American History Key Terms

This set of flashcards covers important terms and figures in early American history, including events, individuals, and political concepts.

Whiskey Rebellion

A protest by poor western farmers that was firmly suppressed by Washington and Hamilton's army.

Washington's Farewell Address

Message telling America that it should avoid unnecessary foreign entanglements.

John Marshall

Federalist supreme court justice whose brilliant legal efforts established the principle of judicial review.

Sacajawea

Shoshoni Indian who provided valuable guidance and assistance to Lewis and Clark as they crossed the Rocky Mountains.

William Clark

Young army officer who joined Jefferson's personal secretary in exploring the Louisiana Purchase and Oregon country.

Henry Clay

Eloquent Kentucky spokesperson for the American System and key architect of the Missouri compromise in the U.S. Senate.

John C. Calhoun

Former vice president, leader of South Carolina nullifiers, and bitter enemy of Andrew Jackson.

Andrew Jackson

General who defeated the British in the Battle of New Orleans and political leader during the rise of mass democracy.

Whigs

Political party that favored a more activist government, high tariffs, internal improvements, and moral reforms.

Eli Whitney

Yankee mechanical genius who revolutionized cotton production and created the system of interchangeable parts.