Key Figures and Policies in Early American History and Abolition

Frederick Douglass

Formerly enslaved man who escaped and became one of the most influential abolitionists through his speeches and autobiography

Sojourner Truth

Formerly enslaved woman who became a powerful speaker and activist for both abolition and women's rights

David Walker

Black abolitionist who wrote a radical pamphlet calling on enslaved people to resist and fight for their freedom

James Callender

Political journalist who wrote harsh attacks against Federalists and John Adams, spreading early American political propaganda

Mazzei Letter

Jefferson's private letter to an Italian friend criticizing Federalists; leaked and published, causing major political controversy

Democratic-Republicans

Political party led by Jefferson; favored limited federal power, agrarian interests, and states' rights

Federalists

Political party led by Hamilton; favored strong central government, national bank, and commercial interests

Proclamation of Neutrality

Washington's declaration that the US would not take sides in European wars, establishing a policy of non-involvement

Indian Trade and Intercourse Act (1802)

Law regulating trade with Native American tribes; only the federal government could purchase Native American land

Cumberland Road (1806)

First federally funded road; showed the national government's role in building infrastructure

The Jefferson Bible

Jefferson's edited version of the New Testament removing all miracles, focusing only on Jesus's moral teachings

Sally Hemings

Enslaved woman at Monticello who had a long-term relationship with Jefferson and bore several of his children

Georgia Gold Rush (1828-29)

Discovery of gold on Cherokee land in Georgia; fueled white demand for Indian removal

Treaty of New Echota (1835)

Agreement signed by a minority faction of Cherokee, not tribal leadership, ceding Cherokee land; used to justify the Trail of Tears