US History Midterm

Mercantilism

This theory is what interest the British in starting the colonies. It theorized that the only thing that a country wanted most was to get the most gold or valuables. A profitable idea developed in the 16th century in Europe. Concentrated on trade with more gold coming in than leaving.

Parliament

A country's legislative body. England's parliament passed the Navigation acts. Created laws for the Country and colonies.

Navigation Acts

Passed by England's parliament in 1651. This created restrictions of colonies trading. This Act benefited the workers in England as well as the colonists. Created more money for England's shipbuilding companies.

Dominion of New England

A large area under rule of the crown/ruler. Land stretched from southern Maine to New Jersey. King James II caused this while attempting to control the colonies more.

Sir Edmund Andros

Chosen by King James to rule New England. He was from a rich family, and was a veteran officer. Very aggressive and took his role seriously.

Glorious Revolution

James became quite unpopular among the subjects for his Navigation Act and his religious beliefs conflicting with theirs. Parliament invited James' daughter Mary and her husband William to Holland with their Army. James fled the country to avoid war or revolt. William and Mary were then offered the throne next.

Salutary Neglect

Parliament attempted to use a new policy of neglect to hopefully increase its control of the colonies. Strengthened the Navigation Act in two ways, moving smuggling trials from colonials to English courts; and creating the Board of Trade to control colonial trade. England eventually became lenient with their new laws and controls in order to ensure loyalty of the colonies.

Policy Resented by Colonists

The policy of restricting trade to/from other parts of the world was the most hated. This is because with individual sales, the colonists were able to earn money for themselves, getting goods otherwise unavailable to them. When England started stricter checks on boats and had court for smuggling trade, it reduced the amount of money individual people could earn and placed the colonies right back under England's rule.

Impact of Political Events

England's Glorious Revolution inspired the colonists to arrest Andros who was abusing his power and making enemies of the colonists. After their revolution, they created the English Bill of Rights, which directly inspired the future Bill of Rights for America. This also inspired politics and helped the colonists recognize when political figures abused power or when they were being treated unfairly for their work and contributions to the country.

Cash Crop

Farmed resource sold for profit, not consumption.

Tobacco

High-value cash crop crucial for southern settlements.

Slaves

Labor source from Africa for plantation work.

Triangular Trade

Transatlantic trade network involving rum, slaves, sugar.

Middle Passage

Voyage transporting African slaves to North America.

Stono Rebellion

Slave revolt that increased plantation owner fears.

Indentured Servitude

Labor system using unpaid immigrants or prisoners.

Decline of Indentured Servitude

Decreased immigration led to reliance on slaves.

Role of Women

Second-class citizens with limited rights and education.

Domestic Tasks

Common responsibilities included cooking and cleaning.

African Culture

Continued through language, art, and storytelling.

Basket Weaving

Traditional art form maintained by African slaves.

Pottery

Craft reflecting African heritage and culture.

Ring Shout

Religious dance preserving African musical traditions.

Sugar Plantations

Major economic drivers in Caribbean and southern colonies.

Plantations

Large farms replacing towns for self-sufficiency.

European Laborers

Decline in their migration led to slave use.

Native Americans

Initially used for labor, later replaced by Africans.

Horrific Conditions

Slaves faced torture during Middle Passage voyages.

20% Mortality Rate

Percentage of Africans dying during Middle Passage.

Cultural Bonding

African slaves united through shared experiences and fate.

Education of Women

Limited to domestic skills and responsibilities.

New France

Established from France's North American Empire in Quebec, where fur traders dominated. French Priests and traders spread to the middle of the continent. Sieur de la Salle claimed the Mississippi valley and named it Luisiana after King Louis. French colonies only wanted to trade and spread Catholicism, not settle and build there.

George Washington

Great Britain sent some of the colonies' people to evict the French, caused by another feud between Britain and France. This group was led by GW. Washington attacked French soldiers at Fort Duquesne and they counter attacked. These small battles were the beginning of the French and Indian War.

French and Indian War

The fourth war between Great Britain and France for control of North America. British Generals' mission was to use colonial military to drive the French out of the Ohio Valley. The British soldiers immediately fled following the Native Americans' ambush. This is when American colonists began questioning the British army's strength and influence. Ended in 1763.

William Pitt

Chosen by King George II to help run his new government in 1757. This self-confident politician reorganized the British Army and they finally started winning battles. His leading prompted Iroquois, a powerful Native American, to help him and give the British army Native American support.

Pontiac

Recognized that the French losing was a loss for the Native Americans and the British would soon drive them out of their land. Laid siege to 2 British forts and captured 8 other forts. British retaliation involved delivering smallpox infected blankets to two chiefs during peace negotiations. Most Native American troops had then made treaties with the British by 1765.

Proclamation of 1763

This proclamation banned all settlement west of the Appalachian Mountains. This ban established a Proclamation Line which colonists were not to cross. This was to avoid future conflict with the Native Americans, however, there was no way to enforce this and the colonists continued moving west.

