congress or a parliament, to make laws.

Sovereignty

The supreme authority within a territory, often discussed in the context of Native American rights.

Colonial Legislation

Laws enacted by colonial governments that reflect the social, economic, and political concerns of the time.

Ideological Conflicts

Disagreements based on differing beliefs, values, or ideologies, particularly in politics and economics.

Cultural Superiority

The belief that one's culture or ethnicity is superior to others, often used to justify colonialism and expansion.

Political Participation

The ways in which individuals engage in civic and political life, including voting, activism, and public discourse.

Economic Regulation

Government policies aimed at controlling or influencing economic activity and practices.

Impressment

The act of forcibly enlisting individuals into military service, particularly noted in the context of American naval history.

Civil Rights

The rights of citizens to political and social freedom and equality, often fought for in the wake of the Civil War.

Enlightenment Ideas

Philosophical concepts emerging in the 17th and 18th centuries that emphasize reason, individualism, and skepticism of authority.

Colonial Resistance

Opposition to British colonial authority and policies, leading to movements for independence.

Voting Rights

Legal rights that establish who can participate in elections, often a contentious issue in U.S. history.

Indentured Servitude

A labor system where individuals work for a set number of years in exchange for passage to America.

Reform Movements

Groups or organizations that seek to change specific practices or policies in social, economic, or political life.

Nativism

The policy of protecting the interests of native-born or established inhabitants against those of immigrants.

Economic Systems

Organized ways of managing the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services in a society.

Labor Unions

Organizations formed by workers to advocate for better working conditions, pay, and rights.

Racial Theories

Beliefs about the superiority or inferiority of different races, often used to justify discrimination.

Tensions over Slavery

Disputes and divisions within the U.S. regarding the institution of slavery and its expansion.

Federalism

A system of government where power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units.

Political Narratives

Storylines constructed around political events or ideologies that influence public perception and action.

Agricultural Expansion

The growth of farming practices and land use, particularly in the context of westward expansion in the U.S.

Settlement Patterns

The arrangement and distribution of people across a given area, influenced by factors such as geography and economy.

Cultural Blending

The process by which different cultural identities mix and influence one another.

Immigration Policies

Regulations and laws that govern who can enter and reside in a country.

American Exceptionalism

The belief that the United States has a unique destiny and role in history, particularly in promoting democracy.

Social Stratification

The classification of society into groups based on socioeconomic status, race, or other factors.

Historical Revisionism

The re-examination of historical facts and narratives, often to challenge established viewpoints.

Public Discourse

The discussion of issues that concern the public, often leading to legislative or social change.

Judicial Review

The ability of the Supreme Court to limit congressional power by declaring legislation unconstitutional.

Political Compromise

When opposing parties negotiate and find common ground despite initial disagreements.

Economic Reconstruction

The period of rebuilding the economy after the Civil War focused on integrating freed slaves into society.

Social Reforms

Efforts aimed at improving societal issues like education, labor rights, or women’s rights.

Civil Disobedience

The nonviolent act of refusing to comply with laws or demands of a government as a form of protest.

Naturalization Process

The legal process by which a foreign citizen can acquire citizenship in a country.

Urbanization

The process by which cities grow and societies become more urban, often linked to economic transformation.

Manifest Destiny

The belief in the 19th century that the expansion of the U.S. across the American continents was both justified and inevitable.

Industrialization

The transition to a manufacturing-based economy on a large scale, which significantly transformed American society.

Civic Engagement

The participation of citizens in political, community and social activities.

Social Contract

A theory in political philosophy that posits individuals consent, either explicitly or implicitly, to form a government and abide by its rules.