Early American History Key Concepts

This set of flashcards covers key concepts from the early period of American history, including colonization, treaties, Supreme Court cases, amendments, political compromises, and significant events.

Who founded Massachusetts for religious freedom?

The Puritans, led by John Winthrop.

What year did the Pilgrims arrive on the Mayflower?

1620

What was the purpose of founding Jamestown in 1607?

It was founded for profit, led by John Smith.

What did Lord Baltimore seek by establishing Maryland?

Religious freedom for Catholics.

Who were the leaders of the Mormons who moved west for religious freedom?

Brigham Young.

After being kicked out by the Puritans, who founded Rhode Island?

Roger Williams and Anne Hutchinson.

What did the Treaty of Paris (1763) accomplish?

It ended the French & Indian War; Britain gained land east of the Mississippi.

What was the significance of the Treaty of Paris (1783)?

It ended the Revolutionary War and recognized U.S. independence.

What did the Treaty of Ghent (1814) resolve?

It ended the War of 1812 without land changes.

What land did the U.S. acquire from the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo (1848)?

Southwest land.

What was established by Marbury v. Madison (1803)?

Judicial review.

What did McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) determine regarding state power?

States cannot tax federal institutions; the National Bank is legal.

What did Gibbons v. Ogden (1824) confirm about trade?

Only the federal government has the power to regulate interstate trade.

What was the outcome of Worcester v. Georgia (1832)?

It protected Cherokee land, but Jackson ignored it.

What did the Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857) case declare about slaves?

Slaves are not citizens, increasing tensions before the Civil War.

What rights are included in the First 10 Amendments (Bill of Rights)?

Freedom of speech, religion, the right to bear arms, trial rights, etc.

What does the 13th Amendment address?

It abolished slavery.

What does the 14th Amendment provide?

Rights to citizenship and equal protection under the law.

What does the 15th Amendment guarantee?

Black men have the right to vote.

What was the Three-Fifths Compromise?

It counted three out of five slaves for representation and tax purposes.

What was established by the Great Compromise?

A two-house Congress, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives.

What was the Missouri Compromise (1820) about?

Missouri entered as a slave state and Maine as a free state, with a dividing line at 36°30′.

What did the Compromise of 1850 achieve?

California was admitted as a free state; it included a stricter Fugitive Slave Law.

What did the Fugitive Slave Law require?

The return of escaped slaves to their owners.

What did the Kansas-Nebraska Act allow?

It allowed states to decide on slavery through voting, leading to 'Bleeding Kansas'.

What did Hamilton's Economic Plan include?

The establishment of a National Bank, debt repayment, and tariffs, supported by Washington.

What was the Whiskey Rebellion?

A rebellion by farmers over whiskey tax that was suppressed by Washington, demonstrating federal authority.

What did the Alien & Sedition Acts target?

They made it harder to become a citizen and punished anti-government speech.

What was the impact of the Embargo Act (1807)?

It halted trade to avoid war but harmed the U.S. economy.

What did the Louisiana Purchase accomplish?

It doubled the size of the United States.

What caused the War of 1812 involving impressment of sailors?

British forced U.S. sailors into their navy.

What sparked the XYZ Affair?

French agents demanded a bribe from U.S. diplomats.

What were Midnight Judges?

Federalist judges appointed by Adams just before Jefferson took office.

What was the Era of Good Feelings?

A period of national unity following the War of 1812.

What was James Madison's role during the War of 1812?

He led the U.S. and repealed the Embargo Act.

What did James Monroe contribute to American history?

Involved in major court cases, the Erie Canal, and the Missouri Compromise.

What characterized Andrew Jackson's presidency?

Corrupt Bargain loss, the Spoils System, the Indian Removal Act, and the Trail of Tears.

What did the Judiciary Act establish?

It set up the federal courts.

What were the Federalist Papers?

Written to support the ratification of the Constitution before its adoption.

What was the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut (1639)?

The first written constitution in the New World.

How did the War of 1812 differ from the French & Indian War?

The War of 1812 was primarily the U.S. against Britain, while the French & Indian War involved Britain against France and Native Americans.