George Grenville

Chosen by King George III as a financial expert and served as Prime Minister in 1763. He very quickly angered the colonists and merchants because he constantly suspected smuggling. He prompted the Parliament's Sugar Act in 1764.

Sugar Act

Laws made by Parliament in 1764. Halved the duty on foreign-made molasses. Placed duties on certain imports. Strengthened enforcement of law and prosecutors in courts for smuggling.

Tension between colonists and England

When the British soldiers fled from a Native American ambush in Fort Duquesne, the colonists began questioning the British Army's strength. When the British sent a law to not expand past the Appalachians, the colonists thought the British did not care about them and brought up Britain's financial crisis. Massachusetts' governor allowed British troops to search any colonial ship, building or home to investigate or prove smuggling, this outraged the colonist merchants.

Stamp Act

Instated in 1765 by Parliament influencing George Greenville. Required all colonists to purchase special stamps for all documents, papers, and some card games. If a colonist were to not use the stamps they were tried in admiralty courts.

Significance of the Stamp Act

This caused many protests and boycotts of British goods and caused many stamp sellers to leave. The colonies came together to create declarations opposing the parliament's ability to tax them (Declaration of Rights and Grievances). This was one of the first times all the colonies worked together.

Townshend Acts

Proposed by Charles Townshend (British Govt. Minister). Labeled as indirect taxes, putting duties on imported goods, specifically tea (three-penny tax), the most popular drink in the colonies.

Reactions to the Townshend Acts

Colonists were outraged and protested 'taxation without representation'. Samuel Adams called for another boycott and all women became involved with the protest. British luxuries, cloth and tea were boycotted by them.

Boston Massacre

Poorly paid soldiers looked for jobs out on shipyards creating fights over jobs. A fistfight broke out in 1770 at the customs house and Crispus Attucks (killed) and some others came and three were killed, two others fatally wounded.

Significance of the Boston Massacre

Called the Boston Massacre as a label of British attack on defenseless citizens. It highlighted the tensions between the colonists and British soldiers. The event became a rallying point for anti-British sentiment.

Intolerable Acts

Called the Coercive Acts in Britain, caused by King George III's rage over the Boston Tea Party, parliament was forced to create these laws. One law forced the Boston harbor to close since the colonists wouldn't pay for the damaged goods.

Significance of the Intolerable Acts

Another allowed British commanders to house soldiers in the colonists' homes without their consent. A new governor was appointed (General Thomas Gage) and placed Boston under military force. This led to the assembling of the First Continental Congress to write a declaration of colonial rights.

Comparison of Reactions to Stamp Act and Townshend Acts

Both the Stamp Act and Townshend Acts received bad reactions, but the Townshend Acts received more violent responses. For the Stamp Act, the colonials did peaceful protests and were boycotting British goods. The Townshend Acts, however, led to many riots and fights.

Committees of Correspondence

They were established in order to make laws to defend the colonists' rights. They supported the protests in Massachusetts and wanted the colonists to fight back if they were wrongly attacked. They wanted to make sure the colonists were treated fairly.

Valley Forge

Site of continentals army's camp during 1777-78. British soldiers lived in the Philadelphia homes while patriots made makeshift huts in the freezing winter. This was considered one of the lowest points in Washington's troops but it boosted morale and hope.

Inflation

When prices rise because the value of money went down. Caused by printing more money, making each worth less. Sometimes countries print money in an attempt to get out of debt but end up making it worse by dropping its value.

Profiteering

Selling the rarer goods for high prices. Corrupt merchants often sold spoiled, cheap or defective goods in order to make more money. Merchants often started doing this once the congress started getting desperate for resources, because they know they'll do anything for the goods.

Victories at Trenton and Princeton

They were encouraged by their winning against the British who had accommodations and were much stronger than them. They were tired but still won. Washington's desperate need for a victory to keep the men from going home was perfect timing.

General Burgoyne's defeat at Saratoga

British general 'Gentlemen Johnny'. Planned to lead an army down a lake in Canada to join forces with Howe's troops. They joined forces to isolate New England.

Treaty of Cooperation with France

Agreed to support the Americans in the Revolution. Agreed not to make peace with Britain unless Britain recognized American independence. They provided aid and troops and food and guns for the Americans in secret.

Economic problems in financing the war

Since the men were gone no one could run the farms and businesses so the women took them over. The congress eventually ran out of hard currency in gold and silver and started printing money. They made loans to the French and American investors, also foreign governments. As they printed more money, the value of it went down causing prices to rise.

Women's contributions to the Revolutionary War

Women helped run the farms and businesses while the men were fighting. They also had to manage families and houses. Some women volunteered to help the soldiers in making clothes, ammunition and tending to the soldiers whether hungry or wounded. Some women dressed as men and fought with the continental army.

Yorktown

Colonel William Fontaine lined soldiers up at a road near Yorktown Virginia. October 19, 1781. Witnessing the British surrender, the Americans had finally won.

