Making a New Nation: American Revolution and Republicanism

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from the 'Making a New Nation' lecture, including the American Revolution, the establishment of republican government, political optics, and the challenges of universalism.

Making a New Nation

A historical period covering the American Revolution, the establishment of republicanism, the political formation of society, and the exploration of universalism and its unintended consequences.

Treaty of Paris, 1783

The agreement that officially ended the American Revolutionary War, securing American independence.

Sunshine Patriot

A term used to describe those who support a cause only when it is easy or convenient, highlighting challenges of mobilization during the American Revolution.

French Support (American Revolution)

Crucial aid provided by France during the American Revolution, including war materiel, which broadened the conflict from anti-colonial to a European war and led to decisive actions like the French forces at Yorktown.

Cornwallis' Surrender at Yorktown

The decisive defeat of the British forces led by Lord Cornwallis in 1781, largely due to combined American and French efforts, which effectively ended major fighting in the American Revolutionary War.

Republicanism

A political ideology emphasizing civic virtue, popular sovereignty through elected representatives, and the concept of citizens governing themselves, forming the basis of the new American nation.

Articles of Confederation

The first governing document of the United States, adopted in 1781, which established a weak central government with limited powers, leading to significant problems.

Federalists (Hamiltonians)

A political faction, led by Alexander Hamilton, who advocated for a stronger central government and supported the ratification of the U.S. Constitution.

Republicans (Jeffersonians)

A political faction, led by Thomas Jefferson, who generally favored states' rights, a more limited federal government, and an agrarian society, often in opposition to the Federalists.

American Exceptionalism

The belief that the United States is unique or exceptional among nations, often due to its republican ideals, democratic traditions, and perceived mission.

Shays' Rebellion

An armed uprising in Western Massachusetts (1786-1787) led by Daniel Shays, consisting of farmers protesting economic injustice, which exposed the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and spurred the call for a stronger federal government.

Political Optics

The appearance of political actions and symbols, particularly concerning how leaders like George Washington navigated the balance between republican ideals (social leveling) and traditional customs to define the Presidency and nationhood.

Social Leveling

A republican ideal that challenged traditional aristocracy and promoted a society where all citizens are considered equal, influencing customs, manners, and the perception of political leaders.

"Remember the Ladies"

A famous plea made by Abigail Adams to her husband John Adams in 1776, urging him to consider women's rights in the new laws of the nation, highlighting the initial contradictions in universalist republican ideals.

Universalism (New Nation)

The concept in the new American nation that certain rights and principles should apply to all people, though its practical application revealed contradictions regarding property, political participation, race, and gender.