US History

Encomienda

Spanish labor system involving the slavery of Native Americans.

Barbados Slave Code

Harsh laws controlling enslaved people that allowed for brutal treatment of slaves.

Albany Congress

A meeting of colonial representatives that was the first attempt to unite the colonies.

Intolerable Act

Laws that shut down Boston Harbor to punish colonists after the Boston Tea Party, increasing tensions.

Valley Forge

Winter camp for colonial troops that helped strengthen them during the American Revolution.

Articles of Confederation

The first government framework of the United States; a weak government that influenced the Constitution.

Shay’s Rebellion

A farmers' protest that demonstrated the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

Federalists

Supporters of the Constitution who argued for a strong national government.

Bill of Rights

The first 10 amendments to the US Constitution that protect individual freedoms and rights.

Bank of the United States

National bank created by Alexander Hamilton that helped stabilize the economy but gave the government too much power.

Whiskey Rebellion

A protest against the tax on whiskey, showing the strength of the Constitution in action.

Farewell Address

George Washington’s final speech warning against political parties and foreign alliances.

Sedition Act

A law that restricted speech against the government, violating freedom of speech.

Alexander Hamilton

A founding father and secretary of the treasury who shaped the financial system of the United States.

Marbury vs. Madison

Supreme Court case that established judicial review, allowing courts to declare laws unconstitutional.

Louisiana Purchase

The acquisition of Louisiana from France by the US, encouraging westward expansion.

Embargo Act

A law banning trade with foreign nations, which hurt the US economy.

Impressment

The forcing of sailors into the British Navy, contributing to the cause of the War of 1812.

War Hawks

Congress members who pushed for war with Britain and helped lead to the War of 1812.

War of 1812

Conflict between the US and Britain that strengthened US nationalism and confirmed its independence.

American System

An economic plan by Henry Clay aimed at strengthening the US economy through tariffs.

Era of Good Feelings

A period of political unity and national pride marked by the dominance of Democratic-Republicans.

Panic of 1819

The first major economic depression leading to distrust in banks.

Missouri Compromise

A measure that balanced the number of slave and free states, easing tensions over slavery.

Monroe Doctrine

A policy stating that Europe should not interfere in the Americas, shaping future foreign policies.

Spoils System

Practice of giving government jobs to political supporters, which increased corruption.

Nullification Crisis

Conflict between states' rights and the federal government, increasing tensions.

Indian Removal Act

Law that resulted in the relocation of Native Americans, leading to the Trail of Tears.

Trail of Tears

The forced relocation of Native Americans from their homelands to designated territories.

Bank War

The struggle over the rechartering of the national bank, opposed by Andrew Jackson.

Pet Banks

State banks where federal funds were deposited, leading to financial issues and the Panic of 1837.

Specie Circular

A requirement mandating that land purchases be made with gold or silver, contributing to the Panic of 1837.

Panic of 1837

An economic depression characterized by widespread unemployment.

Alamo

A pivotal battle during the Texas Revolution that inspired the fight for Texas independence.

Self Reliance

An essay by Ralph Waldo Emerson that promotes individualism and independence.

Tammany Hall

A political organization that helped immigrants become more politically involved.

Know-Nothing

An anti-immigrant political party that emerged due to rising nativism.

Cotton Gin

A machine that significantly increased cotton production, leading to a greater demand for slaves.

Industrial Revolution

A period of machine-based manufacturing that changed economies and increased urbanization.

Cult of Domesticity

A societal belief system that idealized women’s roles, influencing gender gaps and roles.

Factory Girls

Women who worked in factories, contributing to slight closures of gender gaps.

Market Revolution

Expansion of trade and industry that led to economic growth and significant changes.

Second Great Awakening

A religious revival that sparked social reforms, including women's rights and abolition.

American Temperance Society

An organization advocating for the banning of alcohol as part of the temperance movement.

Seneca Falls Convention

A women's rights convention that marked the beginning of the women's suffrage movement.

Transcendentalism

A philosophical movement emphasizing individualism and a connection to nature.

Shakers

A religious group known for communal living and celibacy practices.

Joseph Smith

The founder of Mormonism, leading to a significant religious movement in America.