Friedrich von Steuben

Prussian captain and drillmaster volunteered for G.W. He made the countrymen into real soldiers. He trains 100 men, and they each trained 100. He taught them field maneuvers and firing guns, also taught to wield bayonets.

Marquis de Lafayette

French Military leader helping the American. He brought French resources and stood behind Washington and the Americans in battle. Led a command in Virginia.

Treaty of Paris

Confirmed U.S independence. Between United States, Great Britain, France, and Spain. John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and John Jay of New York represented America.

British strategy in the South

Shifted their strategy after the loss at Saratoga. Summer of 1778, they started moving south. They hoped to gain Loyalist support since most lived in the South, reclaiming the Southern colonies and working their way north.

France's assistance to the colonies

The French provided ammo, food, and other resources for the soldiers. Eventually sending soldiers to help the depleting number of Patriot colonists. Lafayette was one of the few generals they sent.

Issues left unresolved by the Treaty of Paris

Left their Native allies with no land. Did not specify when British troops would leave. State government failed to honor their promise of paying off the last debts.

Challenges facing the United States post-Revolution

They only benefited white men. Women's roles were still limited and only allowed some women to divorce at the most. Africans were still enslaved, those that were free were still discriminated and poor.

James Madison

Called the 'Father of the Constitution' for his role.

Three-Fifths Compromise

Counted 3/5 of slaves for representation and taxation.

Shays's Rebellion

Farmers' uprising that prompted government reform discussions.

Philadelphia Convention

Meeting to address weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation.

Great Compromise

Established a bicameral legislature balancing state representation.

Delegate Powers

National government powers like foreign affairs and defense.

Reserve Powers

State powers including education and local trade regulation.

Alexander Hamilton

Collaborated with Madison on constitutional drafting.

Upper House

Senate with equal representation for each state.

Lower House

House of Representatives based on state population.

Population Representation

Determined by state population for legislative seats.

National Defense

Protection of the country, a delegate power.

Regulating Trade

Managing commerce between states, a national power.

Taxation

Financial charge imposed by government for revenue.

State Legislators

Elected officials governing at the state level.

Constitutional Convention

Gathering to draft the U.S. Constitution.

Citizen Count

Determining population for representation and taxation.

Compromise

Agreement reached by opposing parties in negotiation.

Outrage

Public anger that influenced political actions.

Political Representation

The action of speaking or acting on behalf of others.

Government Reform

Changes aimed at improving government structure or function.

Judiciary Act of 1789

Set up a judicial system that answered most questions about the federal court system. Created by Washington and Congress. Added one federal court district per state.

Cabinet

The presidents' chief advisors of federal or sometimes bigger state matters. Consisted of Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, Henry Knox and Edmund Randolph. Each of their unique titles showed what they did in the government.

Bank of the United States

Hamilton proposed that this would be funded by the federal government and private investors. The bank would handle tax receipts, paper money, and other funds for the government. This idea had many people against it.

Whiskey Rebellion

Hamilton wanted to gain more money for the government so he pushed a tax on whiskey through the government. This angered small frontier farmers since whiskey was how they sold most of their crops across the Appalachians. Hamilton knew the farmers would rebel and took it as an opportunity to show how the federal government could enforce the law across the frontier and brought 15,000 militiamen.

Supreme Law of the Land

They wanted to keep the colonies connected and unified. Make sure the constitution and all basic rights were followed/carried out. Avoid large conflicts on a smaller court ruling in the states.

Jefferson's and Hamilton's views of government

Hamilton wanted a strong central government and a national bank. Jefferson wanted more state rulings in favor of small farmers in the south. Hamilton wanted a republic of rich people and Jefferson wanted a democracy of popular vote.

Federalists

Federalists were Hamiltons' party, supporting a strong central government.

Democratic-Republicans

Democratic-Republicans were Jeffersons' party, they wanted stronger states. Democratic-Republicans were the ancestors of Todays Democratic Party.

Lewis and Clark

Went on an expedition to help find land to expand the United States. The expedition was commissioned by President Jefferson from 1804 to 1805. They charted the 'unexplored lands toward the Pacific Ocean and helped map areas for western expansion.

John Marshall

A Federalist appointed by John Adams as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Served on the Court for 30+ years. Passed down ideas that strengthen the Supreme Court and Government.

Midnight Judges

Midnight judges were Federalist Judges appointed by John Adams. Called Midnight Judges because they were appointed on the last day of his presidency.

Marbury v. Madison

An argument that Jefferson made, stating that since the documents appointing the midnight judges didn't arrive before the last day of his presidency, they were invalid. The court case happened in 1803.

Judicial Review

This allowed the Supreme Court to rule anything Congress said as 'unconstitutional.' This was led by the Madison vs. Marbury case since Marbury said that the Supreme Court had to order the papers delivery. The case affirmed and justified the Supreme Court's right to deny something said by Congress.