History 220 Multiple Choice notes

Articles of Confederation

First U.S. constitution (1781–1789) creating a weak central government. Showed the need for a stronger federal system → led to the Constitution.

Constitution

Framework of the U.S. government ratified in 1788. Established federalism, separation of powers, and remains the supreme law.

Federalists

Group supporting the Constitution and strong national government Helped secure ratification through the Federalist Papers.

The Second Slavery

Expansion of slavery in the Deep South tied to cotton production. Strengthened the Southern economy and deepened sectional divisions.

Nullification

Idea that states can reject federal laws they deem unconstitutional. Led to sectional conflict, especially during the Nullification Crisis.

First two-party system

Political rivalry between Federalists and Democratic-Republicans. Established the foundation of U.S. party politics.

Tariff of Abominations

High tariff passed in 1828 to protect Northern industry. Angered the South and triggered the Nullification Crisis.

John C. Calhoun

Southern politician and defender of slavery and states’ rights. Key figure behind nullification doctrine.

Abolitionism

Movement to end slavery immediately. Intensified sectional tensions leading up to the Civil War.

Temperance

Movement to reduce or eliminate alcohol consumption. Reflected moral reform trends of the 19th century.

Lorenzo Dow

Influential traveling preacher of the early 1800s. Helped spread revivalism during the Second Great Awakening.

Alexander Hamilton

Federalist leader who shaped early U.S. economic policy. Established financial systems (bank, tariffs, debt plan).

Andrew Dickinson

Writer and statesman during the Revolutionary era. Advocated colonial unity and helped draft early governing documents.

John Jay

Diplomat and Federalist leader. Co-authored Federalist Papers; shaped early judiciary.

Tecumseh

Native American leader who built a tribal confederacy. Resisted U.S. expansion; allied with Britain in War of 1812.

Cheshire Mammoth Cheese

Giant cheese gifted to Thomas Jefferson. Symbol of political support and religious freedom (Baptists backing Jefferson).

War of 1812

War between U.S. and Britain (1812–1815). Boosted nationalism and confirmed U.S. independence.

Henry Clay

Speaker of the House and “Great Compromiser.” Promoted the American System and key compromises on slavery.

Democratic-Republicans

Party led by Jefferson favoring states’ rights and agrarianism. Opposed Federalists; evolved into modern Democratic Party roots.

Cult of Domesticity

Ideology that women should focus on home and family. Defined gender roles in the 19th century.

Second Two-Party System

Rivalry between Democrats and Whigs. Expanded voter participation and modern campaigning.

Millennialism

Belief in a coming perfect or divine age.
Motivated reform movements during religious revivals.

Missouri Compromise of 1820

Agreement balancing slave and free states.
Temporarily eased sectional conflict.

Benevolent Empire

Network of reform organizations (education, morality, etc.). Showed rise of organized social reform.

Second Great Awakening

Populist leader and founder of Democratic Party. Expanded executive power; symbol of “common man” politics.

Andrew Jackson

Populist leader and founder of Democratic Party. Expanded executive power; symbol of “common man” politics.

Whig Party

Political party opposing Jacksonian Democrats. Supported Congress, economic modernization, and reform.

Nativism

Preference for native-born Americans over immigrants. Led to anti-immigrant movements and policies.